Bolthole Index

Curry County, New Mexico

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Curry County, New Mexico

38Index Score / 100
#18 of 33 in New Mexico

Home construction in unincorporated Curry County, New Mexico requires a state building permit from the Construction Industries Division1. Curry County has no zoning outside city limits, although municipal or extraterritorial review can apply in and around incorporated communities23. The New Mexico Environment Department handles onsite septic permits4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for residential construction; issued through the state Construction Industries Division15
Zoning
No county zoning outside city limits; municipal and extraterritorial rules may still apply23
Septic permit
Handled by the New Mexico Environment Department4
Owner-builder
A homeowner permit is available for a primary residence when the homeowner completes the major portion of the work by dollar amount6
Tiny home
Permanent-foundation tiny homes are allowed under the state residential code; county zoning sets no minimum dwelling size outside city limits78
RV living
Local occupancy rules are unconfirmed; ask the County Manager's Office before relying on an RV as a residence9
County setbacks
No county zoning setbacks in unincorporated areas; other siting requirements can still apply10
Agricultural exemption
A conditional exemption exists for qualifying land divisions; it is not a blanket building-permit exemption11

Who to call

Also useful

Curry County Manager's Office

General county questions and confirmation of parcel-specific land-use requirements

(575) 763-6016

417 Gidding St., Suite #100, Clovis, NM 88101

Building permits

New Mexico Construction Industries Division

State construction permits and building-code administration

(505) 222-9800

5500 San Antonio Dr. Suite F, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109

Online permits →

Septic permits

New Mexico Environment Department, Clovis Field Office

Local questions about onsite wastewater permitting and permit searches

575-762-3728

[email protected]

100 E Manana, Unit 3, Clovis, NM 88101

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Curry County, New Mexico?

Yes. Residential construction, alteration, repair or improvement covered by New Mexico's rules requires a state building permit in unincorporated Curry County5. New Mexico has adopted a statewide residential building code for covered homes and accessory structures12.

Some small projects are exempt from the state building permit, including a one-story detached tool or storage shed no larger than 120 square feet, a fence no higher than 6 feet, and a qualifying detached deck no larger than 200 square feet and no more than 30 inches above grade13. Separate plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits may still apply to otherwise exempt work13. CID bases permit fees on project valuation, with the fee covering plan review, the permit and certain inspections5.

Who issues Curry County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The New Mexico Construction Industries Division issues residential building permits for unincorporated Curry County1. CID's Albuquerque office is at 5500 San Antonio Dr. Suite F, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109, and its phone number is (505) 222-980014. State permit applications can be completed through CID's published online permitting portal15.

Before applying, ask the Curry County Manager's Office whether the parcel needs county floodplain, subdivision or other clearance; the office is at 417 Gidding St., Suite #100, Clovis, NM 88101, and the phone number is (575) 763-60169. Permitted residential work requires inspections that include foundation, slab or under-floor, frame, weather-resistive barrier and final stages; final trade inspections come before the final general construction inspection16.

Does Curry County, New Mexico have zoning?

Curry County has no county zoning outside city limits17. That means unincorporated land has no county zoning minimum dwelling size, zoning setback or zoning building-height standard81018. It does not mean a parcel is unrestricted: building, septic, subdivision, floodplain, access, easement and utility requirements can still control where and how a project is built10.

Rules vary across Curry County because incorporated municipalities administer their own zoning and land-use requirements, and extraterritorial review may apply around incorporated communities19. Confirm whether the parcel is inside a municipality or an extraterritorial area before relying on the unincorporated-county answer3. The county also regulates new subdivisions even though it does not zone unincorporated land19.

How do septic permits work in Curry County?

The New Mexico Environment Department administers onsite liquid-waste permits in Curry County, with applications submitted to the local NMED field office4. A permit and fee are required before installing or modifying an onsite system, and a dwelling cannot be built, modified or moved onto a lot requiring onsite wastewater until the permit is issued20.

For permitting or permit-search questions, contact NMED's Clovis field office at 100 E Manana, Unit 3, Clovis, NM 88101, phone 575-762-3728, or [email protected]21. Request the NMED inspection 48 hours, or two business days, in advance and do not cover the system before inspection; approval results in a Permit to Operate22. All homeowner installations require an NMED final inspection23. About 59.4% of Curry County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, but that countywide measure is not approval for an individual site24.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Curry County?

