Arpit Jain 23 min March 22, 2026

Navigating Structural & Foundation Design in New Mexico: A Code Compliance Guide

New Mexico's diverse geography—from high desert plains to alpine mountains and the seismically active Rio Grande rift—presents unique challenges for structural and foundation design. Compliance requires a deep understanding of not only the model codes but also the critical state and local amendments that address these specific conditions. The New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) adopts the 2021 International Code Council (I-Codes) series but introduces crucial modifications for seismic activity, snow loads, frost depths, and traditional building materials like stucco and adobe.

Here’s a summary of the key structural and foundation requirements for designing and building in New Mexico:

• Governing Codes: New Mexico primarily adopts the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), with state-specific amendments published in the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), primarily under Title 14, Chapters 7 and 8. The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) oversees these codes.
• Seismic Design: Much of New Mexico, particularly along the Rio Grande rift (including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces), falls into Seismic Design Category (SDC) C or D. Design must follow ASCE 7-16, with SDC determination based on site-specific soil conditions and mapped spectral response accelerations. Risk Category IV structures like hospitals face the most stringent detailing and system limitations.
• Snow & Frost Loads: Ground snow loads and frost depths are highly localized and often elevation-dependent. While the state provides baseline recommendations, local jurisdictions like Albuquerque, Santa Fe County, and Taos have adopted more restrictive requirements that supersede state guidance. Always verify these values with the local building department.
• Stucco & Adobe: New Mexico has specific regulations for its traditional building materials. The NMBC amends IBC Chapter 25 to mandate a three-coat stucco system referencing ASTM standards. Adobe construction is governed by the separate New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code (NMEBC), 14.7.4 NMAC.
• Special Inspections: For projects in SDC C and above, special inspection for seismic resistance is mandatory per IBC Chapter 17. This includes continuous inspection for critical elements like post-installed concrete anchors used for non-structural component bracing.

Design Parameter	Governing Code/Standard	Key New Mexico Consideration
Seismic Design	NMBC (2021 IBC), ASCE 7-16	High SDCs (C & D) are common in the Rio Grande rift.
Snow Loads	NMBC (2021 IBC) §1608, ASCE 7-16	Local jurisdictions (e.g., Taos, Santa Fe) mandate higher loads based on elevation.
Frost Depth	NMRC (2021 IRC) §R403.1.4.1	Varies significantly by county (e.g., 18" in Sandoval Co. vs. 24" in Santa Fe Co.).
Stucco	NMBC (2021 IBC) Ch. 25, ASTM C926/C1063	State amendments mandate a three-coat system.
Adobe	NMEBC (14.7.4 NMAC)	A separate, dedicated code governs all aspects of adobe construction.
Retaining Walls	NMBC (2021 IBC) §105.2	Permit required if > 4 ft tall (measured from bottom of footing) or supporting a surcharge.

Why This Topic Matters

Designing structures in New Mexico is not a one-size-fits-all process. The state’s unique environmental loads demand careful attention to detail beyond the base requirements of model codes. An engineer designing a roof in Taos must account for heavy mountain snow loads that are nonexistent in Las Cruces, while a foundation in Santa Fe must address both significant seismic forces and deep frost penetration.

Understanding the hierarchy of codes is critical:

1. Local Jurisdictional Amendments: The city or county has the final say (e.g., Albuquerque's snow load table).
2. State Adopted Codes & Amendments (NMAC): This sets the minimum standard for the entire state (e.g., mandatory three-coat stucco).
3. Model Codes (IBC, IRC) & Referenced Standards (ASCE 7): These provide the foundational framework upon which state and local rules are built.

Common pitfalls include assuming model code values are sufficient, misinterpreting how retaining wall heights or frost depths are measured, and being unaware of the specialized NMEBC for adobe projects. These errors can lead to costly redesigns, permit delays, and unsafe structures. A thorough understanding of New Mexico's specific requirements is essential for successful project delivery.

What is the controlling seismic design category (SDC) for a Risk Category IV structure (e.g., a hospital) in the Rio Grande rift zone near Santa Fe, and what are the specific New Mexico amendments to ASCE 7 that govern the lateral force-resisting system design?

