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Planning and Zoning
Mission Statement
The mission of the Planning and Zoning Department is to assist the residents of Ruidoso Downs in the achievement of their personal and community development goals. We will provide this service on an individual and timely basis with a commitment to community values, and ecological principles for the protection of the environment while evaluating competing priorities and interests.
Building Inspectors
The City of Ruidoso Downs no longer has Building Inspectors. If you need to call for an inspection or have questions regarding permitting, you will need to contact Construction Industries Division (CID).
Business Registrations
Complete the Business Registration (PDF) form as part of the process to register your business with the City of Ruidoso Downs. This form and process is required for all types of businesses located within the City of Ruidoso Downs or doing business within city limits.
International Building Codes
If you have questions regarding the International Building Codes please contact the CID Albuquerque office at 505-222-9800.
OFFICIALSJennet Recendez, Planning Services Director
E: jrecendez@ruidosodowns.us
T: 575-378-1342 Ext. 1021
Nancy Gutierrez, Administrative Assistant/GIS Technician
E: ngutierrez@ruidosodowns.us
T: 575-378-1342 Ext. 1041
Do I need a permit? (Click Here)
Why Do I Need a Building Permit?
Building permits are mainly about safety. By enforcing construction standards, they give you and the other occupants of the building the best chance to avoid fire, structural failure, or something as simple as a child getting his head caught between stair posts. If you decide to move, the permit process also protects future owners. The first reason to obtain a building permit is that it's illegal not to. If you fail to get a permit for work that requires it, you can be fined. You may be forced to remove a building or tear out completed work. But there are plenty of positive reasons for following the permit process as well:
• It keeps your contractor honest. To beat competitor prices, a profit-driven contractor may be tempted to cut corners. How would you know? A building permit requires that a contractor use safe and sound methods and building materials. Inspections assure that he does so.
• It guides your do-it-yourself projects. No matter how handy you are, you may not know everything about modern building practices. When you get a permit, you'll have to show the building department your plans. If they don't follow current building codes, the building inspector will ask you to revise them. But if you never apply for a permit, you might go ahead with work that's dangerous or unsound.
• It keeps your insurance valid. Building done without a permit can mean that your insurance company may not honor your policy. A fire resulting from work without a permit could leave you responsible for the damages. If someone falls off a deck that was built without a permit, your liability insurance may not cover his or her injuries.
• It's valuable when you sell your home. If you perform work without a permit, you can assume a potential buyer will know about it. The permit process is a matter of public record. In addition, you may be required to sign a Property Disclosure Statement, in which you have to reveal all problems or defects in the property. Having all the necessary permits makes the sale proceed much more smoothly. Even if they understand building permits' value, they often, homeowners get confused about the type of work for which they need one..jpg)
Comprehensive Plan
Comprehensive Plan 2021
T: 575-378-1342 Ext. 1041
Do I need a permit? (Click Here)
Why Do I Need a Building Permit?
Building permits are mainly about safety. By enforcing construction standards, they give you and the other occupants of the building the best chance to avoid fire, structural failure, or something as simple as a child getting his head caught between stair posts. If you decide to move, the permit process also protects future owners. The first reason to obtain a building permit is that it's illegal not to. If you fail to get a permit for work that requires it, you can be fined. You may be forced to remove a building or tear out completed work. But there are plenty of positive reasons for following the permit process as well:
• It keeps your contractor honest. To beat competitor prices, a profit-driven contractor may be tempted to cut corners. How would you know? A building permit requires that a contractor use safe and sound methods and building materials. Inspections assure that he does so.
• It guides your do-it-yourself projects. No matter how handy you are, you may not know everything about modern building practices. When you get a permit, you'll have to show the building department your plans. If they don't follow current building codes, the building inspector will ask you to revise them. But if you never apply for a permit, you might go ahead with work that's dangerous or unsound.
• It keeps your insurance valid. Building done without a permit can mean that your insurance company may not honor your policy. A fire resulting from work without a permit could leave you responsible for the damages. If someone falls off a deck that was built without a permit, your liability insurance may not cover his or her injuries.
• It's valuable when you sell your home. If you perform work without a permit, you can assume a potential buyer will know about it. The permit process is a matter of public record. In addition, you may be required to sign a Property Disclosure Statement, in which you have to reveal all problems or defects in the property. Having all the necessary permits makes the sale proceed much more smoothly. Even if they understand building permits' value, they often, homeowners get confused about the type of work for which they need one.
Comprehensive PlanComprehensive Plan 2021
Document Center
The Document Center provides easy access to public documents. Click on one of the categories below to see related documents or use the search function.
Categories always sorted by seq (sub-categories sorted within each category)
Documents sorted by SEQ in Ascending Order within category
Documents sorted by SEQ in Ascending Order within category
Applications & Permits10 documents
- Mobile Home Placement Application Packet
- Sign Permit Application
- Political Sign Application
- Solar Panel Instillation Application
- Demolition Application
- Residential Building Application
- Homeowner Building Application
- Commercial Building Application
- Mobile Home Division Home Owner Responsibility
- Business License Application
Short- Term Rentals2 documents
- Short-Term Rental Ordinance
- Short-Term Rental Application Short-Term Rental Application