Roswell Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Roswell Zoning Overview
Roswell is the fifth-largest city in New Mexico and the county seat of Chaves County, located in the southeastern part of the state along the Pecos River. The city serves as a regional center for agriculture, ranching, oil and gas, and dairy production. Roswell's economy and land use patterns reflect its role as a hub for the surrounding rural region, with a traditional downtown core, residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors along Main Street and Second Street, and agricultural and industrial areas on the city's periphery.
The city's planning framework balances the needs of a stable, mid-sized community with the goal of maintaining and revitalizing its downtown and commercial areas. Roswell's Comprehensive Plan addresses long-term land use, transportation, and infrastructure goals. The Pecos River and associated floodplain influence development patterns through the central part of the city.
Key Zoning Districts
Roswell's zoning ordinance includes standard residential zones (R-1 through R-3), commercial zones (C-1, C-2, C-3), and industrial zones (M-1, M-2). The R-1 zone covers most established single-family neighborhoods with 7,000-square-foot minimum lots. Commercial zoning is concentrated along Main Street, Second Street, and other arterials, while industrial uses are located primarily near the former Walker Air Force Base (now Roswell Industrial Air Center).
ADU Regulations
Roswell does not have specific ADU provisions in its zoning code. Property owners interested in constructing an accessory dwelling unit should contact the Planning and Zoning Department to discuss options, which may include applying for a conditional use permit or variance depending on the property's zone district.
Development Process
Development applications in Roswell are processed by the Planning and Zoning Department. Building permits are reviewed by the city building official or the state Construction Industries Division. Zone changes and conditional use permits are reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission with recommendations to the City Council.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Roswell
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 — Chaves 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
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 15 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Roswell
- 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 Roswell are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Roswell permit fees →