For a Risk Category IV structure like a hospital near Santa Fe, the controlling Seismic Design Category (SDC) is almost certainly SDC D. This determination is based on the high seismic hazard of the Rio Grande rift zone combined with the high importance factor assigned to essential facilities. New Mexico primarily adopts the IBC and its reference to ASCE 7 without significant state-level amendments to the core lateral system design provisions; therefore, the stringent requirements for SDC D are governed directly by ASCE 7 Chapter 12.

The process for determining the SDC is outlined in ASCE 7-16 Chapter 11, which is referenced by the 2021 IBC and adopted by the New Mexico Building Code (NMBC, 14.7.2 NMAC). The steps are as follows:

1. Determine Risk Category: A hospital is defined as a Risk Category IV structure per IBC Table 1604.5.
2. Determine Mapped Spectral Accelerations (Ss and S1): Using the project's specific latitude and longitude near Santa Fe, these values are obtained from the maps in ASCE 7-16 Chapter 22 or the USGS Seismic Design Web Services. The Rio Grande rift is a region of known faulting, leading to high Ss and S1 values.
3. Determine Site Class: A geotechnical investigation is required to determine the site's soil properties and classify it (A through F) per ASCE 7-16 Chapter 20. In lieu of a report, a default Site Class D may be used if permitted by the code, but this is not recommended for a Risk Category IV structure.
4. Calculate Design Spectral Accelerations (SDS and SD1): The mapped values are adjusted for site effects using site coefficients Fa and Fv, resulting in SDS and SD1.
5. Determine SDC: Using ASCE 7-16 Tables 11.6-1 and 11.6-2, the SDC is determined based on the calculated SDS and SD1 values. For a Risk Category IV structure, lower acceleration values will trigger a higher SDC. Given the seismicity near Santa Fe, SDS will almost certainly exceed 0.50g, placing the structure in SDC D.

While New Mexico does not heavily amend the technical provisions of ASCE 7 Chapter 12 (Seismic Design Requirements for Building Structures), the implications of being in SDC D are profound and enforced directly through the NMBC's adoption of the IBC:

• System Limitations: Certain lateral force-resisting systems are prohibited. For example, ordinary steel moment frames are not permitted, and limitations are placed on ordinary reinforced concrete moment frames (ASCE 7-16 Table 12.2-1).
• Irregularity Limitations: Stricter limitations apply to buildings with structural irregularities (e.g., torsional irregularity, soft stories).
• Drift Limits: Story drift limits are more restrictive than in lower SDCs (ASCE 7-16 Table 12.12-1).
• Detailing Requirements: All structural elements must meet stringent detailing requirements for ductile behavior, as specified in standards like ACI 318 for concrete and AISC 341 for steel.

In Albuquerque, do local amendments require a higher snow load value for roof design than what is specified in the state-adopted version of ASCE 7?

Yes, the City of Albuquerque requires a higher minimum ground snow load (pg) for roof design than the baseline values found in the ASCE 7-16 maps. Designers must use the locally mandated values, which are typically based on elevation, as specified by the Albuquerque Building Safety Division.

The NMBC (14.7.2 NMAC) adopts IBC §1608, which directs designers to use ASCE 7-16 Chapter 7 for snow load determination. However, a crucial provision in both the IBC and NMBC allows the local building official to determine the jurisdiction's ground snow load. Albuquerque exercises this authority due to its varied topography and historical snowfall data.

Key points for Albuquerque snow load design:

• Local Amendments Prevail: The City of Albuquerque publishes its own design criteria, often in the form of a building code amendment or a policy document. This document will specify minimum ground snow loads. For example, the city may mandate a minimum pg of 30 psf for elevations below 6,500 feet and higher values for sites at higher elevations in the Sandia foothills.
• Elevation is Key: The required pg is directly tied to the project site's elevation. It is the designer's responsibility to determine the correct elevation and apply the corresponding snow load from the city's table.
• Verification is Mandatory: Before beginning design, the registered design professional must confirm the required pg with the City of Albuquerque Building Safety Division. This value should be clearly stated on the structural drawings' general notes.
• State Map as a Guideline Only: The ground snow load map for New Mexico, sometimes published by entities like the Structural Engineers Association of New Mexico (SEANM), serves as a valuable guide but is superseded by the legally adopted requirements of the local jurisdiction.

