Sign Regulations in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Political Campaign Sign, Free-Standing Sign, Building-Mounted Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sample Sign Requirements in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Standing Sign | 20 ft from elevation of edge of roadway closest to sign base | 40 sq ft per side, up to two sides | Min. 6 ft from any driveway/side street; bottom of sign within 15 ft ROW must be 8 ft above ground. |
| Building-Mounted Sign | Not to exceed building height or 5 ft above building parapet | 20 sq ft per business (can increase if set back further from ROW, see formula) | May increase area if sign is set back from ROW (see formula); only for businesses facing directly on a major street (not in shopping centers/complexes). |
| Painted Wall Sign | Not to exceed building height or 5 ft above parapet | 20 sq ft (subject to same rules as building mounted, may be increased by setback) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Political Campaign Sign
- Free-Standing Sign
- Building-Mounted Sign
- Painted Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in New Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
In Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, wall signs can be up to Not to exceed building height or 5 ft above parapet. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, regulated sign types include Political Campaign Sign, Free-Standing Sign, Building-Mounted Sign, Painted Wall Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Los Ranchos de Albuquerque has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico Sign Rules at a Glance
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico regulates 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Free-Standing Signs in the Commercially zoned property, Commercial lot or building zoning district are capped at 20 ft from elevation of edge of roadway closest to sign base tall and 40 sq ft per side, up to two sides, with a Min. 6 ft from any driveway/side street; bottom of sign within 15 ft ROW must be 8 ft above ground. setback (Sec. § 9.2.22(E)(1), (F)(2)-(4), (D)(1)-(5)). Most commercial signs in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, New Mexico
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercially zoned property, Commercial lot or building | 11 | 20 ft from elevation of edge of roadway closest to sign base | 50 sq ft advertising, 65 sq ft total sign | — |
| Residentially zoned property, Family dwelling, non-commercial lot or building, or a residential lot or building | 6 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
Commercially zoned property, Commercial lot or building
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free-Standing Sign | 20 ft from elevation of edge of roadway closest to sign base | 40 sq ft per side, up to two sides | — | Min. 6 ft from any driveway/side street; bottom of sign within 15 ft ROW must be 8 ft above ground. | One per property (even if property abuts more than one roadway) | On premises of commercial property or lot | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(E)(1), (F)(2)-(4), (D)(1)-(5) |
| Building-Mounted Sign | Not to exceed building height or 5 ft above building parapet | 20 sq ft per business (can increase if set back further from ROW, see formula) | — | May increase area if sign is set back from ROW (see formula); only for businesses facing directly on a major street (not in shopping centers/complexes). | One sign per building side facing a roadway. | Mounted on building; for property with multiple road frontages: one sign per side facing roadway. | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(E)(1)(a), (E)(5)-(7), (F)(1), (H) |
| Painted Wall Sign | Not to exceed building height or 5 ft above parapet | 20 sq ft (subject to same rules as building mounted, may be increased by setback) | — | — | Included in the count for building-mounted signs | On wall of commercial building | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(A)(16), (E), (F), (H) |
| Multi-Tenant Sign | 20 ft (see free-standing sign) | 50 sq ft advertising, 65 sq ft total sign | — | — | One multi-tenant sign per premise/building | On premises of complex/building | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(E)(2), (F), (D)(5) |
| Building-Mounted Sign (Multi-Tenant Complex) | Not to exceed height of building or 5 ft above parapet | 20 sq ft per business | — | — | One per business | On building in multi-tenant complex | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(E)(2)(b), (F)(1), (H) |
| Construction Sign - Primary Contractor | — | 12 sq ft | — | Within building setback limits | One | Confined to commercial property under construction | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(M)(1), (2)(a)-(c) |
| Construction Sign - Subcontractors | — | 12 sq ft | — | Within building setback limits | One | Confined to site of commercial construction | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(M)(2)(a)-(c) |
| Political Campaign Sign | Same as nonpolitical sign in same location | Same as nonpolitical sign in same location | — | Same as applicable sign type | No limitation specified within parcel | On commercially zoned property | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(K)(4) |
Residentially zoned property, Family dwelling, non-commercial lot or building, or a residential lot or building
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One sign per property | On residential property offered for sale or lease | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(L)(3) |
| Temporary Sale Sign (Garage/Yard/Estate Sale) | — | 6 sq ft per side, 2 sides | — | — | One | On residential premises | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(J)(2) |
| Construction Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One per legal parcel | On premises under construction (residential) | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(M)(3) |
