Rebuild After Disaster

Permits, floodplain guidance, contractor safety, and recovery resources for rebuilding in Ruidoso.

Rebuilding after wildfire, flooding, or storm damage can involve permits, inspections, floodplain requirements, insurance documentation, and contractor decisions. This page brings together key Village, county, state, and federal resources to help property owners begin the recovery and rebuilding process safely.

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Before You Begin Repairs or Reconstruction

Before starting major repairs, demolition, rebuilding, or site work, property owners should review current Village requirements and confirm whether permits are needed. Rebuilding requirements may vary depending on property location, type of damage, scope of work, and floodplain status.

View Rebuilding Information
Floodplain Rebuilding Guidance

Rebuilding in the Floodplain: What Property Owners Need to Know

If your property was damaged by flooding and you are planning repairs or reconstruction, review the Village’s step-by-step floodplain rebuilding guidance before beginning work.

The guide explains substantial damage determinations, the 50% threshold, elevation requirements, engineering documentation, floodplain development permits, Elevation Certificates, and additional requirements for properties located in the Regulatory Floodway.

Download Floodplain Rebuilding Guide
Illustration comparing two homes in a floodplain. One home is built below the Base Flood Elevation and is labeled not flood safe. The other is elevated at least two feet above the Base Flood Elevation and is labeled flood safe.

Homes determined to be substantially damaged must meet current floodplain construction requirements, including elevation a minimum of two feet above the Base Flood Elevation.

Quick Links

Rebuilding Resources

Use the links below to access Village, county, state, and federal resources related to permits, floodplain information, contractor licensing, disaster assistance, and insurance support.

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Building Permits

Access Village construction permit applications, forms, and code information.

Permit Forms
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Rebuilding Information

Find Village guidance for rebuilding after the South Fork and Salt Fires, including permits and floodplain considerations.

Rebuilding Guidance
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Floodplain Map

View the interactive floodplain map to better understand potential property impacts.

View Map
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Lincoln County Properties

For properties outside Village limits, review Lincoln County floodplain information and forms.

County Information
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Contractor Licensing

Verify a New Mexico contractor license before hiring someone for repair or rebuilding work.

Verify License
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Disaster Assistance

Apply for FEMA and DHSEM disaster assistance and find other federal recovery resources.

Apply for Assistance
Guidance

What to Know Before Rebuilding

Rebuilding after disaster can involve several agencies and requirements. These sections provide a starting point for common questions.

Permits and inspections

Many repair, demolition, construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and floodplain-related projects may require permits before work begins. Property owners and contractors should review Village permit forms and construction code information before starting work.

View Village Permit Information
Floodplain, floodway, and substantial damage requirements

Properties located in or near flood-prone areas may be subject to additional rebuilding, permitting, elevation, engineering, and construction standards. Review the Village floodplain rebuilding guide and floodplain map before beginning repairs or reconstruction.

Download Floodplain Rebuilding Guide

View Floodplain Map
Fire-damaged structures and foundations

Properties damaged by wildfire may require additional evaluation before rebuilding, especially where foundations, slabs, utility infrastructure, or soil conditions may have been affected.

View Engineering Guidelines
Hiring a contractor

Before hiring a contractor, verify licensing through the New Mexico Regulation & Licensing Department. Be cautious of unsolicited offers, high-pressure sales tactics, requests for large upfront payments, or work offered without a written agreement.

  • Verify the contractor’s license.
  • Ask for written estimates and contracts.
  • Keep copies of receipts and payment records.
  • Avoid paying the full cost before work is completed.
Verify a Contractor License

Avoid Home Repair Fraud
Documenting damage and repairs

Keep photos, receipts, estimates, insurance documents, permit records, and contractor agreements together. These records may be important for insurance claims, disaster assistance, inspections, and future property documentation.

FEMA Disaster Assistance
Insurance questions or concerns

If you are having difficulty with an insurance issue, the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance Consumer Assistance Bureau provides consumer support and complaint assistance.

Insurance Consumer Assistance

Financial Assistance & Recovery Support

Federal disaster assistance may be available after a declared disaster. FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.gov can help residents apply for assistance and find additional recovery resources. The U.S. Small Business Administration also provides low-interest disaster loans for eligible homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits.

FEMA Disaster Assistance

SBA Disaster Assistance
Recovery Resources

Additional Support

Rebuilding may involve legal, financial, insurance, and case-management questions. These resources may help residents and property owners find the right next step.

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Disaster Legal Services

New Mexico Legal Aid provides disaster-related legal support for eligible residents.

Legal Aid
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Ruidoso Recovers

Access current Village recovery information, assistance contacts, and disaster resources.

Recovery Hub
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Case Management

Connect with disaster case management resources listed by the Village of Ruidoso.

Find Support

Questions About Rebuilding?

Rebuilding requirements can vary by property, location, damage type, and scope of work. Before beginning repairs or reconstruction, review Village rebuilding, permit, and floodplain information or contact the appropriate department for guidance.

Start with Rebuilding Information