How much does a building permit cost in Village of Des Moines, NM?

The minimum permit fee is $47.00. Fees are calculated as: Up to $1,000: $47.00 minimum; $1,001-$10,000: $47.00 for first $1,000 + $3.50 per additional $100 or fraction; $10,001-$50,000: $362.00 for first $10,000 + $2.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $50,001-$100,000: $462.00 for first $50,000 + $2.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $100,001-$500,000: $562.00 for first $100,000 + $1.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction; Over $500,000: $1,262.00 for first $500,000 + $1.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction. Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of the permit fee for commercial projects; confirm with CID district office.

How do I apply for a building permit in Village of Des Moines, NM?

1. Contact NM CID headquarters at 505-476-4700 to confirm the applicable district office for Des Moines, NM addresses and to verify any local requirements. 2. Contact Union County at 575-374-9491 to confirm whether any county or local zoning approval is required for Des Moines projects. 3. For projects near Capulin Volcano National Monument: confirm that the project parcel is not within NPS-administered boundaries. Contact Capulin Volcano NM Superintendent at 575-278-2201. Federal land parcels within the monument require NPS permits, not NM CID or Union County permits. 4. Download and complete the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/ 5. Prepare all required construction documents including site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, structural details, and energy compliance documentation (Climate Zone 5B for high elevation). 6. Submit completed application, construction documents, and fee payment to the applicable CID district office in person or by mail. 7. CID reviews the application and plans for compliance with adopted state building codes. 8. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction. 9. Obtain all required inspections from the CID district office. 10. Receive Certificate of Occupancy from NM CID upon passing all final inspections.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Village of Des Moines, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact applicable NM CID district office directly.

City Building Permits

Village of Des Moines, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Village of Des Moines, New Mexico. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Mexico Union County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Des Moines is an incorporated village (population approximately 150) in northern Union County, approximately 60 miles north of Clayton near the Colfax County line, and approximately 8 miles south of the Colorado border. The village is in the shadow of the Mesa de Maya escarpment and is near Capulin Volcano National Monument. Given the very small population and limited municipal infrastructure, NM CID is the building permit authority.

Department: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
Address: 2550 Cerrillos Road, 3rd Floor, Santa Fe, NM 87505 (CID Headquarters); Las Vegas District Office: 1110 New Mexico Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701; Village contact through Union County: 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415
Phone: 505-476-4700 (CID Headquarters); 505-454-9232 (Las Vegas District Office); 575-374-9491 (Union County)
Email: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/contact-us/
Website: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

Online Permit Portal

Open NM Construction Industries Division (CID) Online Services

Platform: NM CID • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact NM CID headquarters at 505-476-4700 to confirm the applicable district office for Des Moines, NM addresses and to verify any local requirements.
Contact Union County at 575-374-9491 to confirm whether any county or local zoning approval is required for Des Moines projects.
For projects near Capulin Volcano National Monument: confirm that the project parcel is not within NPS-administered boundaries. Contact Capulin Volcano NM Superintendent at 575-278-2201. Federal land parcels within the monument require NPS permits, not NM CID or Union County permits.
Download and complete the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/
Prepare all required construction documents including site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, structural details, and energy compliance documentation (Climate Zone 5B for high elevation).
Submit completed application, construction documents, and fee payment to the applicable CID district office in person or by mail.
CID reviews the application and plans for compliance with adopted state building codes.
Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction.
Obtain all required inspections from the CID district office.
Receive Certificate of Occupancy from NM CID upon passing all final inspections.

Typical processing time: Not published. Same distance/travel scheduling considerations as elsewhere in Union County apply.

Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)

General Requirements

A building permit issued by NM CID is required for all construction in Des Moines including: new residential and commercial structures; additions; structural alterations or repairs; demolition; change of occupancy; electrical work; plumbing installation; mechanical/HVAC installation; manufactured or modular home placement; accessory structures; and any work regulated by the adopted state codes.

Required Documents

Completed NM CID building permit application
Owner-builder affidavit (if no licensed contractor) or contractor CID license number
Two sets of construction drawings (site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, structural details, window and door schedule)
Energy compliance documentation (per 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code / IECC; must reflect Climate Zone 5B for high elevation)
Proof of legal access (road easement, county road access)
Septic system approval from NM Environment Department (NMED) or proof of connection to municipal sewer if plumbing is included
Water supply documentation (well permit from NM Office of the State Engineer, or proof of water service from a utility or mutual domestic association)
Electrical service documentation if connecting to a utility
Applicable fees

Permit validity: NM CID permits are typically valid for one year from date of issuance; construction must commence within six months of issuance or the permit may be subject to cancellation.
Building code: 2021 NM Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.2); 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (2021 IBC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.3); 2021 NM Plumbing Code (2021 UPC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.4); 2021 NM Mechanical Code (2021 IMC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.5); 2020 NM Electrical Code (2020 NEC as adopted by NM; NMAC 14.5.6); 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code (2021 IECC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.7); NM Earthen Building Materials Code (NMAC 14.5.9)
Owner-builder: Owner-builder permits are available under 14.5.2.18 NMAC. Requirements include: the owner must intend to occupy the completed structure as their primary residence; only one owner-builder permit per 12-month period; owner must sign a CID owner-builder affidavit acknowledging responsibility and limitations; owner may not sell the property within one year of permit issuance without disclosure to the buyer.
Contractor requirements: All contractors performing regulated construction work in New Mexico must hold a valid NM CID contractor license. Applicable license types include: GB-2 (residential general building), GB-98 (general commercial), and specialty trade licenses (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.).