New Mexico allows a tiny house as a dwelling when it provides complete independent living facilities, complies with the residential code and Appendix AQ, and sits on a permanent foundation7. The statewide definition caps floor area at 400 square feet excluding lofts7. Unincorporated Curry County adds no county zoning minimum dwelling size8.

A tiny house on a chassis with a permanent axle is treated as a recreational vehicle under the state rule; after axle removal and placement on supports or a foundation, it must meet permanent-foundation tiny-house requirements7. We could not confirm a Curry County rule allowing full-time RV occupancy, so ask the County Manager's Office about the intended use before moving a unit onto the parcel9. Any onsite wastewater arrangement still must satisfy New Mexico's liquid-waste rules25.

Building a home in Curry County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits and ask the Curry County Manager's Office whether municipal extraterritorial review, subdivision or floodplain clearance applies39.
  2. If the site needs onsite wastewater, submit the septic application to the local NMED field office before building or moving a dwelling onto the lot420.
  3. Apply for the state CID building permit through the published permitting process115.
  4. If building your own primary residence, confirm homeowner-permit eligibility; the homeowner must complete the major portion of the work by dollar amount6.
  5. Schedule required building and trade inspections through CID16.
  6. If access connects directly to a state highway, obtain an NMDOT access permit before constructing or modifying the driveway26.

What should you check before buying land in Curry County?

Start with jurisdiction: Curry County has no zoning outside city limits, but municipal or extraterritorial rules may apply in and around incorporated communities23. If a seller describes acreage as agriculturally exempt, verify the exact basis; Curry County's exemption is for qualifying land divisions, including certain parcels of at least 35 acres used primarily and continuously for agriculture for the preceding three years, not a blanket exemption from building rules11.

Check water and wastewater feasibility before committing: Curry County receives about 17 inches of precipitation a year, and about 59.4% of its soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field2724. Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs approval from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins28. A driveway onto a state highway needs an NMDOT access permit26. Curry County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill of about $8932930.

Watch-outs

  • No county zoning outside city limits does not erase building, septic, subdivision, floodplain, access, easement or utility requirements10.
  • A homeowner permit is limited to the primary residence, requires the homeowner to complete the major portion of the work by dollar amount, and does not authorize homeowner-permitted HVAC, natural-gas or LP-gas work6.
  • Curry County's agricultural exemption addresses qualifying land divisions; it is not a general exemption from residential building permits11.

Sources

  1. NM Regulation & Licensing Dept, Construction Industries Division - Residential Building Permit Guide (2026 county census)
  2. 2025 Property Tax Division Report, quoted and re-checked
  3. 2025 Property Tax Division Report, quoted and re-checked
  4. Apply for a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permit Guide for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  6. 14.5.2 NMAC — Permits, quoted and re-checked
  7. 14.7.3 NMAC — 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Curry County–City of Clovis Joint Comprehensive Plan 2007, quoted and re-checked
  9. Curry County Manager's Office (currycountynm.gov)
  10. Curry County–City of Clovis Joint Comprehensive Plan 2007, quoted and re-checked
  11. Claim of Exemption, quoted and re-checked
  12. Rules, Laws, and Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Permit Guide for Residential Construction (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. New Mexico Construction Industries Division (rld.nm.gov)
  15. Forms and Applications (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Permit Guide for Residential Construction, quoted and re-checked
  17. Curry County–City of Clovis Joint Comprehensive Plan 2007, quoted and re-checked
  18. Curry County–City of Clovis Joint Comprehensive Plan 2007, quoted and re-checked
  19. Curry County–City of Clovis Joint Comprehensive Plan 2007, quoted and re-checked
  20. 20.7.3.401 NMAC — Permitting; General Requirements (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. New Mexico Environment Department, Clovis Field Office (env.nm.gov)
  22. Apply for a Permit, quoted and re-checked
  23. Apply for a Permit — New Mexico Environment Department, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  25. 20.7.3 NMAC — Liquid Waste Disposal and Treatment (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. 18.31.6 NMAC (New Mexico statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Flooding - NMDHSEM, quoted and re-checked
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 29, 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.

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County locator

Curry County in New Mexico

38
County map
Curry County highlighted among the New Mexico counties · colored by Index score

How Curry County scores

Seclusion83100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1492% ev.
Admin Boringness4868% ev.
Durability45100% ev.
Property Autonomy38100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% ev.

