Frequently Asked Questions

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: 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 downloaded by clicking here.

Q: Do I need a contractor license to wire my own house?

No, however an electrical plan review, permit and inspections are required.

Q: Do I need a contractor license to install a photovoltaic system in my own house?

No, however electrical plan review, permit and inspections are required.

Q: How can I obtain an electrical permit to wire my own house?

Complete an electrical home owner application, pay appropriate fee, pass an electrical home owner examination, and pay appropriate fee for an electrical permit.

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: What is the edition of the currently adopted electrical code?

2011 New Mexico Electrical Code/National Electrical Code.

Q: Are there any New Mexico amendments to the currently adopted NEC?

Yes, the 2011 New Mexico Electrical Code.

Q: Do I need an electrical permit and inspection(s) for electrical low voltage wiring?

Yes, it is based on the type of low voltage wiring.

Q: What is the proper electrical permit fee for Residential Addition/Renovation wiring?

The permit fee is based on the electrical panel amperage size serving the wiring installed.

Q: What is the proper electrical permit fee for Commercial Addition/Renovation wiring?

The permit fee is based on the electrical panel amperage size serving the wiring installed.

Q: What is the criterion for an electrical PE seal and electrical plan review on electrical projects?

An occupant load of greater than fifty (50) based on the current adopted building code or a construction valuation greater than four hundred thousand dollars ($400, 000) or a service size of one hundred (100) kVA singe phase or two hundred and twenty five (225) kVA three phase.

Q: What is the journeyman electrician to apprentice ratio on Residential projects?

One (1) New Mexico certifies journeyman electrician to three (3) unregistered apprentices.

Q: What is the journeyman electrician to apprentice ratio on Commercial projects?

One (1) New Mexico certifies journeyman electrician to two (2) unregistered apprentices.

Q: As a homeowner, am I allowed to run my own ductwork?

No, you need to have a New Mexico licensed contractor pull a permit, install the ductwork and call the required inspections.

Q: Do I need to pull a permit for replacing a water heater or a furnace?

Yes, a permit needs to be pulled by a New Mexico licensed contractor prior to the work being performed, and inspected.

Q: Are HVAC plans required for a small commercial project? Do they have to be stamped by a mechanical engineer?

Yes, whether it is a remodel or a new building, a duct layout drawing will need to be submitted.  Since all buildings are different, it is recommended to contact a mechanical chief inspector on the requirement of the mechanical engineer design.

Q: Am I allowed to do the plumbing on my own home?

Yes. You will be required to submit an isometric drawing of your plumbing plans, which will need to be reviewed, which is a $25 fee.

Q: How do I obtain a LP Dealers License?

You may call our licensing vendor, PSI, at 1-877-663-9267 and asked for the application to become an LP Dealer or you may go on their website, and download the application.

Q: How do I add a qualifying party to my license?

If you have a LP Dealers license, you may call our licensing vendor, PSI, at 1-877-663-9267 and asked for a ‘LPG Status Change’ form.  Check the box next to ‘Add Qualifying Party’, and complete the appropriate sections of the form. Mail completed form to PSI at the address listed on the form. The form can also be obtained from PSI’s website at public.psiexams.com.

Q: If I have an MM02 or an MM98, is there an LP license I can obtain?

Yes. For those who have a MM02 or a MM98, a LP04 license can be obtained from our licensing vendor. Testing is not required. Contact PSI, at 1-877-663-9267 and ask for an ‘Application for LP Dealer’s License’ form. The form can also be obtained from PSI’s website at public.psiexams.com. Mail completed form to PSI at the address listed on the form along with your payment of $125.00 and $15.00 for each qualifying party. Remember, LP licenses must be renewed annually, unlike mechanical licenses. It is the responsibility of the LP licensee to keep track of the license renewal date.

Q: How do I become an LP09 trainer?

Please call the Albuquerque LP Gas office, (505) 222-9808, and the one page trainer application can be faxed, mailed or emailed to you.  To qualify as a trainer, you must have certification as either an LP05, LP3S or an LP09. Such certification must have been held for a minimum of two years. The LP gas Bureau Chief will approve or disapprove the trainer application. It will be sent back to the trainer applicant.

Q: I am an LP09 trainer and would like to train an employee. How does the LP09 trainee process work?

