IMPORTANT NOTE: This guide covers STR regulations for both Ruidoso Downs (the City) and Ruidoso (the Village), as these are separate municipalities with different regulatory frameworks.

Overview: STR Status in Ruidoso Downs vs. Ruidoso

RUIDOSO DOWNS (City): Short-term rentals ARE allowed with specific regulations and permitting requirements.

RUIDOSO (Village): Short-term rentals ARE allowed but require comprehensive permitting, inspections, and compliance with updated Ordinance 2025-01 adopted February 2025.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business

Ruidoso Downs (City) - Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Business Registration

• Register annually at the beginning of each year
• Complete new registration form annually
• Annual business license renewal fee: $35.00
• Late registration penalty: $10.00 additional fee

Step 2: Obtain Required Permits

• Complete Short-Term Rental Application
• Obtain Lodger's Tax License Application
• All construction permits must be obtained through New Mexico Construction Industries Division (state level)

Step 3: Contact Information

• Planning Services Department handles initial sign-off
• Contact City Clerk's office for Lodgers' Tax information

Ruidoso (Village) - Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: State Registration

• Obtain CRS Business Registration Number from New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department
• Register for Gross Receipts Tax (GRT)

Step 2: Village Permitting

• Apply through MuniRevs online system
• Pay $300 annual permit fee (covers permit, inspection, and notifications)
• Complete annual compliance inspection

Step 3: Property Preparation

• Ensure compliance with fire safety requirements
• Install required safety equipment
• Remove fire pits and open flame sources

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Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Ruidoso Downs (City) Requirements:

Essential Documents:

• Business License Registration (annual renewal required)
• Short-Term Rental Application
• Lodger's Tax License Application
• Building permits (through state CID)

Key Contacts:

• Planning Services Director: Jennet Recendez, CFM
• Email: jrecendez@ruidosodowns.us
• Phone: 575-378-1342 Ext. 1050

Additional Requirements:

• Flood Plain Development Permit (if in special flood hazard area)
• State construction permits (CID)

Ruidoso (Village) Requirements:

Essential Documents:

• CRS Business Registration Number (state-issued)
• Short-Term Rental Permit (village-issued)
• Annual Inspection Certificate
• Safety equipment documentation (fire extinguishers, smoke alarms)
• Emergency procedures and contact information posting
• Wildlife safety information

Application Materials:

• Proof of village-issued address (photo with visible street number)
• Letter from State showing CRS Business Registration Number
• Compliance with all Village Code of Ordinances

Safety Requirements:

• Fire safety compliance (Ruidoso is fire-wise community)
• Wildlife safety education for guests
• Emergency contact posting
• Building code compliance

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Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Ruidoso Downs:

Zoning & Land Use:

• Building permits required through state Construction Industries Division
• City planning sign-off required before state permitting
• Floodplain regulations apply in special hazard areas
• Zoning ordinances available in Chapter 155

Business Operations:

• Annual business license renewal required
• Separate short-term rental application required
• Lodger's tax compliance mandatory

Fees:

• Business license: $35.00 annually
• Late registration penalty: $10.00
• Additional fees for special permits (floodplain, etc.)

Village of Ruidoso:

Permitting (Ordinance 2025-01 - Effective February 2025):

• Annual permit fee: $300
• Annual compliance inspections mandatory
• Reinspection fee: $50 if corrections needed
• Late renewal penalty: $300

Occupancy & Safety Limits:

• Maximum occupancy: 2 adults per sleeping unit
• Minimum: 1 off-street parking space per sleeping unit
• Open flames strictly prohibited (fire pits banned)
• Fire safety equipment required

Tax Requirements:

• 5% Lodger's Tax on gross rental receipts
• New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax (5.125% to 8.6875%)
• Monthly remittance due by 25th of each month

Prohibited Property Types:

• RVs, tents, garages, boats
• Commercial or industrial buildings (unless specifically zoned)
• Live-work units
• Non-permanent structures

