Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Ruidoso, NM?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Ruidoso, NM with proper licensing and compliance with local regulations. The Village of Ruidoso has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for short-term rentals through Ordinance 2025-01, adopted in February 2025. STRs are defined as the rental of a legally-permitted dwelling unit for periods of less than 30 consecutive days, and they are permitted in most established residential structures throughout the village.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Ruidoso

Starting a compliant short-term rental business in Ruidoso requires a systematic approach involving state registration, village permitting, and ongoing compliance management. Here's your step-by-step roadmap:

Step 1: State-Level Registration

First, you must obtain a CRS Business Registration Number from the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department. This is a prerequisite for all village-level applications and can be obtained through the state's online portal.

Step 2: Village Permitting Process

The core of Ruidoso's STR regulation involves obtaining a Short-Term Rental Permit through the MuniRevs online platform. The application process includes:

• Creating a user profile on the MuniRevs system
• Linking to your property record using unique registration numbers
• Completing all required tasks in the business center
• Paying the annual permit fee of $300

Step 3: Compliance Preparation

Before applying, ensure your property meets all safety and zoning requirements, including fire safety equipment installation, smoke alarm compliance, and adherence to occupancy limits.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Permits and Registrations

1. CRS Business Registration Number

• Type: State-level business registration
• Issuing Authority: New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department
• Cost: As prescribed by state regulations
• Status: Mandatory prerequisite

2. Short-Term Rental Permit

• Type: Village-issued operational permit
• Issuing Authority: Village of Ruidoso
• Annual Fee: $300 (covers permit, inspection, and notifications)
• Renewal: Required annually
• Late Renewal Penalty: Additional $300 if not renewed on time

3. Annual Compliance Inspection

• Requirement: Mandatory for all STRs
• Initial Inspection: Included in $300 permit fee
• Compliance Reinspection: $50 fee if corrections needed
• Renewal Inspection: Required annually

Required Documentation for Application

When applying for permits, you must provide:

• Proof of village-issued address (photograph of house with visible street number)
• Letter from State of New Mexico showing CRS Business Registration Number
• Evidence of compliance with all Village of Ruidoso Code of Ordinances
• Safety equipment installation documentation
• Insurance verification (recommended)

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

Safety Equipment Documentation

• Fire extinguisher placement records (mounted no higher than 48" by each door to outside, minimum one per floor, two required if unit exceeds 1,000 square feet)
• Smoke alarm compliance certificates (working detectors required in every sleeping room/area)
• Emergency exit plan documentation
• Emergency contact information posting

Tax Registration and Compliance

• New Mexico Gross Receipts Tax registration
• Village of Ruidoso Lodger's Tax registration through MuniRevs system
• Monthly tax filing requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Village of Ruidoso)

Occupancy and Parking Requirements

• Maximum Occupancy: No more than two adults per sleeping unit
• Parking Requirement: At least one off-street parking space per sleeping unit
• Verification: Required during compliance inspections

Safety and Building Code Compliance

• Fire Extinguishers: Proper placement on each level as specified
• Smoke Alarms: Working detectors required in all sleeping areas
• Emergency Exits: Clear, unobstructed paths to outside required
• Building Standards: Must meet current New Mexico construction codes

Operational Restrictions

• Open Flames Prohibited: Fire pits and open flames strictly banned at STR properties
• Fire Permit Requirements: Any fire pits or gas tables require a fire permit from local fire department; otherwise must be removed
• Hot Tub Safety: Must have lockable lid and emergency shut-off capability
• Permit Display: Current STR permit must be mounted near main entrance

Prohibited Property Types STRs are specifically NOT permitted in:

• RVs, tents, garages, boats, and other non-permanent structures
• Dwellings in commercial or industrial buildings
• Live-work units

County-Level Regulations

Lincoln County's regulations for STRs primarily involve business licensing requirements and health department oversight if food service is provided to guests. However, most operational regulations are governed by village ordinances within incorporated areas.

