Current Commercial Code
2021 New Mexico Commercial Building Code
Based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with New Mexico amendments. Effective from July 30, 2024.
2021 New Mexico Energy Codes
Based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); allows for a transition period from January 30, 2024, to July 30, 2024, during which permits may be issued under either the 2018 or 2021 Energy Codes. All permits after July 30, 2024, must comply with the 2021 standards.
2021 Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Codes
Includes the 2021 editions of the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC). These updates ensure compliance with current safety and efficiency standards across mechanical, plumbing, and electrical installations.
Current Residential Code of New Mexico
2021 New Mexico Residential Building Code
Based on the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with New Mexico amendments.
Passed January 14, 2023, effective July 14, 2023.
2021 New Mexico Residential Energy Code
Based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with New Mexico amendments.
Phase-in from January 30, 2024, through July 30, 2024. As of July 30, 2024, all permits must comply with the 2021 standards.
NMECC Residential Applications Manual
Climate Zones: 3B, 4B, 5B
Code Adoption and Change Process
Code Change Process
Regulatory: The codes are adopted or amended by the Construction Industries Division of the Regulation and Licensing Department, on recommendation of the various trade bureaus that have been created under its auspices. As part of the process, the new code or code amendments are reviewed by the general construction technical advisory council and a code change committee. Once approved, comments are solicited at public hearings. The final version is prepared by Construction Industry Division staff and sent to the Construction Industry Commission. If approved, the changes are sent to archive and become effective after a thirty day waiting period.
Code Change Cycle
Generally reviewed at least every three years with the publication of the new editions of the model codes.
Next Code Update
The next major update for New Mexico’s building codes is set to be the 2021 New Mexico Commercial and Residential Building Codes, which become effective on July 30, 2024. These updates will incorporate the latest standards and practices to ensure safety and sustainability in building construction across the state.
History
| 1978 | New Mexico Construction Licensing Act | Establishes requirements for all building trades contractors to be licensed and certified to ensure compliance with state codes uniformly. |
| July 1, 2004 | 2003 IECC Becomes Effective | The 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) becomes effective. |
| 2004 | Tax Credit for Green Homes | New Mexico passes a bill establishing a tax credit for homes that achieve a HERS rating of 60, indicating 40% more energy efficiency than a reference home built according to the current code. Eligible homes must also achieve either a LEED for Homes Silver certification or a Build Green NM Gold certification. |
| January 1, 2008 | 2006 NMECC Effective | The 2006 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code (NMECC), based on the 2006 IECC with New Mexico amendments, goes into effect with a six-month grace period. Commercial buildings must comply with ASHRAE 90.1-2004. |
| August 3, 2009 | Albuquerque New Local Energy Code | Albuquerque City Council approves Ordinance 09-85, establishing a new local energy code that includes several amendments more stringent than the 2009 IECC, effective December 1, 2009. |
| May 14, 2010 | CIC Proposes Amendments | The Construction Industries Commission (CIC) recommends code amendments making the 2009 NMECC approximately 20% more stringent than the 2006 IECC. |
| March 8, 2010 | SB 200 Signed into Law | Establishes energy efficiency standards for public buildings, requiring new buildings and renovations to meet an energy performance standard of 50% or less of the national average for that type of building and attain Energy Star certification. |
| 2011 | Freeze and Legal Challenges | Governor Susana Martinez issues an executive order freezing the implementation of the 2009 NMECC. Following legal challenges, the Sierra Club reaches an agreement with Governor Martinez’s administration to publish rules updating 13 state building codes, including the 2009 NMECC. |
| January 1, 2012 | 2009 NMECC Becomes Effective Statewide | After overcoming legal challenges and rollback attempts, the 2009 NMECC, based on the 2009 IECC, becomes the effective statewide code. |
| December 19, 2011 | Rollback of Albuquerque’s Advanced Energy Code | Albuquerque City Council votes to use the statewide minimum energy code, abandoning the city’s advanced energy code that had been intended to make the city a leader in energy conservation. |
| November 15, 2016 | CID Publishes Updated Rules | The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) of the Regulation and Licensing Department publishes adopted rules for commercial and residential buildings in the state register. These rules update most of the state’s building codes to reference the 2015 suite of I-codes. However, all energy efficiency provisions in these updates still reference 14.7.6 NMAC, the 2009 New Mexico Energy Conservation Code. |
Contacts
Martin Romero
General Construction Bureau Chief CBO
Regulation and Licensing Department
Construction Industries and Manufactured Housing
Email: martin.romero@state.nm.us
Jeremy Lewis
Program Development and Management Bureau Chief
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
Email: jeremy.lewis@state.nm.us
Ken Hughes
Clean Energy Program Manager
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department
Email: ken.hughes@state.nm.us
Jim Meyers
Director, Buildings Efficiency Program
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Email: jmeyers@swenergy.org
Christine Brinker
Senior Associate, Buildings Efficiency Program
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Email: cbrinker@swenergy.org
News and Events
- Five reasons solar PV is the future of clean energy in Albuquerque October 17, 2017
- Where Are They Now? Santa Fe, NM August 17, 2016
- Comprehensive State Energy Plans: A Brief Comparison October 29, 2015
BCAP Resources
Helpful Links
Cosimina has been a member of BCAP for over a decade, actively contributing to the organization’s nationally acclaimed initiatives aimed at assisting states and local authorities in the establishment and enforcement of robust and efficient building energy codes. Her involvement spans across advocacy, technical guidance, outreach programs, and the formation of strategic coalitions.