Planning a construction project in Santa Fe, New Mexico? Whether you’re breaking ground on a new home, renovating a commercial property, or handling trade work like plumbing, HVAC, or electrical, most projects in the city require a building permit before work begins.
Santa Fe has unique permitting rules shaped by its historic districts, adobe construction standards, and high desert climate. Knowing these requirements upfront helps you avoid costly delays and keep projects moving.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Santa Fe building permits, from requirements and costs to applications and timelines.
Simplify permitting in Santa Fe with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Santa Fe?
In the City of Santa Fe, most construction, structural changes, additions, demolitions, and new buildings require a building permit.
In most cases, you’ll need a permit for:
- New construction
- Additions
- Demolitions
- Exterior signs
- Roofing and re-roofing
- Window replacement
- All storage sheds
- Solar panels
- New and replacement mechanical equipment
- Re-stuccoing
- Driveway construction
- Placement of manufactured homes
Also, trade permits (separate) are required for things like electrical, mechanical, and plumbing projects.
What doesn’t require a building permit?
The City lists a number of residential & commercial items that do not need a permit:
- Residential exemptions:
- Interior and exterior painting of residential structures
- Minor landscaping
- Carpeting
- Tiling
- Cabinetry
- Countertops
- Exterior decks under 120 square feet if not attached to a structure
- Commercial exemptions:
- Interior painting of commercial structures
- Tiling and carpeting that meet certain ANSI standards (Chapter 3 of 2009 ANSI)
- Minor landscaping
For the extended list of projects that require and don't require a Santa Fe building permit, refer to the Building Division’s building permit page.
Santa Fe building permit cost
Santa Fe permitting fees are based on the total valuation of the project and the type of work involved.
Primary building permit administrative fees
Additional fees
For more information, refer to the planning & land use fee schedule page.
How long do building permits last in Santa Fe?
Permits in Santa Fe have expiration timelines. If work does not start or is suspended for a certain period, permits may expire.
Extensions are possible:
- The City of Santa Fe grants 180‑day extensions from the original expiration date upon request. Fee for extension: $100
- Permit validity depends on when work starts, inspections occur, and compliance is maintained. Delays may require re‑review
Don’t let permitting slow you down
PermitFlow saves you time and gets permits in your hand faster. Learn more.
Santa Fe trade permits
Plumbing permits
For plumbing work (residential or commercial), you must obtain a separate plumbing permit. Work includes fixture installation, venting, gas systems, and wastewater devices.
Electrical permits
Electrical service, panel upgrades, rewiring, meter loops, etc., require an electrical permit.
HVAC permits
HVAC or mechanical permits are required for installation, replacement, or modification of heating, cooling, or ventilation systems.
How to get a building permit in Santa Fe, NM
Step 1: Prepare your plans & documents
Before applying for a Santa Fe building permit, you should gather all the required documents:
- Completed Santa Fe building permit application
- Detailed site plan (lot lines, existing & proposed improvements, utilities, easements, floodplain contours if applicable)
- Floor plans, elevations, foundation & roof plans
- Legal lot of record (recorded plat/survey/deed)
- Applicable affidavits: guesthouse, accessory use, zoning affidavit, well/liquid waste permit (if on well/septic), floodplain determination
- Valuation document (estimated cost of construction) as the basis for fees
Step 2: Submit application via the portal or in-person
Once the documents are collected, register/log in to the Santa Fe permit portal (Citizen Self Service). Here you should select permit type (residential, commercial, remodel, etc) and upload required documents (plans, affidavits, surveys, etc.), both digital and physical sets as required by project type. Finally, pay initial fees (plan review/administrative fees) at the time of submission.
Alternatively, you can apply for a building permit in person. Schedule in-person appointments here.
Step 3: Plan review
City staff will review your application for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, zoning, and fire codes. Revisions may be requested, so resubmit corrected plans through the portal or in-person.
Note: Use the Santa Fe building permit lookup page to find how to request your application status update. Wait at least 5 days before requesting a status update.
Step 4: Pay final fees & receive permit
Once plans are approved, pay the remaining permit fees plus any impact, utility, or inspection deposit fees. Once you’re done, the permit will be issued. Don't forget to post it on the job site.
Step 5: Begin work & inspections
Begin construction only once the permit is active. Additionally, schedule required inspections during the build: foundation, framing, rough plumbing/electrical, mechanical, final, etc. If construction changes occur (scope, design), submit revisions during construction.
Santa Fe permitting resources
- City of Santa Fe Building Division
- Email: permitcounter@santafenm.gov
- Address: Santa Fe City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave., 1st Floor
- Working hours: 8 am-Noon and 1 pm - 4 pm Monday - Friday
- Building Division
- Richard Trujillo, Building Division Director
- ratrujillo@santafenm.gov
- Santa Fe building permit application
- Planning & land use fee schedule
- Schedule in-person appointments
- Construction permit submittal checklists
- Revisions form
- Building codes:
Streamline Santa Fe permitting with PermitFlow
Permitting in Santa Fe comes with unique challenges. Between New Mexico’s high-desert building codes and historic preservation rules, it’s easy for projects to get bogged down in paperwork and delays. PermitFlow takes that burden off your plate so you can focus on the build.
With PermitFlow, your permits are prepared, submitted, and tracked from start to finish. Our software makes it easy to keep track of every permit for every project across every jurisdiction.
Why builders choose PermitFlow:
- Local expertise: Our team understands Santa Fe’s permitting requirements, ensuring applications move smoothly through the system.
- All-in-one dashboard: Manage every permit in one simple, organized view.
- Quicker approvals: Accurate submissions from the start mean fewer rejections and faster turnaround times.
Permitting doesn’t have to slow you down. Chat with an expert at PermitFlow to see how we can keep your projects on track.
