On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Valencia County
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.
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
- 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)
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not alter structure, change use, or affect structural elements
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, flooring, and other cosmetic/non-structural work
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated on county website; contact P&Z directly. State CID permits typically valid 12 months with extension options.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact Valencia County P&Z at 505-866-2050 for current processing times.
- 01 Determine if project is in unincorporated Valencia County (not within an incorporated municipality).
- 02 Obtain and complete the Valencia County Permit Application (revised 12-2020) from county website or in person at 444 Luna Ave.
- 03 Gather all applicable supporting documents as listed on the application form.
- 04 Submit application and supporting documents to Valencia County Planning and Zoning in person or via TalkToMyCity online portal.
- 05 County reviews for zoning compliance and floodplain issues. Flood review required if project is in a floodplain.
- 06 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.
- 07 CID issues building permit after plan review approval.
- 08 Schedule inspections with NM CID as construction progresses.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2020
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
20% of building permit fee (CID)
02
Reinspection fee
Contact NM CID at 505-222-9800 for current reinspection fee schedule.
County fees payable at 444 Luna Ave. State CID fees due at time of permit issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2020) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection; rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) inspections; insulation inspection; final inspection; Certificate of Occupancy issued after final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Valencia County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valencia County, NM? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valencia County, NM, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Valencia County, NM? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Valencia County, NM typically run Not publicly stated; contact Valencia County P&Z at 505-866-2050 for current processing times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Valencia County, NM? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valencia County, NM? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valencia County, NM via: NM CID Albuquerque office at 505-222-9800.
last verified April 2026
source Valencia County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/new-mexico/valencia/valencia-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Valencia County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.