Evidence strength: 93%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$163kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$763Land / acre
17"Annual rain
44.8% of yrsSevere drought
21.3 / yr (+17.8)Mid-century 100°F days
33.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.29" (+3.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.23×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,402Home insurance / yr
2.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.56%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
462People within 30 min
334,082People within 2 hr
2,736Radius comparison (15 mi)
33.6People / sq mi
0.6%Federal land
98.5%Land at 15% slope or less
59.4%Septic soil without severe limits
534,676 acWorkable land screen
0.2%Wooded land
57.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Curry County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Curry County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning regulation in unincorporated Curry County.

    • The source distinguishes municipal zoning codes from County regulation.
    • County subdivision regulations and other state, federal, or municipal rules may still apply.
    • The County does not have land-use authority within incorporated urban areas.
    “It should be noted that Curry County has no zoning outside city limits and limited input on property under the purview of the City.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of land-use regulation across Curry County: the County does not have zoning in its unincorporated areas, while incorporated municipalities administer their own zoning and land-use rules.

    • The County plan identifies Clovis, Texico, Melrose, and Grady as incorporated urban areas and states that the County does not have land-use authority in those areas.
    • The City of Clovis Zoning Department administers city zoning regulations, including rezoning, plats, annexation, variances, and special exceptions.
    • Extra-territorial areas around incorporated communities may involve municipal review of subdivision, plat, and building-permit matters.
    “In 2014 Curry County adopted the Subdivision Regulation 2014-27 and in 2017 the City of Clovis adopted their Comprehensive Zoning Regulations. These regulations govern how new subdivisions are created. It should be noted that Curry County has no zoning outside city limits and limited input on property under the purview of the City.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local land-use regulation across Curry County, aggregating county unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.
      “in 2017 the City of Clovis adopted their Comprehensive Zoning Regulations.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    County zoning minimum dwelling-size standards in unincorporated Curry County.

    • No County zoning restriction was identified.
    • Building-code, health, septic, subdivision, and utility standards may still affect development.
    • Municipal zoning codes apply within incorporated municipalities.
    “It should be noted that Curry County has no zoning outside city limits and limited input on property under the purview of the City.”
  • SetbacksNone

    County zoning setback standards in unincorporated Curry County.

    • No County zoning restriction was identified.
    • Non-zoning requirements, including subdivision, septic, building, drainage, access, easement, and fire requirements, may impose separation or location standards.
    • Municipal zoning codes apply within incorporated municipalities.
    “It should be noted that Curry County has no zoning outside city limits and limited input on property under the purview of the City.”
  • Building heightNone

    County zoning building-height standards in unincorporated Curry County.

    • No County zoning restriction was identified.
    • Cannon Air Force Base-related easements, federal rules, airport or flight-path considerations, building codes, and other non-zoning restrictions may affect tall structures.
    • Municipal zoning codes apply within incorporated municipalities.
    “It should be noted that Curry County has no zoning outside city limits and limited input on property under the purview of the City.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Land divisions claiming exemption from the Curry County Subdivision Regulations.

    • The claim must be completed, notarized, and submitted with required supporting documents.
    • Agricultural exemptions include qualifying 35-acre-or-larger parcels used primarily and continuously for agriculture for the preceding three years and divisions for grazing or farming with a recorded covenant restricting future use.

    minimum qualifying parcel size: >= 35 acres (must satisfy the stated agricultural-use conditions)

    “parcel that is thirty-five (35) acres or larger [...] provided that the land has been used primarily and continuously for agricultural purposes”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development in Curry County within any Special Flood Hazard Area; where FEMA has not defined the Special Flood Hazard Area within the community, all proposed construction or other development, including placement of manufactured homes, is subject to permitting so the county can determine whether it is proposed within a flood-prone area.

    • Approval by the local community Floodplain Administrator is required before construction or development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area.
    • If FEMA has not defined the Special Flood Hazard Area within the community, the community shall require permits for all proposed construction or other development, including placement of manufactured homes.
    • Approval is required to ensure proposed development meets National Flood Insurance Program requirements and the community’s floodplain management ordinance.
    • The state NFIP contact list identifies Curry County as an NFIP community and identifies a county Floodplain Administrator.
    “Approval by the local community Floodplain Administrator is required before construction or development begins within any Special Flood Hazard Area. If FEMA has not defined the Special Flood Hazard Area within a community, the community shall require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community including the placement of manufactured homes, so that it may determine whether such construction or other development is proposed within flood-prone areas.”

