5-12(F)(1)(a) The provisions in this Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(1) and Table 5-12-1 apply to all signs in any Residential zone district unless specified otherwise in this IDO.
5-12(F)(1)(b) Notwithstanding the provisions in Table 5-12-1, a Neighborhood Association representative on file with the Office of Neighborhood Coordination (ONC) or the applicant for a subdivision is allowed 1 monument or freestanding sign for every 5 acres of land within the Neighborhood Association boundary or proposed subdivision area, up to a maximum of 4 signs. If mounted on a perimeter wall, a letter of authorization from the property owner must be submitted with the application.?
Sign Type | Zone District | |||
R-A | R-MC | R-1, R-T | R-ML, R-MH | |
Sign Type | Zone District | |||
R-A | R-MC | R-1, R-T | R-ML, R-MH | |
Residential Uses[1] | ||||
Wall Sign[2] | ||||
Number, maximum |
Low-density residential development: 1 / dwelling Multi-family residential development: 1 / building / street frontage
| |||
Area, maximum[3] | 4 sq. ft. | 2 sq. ft. | Low-density residential: 2 sq. ft. Multi-family residential: 24 sq. ft. | |
Window Sign | Prohibited | Limited to signs not discernible from a public right-of-way. | ||
Yard Sign | ||||
Number, maximum | 1 / dwelling in lieu of wall sign if dwelling is more than 30 ft. from street | Prohibited | ||
Area, maximum | 2 sq. ft. | |||
Monument Sign | ||||
Number, maximum | Prohibited | Multi-family residential: 1 / street frontage | ||
Area, maximum | 24 sq. ft. | |||
Height, maximum | 4 ft. | |||
Allowed and Nonconforming Non-residential Uses | ||||
Building-mounted or Freestanding Sign | ||||
Number, maximum | 1 / street frontage | |||
Area, maximum | 24 sq. ft. | |||
Height, maximum | Freestanding sign: 6 ft. | |||
[1] This section of the table applies to residential uses and uses accessory to the primary residential use, including but not limited to home occupation and agricultural sales stand. For other non-residential uses, see the Allowed and Nonconforming Non-residential Uses section of this table. [2] For low-density residential development, wall signs are only allowed for a use accessory to the primary residential use on the property. [3] For wall signs, the maximum size in this table is the sign area allowed per premises and may be achieved through one or multiple signs, as allowed by this table. | ||||
The provisions in Table 5-12-2 and this Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(2) apply to all signs that are not located within any Residential zone district unless specified otherwise in this IDO.
Sign Type | Zone District | |
Mixed-use Zone Districts, NR-C, NR-LM, NR-GM | NR-BP, NR-SU, NR-PO, PD, PC | |
Sign Type | Zone District | |
Mixed-use Zone Districts, NR-C, NR-LM, NR-GM | NR-BP, NR-SU, NR-PO, PD, PC | |
Wall Sign | ||
Number, maximum |
N/A | Per approved plan[1] |
Area, maximum |
Shall not exceed the following percentages of façade area, inclusive of door and window openings: MX-T, MX-FB-ID: 5% MX-L: 10% MX-M, MX-H, MX-FB-FX, MX-FB-AC, MX-FB-UD, NR-C: 15% NR-LM, NR-GM: 25% | |
Location | Where there is no side setback between 2 establishment frontages in the same or abutting buildings, no wall sign may extend closer than 2 feet to the shared edge of the frontage. | |
Window Sign | No more than 15% of window and door areas may be covered with signs. On the ground floor, between 4 feet and 8 feet above ground level, window signs shall be limited to 25% of that area. | |
Canopy Sign
| ||
Number, maximum |
1 / establishment frontage
MX-FB: 1 / entry/exit
| Per approved plan[1] |
Width, maximum | 50% of building frontage width MX-FB-AC, MX-FB-UD: full building frontage width | |
Height of message surface, maximum |
Letters and images must be located on vertical surfaces, which may not exceed 18 in. height. | |
Marquee Sign
| ||
Number, maximum | A marquee sign is allowed in lieu of – not in addition to – an allowable wall sign. 1 / theater or performance venue frontage. | Per approved plan[1] |
Area, maximum | Same as allowable maximum area of wall sign.
| |
Height of message surface, maximum | 3 ft. MX-FB-AC, MX-FB-UD: 5 ft.