The trainer obtains two forms from the LP Gas Bureau. One is the ‘LP Gas Bureau Certificate of LP09 Training Completion’ which documents information about the trainer and trainee. The second is the ‘Propane Dispensing Training for LP09 Certification’ which documents the specific dates and topics of training. The trainer provides at least 40 hours of direct supervised instruction to the trainee which includes viewing the current edition of the NPGA – Dispensing Propane Safely video. The LP Ga Bureau Chief, upon receipt of the completed forms, will approve the certification. Approved certificate will be returned along with a form necessary to receive a LP09 license from PSI, our licensing vendor. The certificate may be used as a license for thirty (30) days from date of approval.

Q: How does one obtain a LP Gas Inspection Request?

A LP Gas Licensee may request the appropriate inspection request form from the LP Gas Bureau office, (505) 222-9808. The forms may be faxed, mailed or emailed to you. The inspection request forms are also available on this website under “Forms and Applications”. Processing of the completed forms is only done through our office. They also may be faxed, mailed or emailed to us.

Q: How much are LP Gas inspection requests?

Our Form 1 (Record of installation, Test or Modification) Inspection Requests are $20.00 each. Our Cargo Tank and Equipment Inspection Requests are $45.00 each. our Bulk Plant or Dispenser Inspection Requests are $45.00 each.

Q: How do I contact the LP Gas Inspector for my area?

Call the LP Gas office, (505) 222-9808, and the inspector’s cell number will be given to you.

Q: I am a vendor using propane at a special event in New Mexico, Will my system be inspected?

New Mexico has many special events across the state such as state and county fairs, wine festivals, balloon festivals etc. LP Gas Bureau Inspectors check propane gas systems at special events to ensure the public safety. Inspectors check that only approved materials are used in an approved manner and that there are no leaks. Propane containers of 239# W.C. (100# cylinder) or less require a $15.00 LP Gas Special Event permit. Container’s larger than 239# W.C. require a $20.00 LP Gas Special Event permit.

Q: What is a LP04 licensee authorized to do?

A LP04 licensee is authorized to install, service and repair appliances, equipment, and piping for use with LP gas in residences and commercial buildings except mobile homes, RV’s and similar units. The scope of the work for the LP piping is from’ point of delivery’ to the final connection of the appliances.

Q: I do home repair for my own house. At what point do I need a building permit?

If you are in the State jurisdiction, you need a State building permit for all repairs and additions.

Q: How long does it take to issue a residential building permit or a commercial building permit?

On average, expect 3-5 days for issuance of a residential building permit and 5-7 days for issuance of a commercial building permit.

Q: I have my contract amount (valuation) for a building permit. How do I calculate my permit fee?

If the contract price is over $15,000.00 apply the following formula:
Valuation – 15,000.00 ÷ 1,000 + 45 x 1.2 = fee

If it is under 15,000.00:
Valuation x 3 ÷ 1,000 x 1.2 = fee

Q: On my State Application for a Building Permit, how do I figure my square footage?

Take all heated space, covered patio area, and garage space and combine to have an accurate square footage count.

Q: "How do I obtain a permit?"

The submittal requirements for a Homeowner’s Building permit are as follows:

  • Obtain planning and zoning, approval from the county and submit the approval letter with you permit request.
  • Two (2) complete sets of plans at 1/4′ = 1′-0′ minimum scale and provide the required information listed on the Permit Guide for Residential Construction.
  • Submit the completed Multi – purpose State Building Application.
  • Submit the building permit fee, which CID will provide as soon as you let us know what the total cost of the project is going to be. Without the permit fee CID will not process the permit request. Upon receipt of the complete permit package CID will enter, review and approve the permit request and issue a building permit within five (5) working days.
Q: How do I become a Modular Manufacturer?

Complete the following:

NM Manufacturer Approval
Refer to NMAC 14.6.7 Modular Structures for additional information

Q: How do I become a Third Party Inspector for Modular Manufacturer?

Complete the following:
Modular Third Party Inspector

Q: What forms do I need to submit?

NM Manufacturer Approval
Bond Form
Letter from 3rd Party Approved Inspector.

Q: What is the Bond amount needed?

Bond amount needed for Residential is $5000.00, commercial $20,000.00.

Q: How long are the drawings good for?

Drawings are good per the Modular Plan review Guide until the Code adopted by the State of New Mexico changes.

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