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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Des Moines
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.
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
- 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.
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
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not published. Same distance/travel scheduling considerations as elsewhere in Union County apply.
- 01 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.
- 02 Contact Union County at 575-374-9491 to confirm whether any county or local zoning approval is required for Des Moines projects.
- 03 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.
- 04 Download and complete the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/
- 05 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).
- 06 Submit completed application, construction documents, and fee payment to the applicable CID district office in person or by mail.
- 07 CID reviews the application and plans for compliance with adopted state building codes.
- 08 Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction.
- 09 Obtain all required inspections from the CID district office.
- 10 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Des Moines building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$47.00
02
Plan check fee
Approximately 65% of the permit fee for commercial projects; confirm with CID district office
03
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
04
Trade permit fee
Separate fees apply for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits based on scope and type of work
05
Reinspection fee
Applies when a required inspection fails and a return visit is needed; contact CID district office for current amount
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fee may apply for work started without a permit
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Inspection hours
- Normal CID business hours Monday through Friday
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Des Moines permits
01 Do I need a building permit in 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Des Moines, NM? ▸
Building permit fees in Des Moines, NM are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Des Moines, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Des Moines, NM, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Des Moines, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in Des Moines, NM typically run Not published. Same distance/travel scheduling considerations as elsewhere in Union County apply.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Des Moines, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Des Moines, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Des Moines, NM via: Contact applicable NM CID district office directly.
last verified April 2026
source New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/union/des-moines
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.