What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Valencia County, NM?

The following work is generally exempt: Structures under 120 square feet (no county zoning/flood review required; however, verify with CID whether a state building permit is still required depending on structure type); Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, change use, or affect structural elements; Painting, wallpapering, flooring, and other cosmetic/non-structural work; Agricultural buildings in rural areas may be exempt from state CID permit requirements in some circumstances. Note: Valencia County Code Enforcement has stated that the 120 sq ft threshold triggers county review. Confirm edge cases with CID at 505-222-9800.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valencia County, NM?

Inspections can be scheduled via: NM CID Albuquerque office at 505-222-9800.

County Building Permits

Valencia County, NM - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valencia County, New Mexico. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

New Mexico Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Valencia County. County issues zoning approval and flood review. Structural building permits and inspections are handled by NM Construction Industries Division (CID).

Department: Valencia County Planning and Zoning Department
Address: 444 Luna Avenue, Los Lunas, NM 87031
Phone: 505-866-2050 (Planning and Zoning); 505-866-2054 (Code Enforcement)
Email: Contact form at co.valencia.nm.us
Website: https://co.valencia.nm.us/202/Planning-Zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open Applications and Forms

Platform: TalkToMyCity • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine if project is in unincorporated Valencia County (not within an incorporated municipality).
Obtain and complete the Valencia County Permit Application (revised 12-2020) from county website or in person at 444 Luna Ave.
Gather all applicable supporting documents as listed on the application form.
Submit application and supporting documents to Valencia County Planning and Zoning in person or via TalkToMyCity online portal.
County reviews for zoning compliance and floodplain issues. Flood review required if project is in a floodplain.
Upon county approval, take paperwork to NM CID Albuquerque office (5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Suite F, Albuquerque, NM 87109; 505-222-9800) for state building permit and plan review.
CID issues building permit after plan review approval.
Schedule inspections with NM CID as construction progresses.
CID issues Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact Valencia County P&Z at 505-866-2050 for current processing times.

Source: Valencia County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Any structure 120 square feet or larger requires Valencia County zoning and flood review prior to construction. This includes pole barns, hay barns, livestock housing, carports, sheds, and re-roofs. A state CID building permit is required for any new building or structural alteration.

Required Documents

Completed Valencia County Permit Application
Site plan showing structure location and setbacks
Property legal description
For manufactured homes: Mobile Home Placement (MHP) permit

Permit validity: Not publicly stated on county website; contact P&Z directly. State CID permits typically valid 12 months with extension options.
Building code: 2021 NM Residential Building Code (14.7.2 NMAC), 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (14.7.3 NMAC), 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2020 NEC. Valencia County zoning ordinance: Chapter 154.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may apply for a state CID homeowner permit for their own primary residence. A homeowner permit may not be used where a GB-2 or GB-98 contractor is acting as general contractor. Homeowner must call for all required inspections and make premises accessible to inspectors.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must be licensed by NM CID. General contractor: GB-2 (residential, up to 4 family units) or GB-98 (general building, residential and commercial). Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas) require separate CID trade licenses. $10,000 bond required.

Fees

Plan check fee: 20% of building permit fee (CID)
Reinspection fee: Contact NM CID at 505-222-9800 for current reinspection fee schedule.
Payment note: County fees payable at 444 Luna Ave. State CID fees due at time of permit issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2020).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Structures under 120 square feet (no county zoning/flood review required; however, verify with CID whether a state building permit is still required depending on structure type)
Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, change use, or affect structural elements
Painting, wallpapering, flooring, and other cosmetic/non-structural work
Agricultural buildings in rural areas may be exempt from state CID permit requirements in some circumstances

Important: Valencia County Code Enforcement has stated that the 120 sq ft threshold triggers county review. Confirm edge cases with CID at 505-222-9800.

Inspections

How to Schedule

NM CID Albuquerque office at 505-222-9800 (phone)

Inspection hours: Contact NM CID Albuquerque office at 505-222-9800 for current hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection; rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) inspections; insulation inspection; final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued after final.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 NM Residential Building Code (14.7.2 NMAC), 2021 NM Commercial Building Code (14.7.3 NMAC), 2021 Uniform Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2020 NEC. Valencia County zoning ordinance: Chapter 154.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Valencia County GIS/Parcel Map
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 Valencia County Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Valencia County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Valencia County, NM?: Any structure 120 square feet or larger requires Valencia County zoning and flood review prior to construction. This includes pole barns, hay barns, livestock housing, carports, sheds, and re-roofs. A state CID building permit is required for any new building or structural alteration.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valencia County, NM?: 1. Determine if project is in unincorporated Valencia County (not within an incorporated municipality). 2. Obtain and complete the Valencia County Permit Application (revised 12-2020) from county website or in person at 444 Luna Ave. 3. Gather all applicable supporting documents as listed on the application form. 4. Submit application and supporting documents to Valencia County Planning and Zoning in person or via TalkToMyCity online portal. 5. County reviews for zoning compliance and floodplain issues. Flood review required if project is in a floodplain. 6. Upon county approval, take paperwork to NM CID Albuquerque office (5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Suite F, Albuquerque, NM 87109; 505-222-9800) for state building permit and plan review. 7. CID issues building permit after plan review approval. 8. Schedule inspections with NM CID as construction progresses. 9. CID issues Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Valencia County, NM?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact Valencia County P&Z at 505-866-2050 for current processing times..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Valencia County, NM?: The following work is generally exempt: Structures under 120 square feet (no county zoning/flood review required; however, verify with CID whether a state building permit is still required depending on structure type); Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, change use, or affect structural elements; Painting, wallpapering, flooring, and other cosmetic/non-structural work; Agricultural buildings in rural areas may be exempt from state CID permit requirements in some circumstances. Note: Valencia County Code Enforcement has stated that the 120 sq ft threshold triggers county review. Confirm edge cases with CID at 505-222-9800.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valencia County, NM?: Inspections can be scheduled via: NM CID Albuquerque office at 505-222-9800.

Need help with your project?

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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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