| Agricultural Product/Service Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | One per premises | On premises where agricultural products are grown or services provided | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(J)(1) |
| Banner (Apartment Building with Rental Units) | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | One per building | On apartment building | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(I)(2)(a) |
| Political Campaign Sign | — | No stated size limit | — | Must observe clear sight triangle and not block lanes or ROW | No restriction stated | Private residentially zoned property | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(K)(2) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On premises of home occupation business | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(A)(9) |
| Temporary Sign - Other (Special Event/Seasonal) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(I)(2)(d) |
| Murals | — | — | — | — | — | Exterior wall | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(A)(11) |
| Signature/Graphic Shape Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Commercial establishments only | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(G)(3) |
| On-Vehicle Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On vehicle on premises | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(E)(10) |
| Political Campaign Sign (Public Right-of-Way) | — | — | — | Must not impair line of sight | — | Public right-of-way (only specified major streets); must not impair visibility, block pedestrian/cycle lanes, or traffic signs/signals | — | Unlock | § 9.2.22(K)(3) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- Signs which contribute to confusion of traffic control or resemble traffic control lighting; unauthorized signs, signals, markings or devices which purport to be or are imitations of official traffic control devices or railroad signs or signals; or signs which obstruct the visibility of or interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic control devices or any railroad signs or signals.
- Rotating, flashing or oscillating or still beacons of light and any lights that violate the Dark Skies provisions.
- Electronic message boards with moving messages.
- Portable metal frame signs, illuminated or non-illuminated, mounted on wheels or not, whether or not affixed by chains or otherwise made to appear to be permanent to a site (except those grandfathered or previously permitted sandwich boards).
- Signs with Audible Devices.
- Signs on the public right-of-way; except for name and address signs on mailboxes.
- Any signs on the public right-of-way that impede pedestrian access.
- Off-premises signs.
- Signs in clear sight triangle at a roadway or driveway intersection.
- Abandoned signs, signs in disrepair and signs that advertise businesses or services that are no longer in operation or available.
- Billboards not already existing.
- Banner-type signs advertising alcoholic beverages, real estate, deals (sales events), or any banner not meeting the specified criteria.
- Pendants on wires or ropes.
- Snipe signs for more than three (3) days, except those advertising lost pets.
- Advertisement signs for residential development other than one sign for general contractor with parcel permit.
- No new billboards permitted.
- No sign nor part of a sign shall move, flash or rotate.
- No sign nor part of a sign shall change its illumination more than once an hour.
Exempt Signs in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- Signs required by law or signs of a duly-constituted governmental body.
- Signs placed by a public utility for the safety, welfare, or convenience of the public.
- Temporary holiday decorations.
- Items of merchandise normally displayed within a show window of a business.
- Non-illuminated names of building, dates of erection, monument citations, commemorative tablets and similar when carved into stone, concrete, metal or permanent construction and made integral to a structure or flush to the ground.
- Indoor signs not intended to be read from outside.
- All free-standing permitted signs as they existed on May 19, 2008 are exempt from restrictions until such signs change.
- Legal nonconforming signs previously permitted by the Village.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
- All permanent and temporary signs require a sign permit from the Village.
- A sign shall not be erected, re-erected, constructed or altered except as provided for in this Section and after a permit for same has been issued by the Village.
- Application for sign permit must be made in writing with plans or other pertinent information necessary to construction, including location by elevation drawing, dimensions, and graphic reproduction.
- A separate sign permit is required for each registered business entity.
- A sign permit shall lapse if the business license lapses or is revoked, or the business activity is discontinued for 180 days or more.
- New tenants in a premises with an existing free standing sign must obtain sign permits.
- All permanent free-standing signs require a building permit from the Village and must comply with state and municipal building codes.
- Maintenance or repair of an existing conforming sign does not require a new sign permit provided size and structure are not changed.
- Modifications (excluding repairs) to nonconforming signs are prohibited unless brought into conformance.
- Sign permits for compliant signs not requiring variance or special approval may be approved by the Planning and Zoning Official.
- Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that advertising or business signs are permitted, subject to the same regulations.
- Variance requests for signs may be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Larger signs for large buildings or developments may be approved through a site development review and application approval process.
- Subdivision signs must be reviewed and approved as part of the Site Development Plan for the subdivision.
- Digital reader boards and Time/Temperature signs may be permitted by the Village through the Site Plan Approval process.