Building and Development Services in Santa Fe County

Building and Development Services

Mission Statement

The mission of the Building and Development Services Division is to guide future growth and development through effective planning, zoning, permitting, and enforcement, preserve resources for future generations, and to address the needs and concerns of its citizens while ensuring their quality of life.

Division Function

The Santa Fe County Building and Development Services Division provides services such as zoning, subdivisions, lot splits development permits for building, business registrations, code enforcement, hydrology, terrain management, special-use permits, and utility allocation to County citizens.

Click on the image of the Santa Fe Interactive Zoning Map (below left) to determine the zoning of your property. Click on the Santa Fe County Sustainable Land Development Code (below right, Navigate to TITLE XV LAND USAGE, EXHIBIT A SUSTAINABLE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE) to read the zoning regulations. 

Santa Fe County Interactive Zoning Map

Development Review

All building and development in Santa Fe County (outside of the incorporated areas of the cities of Santa Fe, Edgewood, and Espanola) must comply with the County’s Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC) and requires a development permit from the County. This requirement does not apply to properties on Pueblo lands. This includes residential or commercial construction or additions, grading of properties, subdividing lots, building a fence or wall over 6 feet high, installation of a solar electric system, etc. The SLDC was developed in 2016 (and amended in 2017) and is available online from this page. Becoming familiar with the County’s Development Code requirements early on in the process of a development project can save considerable time and prevent wasted effort and expense.

Call or visit the Building and Development Services Division at 505-986-6225 and 100 Catron St. in Santa Fe to speak with a Development Review Specialist to get started on your project. We have prepared a list of Frequently Asked Questions with answers on this FAQ page. You can choose to fill out an online application inquiry and you will be provided an application and checklist specific to your project or you can review all of the permit packets that have been developed online at this link. Or simply click the links below to learn more about the development permitting process for specific projects.

Call or visit the Building and Development Services Division at 505-986-6225 and 100 Catron St. in Santa Fe to speak with a Development Review Specialist to get started on your project.