MapLink™ | Frequently Asked Questions

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MapLink Quick Help
Need help using MapLink?
Click here for the Quick Help guide. 
What can I do with my property?
Watch this short video to learn how to use MapLink to find out more about your property.
 
Where can I put my business?
Watch this short video to learn how to use MapLink to find out more about where certain land uses are allowed. 
Building and Development Services
When do I need a permit?
A development permit shall be required for any of the following activities:
Construction
For construction or renovation of, or an addition to any structure;

Road/Driveway
For construction or reconstruction of a road or driveway pursuant to CHAPTER 7: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STANDARDS of the SLDC (a separate permit is required to access a County road);

Signs
For construction or placement of a sign pursuant to CHAPTER 7: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STANDARDS of the SLDC;

Grading
For grading of a site prior to issuance of another development permit pursuant to CHAPTER 7: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STANDARDS of the SLDC;

Floodplain Development
For development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) pursuant to CHAPTER 7: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STANDARDS of the SLDC;

Utilities
For installation of utilities prior to issuance of other development permits pursuant to the SLDC pursuant to CHAPTER 7: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STANDARDS; and

Swimming pool
To authorize installation of a swimming pool pursuant to CHAPTER 7: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN STANDARDS of the SLDC;

Fences and walls
  1. Residential walls and fences higher than six feet;
  2. All walls and opaque fences for nonresidential or multi-family use;
  3. All retaining walls higher than four feet;
  4. Walls or opaque fences built atop a retaining wall where the total height of the wall and/or fence and retaining wall is greater than six feet;
  5. Walls or opaque fences that cross a stream, existing trail, arroyo, acequia or drainage channel; and
  6. Any walls or fences built within a safe sight triangle; and

Signs
A development permit is required prior to the placement or relocation of any sign. The content of an existing sign may be changed without a permit. Nor is a development permit required for signs that do not require a permit under § 7.9: SIGNS.
How is my property zoned?
Santa Fe County adopted a zoning map in 2015. To find out what zoning district your property is located in you can refer to our interactive zoning map on our website and search your property by owner name, address, or tax ID number.

FIND YOUR ZONING

You can also contact the Building and Development Services Division Directly at (505) 986-6225 to find out what your property is zoned.
What are the submittal requirements and process for obtaining a development permit?
The Growth Management Department has prepared submittal checklists for development permits. These standardized lists provide all information including what type of documents and number of plan sets you will need to submit when you apply for your permit. You can access this information on the County website: www.santafecountynm.gov or pick up the forms in the Building and Development Services office located at 102 Grant Ave.
Transferable Development Rights
What are Transferrable Development Rights (TDRs)?
TDRs are the conveyance of development rights by deed, easement, or other legal instrument, authorized by the SLDC, to another parcel of land and the recording of that conveyance. In Santa Fe County, TDRs are used to protect agricultural, historic, and environmental resources, open space, and scenic areas, while accommodating the needs of development.