New Mexico rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Buildings and structures regulated by the New Mexico Residential Code, including residential construction, alterations, repairs, additions, moves, improvements, removals, conversions, and demolitions, and state-administered commercial construction.

    • A permit must be obtained before covered work begins.
    • Residential exceptions include one-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet; fences not over 6 feet high; specified retaining walls; certain water tanks, sidewalks, driveways, finish work, shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, window awnings, and detached decks.
    • Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may still be required for otherwise exempted residential work.
    • Commercial applicants must be validly licensed with the appropriate license classification, submit the state building permit application, obtain any required city or county zoning approval, and pay the valuation-based fee before permit issuance.

    residential accessory-building exemption floor area: <= 120 square feet (One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses.) · fence exemption height: <= 6 feet · water-tank exemption capacity: <= 5000 gallons (Height-to-diameter or width ratio must not exceed 2:1.) · detached-deck exemption area: <= 200 square feet (Deck must not be more than 30 inches above grade, must not be attached to a dwelling, and must not serve the required exit door.)

    “Except as specified in Section 105.2 IRC, no building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished unless a permit has first been obtained from the building official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential building construction, alteration, repair, or improvement requiring a permit.
      “shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a permit has first been obtained from the Authority Having Jurisdiction.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A homeowner constructing or altering the homeowner’s primary residence.

    • The permit is strictly limited to the primary residence.
    • The major portion of work, based on dollar amount, must be completed by the homeowner.
    • Subcontracted work must be performed by licensed contractors with appropriate permits and inspections.
    • The permit does not apply to rental property, other owned property, or commercial work.
    • A homeowner permit cannot be used where a GB-2 or GB-98 contractor manages, supervises, or acts as general contractor.
    • HVAC, natural gas, and LP gas work cannot be performed under the homeowner permit.
    “The homeowner’s permit authorizes the homeowner to physically perform the work, alone or with legal employees, or act as a general contractor and subcontract portions of the work to licensed contractors. In order to qualify for the homeowner permit the major portion of the work to be performed, based on dollar amount, must be completed by the homeowner.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Commercial construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal, and demolition of buildings or structures in New Mexico subject to the jurisdiction of the Construction Industries Division.

    • The 2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code applies on or after July 14, 2023.
    • The rule does not apply when performed pursuant to a permit for which an application was received by CID before July 14, 2023.
    • Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress, and their accessory structures, must comply with the 2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code instead.
    • Existing buildings not subject to the residential code undergoing a change of occupancy, repair, alteration, or addition must comply with either the commercial building code or the existing building code, as applicable.
    • The rule adopts the 2021 International Building Code by reference, as amended by the rule.

    effective date: 2023-07-14 (unless a later date is cited at the end of a section) · adopted reference code: 2021 International Building Code (as amended by 14.7.2 NMAC)

    “14.7.2.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: July, 14, 2023, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section. [...] 14.7.2.8 ADOPTION OF THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE: A. This rule adopts by reference the 2021 International Building Code, as amended by this rule.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Residential building-code requirements applicable in Curry County through New Mexico’s statewide construction regulatory system.
      “2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code NMAC 14.7.3”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Detached one- and two-family dwellings, multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress, and their accessory structures in New Mexico subject to the jurisdiction of the Construction Industries Division.
      “14.7.3.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: July 14, 2023, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section. From the date of publication of this rule in the New Mexico register, until December 14, 2023, permits may be issued under either the previously adopted rule, or this rule. After December 14, 2023, permits may be issued only under this rule. [...] A. This rule adopts by reference the 2021 International Residential Code, as amended by this rule.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    State-administered residential and commercial construction requiring building permits.

    • Residential inspections include foundation, concrete slab or under-floor, frame, weather-resistive barrier, and final inspection.
    • Final electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections must occur before the final general construction inspection.
    • The building official or Construction Inspector may require additional inspections to establish compliance with the New Mexico Building Code and other enforced laws.
    • Inspection requests require the permit number, inspection type, requestor contact information, and confirmation that work is complete and the permit is affixed near the front exterior door.
    “REQUIRED INSPECTIONS To request an inspection e-mail us at [email protected] or call 505-222-9813 or 877-243-0979”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction subject to CID/AHJ inspection requirements.
      “5. FINAL INSPECTION. To be made after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny houses used as single dwelling units with complete independent living facilities and placed on a permanent foundation statewide in New Mexico.

