Welcome to your central resource for all permits, licenses, and registrations in Las Cruces. Whether you’re starting a new business, building a home, or hosting an event, obtaining the right documentation is crucial for compliance and success. This page offers a comprehensive overview of the various permits, licenses, and registrations required by the city. You’ll find detailed information on how to apply, necessary fees, and the specific regulations that may affect your project or business. Use our guides and resources to navigate the process efficiently, ensuring that all your activities are fully compliant with local laws and regulations. Let’s get started on the right path to securing your permit, license, or registration today.
Apply for a Building Permit
Attention: The Permitting Counter is open to the public 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday
Please note Permits and Business Registration are available online at City of Las Cruces Accela Citizen Portal. Online services include:
- Application submittal for both building permits and business licenses
- Checking status of your project- building permits
- Inspection requests
- To make payments for building permits and business licenses
For questions please email: inspectionrequest@lascruces.gov or call 575-528-3059.
Building Permit Service Guidelines
Most building projects require application reviews to be completed before a permit is issued. This process helps ensure compliance with various codes, ordinances and standards. Submit permit applications through the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal.
Building Permit Types May Include:
Getting Started Guide to Applying for a Building Permit
- Prerequisite: You must have a valid address assigned from the City
- Visit the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal
- Register for an account (step-by-step instructions are found below in Resources)
- Login with a username and password
- Click on either the Building or Parking tab at the top, then click on the Create an Application option, accept the General Disclaimer, and continue through the application process by selecting Continue Application until you have finished the application.
Next Steps
Permits are processed within 0 to 3 business days for residential projects and based on the valuation, commercial projects can take between 0 to 8 business days.
Resources
For more about the Downtown Permits or Destination Downtown, contact us at 575-541-2191 or, downtown@las-cruces.org.
Steps for Completing the Permit Process
- Contact the Downtown Staff for pre-application discussion to find out whether your event can be held downtown. Staff will provide you with the City Manager’s Facility Use Policy and Downtown Facility Permitting Standard Operating Procedures.
- Select the downtown location that you would like to reserve
- To obtain preliminary approval you must submit a complete Permit Application, site plan, and payment to the Downtown Staff.
- Follow the appropriate steps below based on the number of working days. Listed below are minimum time requirements; earlier is better. For this process, a Facility Use Packet will be considered complete and ready for final approval only if it includes:
- Filled-out Facility Use Application, included herein;
- Site Map of your event
- Proof of Liability Insurance listing the City of Las Cruces as additionally insured
- Traffic Control Plan and invoice from barricade company, if applicable;
- Main Street Stakeholder Notification Form, if applicable.
Events without street closure or alcohol (excluding Main Street)
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 15 working days (3 weeks) prior to the event. The application will then be subject to a review and action by the Downtown Staff. The Downtown Staff may request input from some of the Main St. Downtown stakeholders.
Events involving a street closure or parade, but without alcohol (not including Main Street closure)
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 20 working days (4 weeks) prior to the event. The application shall include: 1) A map of the proposed street closures or the route of the procession or parade; 2) The staging location; and 3) The start and end times. This information is in addition to that requested on the application. The application will then be subject to a review and action by the Downtown Staff. The Downtown Staff may request input from some of the Main St. Downtown stakeholders.
Events with alcohol, regardless of street closure
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 45 working days (9 weeks) prior to the event. In addition to the application, the process and timeline defined by the City for alcohol licensing must be followed. Inability or unwillingness to follow the process and/or timeline will result in a denial of the Facility Use Application. If a street closure is also requested as part of the application, the organizers must follow the policy for events with street closures. The application will then be subject to a review and action by the Downtown Staff. The Downtown Staff may request input from some of the Main St. Downtown stakeholders.
Events with Main Street closure
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 60 working days (12 weeks) prior to the event. Input from businesses with a storefront on the portion of Main Street you wish to close must be notified and invited to collaborate on your event, if they wish. A signature from the business owner listed on the Main Street Stakeholder Notification Form will be required from at least 75% of all listed Main Street stakeholders to approve this application.
Downtown Event Applicant’s Checklist
When planning for your downtown event, you will need to provide the following in order for your application to be complete and ready for review:
- Contact the Downtown Staff and schedule to have application reviewed.
- Read and understand the City Manager’s Facility Use Policy and Downtown Facility Permitting Standard Operating Procedures.
- Complete the Facility Use Application and return – including any necessary permits – within the required time frame discussed with Destination Downtown Staff.
- Provide a site plan of event layout and vendor locations.
- If closing any streets, provide traffic control plan and invoice from barricade company.
- Submit the event holder liability insurance and endorsement, and for any participating food trucks.
Site Plan or Route Map Information
The Site Plan is a detailed map and “floor plan” of your event. The Route Map details the entire parade or procession route. To ensure a quick and thorough review of your Facility Use Application, please include the following applicable details on the Site Plan or Route Map and submit it with your application. A base map will be provided by staff. Applications submitted without a site or route plan or with an incomplete plan may result in the application being denied.
