Las Cruces, NM Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Section 30-171 requires a building permit, or a manufactured housing or mobile home installation permit, before any regulated structure is erected, constructed, installed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished, including units placed in a mobile home park or subdivision. Applicants choose one of three tracks under Section 30-232: a plan review option with a three-business-day staff review; an over-the-counter option available only outside overlay zones such as the University Avenue Corridor, Avenida de Mesilla Gateway and Lohman Avenue overlays; or a master plan option for builders repeating a model home design.

Section 30-233 requires the property owner's signature, the contractor's license number, plan review and permit fees, park fees, utility impact fees, and construction drawings at a minimum one-quarter inch equals one foot scale showing setbacks, drainage and utility connections. A change in occupancy triggers compliance with the International Existing Building Code as well. Section 30-232(d) voids an application if no permit issues within 180 days, and voids an issued permit if work does not start within 180 days or is abandoned for 180 days; only one 180-day extension is allowed, and renewal after expiration requires new plans and a new fee at the full rate. Trenching or boring in city rights-of-way needs a separate plan review with traffic control and roadway replacement details before a permit issues.