City Services

This is the fourth in a series of articles from the City of Roswell Community Development Department discussing permitting and other requirements related to various projects homeowners/residents may do on their homes and property.

Before constructing a porch, patio cover or addition to your house or business, visit the city’s Planning and Zoning Office as your first step in requesting a building permit. All residential and non-residential structures and additions require a permit, including do-it-yourself projects.

Contractors are required to have a State of New Mexico contractor’s license and city business license. Licensed electricians and licensed plumbers are required to obtain permits for electrical work and plumbing.

In order for staff to assist you with a site plan and expedite the permitting process, bring the following items with you to the Planning and Zoning Office:

• Property address.
• Boundary survey for the property (if you already have one).
• Floor plan for additions
• Location of utilities (Underground: water line, sewer line, gas meter/gas line, phone/cable, electric. Overhead: electric.)
• Also, make sure the property and alley are free of weeds, trash and debris before staff members conduct site visits and/or inspections.

It is a requirement to call 811 for utility locates before you dig. There is no charge for 811 service. Utilities will mark the location of gas lines, phone and telecommunications cables, underground electric, water and sewer. Additions require a foundation inspection by a city building inspector prior to the concrete pour.

Porches, patio covers, additions and other structures constructed without a permit are subject to review and possible removal if in violation of the Zoning Ordinance. Dilapidated and derelict structures are also subject to enforcement by Community Development officers and building inspectors. 

For questions about porches, patio covers, additions and accessory structures, contact or visit (415 N. Richardson Ave.) either of these two Community Development Planning and Zoning representatives:

--Miguel Martinez, Planning and Zoning Technician, (575) 637-6218, m.martinez@roswell-nm.gov

--Merideth Hildreth, Planning and Zoning Administrator (575) 637-6294, m.hildreth@roswell.nm.gov

Guidelines for setbacks and other standards for structures are contained in the City of Roswell’s Zoning Ordinance in the Article pertaining to Development Standards.