How Zoning Permits Work
We want to make it easy to understand zoning regulations in Raton. Following is general information on zoning permits.
- This information is also covered in our Guide to Building in Raton (PDF)
Who needs a zoning permit?
The Raton Zoning Code states that “No building or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building or structure or part thereof shall be erected, moved, or structurally altered,” without the issuance of a zoning permit through the City of Raton Planning and Zoning Department.
What does that mean?
Essentially, every person wishing to renovate or construct ANY type of building within the City of Raton must submit the proper paperwork, appropriate fees and obtain written permission in the form of a permit.
This includes placement of or renovations for:
- mobile homes
- carports
- sheds
- barns
- modular homes
- stick framed homes
- garages
- industrial warehouses
- non-residential structures or uses such as storage yards or salvage operations, for example
Why does the City require a zoning permit?
The purpose of Zoning Codes and Zoning Permits are to prescribe how and for what purpose each parcel of land in a community may be used and to protect the interests of the community.
Often people will ask “Why should the City be able to tell me what I can do with my property?” Many times what a person does with their land affects their neighborhood and their community. Zoning Codes are set up to give landowners maximum flexibility while still providing enough authority to the City to control the quality, size and types of development happening within the City. The Codes also ensure that every person or developer is held to the same zoning and land use standards.
How do I obtain a zoning permit?
The City of Raton attempts to make the permitting process as efficient and pain free as possible while still requiring the necessary information to make certain requirements and guidelines are being followed. It is recommended Applicants verify all zoning requirements prior to the purchase of land or structures to ensure the expenditure of monies nets the most gain for the Applicant.
- Contact the Zoning Department to apply for a permit
What is required to apply for a zoning permit?
The following items must be submitted to the Zoning Department to apply for a zoning permit:
- scaled diagram of dimensions
- permit application
- non-refundable application fee
Additional details for each item follow below.
Scaled Diagram
In order to secure a zoning permit an Applicant must provide a scaled diagram delineating:
- lot dimensions
- setback dimensions
- square footage and location of all proposed construction
- square footage and location of all existing structures
- location of any structures to be demolished
Permit Application
In addition, a zoning permit application must be completed and submitted with the appropriate drawings and a non-refundable fee.
- Contact Planning and Zoning for a permit application
Additional Drawings
Applications shall be accompanied by such drawings of the proposed work, including floodplains, sections, elevations, parking plans and structural details as required by the Planning Director.
Additional Permits Required in New Mexico
In addition to a zoning permit, it may be necessary for builders, property owners or developers to obtain a New Mexico State Building Permit.
Contact and permitting information for State Building Permits may be obtained at City Hall from the Planning and Zoning Department. The P&Z Department would be happy to assist any person wishing to receive further information regarding the zoning permitting or building process.
- Please call (575) 445-9181 for any further assistance.
