Planning Division FAQs

Yes, a permit is required before the construction of any wall and/or fence to ensure it complies with the county’s development standards. Those standards can be found in Chapter 16, Development Code, Division 7. Walls, Fences and Gates. The Building Code would only apply when a fence/wall is taller than 6-feet.

Sheds are considered accessory structures and are permitted in all residential and mixed-use zone districts, subject to the Use-Specific standards for Accessory Structures. Those standards can be found in Chapter 16, Development Code, Section 16-18(b).

Yes. A permit is required for all accessory structures. These are structures detached from and located on the same lot as a primary building. They include, but are not limited to, shade structures such as covered patios, gazebos, pergolas, ramadas, or similar roofed structures. A structure attached by wall or roof to the main building is not an accessory structure but is a part of the main building and would be considered an addition. The proposed accessory structure must comply with the county’s use development standards. The Use-Specific standards for Accessory Structures can be found in Chapter 16, Development Code, Section 16-18(b). 

ADUs are permitted in some residential zone districts: SFR-1, SFR-2, SFR-3, RA, RE, RM and MFR-L, subject to the Use-Specific standards for Accessory Dwelling Units. Those standards can be found in Chapter 16, Development Code, Section 16-18(a). The zone district can be found by searching for the address within our Parcel Interactive Map.

Your title company will often have a copy of a survey of your property or your property deed will give you a tax description of your property. Sometimes you can locate the survey markers on your property, but if they cannot be found – you can hire a surveyor to mark the property for you. Although the county has a surveyor on staff, they cannot survey/locate private properties. Also, if your property has a survey recorded, you can request a copy from the Clerk’s Office at clerks@losalamosnm.gov

Permitted Uses for your property can be found in Chapter 16, Development Code, Article III, Division 1. Permitted Uses. If you do not know the zone district, it can be located by searching the address within our Parcel Interactive Map.

Dimensional standards for each zone district can be found in Chapter 16, Development Code, Article II, Division 2. Base Zone Districts. It includes lot standards, setbacks, heights, and density. If you do not know the zone district, it can be located by searching the address within our Parcel Interactive Map.