    • The unit must provide permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
    • The tiny house must comply with the New Mexico Residential Code and Appendix AQ.
    • Tiny houses constructed in New Mexico or transported into New Mexico must be inspected for compliance with New Mexico Residential Code requirements.
    • A tiny house on a chassis with a permanent axle is treated as a recreational vehicle and must meet recreational-vehicle codes and licensing requirements while the axle remains in place.
    • If axles are removed and the unit is placed on supports or a foundation, it must comply with the code requirements for tiny houses on a permanent foundation.
    • The rule applies to construction, use, and occupancy subject to the jurisdiction of the Construction Industries Division; construction not addressed in the residential code must comply with the New Mexico Commercial Building Code.

    maximum floor area excluding lofts: <= 400 square feet (The definition excludes loft area and excludes recreational vehicles.) · minimum habitable-space and hallway ceiling height: >= 6 feet 8 inches (Loft ceiling heights may be lower.) · minimum bathroom, toilet-room, and kitchen ceiling height: >= 6 feet 4 inches (None stated in the cited passage.)

    “This appendix shall be applicable to tiny houses used as single dwelling units providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Installation and resulting residential use and occupancy of new or pre-owned manufactured homes statewide in New Mexico, subject to the Manufactured Housing Division's permitting and inspection rules.

    • An installation permit or combined installation and permanent-foundation inspection permit must be obtained before installation.
    • The permit must identify the licensees performing installation work and the consumer's name and address; a map is required when the address is a post-office box or rural route.
    • An unlicensed homeowner working on the homeowner's own principal residential property must perform the work personally or use division-approved licensees, execute the required acknowledgment, and assume responsibility for applicable federal, state, local, code, and inspection requirements.
    • Final inspection must certify that the manufactured home meets the minimum standards for use and occupancy under the act and regulations.
    • Permits are valid for 180 days, subject to possible time extension for weather or re-manufacturing or permanent-foundation inspections.
    • Each new or pre-owned manufactured home installed in New Mexico requires an installation permit.
    • Failure to obtain a permit subjects the homeowner, dealer, or installer to a fine of double the permit fee.
    • Local requirements, codes, and inspections still apply; the cited state rule does not establish local land-use placement or zoning permission.

    installation permit validity: 180 days (A time extension may be granted for weather-related delay or inspections involving a home being re-manufactured or installed on a permanent foundation.) · permit for certain alteration, modification, or repair: 15 USD (Available upon written request and excludes warranty work performed under a previous permit and installation.) · fine for installation without permit: double the permit fee (Applies to the homeowner, dealer, or installer.)

    “inspectors shall certify on the permit, or upon any inspection report, that the manufactured home meets the minimum standards for use and occupancy”
  • Who permits septicState

    On-site liquid waste systems and effluent receiving 5,000 gallons or less per day and not requiring a discharge plan or NPDES permit.

    • 20.7.3 NMAC identifies the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board as the issuing agency and defines the department as the New Mexico Environment Department.
    • More stringent city or county requirements may also apply.

    maximum regulated flow: <= 5000 gallons per day (Systems requiring a discharge plan under 20.6.2 NMAC or an NPDES permit are outside this part.)

    “20.7.3.1 ISSUING AGENCY: New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — On-site liquid-waste systems in Curry County.
      “Submit to Local NMED Field Office for review”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation or modification of a new or existing on-site liquid waste system, including residential or commercial units on lots for which such a system is required.

    • A permit issued by the New Mexico Environment Department, including payment of the permit fee, is required before construction or modification.
    • A permit is not required for graywater discharges or systems meeting 20.7.3.810 NMAC.
    • A dwelling may not be constructed, modified, or transported onto a lot requiring an on-site liquid waste system unless the department has issued the permit beforehand.
    • Other state, city, county, or federal approvals may also be required.
    • The department generally acts within 10 working days after a completed conventional-system application, subject to the rule's extension for potentially more stringent requirements.

    maximum regulated flow: <= 5000 gallons per day (20.7.3.2 NMAC scope limitation) · permit application completeness determination: 5 working days (Conventional systems) · conventional permit decision: 10 working days (After receipt of a completed application; review may extend to 20 working days when more stringent requirements may be necessary)

    “No person shall install or have installed a new on-site liquid waste system or modify or have modified an existing on-site liquid waste system, unless that person obtains a permit issued by the department, including payment of the permit fee, prior to construction of such installation or modification.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation or modification of an on-site liquid-waste system.

