Building Safety & Permitting Services

Building Inspections is a unit of the Planning / Engineering Department. This department is responsible for:

General building electrical, mechanical plumbing permits for commercial and residential.
Plan Reviews for all construction, including but not limited to, commercial, residential, remodeling, alterations and repairs.
Regulating City and State Building codes.
Conducting Building Inspections during construction to assure compliance of City and State Building Codes.
Over the counter call-in program for NM licensed contractors - residential only [VIEW]

General Contact Information

Mailing Address: 200 E. Broadway St, Hobbs, NM 88240
Phone Number: (575) 391-8158
Fax: (575) 391-3061
Email: hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org

Building Safety Contacts:

Contact	Title	Email
Mellisa Serrano	Building Inspections Admin Asst.	hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org
Scott Shed	Building Official	sshed@hobbsnm.org
James Colvert	Building Inspector	jcolvert@hobbsnm.org
Bo Williams	Electrical Inspector	jwilliams@hobbsnm.org
Alex Aguirre	Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector	aaguirre@hobbsnm.org
Shawn Williams	Fire Marshall	swilliams@hobbsnm.org
Vacant	Development Director	hobbs.permits@hobbsnm.org

[Current Building Codes] ›
Drop down the page to see the current building codes

Files

Building Permit Application

Electrical Permit Application

Commercial Mechanical/Plumbing Permit Application

Residential Mechanical/Plumbing Permit Application

Commercial Construction Guide

Residential Reroofing Guidelines

Residential Construction Guide

Residential Plan Review Checklist

Over the Counter Permits

Home Owner Building Permits

Permits outside the City Limits of Hobbs will require a Lea County Address & New Construction application approved by Lea Count prior to issuing a permit. Follow this link to Lea County's webpage:
Lea County ›

The Permit Process

The building permit process helps us understand what our local laws and ordinances are. Before any construction or remodeling work begins, application for a permit should be made.

Building permits provide the mean for Code Officials to inspect construction to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate materials are used.

Visit or Call Your Local Code Official
The Code Official will ask "What are you planning to do?" and "Where are you planning to do it?" Then, the Code official will explain the requirements (codes/ordinances) regarding your project. An application for a building permit will be given to you at this time. This initial contact will provide the resources and information you will need to make your project a success and avoid problems which could cost you time and money.
Submit Application
The permit application requires information about the construction project. You'll be asked to document "who" will perform the work, "what" work will be done, "where" the work will be done, "when" the work will be done and "how" the work will be done. Sketches, drawings, plans or other documentation of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review.
Wait During Review Process
The majority of residential permit applications are processed without delay and commercial permits are processed 1-10 working days (depending on information submitted.) The Code Official will determine if your project is in compliance with the construction codes, with the fire zoning and with municipal or state ordinances and statues.
Receive Results Of Review Process
A. If compliance with the City Code, and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit issued.
B. If compliance is not determined, your application as submitted will be denied. If you are refused a building permit, you can correct the code violations or appeal the decision or re-submit with corrections
Receive Permit
The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the review process and on-site inspection process. The fee also gives you access to the Code Official's knowledge and experience when and if you have questions about your construction project. An additional fee for services such as water connections and surveys may be required. Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the permit. Most building departments require you post the building permit in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the building plans at the site, and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the code official immediately. Changes will require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.
Arrange Inspection Visit
Each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Code Official to make certain the work conforms to the code, the building permit and the approved plans. The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection. Normally, 24 to 48 hours advance notice is required. If an inspector finds that some work does not conform to approved plans, the inspector will advise (and possibly provide written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved.
Receive Certificate Of Occupancy
When code compliance is determined, the Inspector issues a certificate of occupancy. This certificate is the formal document which marks the completion of your construction project and gives you permission to occupy your new or renovated building with the knowledge that it has met safety standards in your community.

Building Permits - Why and How?

What is a Building Permit?
A building permit is a license which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project

What Construction Projects Need Building Permits?
Check your local building department for requirements in your area. Building permits are typically required for the following:

New Buildings
Additions
Alterations/Remodels
Demolitions
Prefabricated Structures
Temporary Buildings
Manufactured Homes
Re-roof

Electrical Systems
Plumbing Systems
HVAC Systems (heating, ventilating, air conditioning)
Miscellaneous for residential (fireplace, pools, decks, fences, curb cuts, etc.)
Miscellaneous for commercial (parking, sidewalks, curb cuts, etc.)

The Use of Permits
Code Officials and Inspectors use building permits as a vital step in their enforcement of codes. You have an investment in the home or business you are about to build or remodel. When that home or business does not comply with the codes, you investment could be reduced. Applying for a building permit notifies the Code Official that you are constructing or remodeling a building so he or she can ensure code compliance.

Why a Building Permit?
Building permits provide the means for Code Officials to protect us by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and therefore ensuring the public health, safety and welfare.