Artesia Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Artesia Zoning Overview
Artesia is located in the Pecos Valley of southeastern New Mexico in Eddy County. The city's economy is centered on the oil and gas industry, with the Navajo Refining Company (now HollyFrontier) operating one of the region's major petroleum refineries within the city. Artesia also serves as a center for ranching and agriculture in the Pecos Valley. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) operates a campus in Artesia, providing a significant federal employment base.
The city's planning addresses the dual influences of energy industry cycles and the stable federal presence. Artesia's downtown along Main Street has benefited from revitalization efforts, and the community takes pride in its well-maintained public spaces. The Pecos River passes east of the city, and artesian wells that gave the city its name historically supported agricultural development in the valley.
Key Zoning Districts
Artesia's zoning code includes residential zones (R-1, R-2), commercial zones (C-1, C-2), and industrial zones (M-1, M-2). The R-1 zone covers most established neighborhoods. Commercial zoning is concentrated along Main Street and the US 285 corridor. Industrial zoning accommodates the refinery operations and oil field service companies on the city's edges.
ADU Regulations
Artesia does not have specific ADU provisions in its zoning code. Property owners should contact the city's Planning and Zoning office for information on secondary dwelling options and any applicable approval requirements.
Development Process
Development requires building permits processed through the city, with state Construction Industries Division oversight for plan review and inspections. Zone changes and conditional uses go before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Artesia
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Eddy County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 26 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 4,000 sq ft per unit
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Artesia
- Max Size
- N/A
- Max Height
- N/A
- Rear Setback
- N/A
- Side Setback
- N/A
- Parking
- N/A
- Owner Occupancy
- N/A
- Permit Timeline
- N/A
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Artesia are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Artesia permit fees →