Site Plans or Route Maps shall include the following:
- The location and boundaries of the planned event, including proposed fencing, location of all entrances and exits, emergency exits, and security guard and fire extinguisher locations
- All stage, table, and canopy locations, include dimensions
- All signage for the event, both internal and external to the event site boundaries
- All proposed porta-potty locations, including ADA-accessible porta-potties and hand-washing stations
- All proposed trash dumpster locations, including size and placement
- A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is required for a street closure. (Select TCPs are provided by staff.)
- A Route Map and Traffic Control Plan are required for parades or processions
For more about the Plaza de Las Cruces or Destination Downtown, contact us at 575-541-2150 or, downtown@lascruces.gov.
Fees
Payment will only be taken at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices (1501 E Hadley Avenue) or mailed to:
Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004
User fees are established by the City Council. All applicable fees and/or deposits must be paid a minimum of seven working days prior to the approved event by cash, credit card, check or money order made payable to the City of Las Cruces
Aquatics Fees
| Rental Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Child Watch | $1 |
| Party Room | $100 for 3 hours |
| Swim Session: Infant (0 to 2 years old) | Free |
| Swim Session: Youth (3 to 17 years old) | $3 |
| Swim Session: Adult (18 to 59 years old) | $4 |
| Swim Session: Senior (60 years old and up) | $3 |
| Regional Aquatic Center Exclusive Rentals (Saturdays only) 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.) NO HOLIDAY RENTALS | $400 |
| Outdoor Pool Exclusive Rentals only available seasonally (Saturdays only) 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) NO HOLIDAY RENTALS | $200 |
Sports Fields Fees
*Sports field rentals are in 12-hour increments
Adult Tournament Fees
| Field Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 Field Complex | $450 |
| 4 Field Complex | $600 |
| Apodaca | $200 |
| Burn Lake | $300 |
| High Noon 1 through 5, 11, and 12 | $500 |
| Provencio Van Dame | $300 |
| Single Field | $150 |
| Soldados | $200 |
Youth Tournament Fees
| Field Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 Field Complex | $150 |
| 4 Field Complex | $200 |
| Apodaca | $100 |
| Burn Lake | $150 |
| High Noon 1 through 5, 11, and 12 | $250 |
| Provencio Van Dame | $150 |
| Single Field | $50 |
| Soldados | $100 |
Parks Fees
Permitted exclusive use of a park/area/section is $50 per area/section per four hours.
For exclusive use of an entire park, if scheduled for more than one day of use, a flat fee may be applied to determine applicable fees.
Electricity/Water Fees
Use of electricity or water at designated parks is a $50 added fee to the requested planned event.
Application Process
- Select the location of a Park, Facility, Sports Field, or Aquatic Facility that you would like to request a reservation for. Learn more about our facilities.
- Check the availability date of the location you are requesting with the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices. Administrative offices are located at 1501 E. Hadley Ave. We can also be reached at (575) 541-2550.
- If the selected date is available, a permit application will need to be submitted to the Administrative Offices, at least 2 weeks in advance of reservation.
- Payment can be made the following ways: Hand deliver to the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices (1501 E. Hadley Ave.) Credit card payment by telephone (575) 541-2550 Mail check or money order to 1501 E. Hadley Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001
Facility/Park Use Permit Application
Alarm Permit
The Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority (MVRDA) administers both residential and commercial alarm permits for residents living in Las Cruces city limits. View the Alarm Permits for more information, or call 575-647-6805.
Parade Permit Form
The Parade Permit form (PDF) is required for anyone requesting permission to have a parade/procession on the roadway in the City of Las Cruces. Form must be completed and submitted two weeks prior to the event.
Sound Permit Form
This form (PDF) is required for anyone planning to have music at personal events held in public places such as City parks. A petition requesting signatures of residents living in the vicinity of the event location is a required part of this form. Form must be completed and submitted two weeks prior to the event.
Street/Block Party Form
This form (PDF) is required for anyone requesting permission to have a street/block party. A petition requesting signatures of residents living in the vicinity of the event location is a required part of this form. Form must be completed and submitted two weeks prior to the event.
Park Reservations
Park reservation information can be found here
Apply for New License or Renew a Business
Please note Business Registration is available online at City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal.
For questions please email: inspectionrequest@lascruces.gov or call 575-528-3059.
Business Guidelines
Renew or apply for a business registration or license through the online City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal.
Registration types may include:
- Home Occupation
- Commercial
- Special/Temporary
- Liquor License
- Securities and Door-to-Door Solicitation (only accepted by in office applications)
Getting Started Guide to Apply for a License, Register or Renew a Business
- Prerequisites:
- Obtain a copy of your NM State Tax ID/CRS Number Certificate,
- Confirm your address is a valid address with the City
- Visit the City of Las Cruces Citizen Portal
- Register for an account (step-by-step instructions are found below in Resources)
- Login with a username and password
- Click on the Licenses tab at the top, then click on the Apply for a License option, read related instructions, accept the General Disclaimer, and continue through the application process by selecting Continue Application until you have finished the application
Business Costs
The cost of living in Las Cruces compared to the average U.S. city for Q3 2019 is about 12% more affordable. Las Cruces is more affordable in 5 out of the 6 categories: housing, utilities, health care, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services. Las Cruces also has a lower overall business costs due to competitive labor and energy costs.
