Building Permits
Mission
The mission of the Building Division is to assist applicants with the construction permit process using a partnership approach to ensure accurate and consistent plan review, permit issuance and compliance with adopted State of New Mexico construction codes and City of Santa Fe ordinances while providing the highest possible level of customer service.
Please read this page and associated links carefully prior to submitting applications for building permit or making requests for information regarding building permitting. Due to the current high volume of applications and requests, and with the challenges related to the current public health crisis, our capacity to respond quickly is limited at this time, but much of the needed information is included here.
Thank You!
Do I need a BUILDING permit?
The City of Santa Fe Land Use Department is the Authority Having Jurisdiction over building permitting within the City limits of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Building Permits are required for most types of construction work within the City. Permits are not required for interior and exterior painting of residential structures, interior painting of commercial structures, minor landscaping, carpeting, tiling, cabinetry, counter tops, and exterior decks under 200 square feet if not attached to a structure. Permits are required for exterior business signs, roofing and re-roofing, window replacement, all storage sheds, solar panels, new and replacement mechanical equipment, re-stuccoing, driveway construction, and for the placement of manufactured homes. Work on the exterior of structures within the City's Historic Districts must be pre-approved by the Historic Preservation Division. Most simple maintenance and repair work in an Historic District will not require a construction permit.
CURRENT NOTICES
***CITY HALL RE-OPENING July 12th***
With the reopening of City Hall, Building Division will begin accepting appointments for in-person intake review and submittal of building permit applications.
Starting July 9th, please visit https://www.santafenm.gov/online_permit_submittal_schedule to schedule in-person appointments to apply for permit types previously accepted by email, and to schedule meetings with Building Division Staff as needed. Submittal of building permit applications by email will be discontinued on August 2nd except for use under special circumstances and as pre-arraigned with the Building Division Manager.
All in-person appointments for other Land Use activities not under the purview of Building Division should be scheduled directly with the appropriate Land Use Staff by email.
***PERMIT STATUS INQUIRIES***
Please click here for instructions on how to check building permit status and plan review comments in the Citizen Self Service portal (CSS). For full access to view and track building permits and plan reviews in CSS, you will need to be listed as a Contact on the permit and be logged in to CSS. To register with CSS, please visit https://santafenm-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/selfservice#/home to create a CSS profile.
You may also enter a permit status request at www.santafelanduse.com. Please allow five (5) business days after permit application submittal before requesting a status update and please anticipate 3-5 business days to receive a response.
BUILDING PERMITS
Land Use is currently accepting Building Permit Applications Online or by Appointment, depending on the permit type. Please carefully review and follow the permitting options and linked instructions below to help ensure prompt permit application processing.
ONLINE PERMITS
ONLINE PAYMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PERMITS PROCESSED ONLINE VIA THE CITIZEN SELF SERVICE (CSS) PORTAL
Click HERE for FAQ's on CSS online permitting - PLEASE READ PRIOR TO SUBMITTING FOR PERMIT ONLINE
Once a building permit application is submitted online, please check the Dashboard frequently for updated permit review status, holds providing or requiring additional information and invoices for payment.
***IF YOU EXPERIENCE A PERMIT HOLD IN CSS, PLEASE EMAIL [bot protected email address] TO CONFIRM ONCE YOU HAVE ADDRESSED THE ISSUE OR PROVIDED THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.***
PRIMARY PERMITS ONLINE
Click here for instructions on how to create an account for online permitting and then please visit https://santafenm-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/selfservice#/home to create a Citizen Self Service (CSS) profile. Click here for instructions on how to apply for the following permit types:
Residential Express
Re-Roof
Re-Stucco
Window/Door Replacement
Shed
Deck
Commercial Express
Re-Roof
Re-Stucco
Window/Door Replacement
Shed
Solar (Residential and Commercial)
Walls and Fences (Residential and Commercial)
TRADE AND SECONDARY PERMITS ONLINE
To register with CSS and to apply for stand-alone Trade permits, click here for general instructions.
