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.
Note: 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 on the Rules, Laws and Building Codes page. Then, you will be able to access 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"