| |
Projection, maximum | 50% of the distance over any abutting sidewalk or 10 ft. from the façade, whichever is less. | |
Projecting Sign
| ||
Number, maximum[2] | 1 / establishment MX-H and MX-FB: 1 / establishment frontage | Per approved plan[1] |
Area, maximum | Same as allowable maximum size of freestanding sign. | |
Projection, maximum | 30 in. from the façade In the DT area and North 4th Corridor – CPO-9, if the lower edge of sign is =12 ft. above sidewalk: 50% of the distance over any abutting sidewalk 75% of the distance over any abutting sidewalk on Central Avenue between 1st and 8th Streets | |
Rooftop Sign | ||
Number, maximum | 1 / building Rooftop signs are only allowed in small areas pursuant to Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(3) (Standards Applicable in Small Areas). | Per approved plan[1] |
Area, maximum | 75 sq. ft. | |
Height, maximum | 15 ft. or 25% of the height of the building, whichever is less. | |
Freestanding Sign | ||
Number, maximum[2] |
1 / premises / street frontage. A freestanding sign is allowed only where there is at least 100 feet of street frontage or 1 / Joint Sign Premises, pursuant to Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(2)(b). | Per approved plan[1] |
Area, maximum |
MX-T, MX-FB-ID: 50 sq. ft. MX-L: 100 sq. ft.
Any other Mixed-use zone district, NR-C, NR-LM, NR-GM: 100 sq. ft. at allowable locations abutting a local or collector street. 200 sq. ft. at allowable locations abutting an arterial street or interstate highway. 300 sq. ft. at allowable locations within 200 feet of a through lane of an interstate highway and visible from the interstate highway.
| |
Height, maximum[3] | MX-T, MX-FB-ID: 9 ft. MX-L: 18 ft. Any other Mixed-use zone district, NR-C, NR-LM, NR-GM: 26 ft.
| |
[1] Per approved NR-BP Master Development Plan; NR-SU, PD, or PC Site Plan – EPC; or NR-PO Master Plan as applicable. If no Master Development Plan is approved or if the approved Master Development Plan does not specify sign standards, see Subsection 14-16-2-5(B)(3)(c)
3. [2] For premises where freestanding signs are allowed, for each street frontage, either a freestanding sign or projecting signs are allowed, not both (i.e. projecting signs can be used on any street frontage where a freestanding sign is not used). [3] For any freestanding sign that is within 200 feet of a through lane of an interstate highway, the maximum height is measured from the highway road grade at the closest point from the premises. | ||
A Joint Sign Premises may be created by the owners of 2 or more abutting premises who wish to cooperate in order to jointly obtain permission for 1 freestanding sign on the Joint Sign Premises. To qualify for a freestanding sign, the Joint Sign Premises shall meet all of the following requirements.
1. The individual premises included in the Joint Sign Premises must each have less than 100 feet of street frontage along the same street.
2. The combined premises shall have no less than 100 feet of frontage along the same street.
3. The owners of the individual premises shall submit a joint agreement with their application for a Sign Permit pursuant to Subsection 14-16-6-5(C).
In addition to other standards for on-premises signs, this Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(3) applies as noted in the following small areas.
Rooftop signs are allowed in any Mixed-use or Non-residential zone district in the East Downtown - CPO-4 if they meet both of the following standards.
1. At least 70 percent of the sign area shall consist of open space, through which the structural framework may be viewed.
2. The remaining portion of the sign area may consist of channel letters, channel graphics, open lighting elements, or a solid panel.
Rooftop signs are allowed in any Mixed-use or Non-residential zone district in the East Downtown - HPO-1 if they meet both of the following standards.
1. At least 70 percent of the sign area shall consist of open space, through which the structural framework may be viewed.
2. The remaining portion of the sign area may consist of channel letters, channel graphics, open lighting elements, or a solid panel.
Rooftop signs are allowed in any Mixed?use or Non-residential zone district in or within 330 feet of the Downtown Center if they meet both of the following standards.
1. Only 30 percent of the sign area shall consist of channel letters, channel graphics, open lighting elements, or a solid panel.
2. The structural framework of the sign shall be visible for the remaining 70 percent of the sign area.
Projecting and freestanding signs shall be a maximum size of 75 square feet in any Mixed-use zone district in the following mapped small area.
The following provisions apply in any Mixed-use or Non-residential zone district in the following mapped small area.
