Last fall, we reported that the City of Albuquerque was considering a strict new sign ordinance that would essentially outlaw most of the Duke City’s fabulous neon signs along Route 66.
The Route 66 and business community greeted the proposal with such alarm that a Sign Defense Group was formed, complete with a Web site.
Today, I received word from Russell Brito, a division manager of the city’s Development Review Division, that amended language of the proposed sign ordinance is scheduled for a May 17 public hearing for recommendation for the City Council. Brito also sent me copies of the proposed ordinance.
I’m happy to report that the new proposal has a ton of exemptions for historic sites. That, includes all of Central Avenue, aka Route 66, and all of Fourth Street, the pre-1937 alignment of Route 66. These exemptions were recommended by the Landmarks and Urban Conservation Commission.
The proposal goes on to say: “The Administration shall create specific regulations for each HSO [Historic Sign Overlay Zones] that address new signs within six months of adoption of this ordinance.”
I’m still not thrilled with the sign ordinance overall because it creates too much red tape. But the exemptions for Route 66 properties seem to be an acceptable compromise.
I am a small business owner here in ABQ and have 100 signs that I just received from a company that cost me nearly $1000 for advertising.
I plan to place these signs on public city lands throughout Rio Rancho & Albuquerque for my web design and search marketing company.
After some researching I was able to locate the permit forms and verbage for Rio Rancho’s ordinances regarding signage.
however I have found little or no information regarding ABQ’s sign ordinances and cabq.gov is very difficult to navigate.
Does anybody know where/how I can find resources about the current ordinance(s) in ABQ so that my advertising investments don’t get torn down or worse yet I don’t receive fines!
My signs are 2-color corrugated plastic signs that are 18 by 24 inches and 2-sided. They are much like political signs or realty signs.
Any help is appreciated!
I don’t think it’s legal to put commercial signs on city property in Albuquerque. Did you try asking the city planning & Zoning dept.? Maybe your printer knows the rules on this. If not, talk to one who does political signs, like Focus, Ink.