    • The system must not be covered before inspection.
    • Inspection must be requested 48 hours, or two business days, in advance.
    • An approved inspection results in a Permit to Operate.

    inspection notice: 48 hours (two business days)

    “Request Inspection by NMED 48 hours (2 business days) in advance”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privies, permitted on-site liquid waste systems, and qualifying private residential graywater discharges statewide.

    • A privy may dispose of human excreta and toilet paper but not other liquid wastes.
    • Untreated liquid waste must go to a permitted and approved enclosed system, permitted and approved treatment unit, or public sewer, except qualifying graywater.
    • Graywater under 250 gallons per day may be used for household gardening, composting, or landscaping irrigation only if all listed conditions are met, including no runoff, no spraying, no watercourse discharge, floodway exclusion, five-foot groundwater separation, local ordinance compliance, 24-hour storage limit, and specified well setbacks.
    • Graywater use for purposes other than irrigation or composting requires a department permit.

    private residential graywater discharge: < 250 gallons per day (Qualifying graywater discharge under 20.7.3.810 NMAC) · graywater setback from private domestic well: >= 100 feet · graywater setback from public water supply well: >= 200 feet · graywater storage before discharge: <= 24 hours

    “A privy may be used for the disposal of human excreta and toilet paper, but not for the disposal of other liquid wastes.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential and commercial units using an on-site liquid waste system when a public sewer is available and connection is required by the local authority with jurisdiction.

    • A public sewer is deemed available when it has capacity and is located in a thoroughfare, right-of-way, or easement abutting the lot.
    • The on-site system must be properly abandoned within 30 days after connection.
    • The state rule does not itself identify which local authority will require connection.

    abandonment deadline after sewer connection: 30 days

    “All residential and commercial units utilizing an on-site liquid waste system shall connect to a public sewer upon availability and if required in accordance with the local authority that has jurisdiction.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land statewide in New Mexico into two or more parcels for sale, lease, other conveyance, or building development, subject to the New Mexico Subdivision Act and its statutory exceptions.

    • The source defines subdivision as division of a surface area of land, including land within a previously approved subdivision, into two or more parcels for sale, lease or other conveyance or for building development, whether immediate or future.
    • The Act contains exceptions, including certain agricultural conveyances, grazing or farming divisions, municipal-boundary divisions, family transfers, divisions creating no parcel smaller than 140 acres, and other listed exceptions.
    “The board of county commissioners of each county shall regulate subdivisions within the county's boundaries.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Permanent or temporary direct vehicular access from property in close proximity to or adjoining a New Mexico state highway.

    • An access permit must be issued by the New Mexico Department of Transportation before constructing or modifying covered access.
    • Access permits are issued only when the application complies with 18.31.6 NMAC.
    • The department or an approved issuing authority may impose terms and conditions.
    • The rule concerns state highways under the jurisdiction of the state transportation commission; it does not establish a universal permit requirement for every non-state roadway.
    • For additional traffic from expansion or redevelopment, the property owner must contact the department to determine whether a new application or access modification is required; no new application is required if the department determines modifications are unnecessary.
    “no person shall construct or modify any permanent or temporary access [...] without an access permit issued by the New Mexico department of transportation.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    New Mexico Construction Industries Division permitting fees for covered construction work statewide.

    • General building permitting fees vary by type of construction, square footage, type of materials, and construction costs.
    • The official schedule separately publishes fixed fees for some electrical, LP gas, mechanical/plumbing, and other items.
    • Applicants are directed to contact one of CID’s three offices for permitting fees.
    “Permitting Fees are based upon type of construction, square footage, type of materials and construction costs.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Construction Industries Division permit applications in New Mexico.

    • The official page states that permits can be completed through the online permitting portal.
    • Specific application requirements may vary by permit type and local authority having jurisdiction.
    “Permits can also be completed using our online permitting portal.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    New Mexico counties may adopt zoning ordinances for all or any portion of county territory that is not within a municipality's zoning jurisdiction.

