Santa Fe County Fence, Solar, and Grading Permit Guide

Santa Fe County development permits apply outside incorporated areas for building, additions, grading, roads, driveways, fences and walls over six feet, retaining walls over four feet, solar systems, pools, utilities, and floodplain development.

Permit takeaway

Santa Fe County says all building and development outside incorporated areas must comply with the Sustainable Land Development Code and requires a development permit, with exceptions for Pueblo lands.

Zoning and placement

The county requires homeowners to determine the zoning district and check SLDC standards for setbacks, access, easements, water supply, energy efficiency, open space, rainwater catchment, terrain management, and archeological resources.

Building and trade review

Permit packets are available for accessory structures, fences and walls, grading and clearing, PV solar, residential additions, single-family homes, swimming pools, and utility authorization.

Call before applying when

Call before grading, clearing, building a wall over six feet, retaining more than four feet, crossing an arroyo or drainage channel, installing solar, or working in a floodplain.

Documents to prepare

• Development permit packet
• Zoning map information
• Site plan
• Fence, wall, grading, or solar checklist
• Water, septic, or utility information when applicable

Inspection planning

• Confirm county jurisdiction
• Choose the correct permit packet
• Check zoning and SLDC standards
• Submit development permit
• Schedule required inspections

Official sources

• Santa Fe County Building and Development
• Santa Fe County Residential Development
• Santa Fe County Permit Packets

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.