Failure to use the locally mandated snow load will result in immediate rejection during plan review.

What are the specific special inspection requirements in New Mexico for post-installed concrete anchors used for seismic restraint of non-structural components?

New Mexico directly follows the special inspection requirements of the 2021 IBC, Chapter 17, for post-installed concrete anchors. For anchors used in seismic restraint applications for non-structural components in structures assigned to SDC C, D, E, or F, continuous special inspection is mandatory.

The specific code sections governing this are:

• IBC §1705.3.3 (Post-installed anchors): This section explicitly requires continuous special inspection during the installation of post-installed mechanical and adhesive anchors in hardened concrete. The requirement is triggered when the anchor is used for seismic resistance in SDC C, D, E, or F.
• IBC Table 1705.3 (Required Verification and Inspection of Concrete Construction): This table reinforces the requirement, listing "Anchors post-installed in concrete" and mandating continuous inspection for seismic resistance in the higher SDCs.

"Continuous special inspection" means the special inspector must be on-site observing the work throughout the entire installation process for each anchor. The inspector's duties include verifying:

• Anchor Identification: The correct anchor model and size specified in the construction documents are being used.
• Drilling: The hole drilling method (e.g., hammer-drill, core drill), drill bit diameter, and embedment depth are correct.
• Hole Cleaning: The hole is cleaned of all dust and debris according to the manufacturer's printed installation instructions (MPII). This is a critical step, especially for adhesive anchors.
• Installation: The anchor is installed per the MPII, including proper setting procedures and, for mechanical anchors, application of the specified installation torque.
• Reporting: The special inspector must furnish reports of their inspections to the building official, the owner, and the registered design professional of record, noting conformance or any discrepancies.

The requirement for this inspection must be included in the Statement of Special Inspections prepared by the design professional and submitted with the permit application, per IBC §1704.3.

Clarify the specific frost depth requirement for foundations in Sandoval County versus Santa Fe County per the New Mexico Residential Code. Is it measured from finished grade or bottom of footing?

The frost depth for foundations is always measured from the final finished grade to the bottom of the footing. The required depths vary by location, with Santa Fe County mandating a significantly deeper footing than Sandoval County.

• Santa Fe County: Requires a minimum frost depth of 24 inches.
• Sandoval County: Requires a minimum frost depth of 18 inches.

This requirement is rooted in the New Mexico Residential Code (NMRC, 14.7.3 NMAC), which adopts the 2021 IRC.

• IRC §R403.1.4.1 (Frost protection): This section mandates that exterior footings be placed below the locally established frost line.
• NMRC 14.7.3.12 Appendix D (Recommended Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation Depths): The New Mexico amendments include a table with recommended frost depths by county. This table lists 24 inches for Santa Fe and 18 inches for Sandoval.

Crucially, these are minimums, and local jurisdictions have the authority to enforce them or require deeper footings. Both Santa Fe and Sandoval counties have formally adopted and enforce these values. For projects at higher elevations within these counties (e.g., the mountains east of Santa Fe or in the Jemez Mountains in Sandoval County), the local building official may require an even greater depth. It is always best practice to confirm the requirement for the specific project site with the respective county building department.

Clarify the stucco application requirements in the NMBC. Does it reference a specific ASTM standard for the lath, weep screed, and number of coats for a commercial building?

Yes, the New Mexico Building Code (NMBC) is very specific about stucco application and mandates a traditional three-coat portland cement-based plaster system, referencing key ASTM standards for lath, accessories, and application on commercial buildings. This is one of the most significant state-level amendments to the model IBC.

The requirements are found in NMBC (14.7.2 NMAC), which amends IBC Chapter 25 (Gypsum Board, Gypsum Panel Products and Plaster). The key standards referenced are:

• ASTM C1063 (Standard Specification for Installation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster): This standard governs the installation of the weather-resistive barrier (WRB), lath (e.g., woven wire, welded wire, expanded metal), and accessories. It specifies fastener types, spacing, and overlaps.
• ASTM C926 (Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster): This is the core application standard. It defines the three coats—scratch, brown, and finish—and specifies mix proportions, thickness for each coat, and required moist curing intervals between coats to prevent cracking.
• Weep Screed: The installation of a weep screed at the bottom of all exterior plaster walls is mandatory per IBC §2512.1.1. It must be placed a minimum of 4 inches above earth or 2 inches above paved surfaces to allow moisture to drain from behind the stucco.

