PLANNING, ENGINEERING AND REGULATION DEPARTMENT

APPLICATIONS, PERMITS, FORMS AND FEES

BUSINESS REGISTRATION (Fee: $35.00/year) – In the interest of promoting the health, safety and general welfare of its citizens, the City of Carlsbad actively encourages and monitors business activities within the city limits. These activities are governed by Code of Ordinances, Chapter 28. All persons conducting business are required to register each outlet, branch or location within the city annually. Registration renewal is required at the beginning of each calendar year. A Temporary (10-day) Business Registration is available for non-regular businesses participating in special events. The business registration form can be mailed, faxed or delivered in person to the department Secretaries.

In lieu of a business registration, some uses, such as carnivals, pawnbrokers, farmers markets, door-to-door solicitation, dances and parades may require a business license or special permit. The Business Registration, Business License and other special permit forms may be mailed, faxed or delivered in person to the Department Secretaries. Business License or Special Permit Fee: varies

BUILDING, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL PERMITS (Fee: based on construction cost) – A building, mechanical, plumbing and/or electrical permit is required PRIOR to the start of construction or work. A general building permit is required for residential and commercial construction, demolition, walls and fences, roofing, pools, patios, weight-bearing concrete, accessory structures and the placement of manufactured housing. Contractors must be properly licensed in the State of New Mexico and have a City of Carlsbad Business Registration. *Prior to hiring a contractor please contact us to verify that they are properly licensed. DO NOT HIRE AN UNLICENSED CONTRACTOR!


The City of Carlsbad currently enforces the following codes: 


2021 International Building Code 2021 International Residential Building Code 

2021 International Energy Conservation Code 

2021 Uniform Mechanical Code 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code 

2020 National Electrical Code 


The city is required by state statute to adopt the same minimum code standards currently in effect for the State of New Mexico, including: 

2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code 

2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code 

2021 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code 

2021 New Mexico Plumbing, Mechanical and Swimming Pool Codes 

2020 New Mexico Electrical Code 


In the State of New Mexico, the state codes, by rule, adopt the International, Uniform and National Codes mentioned above. You may find each of these rules via the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department website at www.rld.state.mm.as/construction will click on the drop down for "View Our Directory" and select "Rules, Laws and There you Building Codes". Then, you will scroll down and select "Title 14 Housing and Construction". This will bring you to the compilation of the codes where you may click on the codes you wish. to view or download. 


With regard to design for the City of Carlsbad, the 2021 IBC shows the following: 


Wind Speed-Risk Category 1-105 

Risk Category II-115 

Risk Category III & IV-120 


Ground Snow Loads-5 


Frost Depth: 12" 


For information regarding fire codes and reviews, please contact City Fire Marshal 575 885-3125.


Specific Planning and Zoning questions may be directed to Planning and Zoning Director and Certified Floodplain Manager Jeff Patterson or Deputy Director Trysha Ortiz at 575 885-1185.


Should you have questions regarding Drainage and Grading or Encroachment Permits, you may contact the City's Building and Planning Department at 575 885-1185. 


Information on Utilities such as water/ sewer may be directed to Mike Abell or Wes Nichols with the City of Carlsbad Utilities Department. They can be reached at 575 885-6313. 


The electrical serving utility is Xcel Energy and they can be reached at 1 877 354-6395. 


Also, the gas serving utility is New Mexico Gas Company and their number is 1 888 664-2726 


The local office for the New Mexico Environment Department is 575 885-9023, should you need to contact them. 


I am also including copies of our Planning and Zoning Ordinance, Sign Ordinance and links and information on permitting and plan review for our new Tyler online permitting system.


I hope this is helpful. Please let us know if we can assist with anything. Thanks so much!

https://carlsbadnm-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService/home

FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT (no fee) – Significant portions of the community are located within the Pecos River, Dark Canyon or Hackberry Draw Floodplain as determined by FEMA. The most recent Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was adopted by the City in June 2010. ANY construction within a floodplain requires a Floodplain Development Permit. To find out if a property is located within a floodplain please contact one of the City’s Certified Floodplain Managers (CFMs). The Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance can be found in Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8.

DRAINAGE AND GRADING PERMIT (Fee: $10.00) – For most development, a Drainage and Grading Permit is required PRIOR to grading, paving, excavating, filling or dredging of land within the City. Projects requiring a permit are described in Code of Ordinances, Chapter 56 -150(g).

  • Drainage and Grading Permit Application

ZONING AND SUBDIVISION (Fee: see below) – The City’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 56, regulates zoning and land uses. In general, land uses such as offices, retail businesses and restaurants are permitted in commercial zones and houses, apartments and agricultural uses are permitted in residential zones. Chapter 47, regulates the subdivision of land and infrastructure improvements. In general, subdivisions require review by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Zoning Fees

  • Map or Text Amendment $100.00
  • Conditional Use Permit $50.00
  • Appeals $50.00
  • Subdivision Fees: Summary process: $50.00
  • Preliminary Plat: 1-7 lots $150.00 +$2.00/lot
  • 8 or more lots $300.00+$3.00/lot
  • Final Plat: no fee

CODE ENFORCEMENT (no fee) – The City’s Code Enforcement team is responsible for investigating reports of Code violations such as weeds, debris, illegal dumping, non-permitted land uses, business registrations, nuisance properties, inoperable vehicles, among others. To report a possible violation, contact a Code Enforcement Officer or dial 311 from a land line.

OTHER ITEMS REQUIRING A PERMIT:

  • Sewer Tap: $4.00
  • Curb Cut: $5.00 (contact the Building Official for approval 575-628-1292)
  • Encroachment Permit: $10.00 (contact Public Works for approval 575-234-7970)
  • Signs (not including copy replacement): fee is based on construction cost
  • Fences/walls: fee is based on construction cost
  • Dances: $25.00 if entry fee charged/no fee if entry fee not charged
  • Parades: No fee
  • Temporary Uses (garage sales/parking lot sales): $10.00
  • Home Occupations: requires a business registration and may require a conditional use permit
  • Special License: $25.00 for solicitors, $50.00 for Fighting or Wrestling exhibition or contest, $100 per day for Carnival or Circus, $250 for Pawnbroker, $10.00 for all others

Contact our office for additional information on applications, permits, forms and fees 575-885-1185.

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