Bolthole Index

Colfax County, New Mexico

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Raton, New Mexico

Inside Raton, New Mexico, the city runs its own zoning and requires a building permit for new construction, handled through the city's Planning & Zoning Department123. Septic permits for a lot without public sewer come from the New Mexico Environment Department, not the city4. Land outside city limits in Colfax County follows different rules.

At a glance

Zoning
Raton adopts and administers its own zoning code inside city limits1
Building permit
Required for new construction inside city limits; the city's Planning & Zoning Department reviews plans and issues permits23
Septic
Liquid waste permit from the New Mexico Environment Department; city sewer connection required once public sewer is available45
RV living
Limited to RV parks and mobile home parks, except while a permanent home is being built6
Minimum lot (R-1)
1 acre in the R-1 residential district7
Wells
Permit to drill from the Office of the State Engineer8

Who to call

Building permits

City of Raton Planning & Zoning Department

Zoning permits, building plan review, permits and inspections inside Raton city limits

575-707-0804

130 Park Ave., P.O. Box 910, Raton, NM 87740

Septic permits

New Mexico Environment Department — Raton Field Office

Local NMED field-office contact for septic (liquid-waste) permits and questions

575-445-3621

[email protected]

1277A S 2nd Street, Raton, NM 87740

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 23, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Raton means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Does Raton, NM have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, lot size and setbacks?

Yes. Raton administers its own zoning ordinance, Chapter 156 of the city code, for land inside city limits1. The city's districts include R-HZ rural holding, R-1 residential, several commercial and light-industrial zones, and mobile home park districts9.

The numbers depend on the district. In R-1, the minimum lot is 1 acre, front and rear yards are 25 feet and side yards are 10 feet710. In the R-HZ rural holding zone, the minimum lot is 2½ acres and every yard is 50 feet1112. Buildings in both districts top out at 35 feet13.

For RVs, Raton does not allow living in a travel trailer for more than 30 days in any year, except in RV parks and mobile home parks or temporarily while a permanent home is under construction6. We could not confirm tiny-home or accessory-dwelling rules in the city code, so ask Planning & Zoning before buying3.

Do you need a building permit in Raton, and who issues it?

Yes. All construction of any sort inside Raton city limits must conform to the building code the city has adopted, and the building inspector issues permits once fees are paid2. The city's Planning & Zoning Department is the office that reviews building plans, issues permits and inspects building progress3. The city's code adopts the New Mexico Uniform Building Code by reference14.

Fees are calculated from the valuation of the work, and we could not find a published city fee table, so ask Planning & Zoning for a quote15. Zoning approval is a separate step from the building permit and is part of what the department handles3.

How do septic permits work inside Raton?

Raton's code allows a private sewage disposal system only where no public sanitary sewer is available, and it must meet state standards16. Where public sewer is or becomes available, a lot must connect to it within 1 year and old septic tanks must be abandoned and filled5.

When septic is allowed, the New Mexico Environment Department's Onsite Wastewater Bureau runs the program and local field offices review applications4. The Raton field office is the local contact17. New or modified systems need a permit, and the system must not be covered until NMED inspects it1819. Wells need a permit to drill from the Office of the State Engineer8.

Building a home in Raton: the steps, in order

  1. Check the lot's zoning district on the city's zoning map and confirm what is allowed there9.
  2. Confirm whether public sewer reaches the lot; if not, apply to NMED for a septic permit518.
  3. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department about the zoning permit and the building permit, and ask for the fee estimate315.
  4. Build to the adopted code and have the work inspected2.
  5. Request the NMED septic inspection before covering the system19.

What stays with Colfax County, and what to check before you buy near Raton

The city's rules apply only inside Raton city limits1. Colfax County also has a Raton-Colfax County Extraterritorial Zoning Ordinance for a defined area outside the city, and we could not confirm its current boundary, so check with the city and the county before buying outside city limits20. For other land in the county, see the Colfax County page.

