Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Jemez Springs?

YES, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Jemez Springs, NM, but only under specific conditions and with proper permitting. The Village of Jemez Springs permits short-term occupancy rentals (STRs) as conditional uses in three designated zoning districts: Rural Development District, Village Center District, and Neighborhood Residential District. STRs are prohibited in all other zoning districts within the village limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Jemez Springs

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, confirm your property is located in one of the three permitted zoning districts:

• Rural Development District (130-19)
• Village Center District (130-20)
• Neighborhood Residential District (130-21)

Properties in these districts may qualify for STR operation as conditional uses, subject to additional requirements.

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits and Licenses

1. Conditional Use Permit (Primary requirement)

   • Apply through Village Planning & Zoning Commission
   • Process requires public notification and neighborhood impact evaluation
   • Application forms available on village website

2. Business Registration

   • Required before conditional use permit issuance
   • Process through Village municipal office
   • Standard business licensing requirements

3. Building Compliance

   • Ensure property meets fire, health, and safety codes
   • May require inspection depending on property modifications

Step 3: Complete Application Process

• Submit conditional use permit application with required documentation
• Provide site drawings showing structure distances from property lines and height from ground
• Complete any required floodplain review and determination
• Pay applicable application and permit fees

Required Documents, Permits, and Licenses

Core Requirements:

• Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 130-27, 130-31)
• Business Registration (Chapter 20, Article I)
• Site Plan showing setbacks, lot coverage, and structure placement
• Floodplain Review and Determination (if applicable)

Safety and Compliance Documentation:

• Smoke/CO2 alarm certification - Required in each guest room
• Fire extinguisher documentation - Accessible emergency equipment
• Emergency exit verification - Window or secondary exit per state building code
• Proof of compliance with village ordinances:
  • Chapter 51: Lighting, Outdoor
  • Chapter 64: Nuisances
  • Subsection 27: Off-street parking and loading
  • Subsection 26: Signs and outdoor advertising devices

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Village of Jemez Springs Requirements:

Zoning Restrictions:

• STRs permitted only in Rural Development, Village Center, and Neighborhood Residential districts
• Prohibited in all other zoning districts within village limits

Operational Limits:

• Maximum stay: 30 days or less
• Life safety equipment: Mandatory smoke/CO2 alarms in each guest room
• Emergency equipment: One or more fire extinguishers accessible for fire emergencies
• Exit requirements: Each guest room must have window or secondary exit per state building code

Compliance Standards:

• Must comply with applicable fire, health, and safety codes
• Adherence to village lighting, nuisance, parking, and signage ordinances
• Setbacks, lot size, and open space requirements per zone regulations

Business Requirements:

• Conditional use permit requirements specified by Village Council resolution
• Business registration mandatory before permit issuance
• All short-term rentals must comply with governing ordinance regardless of prior operation status

State of New Mexico Requirements:

Gross Receipts Tax (GRT):

• State GRT base rate: ~5.0% (4.875% in 2024)
• Combined rates range from 5% to 8.9% depending on location
• Must register for New Mexico Combined Reporting System (CRS) number
• Report and pay GRT on rental income monthly or quarterly

Lodgers' Tax:

• New Mexico authorizes local governments to levy up to 5% lodgers' tax
• Santa Fe County (where Jemez Springs is located): 5% lodgers' tax on short-term rentals
• Used to fund local tourism promotion

Business Registration:

• If operating as business entity (LLC, corporation): Register with New Mexico Secretary of State
• Obtain state tax ID (CRS number) from Taxation & Revenue Department
• Required for GRT reporting and compliance

Contact Information for Local Authority

Village of Jemez Springs Planning & Zoning Commission

• Address: Village Municipal Offices, Jemez Springs, NM
• Phone: (Contact village for current number)
• Website: jemezsprings-nm.gov/planning-zoning
• Hours: Contact village offices for current hours
• Contact: Planning & Zoning Commission

Village Municipal Offices

• Website: jemezsprings-nm.gov
• Business License Registration: Available through village website
• Building Permits: Coordinate with New Mexico Construction Industries Division

New Mexico State Agencies

• Construction Industries Division (CID): 505-476-4700
• Taxation & Revenue Department: For CRS registration and tax compliance
• Secretary of State: For business entity registration

County Level (Sandoval County)

• Website: seesandoval.org
• Contact: Sandoval County offices for county-level requirements

Source Links

Official Government Documents:

• 130-31 Short-term Occupancy Rentals Ordinance
• Village Permits and Zoning Actions
• Business License Registration

State Resources:

• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department
• New Mexico Secretary of State Business Services

Industry Resources:

• New Mexico Airbnb Laws Comprehensive Guide
• Jemez Springs Vacation Rental Management Overview

Important Notes for Investors:

• Jemez Springs has a specific, clearly defined STR ordinance with explicit permitting requirements
• The village emphasizes compliance with public safety and community welfare standards
• Properties must be in designated zoning districts to qualify
• All STR operations must comply with state tax requirements in addition to local permits
• Given the small village nature, early consultation with local authorities is recommended before investment