New Mexico Land Development

Land development engineering in New Mexico

MES helps developers and landowners in New Mexico take a site from raw land to approved plans. We handle site civil engineering, water and wastewater design, and the permits that go with them.

We start with feasibility. Can the site get water? Where will the wastewater go? What will the city or county ask for? The answers shape the rest of the design.

Then we prepare the civil site plans and take them through review.

How permitting and review work for New Mexico sites

The city reviews site plans inside its limits. Counties review subdivisions under the New Mexico Subdivision Act. State and federal rules then apply to the water, the wastewater and the stormwater.

• For many county subdivisions, the county asks the Office of the State Engineer for an opinion on the water supply. New wells and water rights also go through the State Engineer.
• Onsite wastewater systems that take 5,000 gallons a day or less fall under NMED's liquid waste rules. Larger discharges to groundwater need an NMED discharge permit.
• A new or changed public water system needs written NMED approval before it can serve drinking water.
• A site that disturbs one acre or more, or is part of a larger plan that will, needs coverage under EPA's Construction General Permit. EPA issues that permit in New Mexico.

Work nearby

In Las Cruces, MES prepared civil site plans for a drive-up water kiosk and took them through city review. That work was finished in May 2026. A second kiosk site, in Hobbs, is under way.

Both are part of a drive-up water kiosk program MES works on in seven states. In West Texas, MES has finished sites in Odessa and Fort Stockton and has one under way in El Paso.

Common questions

What should I check before buying land in New Mexico?

Check water and wastewater first. Find out who will serve the site, or whether you will need a well and an onsite system. Then check zoning, flood zones and access. A site feasibility study answers these before you commit.

Does a small site need a stormwater permit?

It can. EPA coverage starts at one acre of disturbance. A smaller lot that is part of a larger plan of development can need coverage too.

Do you work outside Las Cruces and Hobbs?

Yes. MES is licensed in New Mexico and takes sites across the state. Call (214) 833-6748 to talk about yours.