A driveway onto a state highway needs an access permit from the New Mexico Department of Transportation21. We could not confirm Raton's rules on floodplain development, driveways or lot subdivision inside the city, so ask Planning & Zoning about each.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm whether Raton requires a certificate of occupancy or offers an owner-builder exemption inside city limits; ask the Planning & Zoning Department before you start3.
  • The city code adopts the Uniform Building Code by reference, and which edition the city enforces today was not confirmed14.
  • Inside Raton, living in an RV beyond 30 days is limited to RV parks and mobile home parks, except while a permanent home is under construction6.

Sources

  1. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 151: Building Codes and Regulations, section 151.01, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  3. City of Raton Planning & Zoning Department (ratonnm.gov)
  4. Onsite Wastewater Program, quoted and re-checked
  5. Chapter 53: Water and Sewer Utilities, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  6. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  7. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  8. Drilling Your Water Well, quoted and re-checked
  9. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  10. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  11. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  12. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  13. Chapter 156: Zoning Code, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  14. Chapter 151: Building Codes and Regulations, section 151.01, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  15. Chapter 151: Building Codes and Regulations, section 151.01, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  16. Chapter 53: Water and Sewer Utilities, Raton, New Mexico Code of Ordinances (Raton), quoted and re-checked
  17. New Mexico Environment Department — Raton Field Office (env.nm.gov)
  18. Apply for a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  19. Apply for a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  20. Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  21. 18.31.6 NMAC (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 23, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Raton

Raton’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction of any sort or type inside Raton city limits

    • All construction must fully conform to the adopted Uniform Building Code (§ 151.01(c)).
    • The building inspector issues building permits upon payment of fees (§ 151.01(b)).
    • The code text does not state the threshold for which construction requires a permit; the exemption list was not read.
    “all construction of any sort or type within the limits of the city shall fully conform in every respect to the uniform building code adopted by division (a) above.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction, occupancy and maintenance of buildings inside Raton city limits

    • The adopted code is the New Mexico Uniform Building Code, adopted by reference together with amendments and additions.
    • The section says the code is based on the current edition of the Uniform Building Code of the International Conference of Building Officials as of its 1984 amendment (am. ord. 718, passed 7-10-1984); the code's edition currently enforced was not confirmed.
    • The section is enacted under NMSA § 3-17-6a(3).
    “the city does hereby adopt, for the purpose of regulating the erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, removal, demolition, conversion, occupancy, equipment, use, height, area, and maintenance of buildings or structures in the city”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside the limits of Raton city, New Mexico. Raton city administers its own zoning ordinance (Chapter 156, Zoning Code).

    • Chapter 156 applies only within the city limits (§ 156.003); county zoning under Chapter 157 applies to separate extraterritorial areas and is not the city's own ordinance for land inside city limits.
    • The official zoning map is kept in the office of the city clerk/treasurer (§ 156.004).
    • The code page states it is current through ordinance 1036, passed 1-6-2026; the code notice says the official printed copy should be consulted.
    “the provisions of this chapter shall apply within the limits of the city of raton, new mexico.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Raton city limits

    • Districts listed in § 156.020 include R-HZ, R-1, R-4, R-5, RM-1, MHS, MHP, R-O-I, C-1 to C-4, G, SC (PUD), L-I, H-1 and H-2 (H-2 junkyard zone).
    • The official zoning map is kept in the office of the city clerk/treasurer (§ 156.004).
    “for the purpose of this chapter, the city of raton has created the following districts: (a) r-hz rural holding zone; (b) r-1 residential district;”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Main single-family residential district R-1 (§ 156.071), inside Raton city limits

    • Dimensional requirement for the R-1 Residential District, which is established for single residences.
    • Lot width minimum is 150 feet (§ 156.071 dimensional requirements (c)) and lot corner rules are in § 156.173.

    minimum lot area: >= 43560 square feet (stated in the code as 43,560 square feet or 1 acre)

    “minimum required lot area shall be 43,560 square feet or 1 acre.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Main single-family residential district R-1 (§ 156.071), inside Raton city limits

