Union County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated lands outside the incorporated boundaries of Clayton, Folsom, and Des Moines. Union County manages zoning and land use planning; 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

Phone

505-476-4700 (CID Headquarters); 505-454-9232 (Las Vegas District Office)

Email

https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/contact-us/

Website

https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning and land use compliance with Union County at 575-374-9491 or 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415.
2. If county subdivision or plat approval is needed, obtain that approval from Union County before proceeding.
3. Contact NM CID district office to confirm which office serves Union County and request applicable permit application forms. CID headquarters: 505-476-4700.
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.
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. The district office may contact the applicant for additional information.
8. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction.
9. Schedule required inspections by contacting the CID district office. The inspector will travel to the site for each required inspection stage.
10. Upon passing all required inspections, CID issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

Typical processing time: Not published for Union County specifically. CID plan review timelines depend on application completeness and district workload. Due to the rural nature of Union County and travel distances involved for inspection, allow additional lead time for scheduling inspections.

Source: New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)

General Requirements

A building permit issued by NM CID is required for all construction in unincorporated Union County 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. Contact the CID district office for current policies on extensions.

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; applies to adobe and rammed earth construction)

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.). The contractor's CID license number must appear on the permit application. Verify license status at: https://www.rld.nm.gov/construction-industries/contractor-licensing/

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 under NMAC 14.5.2

Important: The agricultural structure exemption is common in the ranching-dominated areas of Union County but 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 NM CID district office directly (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule inspections as early as possible to avoid construction delays

Inspection hours

Normal CID business hours Monday through Friday. Because Union County is a large rural county (more than 3,800 square miles) with limited inspector travel resources, inspection scheduling may require several business days' lead time.

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 inspections: slab/underslab plumbing if applicable; fireplace/chimney; roofing; septic system (inspected by NMED, not CID); well (inspected by NM OSE, not CID).

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; applies to adobe and rammed earth construction)
• Verify contractor license: NM CID Contractor License Verification
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• NM Regulation and Licensing Department
• Manufactured Housing Division
• Union County Government Website
• 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

Union County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Union County, NM?

A building permit issued by NM CID is required for all construction in unincorporated Union County 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 unincorporated Union County, 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 unincorporated Union County, NM?

1. Confirm zoning and land use compliance with Union County at 575-374-9491 or 200 Court Street, Clayton, NM 88415. 2. If county subdivision or plat approval is needed, obtain that approval from Union County before proceeding. 3. Contact NM CID district office to confirm which office serves Union County and request applicable permit application forms. CID headquarters: 505-476-4700. 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. 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. The district office may contact the applicant for additional information. 8. Upon approval, CID issues the building permit. Post the permit on site before commencing construction. 9. Schedule required inspections by contacting the CID district office. The inspector will travel to the site for each required inspection stage. 10. Upon passing all required inspections, CID issues the Certificate of Occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Union County, NM?

Typical processing time is Not published for Union County specifically. CID plan review timelines depend on application completeness and district workload. Due to the rural nature of Union County and travel distances involved for inspection, allow additional lead time for scheduling inspections..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Union County, 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 under NMAC 14.5.2. Note: The agricultural structure exemption is common in the ranching-dominated areas of Union County but 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 unincorporated Union County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact NM CID district office directly. Schedule inspections as early as possible to avoid construction delays.