For Secondary permits, click here for instructions on how to apply under an active Primary permit after registration with CSS is complete.
Then please visit https://santafenm-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/selfservice#/home to create a Citizen Self Service (CSS) profile and apply for the following permit types:
Residential & Commercial
Electrical
Mechanical
Plumbing/Gas
Sewer
(Secondary permits for electrical, mechanical and plumbing work may usually be submitted without accompanying construction drawings, but equipment cut-sheets may be required upon request by permit intake Staff.)
Applications
To download a standard permit application click here. To download an application for a re-roofing permit click here. Applications are also available on the CSS website.
For more information on the requirments for your particular building permit type, please visit the Construction Permit Submittal Checklists webpage.
CSS Help
If any processing errors are encountered after following the instructions in the FAQ linked above, please contact [bot protected email address].
PERMITS BY APPOINTMENT
Begins July 12th. Please visit https://www.santafenm.gov/online_permit_submittal_schedule to schedule an apponitment for review and intake of building permit applications for the permit types listed belpw.
Applications for these permit types will be accepted by email at [bot protected email address] until August 2nd, 2021 and on a limited basis thereafter with prior approval by the Building Division Director.
Commercial Permits
New Commercial (including pools)
New Multi-Family
Commercial Tenant Improvements
Commercial Additions and Remodeling (see Online CSS instructions for Express permit types)
Residential Permits
New Residential (including pools)
Residential Additions and Remodeling (see Online CSS instructions for Express permit types)
Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Structures
Signage Permits
Applications
To download a standard permit application click here. In order to initiate the plan review, application submittals will require four (4) complete sets of construction drawings for residential projects and six (6) sets for commercial projects.
For more information on the requirments for your particular building permit type, please visit the Construction Permit Submittal Checklists webpage.
REVISIONS & AMENDMENTS
Revisions
Drop off corrections at City Hall southwest entrance. OUTSIDE of the entrance there is a bin labeled revisions.
Ensure all revisions are collated into sets and each set is stapled along the left hand side.
Fill out top portion of revisions form and attach to submittal. Please email [bot protected email address] once you have dropped it off.
Number of correction copies needed
Infrastructure (Grading & Drainage, Landscape & Utilities and Off-Site improvements) - 3 per plan set
ReRoof - 2
Solar- 2
Telecommunication - 3
Pool - 3
Residential - 4
Commercial - 6
ALL CURRENT PLAN REVIEWS MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO INTAKE OF REVISION SUBMITTALS.
Amendments
Provide your approved perforated set of plans along with two copies of your changes.
Fill out top portion of Amendment form and attach to submittal.
Drop off at City Hall southwest entrance. OUTSIDE the entrance there is a bin labeled revisions.
Please email [bot protected email address] once you have dropped it off.
INSPECTIONS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED WHILE A PERMIT IS IN AMENDMENT REVIEW.
Hours of Drop off
Monday – Thursday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
FEES
what WILL MY PERMIT COST?
Fees for primary permits (those related to new structures, additions and remodels) vary based on construction valuation. Fees for secondary permits (i.e. electrical, plumbing or mechanical work) are fixed amounts that depend on the type of work proposed. 2021 Planning & Land Use Fee Schedule
Please contact [bot protected email address] for other inquiries regarding fees.
HOURS OF OPERATION & ADDRESS
Building Division regular hours of operation are 8am-Noon and 1pm-4pm M-F, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Physical Location: Santa Fe City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave., 1st Floor, southwest entrance nearest to the Convention Center facing Marcy Street
Mailing Address: City of Santa Fe, Building Permit Division, P.O. Box 909, Santa Fe, NM 87504-0909 (DO NOT MAIL IN PERMIT SUBMITTALS WITHOUT PROIR AUTHORIZATION)
GENERAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Building Permitting
Email [bot protected email address] to request general information regarding building permitting.
