Town of Folsom, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Folsom is an extremely small incorporated municipality (population approximately 60) in the northeastern corner of Union County, located approximately 56 miles north of Clayton near the Colorado border. Given the extremely small population and limited municipal infrastructure, no separate building department exists. 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; Town of Folsom 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

Application Process

1. Contact NM CID headquarters at 505-476-4700 to confirm the applicable district office and any local (Folsom municipal) requirements that may apply before submitting.
2. Contact Union County at 575-374-9491 to confirm whether any county or local zoning approval is needed prior to the CID permit application for a Folsom address.
3. Download and complete the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/
4. Prepare all required construction documents including site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, structural details, and energy compliance documentation.
5. Submit completed application, construction documents, and fee payment to the applicable CID district office in person or by mail.
6. CID reviews the application and plans for compliance with adopted state building codes.
7. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction.
8. Obtain all required inspections from the CID district office.
9. Receive Certificate of Occupancy from NM CID upon passing all final inspections.

Typical processing time: Not published; same rural distance and scheduling considerations as the unincorporated county apply.

Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)

General Requirements

A building permit issued by NM CID is required for all construction in Folsom 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)
• 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)

Scheduling deadline

Distance from district offices may require advance scheduling of several days

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.

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
• License lookup guide: New Mexico Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: New Mexico Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• New Mexico hub: New Mexico Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Folsom Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Folsom, NM?

A building permit issued by NM CID is required for all construction in Folsom 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 Town of Folsom, 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 Town of Folsom, NM?

1. Contact NM CID headquarters at 505-476-4700 to confirm the applicable district office and any local (Folsom municipal) requirements that may apply before submitting. 2. Contact Union County at 575-374-9491 to confirm whether any county or local zoning approval is needed prior to the CID permit application for a Folsom address. 3. Download and complete the appropriate CID permit application from https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/forms-and-applications/ 4. Prepare all required construction documents including site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, structural details, and energy compliance documentation. 5. Submit completed application, construction documents, and fee payment to the applicable CID district office in person or by mail. 6. CID reviews the application and plans for compliance with adopted state building codes. 7. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction. 8. Obtain all required inspections from the CID district office. 9. Receive Certificate of Occupancy from NM CID upon passing all final inspections.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Folsom, NM?

Typical processing time is Not published; same rural distance and scheduling considerations as the unincorporated county apply..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Folsom, 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 Town of Folsom, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact applicable NM CID district office directly. Distance from district offices may require advance scheduling of several days.

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