    • The county zoning authority's ordinance applies only to territory not within the zoning jurisdiction of a municipality.
    • Municipalities may have concurrent extraterritorial zoning authority in specified circumstances, including population-based distances, overlapping extraterritorial jurisdictions, and additional territory placed under municipal jurisdiction by county-municipal agreement.
    • Concurrent municipal authority is exercised pursuant to an extraterritorial zoning authority or joint powers agreement and may be exercised whether or not the county has enacted a comprehensive zoning ordinance.
    • In the absence of a county zoning ordinance, a qualified-elector petition signed by at least twenty-five percent of votes cast for governor at the preceding general election may require the board of county commissioners to adopt a county zoning ordinance within one year.
    “A.  a county zoning authority may adopt a zoning ordinance applicable to all or any portion of the territory within the county that is not within the zoning jurisdiction of a municipality;”
  • county building authorityLimited

    New Mexico counties that qualify as an authority having jurisdiction may administer permitting, inspection, and enforcement for residential construction in unincorporated areas and enforce applicable New Mexico construction codes.

    • A county must have a full-service building department employing a full-time certified building official and have permitting, inspection, and enforcement authority over general construction, electrical, and mechanical-plumbing trades.
    • A county established as an authority having jurisdiction before July 1, 2009 may continue with authority over specified trades without a full-service building department until it relinquishes that authority.
    • Construction work subject to the Construction Industries Licensing Act and applicable rules requires the applicable permit before construction or specified installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, or demolition work begins, unless an applicable statute or rule provides otherwise.
    • The statewide rule is effective March 10, 2022, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section.
    • A permit may be issued to a homeowner only subject to the limitations of 14.5.2.18 NMAC and an annual permit under 14.5.2.19 NMAC.
    ““Authority having jurisdiction” “AHJ” means the state or a municipality, county or other political subdivision that has a full-service building department employing a full-time certified building official and has permitting, inspection and enforcement authority over the general construction, electrical and mechanical-plumbing trades within its jurisdiction.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum lot size — General minimum lot size requirements in Curry County.
  • Lot coverage — General lot-coverage limits in Curry County.
  • Well permit — Well permits applicable to property in Curry County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental regulation in unincorporated Curry County.

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.

Water rights & wells in Curry County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from New Mexico’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellPermit required (issued by right)

Nearly all developed New Mexico lies inside an OSE 'declared' underground water basin, but a household 72-12-1.1 domestic well is a by-right permit the State Engineer issues even in closed/over-appropriated basins (metering can be required). The by-right amount is cut to 0.25 acre-ft/yr in a declared Domestic Well Management Area, and a few basin-specific orders cap it further (Gallup Order 197, Zuni Order 199) or stop issuing new domestic permits entirely (Hot Springs Order 198).

Limit: 1 acre-ft/yr by right (NMSA 72-12-1.1); 0.25 acre-ft/yr in a declared Domestic Well Management Area

NM OSE domestic well rules, 19.27.5 NMAC ↗
  • Curry County Underground Water Basinpartial of county

    OSE-declared Article-7 groundwater basin; new non-domestic (72-12-3) appropriations require an OSE permit showing unappropriated water. The 72-12-1.1 household domestic well remains by-right — no Domestic Well Management Area is declared in New Mexico. Ogallala/High Plains aquifer serving Clovis, with little recharge and long-term mining/decline (driving the Ute Reservoir pipeline). New non-domestic appropriations limited by lack of unappropriated water.

    NM OSE Article 7 (Declared Underground Water Basins) ↗
  • Portales & Causey-Lingo Basins (Ogallala)partial of county

    Southern High Plains/Ogallala basins over a mined aquifer where new appropriations are limited by declining supply; household 72-12-1.1 domestic wells are still permitted. Specific curtailment text not located.

    NM OSE Water Rights District 2 ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the New Mexico state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Curry County, New Mexico

Is Curry County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Curry County scores 38/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and deep seclusion — about 462 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17″/yr rainfall) and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Curry County, New Mexico?

Curry County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by New Mexico Environment Department, Liquid Waste Program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Curry County, New Mexico?

Land in Curry County runs about $763 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Curry County?

Curry County gets about 17" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 44.8% of years. On water rights, Curry County lies in the Curry County Underground Water Basin — OSE-declared Article-7 groundwater basin; new non-domestic (72-12-3) appropriations require an OSE permit showing unappropriated water. The 72-12-1.1 household domestic well remains by-right — no Domestic Well Management Area is declared in New Mexico. Ogallala/High Plains aquifer serving Clovis, with little recharge and long-term mining/decline (driving the Ute Reservoir pipeline). New non-domestic appropriations limited by lack of unappropriated water..

How remote is Curry County?

A representative private-land location has about 462 people within a 30-minute drive and 334,082 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Curry compares in New Mexico

Compare side-by-side →See all 33 New Mexico counties ranked →