State-Level Regulations (New Mexico)

Tax Obligations

• Gross Receipts Tax (GRT): Varies from 5.125% to 8.6875% depending on location
• Registration Requirement: Must register with New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department
• Filing Requirements: Monthly remittance obligations for most operators

Health and Safety

• Transient Accommodation License: May be required from State Department of Health if serving food
• Building Code Compliance: Must meet all applicable New Mexico construction standards
• Wildlife Safety: Compliance with state wildlife protection regulations required

Fire and Wildlife Safety Regulations

Fire-Wise Community Requirements

• Ruidoso is designated as a fire-wise community
• Property owners responsible for educating renters about current fire restrictions
• Strict adherence to local fire safety ordinances required
• Property must be maintained free of fire hazards

Wildlife Safety Compliance

• Guests must be educated about local wildlife regulations and safety
• Prohibition on feeding, touching, or disturbing wildlife
• Information must be posted for guest review
• Compliance with wildlife protection ordinances required

Contact Information for Local STR Authorities

Primary STR Administration Contact

Chrysanti Jones

• Title: Short-Term Rental Administrative Assistant
• Phone: (575) 258-4343 x 1065
• Alternative Phone: (575) 258-6999
• Email: ChrysantiJones@ruidoso-nm.gov
• Responsibilities: STR permit processing, compliance questions, general STR inquiries

Village of Ruidoso Contacts

Planning & Zoning Department

• Phone: (575) 258-6999
• Address: 313 Cree Meadows Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345
• Responsibilities: Zoning compliance, property eligibility verification

Building Department

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

Village Manager's Office

• Ron Sena, Village Manager
• Phone: (575) 258-4343
• Email: RonaldSena@ruidoso-nm.gov
• Responsibilities: General village administration, policy questions

Emergency and Safety Contacts

Fire Department/Emergency Management

• Eric Queller, Emergency Manager
• Phone: (575) 257-3473
• Cell: (575) 973-8963
• Email: EricQueller@ruidoso-nm.gov
• Responsibilities: Fire safety questions, emergency preparedness

24/7 STR Complaint Hotline

• Phone: (575) 315-8354
• Purpose: Report STR violations and safety concerns

State-Level Contacts

New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department

• Phone: (866) 285-2996
• Website: tax.newmexico.gov
• Responsibilities: CRS registration, GRT questions, state tax compliance

GovOS Support (MuniRevs Platform)

• Email: blt.str.support@govos.com
• Phone: (888) 751-1911
• Responsibilities: Technical support for online permitting system

Links to Source Pages

Official Village of Ruidoso Resources

1. Main STR Compliance Page: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/short-term-rentals
2. MuniRevs Registration Portal: ruidoso-nm.munirevs.com/
3. New STR Software Portal: portal.deckard.com/nm-lincoln-village_of_ruidoso-str-portal/
4. Public STR Portal: str-public-portal.deckard.com/?place=nm-villageofruidoso
5. STR Complaint Portal: complaints-str.deckard.com/ruidoso-nm-str-complaints
6. Ordinance 2025-01: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/s/ORD_2025-001_STR_Overlay_Feb_11_2025_Council_Document.pdf
7. Village Code of Ordinances: library.municode.com/nm/ruidoso

State Resources

8. CRS Business Registration: tap.state.nm.us/TAP/_/
9. New Mexico Tax Portal: www.tax.newmexico.gov/Businesses/default.aspx
10. New Mexico Health Department: Contact for transient accommodation licensing

News and Updates

11. New STR Rules Announcement: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/news-info/ajef8myyc3me3s256sw6kapts9klzj
12. Village STR Software Launch: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/news-info/yp45ea24dhkzx6axzyxykzgn458whj

Additional Resources

13. Wildlife Safety Information: www.ruidoso-nm.gov/s/VOR_Wildlife_RackCard.pdf
14. Fire Safety Regulations: Contact Emergency Management for current restrictions

Important Compliance Notes

Tax Remittance Requirements: All short-term rentals rented for 29 days or less must collect Lodger's Tax (5%) and Gross Receipts Tax on the gross charge to guests. Even if platforms like Airbnb collect taxes automatically, property owners remain responsible for proper registration and filing.

Inspection Schedule: Annual compliance inspections are mandatory, with processing times up to 15 business days as required by ordinance. Properties found non-compliant face fines, permit suspensions, or revocations.

Three-Strike System: Unresolved issues may result in strikes against a permit, with three strikes leading to suspension or revocation of operating privileges.

Transition Period: The village recently launched new STR management software (RentalScape) in September 2025, with staff still becoming familiar with the platform. Additional processing time should be allowed during this transition period.

This comprehensive guide provides all essential information for operating a compliant short-term rental in Ruidoso, NM. Investors should maintain regular contact with village authorities and stay updated on regulatory changes to ensure ongoing compliance and successful operations.