Development Information for Los Alamos County
Welcome to Los Alamos County!
The Community Development Department (CDD) is committed to delivering high-quality, responsive services that support well-designed development and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses. Our core functions include land use planning, construction plan review, building inspections, property maintenance enforcement, and housing policy development.
Our goal is to provide consistent, timely, fair, and solution-oriented permitting and planning processes, all with a strong focus on customer service. While our services are regulatory in nature, we take a proactive and collaborative approach, encouraging early engagement with developers, homeowners, contractors, and business owners to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
By investing in Los Alamos County, you’re joining a community that values thoughtful growth and long-term vitality. We look forward to working with you and supporting the successful completion of your project.
CDD serves as your primary point of contact throughout the development process and our staff is here to guide you.
The Development Process
Designed with our customers in mind, our process offers predictable review times, flexibility, and a transparent approach to the application process.
Define Your Project
Start by calling the Planning Division to identify:
Determine the Review Path & Approximate Timelines
Depending on the type of project, you may or may not need public hearing approval.
Projects that do not need a public hearing include accessory structures, summary plats, temporary use permits, minor site plan amendments, fence/wall permits, and sign permits. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviews and approves Quasi-judicial applications. Examples or projects that would need reviewed by the Commission include conditional use permits, development plans, subdivision plats, and variances. A full list of applications that require public hearings can be found in Chapter 16, Article V. of the Los Alamos County Development Code.
Once we know your project type, we can estimate timing and fees.
- Administrative Review ~ 28 Days
- Public Hearing Decision (Planning & Zoning) ~ 60 days from submission to final approval
- Building permit review process, turnaround time ~ 3 days Residential or 5 days Commercial - if application is complete.
Application Process
- Required
- Submit Application → Staff review
- Public Hearing (~2 months total)
- Structural Permit (~1 month if complete)
- Project Dependent
- Pre-Application Meeting
- Public Notice & Outreach
Note: All plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits are processed through The State of New Mexico Construction Industries Division.
Fees & Utilities
At-A-Glance: Development Process Flowchart
Project Defined → Pre-App Review → Application Submitted → Technical Review → Public Notice & Hearing →
Decision → Appeal Period → Submit for Building Permit
Contact Us:
CDD Phone: 505-662-8120
General Inquiries: Email the Community Development Department
Planning Division: planning@lacnm.us
Permit Techs: permit.techs@lacnm.us
Inspections: buildinginspectionrequests@lacnm.us
Economic Development Division: economicdevelopment@lacnm.us
Programs & Incentives
Metropolitan Redevelopment Areas
A Metropolitan Redevelopment Area (MRA) designation helps developers by unlocking tools like tax incentives, fee waivers, and public-private partnerships that reduce project costs and streamline redevelopment. In Los Alamos County, the East Downtown and White Rock MRAs prioritize revitalization efforts in areas with aging infrastructure or underused properties, creating opportunities for impactful investment and long-term community improvement.
Learn More
Local Economic Development Act
The Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) allows Los Alamos County to provide financial support to developers through tools like industrial revenue bonds, grants for tech-based businesses, building façade improvements, and other qualifying economic development projects. These funds, administered on a reimbursement basis, help reduce upfront costs for developments that create jobs, grow the local economy, and deliver public benefits.
Explore Opportunities
Multi-Family Housing Programs and Support
Los Alamos County’s Affordable Housing Program supports developers through housing assistance grants and access to affordable housing funds that reduce project costs and expand housing opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents. Qualified nonprofits, for-profits, and housing authorities can apply through a competitive process, with eligibility and funding determined based on project impact, financial stability, and community benefit. The program can assist with land donations, construction subsidies, and other tools that make housing projects more feasible and impactful. These opportunities are reviewed on a case by case basis and must meet the minimum requirements of the affordable plan and ordinance as explained in Chapter 14.
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