City Services

This is the fifth 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. In this article, the focus is expanded to include commercial remodels as well. 

Roswell, N.M. — Before remodeling your home or business, visit the city’s Community Development Department as your first step in requesting a building permit. Residential and non-residential remodels require a permit. Also, there are additional review requirements for commercial remodels.

Contractors with a GB98 license are required for commercial 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 for commercial projects, bring the following items with you to the Community Development Office for Planning and Zoning to review the remodel plan:

• Property address.
• Boundary survey for the property (if you already have one).
• Floor plan for remodels
• Location of utilities (Underground: water line, sewer line, gas meter/gas line, phone/cable, electric. Overhead: electric.)
• Site plan for commercial projects
• 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.

When remodeling a commercial property, the city’s Planning and Zoning Staff will conduct a development review process. Staff will review the entire property for compliance with the Zoning Ordinance and other pertinent city codes. Staff will look at the condition of the parking lot, parking stall striping, ADA parking/access aisles/ramps/signage, outdoor lighting, landscaping, signage and other site development requirements.

For questions about any remodels, contact (575-637-6280) or visit (421 N. Richardson Ave.) the Community Development Department. For questions about commercial property site maintenance requirements, contact either of these two Community Development Planning and Zoning representatives:

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

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