New Mexico Building Code, Permit and Licensing Overview

Construction is booming in New Mexico. Construction employment has increased steadily over the last five months. Would you like to get into this hot market?

Working as a contractor in New Mexico can pay off. You have some important paperwork to take care of first, though. You need to be licensed, comply with the New Mexico building code, and get the required permits.

Learn more about licensing, codes, and permits for contractors in New Mexico. You'll be ready to start bidding!

General Contractor Licensing in New Mexico

Anyone engaged in construction-related contracting in New Mexico must have a state license. This is just one part of New Mexico construction law.

New Mexico has hundreds of contractor classifications that include general construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC, among others.

Contractors working without a license will face criminal charges and have their projects terminated.

The Construction Industries and Manufactured Housing Division (CID) of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department issues licenses. However, most of your paperwork and the testing goes through third-party testing company PSI.

Request for Classification Determination

You need to submit a classification determination request before you apply for testing. You'll describe the industry you plan to work in, the types of work you do, and whether you'll be bidding as the prime contractor.

Qualifying Party Certificate

Once you get your classification determination, you can apply for a qualifying party certificate. Each license must have at least one qualifying party for each work classification. The application includes:

• Signed and notarized Qualifying Party Application
• Signed and notarized General Work Experience Affidavit, proving you have the required experience for your classification
• Application and certificate fees

When your application is approved, you'll receive a notice in the mail. You can then register to take the exam.

Testing and Licensing

You need to pass a Business and Law exam as well as the trade-specific exam(s). Once you pass the exam, you can submit your CID license application. The application includes:

• Completed application form
• Copies of the qualifying party's exam scores
• Application and license fees
• Proof of a minimum $10,000 license code bond
• Tax registration certificate from the Tax and Revenue Department

You'll need workers' compensation insurance as well. If your business is a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company, you'll need proof of registration with the New Mexico Secretary of State.

A New Mexico contractor license is valid for three years.

New Mexico Building Code Laws

The New Mexico building code specifies the minimum standards you must meet as a contractor. These standards relate to the design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of a structure. Building codes apply to all types of structures:

• Residential
• Multi-family
• Commercial
• Industrial

Some buildings, like public schools and hospitals, have specialized rules and regulations. The New Mexico building code laws apply statewide. Local jurisdictions can enforce their own regulations as well.

Purpose of New Mexico's Building Codes

Building code laws can be very complex. However, they're extremely important. Their purpose is to reduce the risk of hazards for building occupants and the community.

The New Mexico building code addresses features including:

• Fire prevention and control
• Exits and escape routes
• Mechanical integrity, like plumbing, lighting, and ventilation
• Building materials
• Structural integrity
• Energy conservation

Using the most current building codes helps ensure that structures have the best safety, resilience, and sustainability.

Not following the applicable building codes will delay your application for permits. If an inspection finds that your project isn't up to code, you'll have to rebuild or redo it. Complying with the building code is less expensive for you and safer for everyone.

Current Version of the New Mexico Building Code

Like most state and local governments, New Mexico has adopted the building code regulations set out by the International Code Council (ICC). The ICC has been a global leader in model building codes since 1994. The New Mexico laws follow the ICC with slight modifications to adapt to specific needs in the state.

The ICC updates and revises its model codes every three years. The most recent version is from 2021. New Mexico hasn't yet adopted the 2021 version, though. The New Mexico standards include:

• 2015 Commercial Building Code
• 2015 Earthen Building Materials Code
• 2017 Electrical Code
• 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2015 Existing Building Code
• 2015 International Fire Code
• 2015 Historic Earthen Buildings Code
• 2015 Mechanical Code
• 2015 Plumbing Code
• 2015 Residential Building Code

Before starting any project, it's important to double-check the applicable standards. Remember that you may have local codes to comply with in addition to the state regulations.

Building Permits in New Mexico

Once you've planned your project to meet the New Mexico building code requirements, you need to apply for a building permit. Typically, the city or town where your project is located will issue the permit. You need the building permit before you start work.

If you need zoning approval, you'll need to get it first from the city and then apply for the building permit. The city and/or the county where the project is located issues zoning approvals.

If your project is in a historic district, you may need prior approval from the city's Historic Preservation Division.

Types of Building Permits

The type of permit you need depends on the type of project you're planning. A basic building permit covers many types of projects. You'll need a special permit for work like electrical, plumbing, and demolition.

Applying for a Building Permit

Many jurisdictions have implemented an online application system. Otherwise, you'll apply at the city Building Safety Division office.

You'll need to submit the application form with any required documentation and drawn plans. You'll also need to pay the permit fee. The fee is based on the valuation of your project.

The permit process usually takes two to four weeks. Permits for commercial projects take longer than for residential ones.

Starting Your New Mexico Building Project

Licensing, compliance with the New Mexico building code, and permits are just the start of what you as the contractor need to manage to keep your project on track. One thing you can cross off the list is how you're going to handle waste removal for the job site.

Payless Rolloff specializes in providing contractors with reliable, cost-effective roll off dumpster rental services. We offer construction dumpsters to fit your job, no matter how big or small. We also offer concrete washout bins for your concrete, cement, and stucco projects.

Contact us today for a free dumpster rental estimate and let us take the load off!