General Building:
FAQ’s
Q: How long does it take to get a permit?
Permits are processed by the date they are received. Residential permits are being processed between 3 and 4 working days. Commercial permits are processed between 5 to 10 working days.
Q: How many sets of drawing do I need to submit?
Two complete sets of plans and specification must be submitted to the Construction Industries Division for permit and must be sufficiently clear to show the project in its entirety.
Q: What can cause a permit to take longer to process than it should?
Zoning approval not secured before applying for a building permit; not enough information for the review to be approved; or commercial projects that do not have an Engineer or Architect stamp.
Q: Why do I need a permit to build my own house?
To protect life, limb and property and to maintain a record of inspection for future reference.
Q: Do my plans have to be drawn to scale?
Yes, to determine set back distance requirements, to determine compliance with egress requirements of bedrooms and to enable the plan reviewer to determine floor and ceiling joist/rafter spans.
Q: How long is a building permit valid?
A building permit is valid for 1 year and construction must commence within 180 days from the day it was issued.
Q: Do I need a re-roof permit?
Yes and manufactures specifications must be included.
Q: How many layers of roofing membranes are permitted?
According to the 2009 New Mexico Administrative Code, 14.7.3.17, CHAPTER 9 ROOF ASSEMBLIES: E. Section R907.3 Re-covering versus replacement. New roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing existing roof coverings where any of the following conditions occur: (3) where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.
Q: Is pumice or other granular fill type material permitted in roof assemblies?
The 2009 New Mexico Administrative Code, 14.7.3.17 Chapter 9 Roof Assemblies: E. Section R907.3 (4) Where pumice or other granular fill are present. Existing roofing and granular fill must be removed prior to re-roofing.
Q: Do I need a permit to build a fence?
The 2009 New Mexico Building Code, Section R105.2 requires a Building Permit for fences over 6 feet high.
Q: What inspections are required?
Please refer to New Mexico Construction Industries Division, Building Permit Guide for Commercial and Residential Construction.
See Forms Page
Permit Guide for Residential Construction
Permit Guide for Commercial Construction
Q: What is the number to the inspection request call center?
Send an e-mail to CID.Inspection@state.nm.us
Call our support center at (505) 222-9813 in the Albuquerque area, or (877) CID-0979 from any other location in New Mexico.
Q: Where can I get a copy of the New Mexico Building Code?
The New Mexico Building Code may be purchased at any of the New Mexico Construction Industries Division offices.
Or, you can download a copy