New Mexico's amendments often restrict the use of one-coat or proprietary stucco systems unless the system has a valid evaluation report (like an ICC-ESR) and is specifically approved by the building official for the intended use. For standard design and permitting, the three-coat system is the compliant path.

When does a retaining wall require a building permit and engineered drawings in New Mexico? Is the threshold based on height measured from the bottom of the footing or from the lowest adjacent grade?

In New Mexico, a building permit and engineered drawings are required for a retaining wall when it is over 4 feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. A permit is also required for any retaining wall, regardless of height, that supports a surcharge.

This rule comes directly from the NMBC (14.7.2 NMAC) adoption of the 2021 IBC, Section 105.2 (Work exempt from permit). Item 2 of this section exempts:

"Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge…"

The two critical triggers for a permit are:

1. Height: The measurement is the total, overall height of the wall structure, including the buried portion. Many people mistakenly measure only the exposed height from the finished grade, which is incorrect and a common violation.
2. Surcharge: A surcharge is any additional load imposed on the soil behind the wall. This includes loads from a sloped backfill, a nearby driveway, an adjacent building foundation, or even temporarily parked construction equipment. If a wall retains soil that is not level and is supporting anything beyond that soil's own weight, it is supporting a surcharge and requires a permit and engineered design, even if it is only 2 feet tall.

Once a permit is required, the wall must be designed in accordance with IBC Chapter 18, specifically §1807.2 (Retaining Walls), to resist sliding, overturning, and excessive foundation pressure.

What are the building code requirements for adobe construction in New Mexico?

Adobe construction in New Mexico is governed by its own specialized code, the 2021 New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code (NMEBC), which is codified in 14.7.4 NMAC. This code works in conjunction with the NMBC and NMRC to provide comprehensive regulations for this traditional building method.

Key requirements of the NMEBC include:

• Material Specifications: The code defines standards for both unstabilized (traditional sun-dried) and stabilized (with an emulsified asphalt or other admixture) adobe blocks. It sets minimum compressive strength and modulus of rupture requirements, often verified through testing per ASTM standards.
• Foundations: Adobe walls must be built on a solid, continuous concrete or masonry foundation that extends a minimum of 6 inches above the final exterior grade. This prevents moisture from wicking up into the adobe blocks.
• Wall Thickness and Height: The code provides prescriptive height-to-thickness ratios for adobe walls to ensure stability. For example, exterior walls in a one-story building are typically a minimum of 10 inches thick.
• Bond Beams (Vigas or Lintels): A continuous bond beam made of concrete or wood must be placed at the top of all adobe walls. This beam ties the walls together, provides a stable surface for anchoring the roof structure, and helps distribute loads. Lintels are also required over all window and door openings.
• Plastering: Exterior walls made of unstabilized adobe must be protected from the elements with a plaster finish, typically either traditional mud plaster or modern cement-lime stucco.
• Seismic Provisions: In higher seismic zones, the NMEBC includes additional requirements for reinforcement and connections to ensure the structure can resist lateral forces.

Designers of adobe structures must comply with the NMEBC for the earthen components and the NMRC or NMBC for all other aspects of the building, such as energy efficiency, plumbing, mechanical systems, and electrical wiring.

What are the building code rules for building in a floodplain in New Mexico?

Building in a designated floodplain in New Mexico is strictly regulated by the NMBC/NMRC and the local flood damage prevention ordinance, which is administered by the local Floodplain Administrator. The core requirement is to build in a way that minimizes the risk of flood damage, primarily through elevation and the use of flood-resistant materials.