Permit Review Status Inquiries
Please click here for instructions on how to check building permit status in the Citizen Self Service portal (CSS). For full access to view and track building permits and plan reviews in CSS, you will need to be listed as a Contact on the permit and be logged in to CSS. To register with CSS, please visit https://santafenm-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/selfservice#/home to create a CSS profile.
You may also enter a permit status request at www.santafelanduse.com. Please allow five (5) business days after permit application submittal before requesting a status update and please anticipate 3-5 business days to receive a response.
Telecommunations Towers and Antennas
Please contact Daniel Esquibel at [bot protected email address] regarding Telecommunations permitting.
IPRA Requests
Visit https://cityofsantafenm.nextrequest.com/ to request access to public information under the IPRA (Inspection of Public Records Act).
Building Permit Extension & Renewal Requests
Email [bot protected email address] to request extension and renewal of construction permits.
Zoning/Architecture/Sign Code
Please Contact the Planning Division: https://www.santafenm.gov/current_planning
Inspections
Visit https://www.santafenm.gov/inspections_and_enforcement for general information regarding inspections or for how to schedule an inspection.
Business Registration
Visit https://www.santafenm.gov/doing_business_with_the_city Business Registration and Licensing.
Addressing & GIS Parcel information
Please visit http://santafe.geocortex.com/html5viewer/index.html?viewer=Aerials_City_Santa_Fe.Viewer_for_Santa_Fe to view the City's interactive mapping website.
For addressing, please contact ITT/GIS Division
Office Location - 2651 Siringo Rd Bldg. H Santa Fe, NM 87505 (Hours 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m.)
Mailing Address - P.O. Box 909 Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 955-6490, [bot protected email address]
BUILDING CODES
***ADOPTION OF THE 2018 IECC***
The Land Use Department is now enforcing the requirements of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code as approved and amended by the State of New Mexico along with associated code cycle reference updates to the City Residential Green Building Code. With adoption to the City code, all subsequent applicable building permits will be subject to compliance with these changes.
Please visit https://www.santafenm.gov/adopted_construction_codes for a listing of all currently adopted building codes.
Please also visit https://library.municode.com/nm/santa_fe/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CHVIIBUHO to view the City Building and Housing Code & https://library.municode.com/nm/santa_fe/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH14LADE to view the City Land Development Code.
RESIDENTIAL GREEN BUILDING CODE
The Santa Fe Residential Green Building Code applies to all new single family units, guesthouses, additions and remodels. Click here to view the Santa Fe Green Building Code.
STORMWATER MANAGMENT
Please note that all construction sites and associated permit holders within the City of Santa Fe must adhere to the approved best management practices (BMPs), for construction site management of stormwater runoff. Construction General Permits (CGP) and construction sites that disturb one (1) or more acres, including smaller sites that are part of a larger plan of development, must submit an US EPA Notice of Intent. Please see the following links for guidelines:
How to Apply for an US EPA Notice of Intent (NOI):
https://www.santafenm.gov/media/archive_center/EPA_NOI_Combined.pdf
Best Management Practices for Construction Sites: https://www.santafenm.gov/media/archive_center/Best_Management_Practices1.pdf
US EPA Helpful Links for Construction Site Management: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities
Need Additional Help?
Building Division:
Richard Trujillo, Building Division Director - [bot protected email address]
Commercial Plan Review:
Bennett Lopez, Construction Plans Examiner II - [bot protected email address]
Residential & Green Building Plan Review:
Richard Valentine, Residential Building Plan Reviewer - [bot protected email address]
Residential Green Building Review:
Robert Ortiz, Green Building Specialist- [bot protected email address]
For additional information and updates regarding remote operations:
Land Use Department: https://www.santafenm.gov/land_use
Inspections & Enforcement Division: https://www.santafenm.gov/inspections_and_enforcement
Engineering Division & Technical Review: https://www.santafenm.gov/technical_review
Historic Preservation Division: https://www.santafenm.gov/historic_preservation
Current Planning Division: https://www.santafenm.gov/current_planning
STAY UP TO DATE