Enforcement:

• Annual compliance inspections
• Complaint-based enforcement
• "Three strikes" policy leading to suspension/revocation
• 24/7 STR Hotline: 575-315-8354

State of New Mexico Requirements:

Business Registration:

• CRS Business Registration Number required
• Gross Receipts Tax registration
• Transient accommodation license (if serving food)

Tax Compliance:

• Monthly GRT filing requirements
• Proper record keeping mandatory
• Separate registration for different tax types

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Contact Information

City of Ruidoso Downs Contacts:

Planning Services Department:

• Jennet Recendez, CFM (Planning Services Director)
• Phone: 575-378-1342 Ext. 1050
• Email: jrecendez@ruidosodowns.us

Administrative Assistant:

• Carlos Nava (GIS Technician)
• Phone: 575-378-1342 Ext. 1051
• Email: cnava@ruidosodowns.us

Building Permits:

• Contact New Mexico Construction Industries Division (CID)
• Albuquerque office: 505-222-9800

City Clerk's Office:

• For Lodgers' Tax information
• Contact through City Hall

Village of Ruidoso Contacts:

STR Administration:

• Chrysanti Jones (Short-Term Rental Administrative Assistant)
• Phone: 575-258-4343 X 1065
• Email: ChrysantiJones@ruidoso-nm.gov

Emergency/Complaints:

• 24/7 STR Hotline: 575-315-8354
• Online Complaint Portal: complaints-str.deckard.com/ruidoso-nm-str-complaints

Planning Department:

• Phone: 575-258-6999
• Address: 313 Cree Meadows Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Building Inspector:

• Mark Coker (Multi-Discipline Building Inspector)
• Phone: 575-258-6999
• Cell: 575-973-7765
• Email: MarkCoker@ruidoso-nm.gov

Emergency Management:

• Eric Queller (Emergency Manager)
• Phone: 575-257-3473
• Cell: 575-973-8963
• Email: EricQueller@ruidoso-nm.gov

State Contacts:

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue:

• Phone: 866-285-2996
• Website: tax.newmexico.gov

Construction Industries Division:

• Phone: 505-222-9800
• Website: rld.nm.gov

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Key Source Pages

Ruidoso Downs Municipal Information:

• Main Planning & Zoning Page: ruidosodowns.us/departments/planning_and_zoning/index.php
• Short-Term Rental Application: [Available through city website]
• Lodger's Tax Information: [Contact City Clerk's office]

Ruidoso Village Information:

• STR Compliance Portal: ruidoso-nm.gov/short-term-rentals
• Registration Portal: portal.deckard.com/nm-lincoln-village_of_ruidoso-str-portal
• Ordinance 2025-01: ruidoso-nm.gov/s/STR-Ordinance-2025-01.pdf
• Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/nm/ruidoso

State Resources:

• CRS Registration: tap.state.nm.us/TAP/_/
• Gross Receipts Tax Info: tax.newmexico.gov/Businesses/default.aspx
• Building Codes: rld.nm.gov

Additional Resources:

• NM Cannabis Control Division: rld.nm.gov/cannabis/
• FEMA Flood Maps: msc.fema.gov/portal/home
• Village Wildlife Safety Information: ruidoso-nm.gov/s/VOR_Wildlife_RackCard-1.pdf

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Important Distinctions

Ruidoso Downs vs. Ruidoso: These are separate municipalities with different regulatory frameworks. Properties in each jurisdiction follow different rules, fees, and processes.

Regulatory Maturity: Ruidoso Village has more comprehensive and recently updated regulations (Ordinance 2025-01), while Ruidoso Downs maintains simpler business licensing requirements.

Geographic Considerations: Both areas are mountain communities with fire safety concerns and seasonal tourism patterns, but each has developed distinct approaches to STR regulation.

Investment Implications: Understanding which municipality your property falls under is crucial for compliance and operational success.

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This guide is based on publicly available information as of 2025. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.