1. Wall signs are prohibited on façades that face abutting Residential zone districts.
2. Freestanding signs shall be monument signs only and shall be a maximum of 50 square feet with a maximum height of 8 feet.
The following provisions apply in any Mixed-use or Non-residential zone district in the following mapped small area.
1. Only wall and freestanding signs are allowed.
2. Wall signs shall have a maximum size of 15 percent of the façade area, inclusive of door and window openings.
3. Freestanding signs shall have a maximum size of 75 square feet and a maximum height of 12 feet, except that properties over 5 acres may have 1 freestanding sign up to 26 feet in height within 200 feet of Sunport Boulevard.
4. The base of freestanding signs shall be surrounded by a landscaped area of at least 36 square feet with a minimum of 75 percent vegetative cover.
5. No sign or any part of a sign shall rotate.
The following provisions apply in any Mixed-use or Non-residential zone district in the following mapped small area.
1. Only wall and freestanding signs are allowed.
2. Freestanding signs shall be a maximum size of 75 square feet with a maximum height of 12 feet.
3. No sign or any part of a sign shall move or rotate.
The provisions of this Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(4)(a) provide size and height bonuses for qualifying neon on-premises signs, allow animation, and provide incentives and flexibility from otherwise applicable sign regulations in specific areas of the city. In case of conflict between these standards and other sign standards applicable to the same property, these standards shall prevail.
1. Applicability
The following additional regulations apply to:
a. Signs on all lots that abut or have direct frontage to Central Avenue.
b. Signs on all lots located within 300 feet of the edge of the public right-of-way of Central Avenue.
c. Signs located on lots located within 300 feet of an intersection of Central Avenue and the following streets:
i. Tramway Boulevard.
ii. Juan Tabo Boulevard.
iii. Eubank Boulevard.
iv. Wyoming Boulevard.
v. Louisiana Boulevard.
vi. San Pedro Boulevard.
vii. San Mateo Boulevard.
viii. Yale Boulevard.
ix. University Boulevard.
x. I-25.
xi. Broadway Boulevard.
xii. Atrisco Drive.
xiii. Old Coors Drive.
xiv. Coors Boulevard.
xv. Unser Boulevard north of Central Avenue.
xvi. 98th Street north of Central Avenue.
2. Eligibility for Incentives
In order to qualify for incentives in Subsection 3 below, the applicant must comply with all of the following criteria.
a. Amount of Neon
Luminous neon shall comprise at least 50 percent of the sign face area and include text and/or images.
b. Location
The sign shall not obscure portions of a building that contribute to architectural character, including but not limited to doors and windows.
c. Lighting Technology
Signage that uses LED tubing or a similar alternative and has the appearance of neon is allowed if it produces a continuous lit appearance similar to neon lighting technology, and does not create darker and/or shadowy spaces between individual LEDs that make the linear, illuminated image appear non-continuous. Incandescent bulbs, another historic sign illumination type, or compact fluorescent bulbs that appear to be incandescent bulbs shall comprise no more than 50 percent of the sign face area.
d. Design Elements
The sign shall be consistent with at least 1 of the following design elements.
i. Sign Restoration
Restoration of a historic sign that includes neon and/or incandescent light bulbs qualifies the applicant for the neon sign incentives in Subsection 3 below.
ii. Neon Design
The neon portion of the sign shall be intricate, creative, and expressive. There shall be added text and/or imagery, preferably both, highlighted with neon.
iii. Sign Design
If the sign is a rectangle or a square, the mounting structure shall have a unique design that integrates with the sign.
iv. Illumination
One hundred (100) percent of the sign illumination shall consist of neon or other historic forms of illumination, such as incandescent bulbs. Illumination calculations exclude any portion of the sign that is backlit plastic panels where sign content is painted or printed on the panel, instead of originating from luminous tubing.
e. Compliance with National Electric Safety Code
All signs must be in compliance with the latest enforced clearance section of the National Electric Safety Code, which governs minimum required clearance distances for electric utilities. Electric overhead transmission lines are located perpendicular and parallel to Central Ave. Electric overhead distribution lines are frequently located in or overhanging the public ROW, generally crossing or paralleling Central Avenue. All proposed neon installations at these locations must be approved by PNM through the Sign Permit process in Subsection 14-16-6-5(C) to ensure vertical and horizontal safety clearances.