    • Front, side and rear yard minimums as stated in the R-1 dimensional requirements.

    front yard depth: >= 25 feet · side yard width: >= 10 feet · rear yard depth: >= 25 feet

    “1. minimum required depth of front yard: 25 feet. 2. minimum required width of side yard: 10 feet. 3. minimum required depth of rear yard: 25 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Main single-family residential district R-1 (§ 156.071), inside Raton city limits

    • Applies to single-family structures and their accessory buildings; other permitted buildings and their accessory buildings are capped at 30% by the same section.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 30 percent of lot

    “single-family structures and their accessory buildings shall be no more than 30% of the total square footage of the lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Main single-family residential district R-1 (§ 156.071), inside Raton city limits

    • Height measured from highest adjacent grade.
    • Flagpoles, antennas, chimneys, and similar accessories to buildings are exempt from the height limit.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet (measured from highest adjacent grade; flagpoles, antennas, chimneys and similar accessories exempt)

    “no building shall exceed 35 feet in height from highest adjacent grade except for flagpoles, antennas, chimneys, and similar accessories to buildings which are exempted from this height limitation.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Travel trailers and other RV-type units used as living quarters inside Raton city limits

    • Continued living use beyond 30 days in any 1-year period is not permitted.
    • Use as living quarters is allowed only in recreational vehicle parks and mobile home parks, except as temporary living quarters while a permanent residence is being constructed.
    • Storage and intermittent guest use on private property are not prohibited by this definition.

    maximum continuous living period: <= 30 days (per 1-year time period; temporary living quarters while a permanent residence is being constructed)

    “the use as living quarters for continued periods of time beyond 30 days, in any 1-year time period, shall not be permitted.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary living in travel trailers or RVs inside Raton city limits

    • Temporary living quarters are allowed only while a permanent residence is being constructed; otherwise use is limited to RV parks and mobile home parks.
    • No general camping ordinance was read.
    “use of the units are allowed only in recreational vehicle parks and mobile home parks, except when used as temporary living quarters while a permanent residence is being constructed.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Onsite sewage disposal for buildings inside Raton city limits

    • Privies, cesspools, septic tanks and similar disposal facilities are unlawful inside the city except as provided in §§ 53.060 et seq.
    • Where no public sanitary sewer is available, the building sewer must connect to a private system meeting state standards.
    “where a public sanitary sewer is not available within the city, or in any area under the jurisdiction of the city, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    A property inside Raton city limits where a public sewer is available

    • Where a public sewer is available, or becomes available to a property served by a private system, a direct connection must be made within 1 year, and septic tanks, cesspools and similar facilities must be abandoned and filled.
    • Taps to sewer mains are made only by the city (§ 53.066).
    • No water-connection mandate was found in Chapter 53's sewer provisions; water connection requirements were not separately confirmed.

    connection deadline after sewer availability: <= 1 year

    “a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter within 1 year”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building permit fees inside Raton city limits

    • Fees are computed from building valuation data, not from a published fee table in the code.
    • The code refers to fees prescribed by the state general construction board; a city fee schedule was not located.
    “the building valuation data of the most recent issue of building standards, published by the international conference of building officials, shall be the schedule used for the determination of calculation used in the computation of building permit fees.”

Rules another office applies inside Raton

Raton does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Private sewage disposal systems serving buildings inside Raton city limits where no public sanitary sewer is available

    • The city code requires private systems to comply with the provisions and recommendations of the state environmental improvement division and the state plumbing code.
    • The administering office (state health or environment agency, or county/district health office) was not verified on an official page.
    “the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system complying with the provisions and recommendations of the environmental improvement division of the state health and environment department and the state plumbing code.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Raton or Colfax County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption for a home built by the owner inside Raton city limits
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate of occupancy for a new dwelling inside Raton city limits
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area inside Raton city limits
  • Tiny homes — Tiny home occupancy inside Raton city limits
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Raton city limits
8 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Raton publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Colfax County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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