Thinking of adding that perfect casita or finally building your vision in Santa Fe? That's fantastic! But before you even think about blueprints, there are some fundamental checks you must make regarding building permits. Trust me, overlooking these early stages can lead to significant delays and headaches.

The essential foundation: is your property even eligible?

One of the first surprises for many is that your survey map isn't the ultimate proof of a buildable lot. What the city or county needs is a legal lot of record, an official document held by the County Clerk. Title insurance won't cover this!

Driveway access and fire safety

Next up: how will you and emergency services access your property? The Fire Department has specific requirements.

Minimum Width: Your driveway needs to be at least 14 feet wide
Length Considerations:
- Over 150 feet: Requires turnarounds.
- Over 250 feet: Requires both turnouts and turnarounds.

Important Note: These rules are current as of May 2025, but always verify the latest regulations directly with the City or County!

Addressing the past: existing non-conformities

Santa Fe has a rich history, and sometimes properties have evolved in ways that don't align with current zoning. This could include:

Setback violations: Building too close to property lines.
Height restrictions: Exceeding current height limits.

If your property has these existing non-conformities, you might need to resolve them before new construction can be permitted.

Don't get stuck in red tape: Let us help!

These initial checks – the legal lot, driveway access, and existing zoning issues – are the gatekeepers to the permitting process. Getting them right early can save you significant time and frustration.

Feeling unsure about your property's initial eligibility for building permits? Contact us for a preliminary assessment.