The governing code sections are IRC §R322 (Flood-Resistant Construction) for residential buildings and IBC §1612 and Appendix G for commercial buildings. Key requirements include:

• FIRM Maps: The first step is to consult the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) published by FEMA to determine if the property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
• Base Flood Elevation (BFE): If the site is in an SFHA, the BFE must be determined. This is the elevation that floodwaters are expected to reach during a 100-year flood event.
• Elevation of Structures: The lowest floor (including basement) and all attendant utility machinery (HVAC units, water heaters) must be elevated to or above the BFE. Many New Mexico communities also require "freeboard," which is an additional 1 to 2 feet of elevation above the BFE for an added margin of safety.
• Foundation Design: Foundations in flood-prone areas must be designed to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement due to flood forces.
• Flood Openings: Any enclosed area below the BFE, such as a crawlspace or non-habitable garage, must have flood openings (vents) that allow for the automatic entry and exit of floodwaters, equalizing hydrostatic pressure on the walls.
• Flood-Damage-Resistant Materials: All building materials used below the BFE must be resistant to flood damage.

A permit for construction in a floodplain requires submittal of an Elevation Certificate, prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer, to document compliance.

How deep do my foundation footings need to be to get below the frost line in Farmington, NM?

For a project in Farmington, which is in San Juan County, the required minimum frost depth for foundation footings is 24 inches. The bottom of the footing must be placed at least 24 inches below the final finished grade.

This requirement is specified in the New Mexico Residential Code (NMRC, 14.7.3 NMAC).

• Section R403.1.4.1 requires footings to be protected from frost.
• Appendix D of the NMRC provides a table of recommended frost depths for each county in New Mexico. For San Juan County, this table lists a minimum depth of 24 inches.

While this is the state-recommended minimum, it is also enforced by the City of Farmington Building Inspection Division. It is always a good practice to confirm this requirement on the city's website or by contacting them directly before finalizing foundation drawings, but 24 inches is the established standard for the area.

How do I find out the required ground snow load for designing a roof in Taos?

To find the required ground snow load (pg) for designing a roof in Taos, you must contact the local building department—either the Town of Taos or Taos County, depending on the project's exact location. Due to the extreme variations in elevation and snowfall in the region, there is no single value; the required pg is determined on a site-specific basis.

Generic maps from ASCE 7-16 or statewide guides are not sufficient for design in mountainous areas like Taos. The local jurisdictions have developed their own criteria based on decades of historical data and studies. The process is as follows:

1. Identify the Project's Elevation: The single most important factor is the elevation of the building site above sea level.
2. Contact the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): Call or visit the Taos County Planning Department or the Town of Taos Building Official. Provide them with the site address and/or elevation.
3. Receive the Design pg: The building official will provide you with the correct ground snow load to use for your design calculations. This value is often found on a local snow load map or in a table that correlates elevation with a specific pg. Values in the Taos area can range from 30 psf in the lower valleys to well over 150 psf at higher elevations near the Taos Ski Valley.

This official pg value must be clearly stated on the construction documents. This value is then used as the starting point for calculating the final roof snow load (pf) per the methodology in ASCE 7-16 Chapter 7.

Common Mistakes and Misinterpretations

• Ignoring Local Amendments: The most frequent error is relying solely on the IBC/IRC model codes. New Mexico's local jurisdictions, especially in mountainous or high-seismic areas, have critical amendments for snow loads, wind speeds, and frost depths that supersede the model code.
• Incorrect Retaining Wall Height Measurement: Measuring from finished grade instead of the bottom of the footing is a common mistake that leads to unpermitted, non-engineered, and potentially unsafe walls.
• Using the Wrong Stucco System: Assuming a one-coat or EIFS system is acceptable without verifying local amendments. The NMBC's default requirement is a traditional three-coat system, and substitutions require specific approval.
• Neglecting Geotechnical Reports: In areas with expansive soils or high seismic risk (like the Rio Grande rift), designing without a geotechnical report can lead to foundation failure. The report provides essential data on soil bearing capacity, settlement potential, and site-specific seismic parameters.
• Misunderstanding Special Inspections: Treating the Statement of Special Inspections as a formality. Failure to engage a special inspection agency and facilitate their work per IBC Chapter 17 can result in work-stop orders and significant project delays.

Navigating Jurisdictional Variations: State vs. Local Authority

Understanding the hierarchy of code enforcement in New Mexico is essential for a smooth permitting process. The NMAC sets the statewide minimum standards, but local governments have the authority to adopt more stringent requirements to address local conditions.

