Taos County Planning
For zoning and building questions in unincorporated Taos County. The County accepts zoning and building permit applications online and directs applicants to call after submission.
Planning officeApplications and formsHeyTaos · Living in Taos
Permits, Property and County Services
A practical starting point for zoning, building permits, trade permits, parcel research, rural addressing, deeds, assessments, and property taxes in the Town of Taos and unincorporated Taos County.
Start with jurisdiction.A Taos mailing address does not by itself tell you which office has authority. Confirm whether the parcel is inside Town limits or in unincorporated Taos County, then contact that planning office before design, demolition, grading, construction, a change of use, or a short-term-rental application.
A reliable order of operations
Project requirements vary by location, use, utilities, floodplain conditions, access, and the work being performed. This sequence helps residents avoid starting in the wrong office.
- Identify the parcel and jurisdiction. Use the County interactive map for an initial parcel check, then confirm jurisdiction with Town or County planning staff.
- Ask for the zoning and land-use path. Describe the property, current use, proposed work, utilities, and whether the project affects access, drainage, grading, or an accessory structure.
- Confirm building and trade permits separately. The local planning office can explain local approvals. New Mexico Construction Industries handles state systems for building and electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits.
- Submit a complete application. Use the office's current forms and instructions. Ask what drawings, site plans, ownership records, contractor information, or supporting approvals are required.
- Schedule inspections through the issuing authority. Do not cover work that needs inspection. Keep permit numbers and approved plans available on site.
Planning and permit offices
Town of Taos Planning
The Town's one-stop office handles planning, zoning, and building permit questions for property within Town limits. Confirm current counter and appointment availability before visiting.
Office: 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos
Phone: 575-751-2016
Application email: planningapps@taosnm.gov
State construction and trade permits
New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's Construction Industries Division provides permit systems and licensing information for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.
Apply for a permit↗Construction Industries↗Manufactured housing
The New Mexico Manufactured Housing Division has a separate permit process. Confirm state and local requirements before placement, installation, alteration, or utility connection.
Manufactured housing permits↗Property records and county offices
GIS and rural addressing
Use the County map for parcel context and contact GIS or Rural Addressing for questions that require staff confirmation. Map information is a starting point, not a boundary survey or legal title opinion.
GIS: gis.info@taoscountynm.gov
Rural Addressing: rural.addressing@taoscountynm.gov
Assessor
The Assessor maintains property valuation and assessment information. Assessment records do not replace a title search or survey.
Phone: 575-737-6380
Assessor↗Clerk and recorded documents
The Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, liens, mortgages, plats, and water-right records. County guidance says documents are not available online and Clerk staff cannot perform title searches. For a title search, contact a title company.
County Clerk↗Document requests↗Treasurer and property taxes
The Treasurer collects property taxes and provides payment information. Tax questions and assessment questions are handled by different offices.
Office: 105 Albright Street, Suite F, Taos
Phone: 575-737-6340
Before you submit or authorize work
- Confirm the parcel number, ownership name, site address, and jurisdiction.
- Describe the entire scope, including utility, grading, drainage, access, and demolition work.
- Ask which approvals must come first and which can run concurrently.
- Verify contractor licensing when the work requires a licensed trade.
- Keep written approvals, plans, receipts, permit numbers, and inspection records.
- For boundaries, easements, title, or legal rights, use the appropriate licensed professional.
Primary sources
Verified August 11, 2026. Jurisdiction, application requirements, office schedules, fees, and inspection procedures can change. Confirm directly with the issuing office before visiting, submitting, purchasing materials, or starting work.