Contacts
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!
City of Carlsbad Self Service
Applications & Forms
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.
Floodplain Development Permit Application
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 and Subdivision Documents
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.