Requirement	State Minimum (NMBC/NMRC)	Common Local Amendments (Examples)
Ground Snow Load	Per ASCE 7 maps / Case Study	Albuquerque/Taos/Santa Fe: Higher minimums based on elevation tables.
Frost Depth	Per NMRC Appendix D county table	Santa Fe/Los Alamos: Enforce deeper requirements (e.g., 24" or more) due to altitude.
Wind Speed	Per ASCE 7 maps (Vult)	Eastern NM plains jurisdictions may adopt higher minimum wind speeds.
Adobe/Earthen	Governed by NMEBC (14.7.4 NMAC)	Some historic districts (e.g., Santa Fe) may have additional aesthetic or material requirements.

Best Practice: The first step for any project is to visit the website of the city or county building department where the project is located. Look for "Design Criteria," "Local Amendments," or "Building Guides." A direct phone call to the plan review department to confirm key structural design parameters is always a wise investment of time.

Coordination for Permitting and Inspections

Successful structural projects require seamless coordination between the design team, contractors, and inspectors.

• Design Professional: The architect or engineer is responsible for identifying all applicable state and local design criteria (seismic, wind, snow, frost) and clearly stating them on the cover sheet of the construction documents. They must also prepare and submit a complete Statement of Special Inspections per IBC §1704.3.
• Plan Reviewer: The local plan reviewer's first check is to ensure the design criteria on the drawings match their jurisdiction's requirements. They will then spot-check calculations and details to ensure the design complies with those stated criteria.
• Special Inspector: Hired by the owner, the special inspector acts as a third-party verification agent. They must be on-site to observe and document critical work as outlined in the Statement of Special Inspections. Their reports are submitted to the building official and design team and are necessary for obtaining a final Certificate of Occupancy.
• Building Inspector: The jurisdictional inspector performs the standard sequence of inspections (e.g., footing, foundation, framing). They will not sign off on these inspections until they have received the corresponding reports from the special inspector for any work requiring such oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the current building code in New Mexico? New Mexico has adopted the 2021 I-Code series, including the IBC and IRC. These are amended by state-specific rules published in the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), primarily under Title 14.

Do I need an engineer for my house design in New Mexico? If your home design follows the prescriptive requirements of the New Mexico Residential Code (NMRC), you may not need an engineer. However, an engineered design is required for non-prescriptive designs, complex structures, poor soil conditions, or in areas with high seismic forces or wind speeds.

Are weep screeds required for stucco in New Mexico? Yes. The NMBC adopts IBC Chapter 25, which mandates the use of a weep screed at the base of all exterior portland cement plaster walls to allow for proper drainage.

How do I determine the soil bearing capacity for my foundation? The IBC and IRC provide presumptive default soil bearing values. However, for most commercial projects and residential projects on sites with questionable soil, a geotechnical report prepared by a licensed geotechnical engineer is required to determine the actual allowable bearing capacity.

What is the wind design speed for Roswell, NM? Designers must use the "Ultimate Design Wind Speed" (Vult) maps in ASCE 7-16 (referenced by the 2021 IBC) for the specific Risk Category of the building. This value must be confirmed with the City of Roswell.

Are there special requirements for building in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone? Yes. Many New Mexico communities, particularly in forested or foothill areas, have adopted the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC). This code mandates fire-resistant construction materials and methods, such as non-combustible siding, Class A roofing, and tempered glass.

Is a permit required for a small shed? Generally, a building permit is not required for a one-story detached accessory structure that is 200 square feet or less in floor area. However, zoning permits may still be required for setbacks, and the structure must not have plumbing or electrical without a permit.

Who enforces the New Mexico building codes? The New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID) provides statewide oversight and licenses contractors. Day-to-day enforcement, including plan review, permitting, and inspections, is handled by local city and county building departments.

Can I use unstabilized adobe for my entire house? Yes, provided the design and construction comply fully with the New Mexico Earthen Building Materials Code (NMEBC), which includes specific requirements for foundations, wall thickness, bond beams, and a protective exterior plaster finish.

Where can I find the New Mexico code amendments online? The official New Mexico amendments to the model codes are published in the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC). They can be accessed for free on the New Mexico Commission of Public Records website.