3. Incentives and Flexibility
The following incentives and flexibility apply to signs that meet the requirements of Subsections 1 and 2 above.
a. Sign area for a freestanding or projecting sign may be up to 50 percent larger than the sign area allowed in the underlying zone district, up to a maximum of 250 square feet after the bonus is applied. Lettering is allowed a proportionate size bonus.
b. Sign area for a building-mounted sign, except projecting signs, may be up to 25 percent larger than the sign area allowed in the underlying zone district. Lettering is allowed a proportionate size bonus.
c. The height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed 30 feet, except that the height of a sign within 200 feet of a through lane of an interstate highway shall not exceed 26 feet, as measured from the highway road grade at the closest point from the premises.
d. The height of a building-mounted sign shall not exceed 110 percent of the building height or 35 feet, whichever is less. Building-mounted signs shall be located below the top edge of any non-residential portion of the building to which it is attached, or shall otherwise be located so that the illumination from the sign is shielded from any residential portion of the building.
4. Animation
a. Flashing and physical movement of a sign and/or its elements are not allowed and do not qualify as an animated sign.
b. Signs that meet the other standards of this Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(4)(a) may be animated by changing the neon illumination in a sequential or radial manner to produce apparent motion of the visual image.
1. Portable signs are only allowed for land uses in the Food, Beverage, and Indoor Entertainment or Retail Sales categories in Table 4-2-1, provided that they comply with the standards in Table 5-12-3.
Topic | Standard |
Number, maximum | 1 / establishment |
Number of sides, maximum | 2 |
Size, maximum | 6 sq. ft. / side |
Width, maximum | 2.5 ft. |
Height, maximum | 3 ft. |
Location | Must be located in front of the premises owned or occupied by the person or entity placing the sign. May be located in the public right-of-way, on a private way, or on a walkway but not within 2 feet of the curb, and not in areas that are required to be clear for pedestrian movement next to any street furniture. |
Construction | Must be constructed of wood, metal, or other durable materials in such a manner as to resist movement by high winds. May consist of a changeable writing board, chalkboard, or surface that accommodates changeable letters. Paper signs, balloons, banners, and wind-activated devices shall not be used or attached to a sign. Must be constructed in a manner that incorporates a base from which no supports or feet that may cause pedestrians to trip extend. No external cables, brackets, wires, or props shall be allowed. No sign that requires electricity or any other power source shall be allowed. |
Pedestrian clear passage | |
Sidewalk <8 ft. wide | ≥3 ft. wide shall be maintained at all times |
Sidewalk ≥8 ft. wide | ≥6 ft. wide shall be maintained at all times |
Removal of signs | Sign shall be removed outside of business hours and stored inside the business and away from public view and shall be removed when weather conditions create potentially hazardous conditions. |
2. Portable signs and signs that are mounted on wheels or a movable vehicle, or made easily movable in any manner, are prohibited in the following small areas:
a. Coors Boulevard - CPO-2
b. The Alameda Boulevard Sub-area of the North I-25 - CPO-10.
An Alternative Signage Plan is allowed pursuant to all of the provisions in this Subsection 14-16-5-12(F)(5) and shall be reviewed and decided pursuant to Subsection 14-16-6-5(C)(2)(c) (Alternative Signage Plan).
5-12(F)(5)(b) An Alternative Signage Plan may allow different sign types, materials, location, means of projecting images, or forms of sign illumination or motion, as well as greater individual sign area or height, than allowed by other provisions in Subsection 14-16-5-12(F) (On-premises Signs) or 14-16-5-12(H) (Electronic Signs), subject to all of the following limitations.
1. No Alternative Signage Plan may allow a sign area greater than the combined sign area that would be allowed by Subsection 14-16-5-12(F) (On-premises Signs) for all lots within the subject property.
2. No Alternative Signage Plan may allow a taller sign on a lot than would otherwise be allowed by any Overlay zone regulating that lot.
3. No Alternative Signage Plan may allow an electronic sign in an area where electronic signs are prohibited by Subsection 14-16-5-12(H) (Electronic Signs).
4. No Alternative Signage Plan may allow a change in sign illumination or motion beyond that allowed by any part of Section 14-16-5-12 (Signs) for a property that is within 50 feet in any direction of any Residential zone district or for a sign that is visible from any Residential zone district.