New Mexico

New Mexico Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

In most of New Mexico, a metal carport, garage or barn needs a building permit unless it is a one-story detached accessory building of 120 square feet or less, which is the state's own limit (smaller than the 200 square feet many states use). The state Construction Industries Division (CID) writes the rules and issues permits in many areas, while some cities and counties run their own building departments. If you are shopping for a New Mexico carport permit, start with your city or county planning and zoning office, because CID asks for zoning approval to be signed on the application before it will take it. Working farms and ranches have a separate state exemption, covered below.

Building code in effect

New Mexico has a statewide residential code: the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (14.7.3 NMAC), which adopts the 2021 International Residential Code with state amendments. It took effect July 14, 2023, and after December 14, 2023 permits could only be issued under it. Commercial buildings fall under the 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code (14.7.2 NMAC). Permit rules, including what work is exempt, are not in the IRC chapter. The state deleted IRC Section R105 and moved permits into a separate rule, 14.5.2 NMAC, Permits. By state law (NMSA 60-13-44), these state codes are the minimum for every city and county.

Who issues permits

Permits come from the authority having jurisdiction. In many parts of the state that is the Construction Industries Division of the Regulation and Licensing Department, with offices in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe. Some cities and counties run their own building permit programs, so ask your local office first who reviews plans for your address. Zoning is a separate step. CID's residential permit guide says your project may need approval from a city or county zoning authority, and that zoning approval and signature must be on the application before you submit it to CID.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

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When you need a permit

Small sheds only (120 sq ft): Under 14.5.2.9 NMAC, a one-story detached accessory structure is exempt only if its floor area is 120 square feet or less. Most carports and garages are bigger than that, so plan on a permit.
Metal and prefab buildings: CID's residential permit guide asks for plans sealed by a New Mexico registered architect or structural engineer for structural steel members (red iron) and for all prefabricated, premanufactured and component structures. Have your engineered drawings ready.
Wiring always needs its own permit: CID's FAQ says all wiring requires a permit and inspection. The building exemptions do not cover electrical work.
Commercial property: On business property the same 120 square foot limit applies, but the shed must be used as a tool or storage shed and the commercial code, 14.7.2 NMAC, governs the building.
Homeowner permits: A homeowner can pull a homeowner's building permit for work on a single-family dwelling under 14.5.2.18 NMAC, but must do the major part of the work personally and sign a notarized responsibilities form.

Farm buildings

New Mexico's Construction Industries Licensing Act exempts work on a farm or ranch. Under NMSA 60-13-3(D)(12), a person who builds, repairs or alters a building on a farm or ranch they own, occupy or operate, by themselves or with paid help, is not treated as a contractor, and state and local codes adopted under 60-13-44(F) shall not require permits or inspections for that construction. The exception is electrical wiring that will be connected to a power source outside the farm or ranch, which still needs a permit and inspection. Ask your county whether it wants anything on file showing the property is a working farm or ranch before you build.

Wind and snow

New Mexico weather changes a lot with elevation. The mountain areas in the north and around Ruidoso and the high country get real snow, while the eastern plains and open desert see strong, steady winds and sudden storm gusts. The state's residential code does not change the IRC wind and snow tables, so the numbers come from local design criteria. Ask your building office what design wind speed and ground snow load your building must be engineered for at your site. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county or city planning and zoning office and ask two things: who issues the building permit at your address (the city, the county or CID), and what setbacks apply to an accessory building on your lot.
Plan on sealed drawings. CID asks for plans from a New Mexico registered architect or structural engineer for steel and prefabricated buildings, so ask for engineered drawings with your order.
If you live in a subdivision, read your HOA covenants before you buy. They can limit size, color or placement even when the permit is approved.
Set up the electrical permit separately if you want lights or outlets. Farm and ranch buildings are no exception when the wiring connects to outside power.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in New Mexico?
Yes, in most cases. New Mexico only exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 120 square feet or less (14.5.2.9 NMAC), and most carports are larger. Get zoning approval from your city or county first, then apply to whoever issues building permits for your address.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in New Mexico?
Yes. A metal garage is an accessory building over the 120 square foot limit, so it needs a building permit. CID's permit guide also asks for sealed plans for structural steel and prefabricated structures, and any wiring needs its own electrical permit.

Are farm buildings exempt in New Mexico?
Buildings on a farm or ranch built by the owner or operator are exempt from permits and inspections under NMSA 60-13-3(D)(12). Electrical wiring connected to outside power is the exception and still needs a permit.

What building code does New Mexico use?
Homes and their accessory buildings fall under the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (14.7.3 NMAC), based on the 2021 IRC, in effect since July 14, 2023.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

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