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $47.00
Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of the permit fee for commercial projects; confirm with CID district office
Permit fee formula: Up to $1,000: $47.00 minimum; $1,001-$10,000: $47.00 for first $1,000 + $3.50 per additional $100 or fraction; $10,001-$50,000: $362.00 for first $10,000 + $2.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $50,001-$100,000: $462.00 for first $50,000 + $2.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $100,001-$500,000: $562.00 for first $100,000 + $1.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction; Over $500,000: $1,262.00 for first $500,000 + $1.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction
Trade permit fee: Separate fees apply for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits based on scope and type of work
Reinspection fee: Applies when a required inspection fails and a return visit is needed; contact CID district office for current amount
Penalty (no permit): Double permit fee may apply for work started without a permit
Payment note: Fees are payable to NM CID at the district office by check or money order. Contact the district office to confirm whether electronic payment options are available.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Purely agricultural structures (barns, animal shelters, equipment storage sheds, irrigation pump houses) not intended for human habitation and not accessible to the general public may be exempt from the state building code

Important: The agricultural structure exemption must be confirmed on a project-by-project basis. The exemption has defined limits and does not apply to structures with any habitable space, plumbing for human use, or commercial public access. Contact the CID district office before commencing any agricultural structure construction.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Contact applicable NM CID district office directly (phone)

Inspection hours: Normal CID business hours Monday through Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for new residential construction: footing/foundation inspection (before concrete pour); rough framing inspection (after framing, before insulation or wallboard); rough electrical inspection (before wall close-up); rough plumbing inspection (before wall close-up); rough mechanical/HVAC inspection (before wall close-up); insulation inspection (before wallboard installation); final building inspection; final electrical inspection; final plumbing inspection; final mechanical inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued upon passing all final inspections. For projects on private land immediately adjacent to Capulin Volcano National Monument: subject to NM CID/county permitting as normal.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 NM Residential Building Code (2021 IRC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.2); 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (2021 IBC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.3); 2021 NM Plumbing Code (2021 UPC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.4); 2021 NM Mechanical Code (2021 IMC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.5); 2020 NM Electrical Code (2020 NEC as adopted by NM; NMAC 14.5.6); 2021 NM Energy Conservation Code (2021 IECC as amended by NM; NMAC 14.5.7); NM Earthen Building Materials Code (NMAC 14.5.9)
Verify contractor license: NM CID Contractor License Verification
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Union County Government Website
NM Regulation and Licensing Department
NM CID Manufactured Housing Division
Capulin Volcano National Monument
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Village of Des Moines Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Village of Des Moines, NM?: A building permit issued by NM CID is required for all construction in Des Moines including: new residential and commercial structures; additions; structural alterations or repairs; demolition; change of occupancy; electrical work; plumbing installation; mechanical/HVAC installation; manufactured or modular home placement; accessory structures; and any work regulated by the adopted state codes.
How much does a building permit cost in Village of Des Moines, NM?: The minimum permit fee is $47.00. Fees are calculated as: Up to $1,000: $47.00 minimum; $1,001-$10,000: $47.00 for first $1,000 + $3.50 per additional $100 or fraction; $10,001-$50,000: $362.00 for first $10,000 + $2.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $50,001-$100,000: $462.00 for first $50,000 + $2.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction; $100,001-$500,000: $562.00 for first $100,000 + $1.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction; Over $500,000: $1,262.00 for first $500,000 + $1.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction. Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of the permit fee for commercial projects; confirm with CID district office.
How do I apply for a building permit in Village of Des Moines, NM?: 1. Contact NM CID headquarters at 505-476-4700 to confirm the applicable district office for Des Moines, NM addresses and to verify any local requirements. 2. Contact Union County at 575-374-9491 to confirm whether any county or local zoning approval is required for Des Moines projects. 3. For projects near Capulin Volcano National Monument: confirm that the project parcel is not within NPS-administered boundaries. Contact Capulin Volcano NM Superintendent at 575-278-2201. Federal land parcels within the monument require NPS permits, not NM CID or Union County permits. 4. Download and complete the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/ 5. Prepare all required construction documents including site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, structural details, and energy compliance documentation (Climate Zone 5B for high elevation). 6. Submit completed application, construction documents, and fee payment to the applicable CID district office in person or by mail. 7. CID reviews the application and plans for compliance with adopted state building codes. 8. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction. 9. Obtain all required inspections from the CID district office. 10. Receive Certificate of Occupancy from NM CID upon passing all final inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Village of Des Moines, NM?: Typical processing time is Not published. Same distance/travel scheduling considerations as elsewhere in Union County apply..
What work is exempt from building permits in Village of Des Moines, NM?: The following work is generally exempt: Purely agricultural structures (barns, animal shelters, equipment storage sheds, irrigation pump houses) not intended for human habitation and not accessible to the general public may be exempt from the state building code. Note: The agricultural structure exemption must be confirmed on a project-by-project basis. The exemption has defined limits and does not apply to structures with any habitable space, plumbing for human use, or commercial public access. Contact the CID district office before commencing any agricultural structure construction.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Village of Des Moines, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact applicable NM CID district office directly.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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