Homeowner and buyer resources

1. Overview

Here are some resources for everyone looking to buy a home in Los Alamos County and for those who own a home here.

2. Homebuyer Assistance Program

Los Alamos County has partnered with The Housing Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to making homeownership more accessible and affordable. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of developing 700+ homes, The Housing Trust offers vital resources like down payment assistance, home rehabilitation support, mortgage reduction programs, and HUD-certified counseling. This collaboration aims to help local residents achieve homeownership through expert guidance and financial assistance.

Los Alamos County and The Housing Trust are committed to making homeownership more attainable and sustainable.

This program helps income-qualified households achieve homeownership by providing down payment assistance through a subsidy loan. This financial support makes buying a home more accessible without increasing monthly expenses. The loan requires no monthly payments and is repaid only if the home is sold or vacated. Funded by Los Alamos County, this initiative ensures families can secure homes within their means, fostering long-term stability in the community.

Learn More and Apply

3. Building department contractor list

The Los Alamos County Building Department maintains a list of contractors licensed to work in Los Alamos County.

Los Alamos County ensures that contractors possess the exact license necessary for the particular construction project specified in the permit application. In New Mexico, the primary licenses for construction projects issued in Los Alamos County are GB-98 and GB-2.

A GB-2 license holder grants contractors the authority to undertake work on single-family dwellings and structures comprising up to four attached units. Conversely, a GB-98 license holder is designated for general builders, allowing them to work on residential and commercial construction.

Moreover, work falling under mechanical, electrical, general building, or LP Gas classifications must be carried out by entities possessing valid licenses in the respective categories or subcontracted to other licensed entities.

Specialty licenses also exist, tailoring to specific project requirements:

• GA license holders specialize in asphalt, bitumen, and concrete work.
• GB license holders are authorized for residential and commercial building projects.
• GF license holders are permitted to construct fixed works facilities, such as airports, bridges, canals, and drainage systems.
• GS license holders specialize in various areas such as insulation, awnings, concrete work, demolition, drywall, excavating, elevators, framing, siding, stucco, roofing, and windows.

Additionally, there are specialized licenses for electrical (EE), mechanical and plumbing (MM), each catering to residential and commercial projects, along with further specialty classifications within these domains.

4. Home Renewal Program

Designed for income-qualified homeowners, the HRP helps improve the safety, comfort, and livability of existing homes. Instead of short-term fixes, this program provides funding for essential home improvements, enhancing both individual properties and the surrounding neighborhood. Like the Homebuyer Assistance Program, the HRP offers subsidy loans with no monthly payments, requiring repayment only if the home is sold or vacated.

Learn More and Apply

5. Residential building permits

Residential construction permits allow alteration and construction projects on your home. Please see our Permit Types and Checklists section for a list of available project permits.

Please note that you should not start construction before obtaining your permit. If you do, you will incur double fees and risk delays by being required to remove some of your work for inspection purposes.

1. Complete your project's checklist

Review and complete your project's checklist. Two sets of the building plans and the site plans must be provided for plan review.

2. Review the fees

Different fees apply depending on your project's needs. Review the fees so you have an understanding of what you need to pay.

3. Submit your application

Once you have completed your checklist reviewed the fees, it's time to apply for your permit. You can apply online by visiting our Citizen Self Service Portal.

Visit the portal

You can apply in person by visiting our office at:

1000 Central Avenue, Suite 150
Los Alamos, NM 87544

4. Review process

After we've received your application, a Permit Technicians and department staff member will review it. Most residential permits take three business days to process.

If you we need additional information from you, we will reach out.

5. Receive your permit

Once your permit has been approved, a Permit Technician will reach out to collect fees and issue your permit.

6. Schedule an inspection

At this point, you can begin your project. If an inspection is required, you will be need to schedule one with our staff. If you pass your inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy.