629 TOWN OF TAOS
ORDINANCES
YEAR: 1974
NUMBER:
I, 2�
�nk �► Aft �
Ordinance No. 622 _
PROTOTYPE SIGN ORDINANCE
TOWN OF TAOS , NEW MEXICO
Sign Ordinance - Town of Taos, New Mexico
Section 1 Short Title
This Ordinance shall hereafter be known and cited as the
"Sign Regulations."
Section 2 Definitions -
As used in this Ordinance unless the context otherwise indicates:
(1) Business - shall mean any business licensed to conduct business
within the Town of Taos.
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(2) Business Identification Sign - shall include any sign intended
to identify a commercial operation as well as advertise its
location and indicate the type of goods sold or services provided.
(3) Composite Premises - shall mean a building within which there
are several businesses sharing a common space. In this instance,
all of the businesses within the "common space" shall be considered
as a single premises and shall share the sign allocation for a
single premises .
(4) Erect - shall mean to build, construct, attach, hang, place,
suspend, or affix, and shall also include the painting of wall
signs.
(5) Facing or Surface - shall mean the surface of the sign upon,
against, or through which the message is displayed or illustrated
on the sign.
(6) Ground Sign - shall indicate any sign supported by up rights or
braces placed upon the ground, and not attached to any building.
(7) Identification Signs - any sign erected to identify the premises,
occupants, or name of structure and shall not provide advertising
over and above specific identification .
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(8) Illuminated.Sign -.shall.mean.gny sign which has characters,
letters, fig•ires, designs, or outline;iIlumi noted-by electric
lights or luminous tubes not a part of the sign proper but
•indirectly lit from a concealed light.source. .
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(9) Incombustible Mote•;r;-d shall reean any moterial which will
not ignite at or below a temperature of 1200 deg. Fahrenheit
and wi I I not continue, tt� bui n or glow ut thot , •iiperatui e .
(10) Juint Identification (Directory type) Signs - shall include any
sign used jointly by e:+ number of businesses for identification or
advertisement but which is not necessarily located on the premises
of such businesses. Said sign shall not exceed a total of 40 sq . ft .
and shall allow a maximum of 5 sq . ft. for the title of the sign
and a maximum of 2 sq . ft. per business on premises . Off premises
signs othei than joint identification signs shall not be allowed
within the Town of Taos.
(11) Other Advertising Stiucture - as usod in this Ordinance shall
mean any marquee, canopy, awnino or street clock as further
defined herein .
(12) Outdoor Ad-/ertisino Sign - sholl include ony sign established to
advertise a business ctivi1,, which is not located upon the some
premises cis the skin . Outdoor advertising signs are rr(-hibited
in the Town of Taos except for the Exceptions herein stipulated.
(13) Person - shall mean and inchide oiiy person, firm, partnership,
association, corporation, company, or oreornization of eery kind.
(14) Premises - shai I m+:rsn o iiar., of land upc•.. Which structure or
business is situ°ited or � ,c:h :•' sevot I bu}id;ngs u. busines::c:.
licensed io do busin,.-. the Tow:e Taos . Each buildiiij or
bi)*inc:,5 mcly he cot:si,'i,!d :7 :epur a•,' preri!s,:s excepting that
severed I: Llsini;•,sv'� n .ornp-i.1 pictniscs shall be co:i:idered
as a siretic promises .
(i5) Projecting Signs - shill inr:lude any sign which is attached to a
b.aildinn or oth,:r structure and ;:xtends beyond the line of said
building rr st ucturc or beyond the: so!frce of that portion of the
building or strfar;ture to which it is attached.
(lb) Roof Sign - shall mean any sign erected constructed and -nointained
wholely upon or over the roof of any building with the principal
support of the roof Sh(P.iure .
(17) Sign - shrill mec7n ar d include ;;��:r; :icj��, I-:illbaprd, grpund sign,
wall sign, rorif'siovi, i livininatr_c", sFFi,i, ptoj.t.`cting sign, temporary
sign, marquee, owiliric;, c,:,Trau>/ uod ttr-cut . Iock, and shall include
any cannc onc:enicrd, display, 1Hustration,
insignia, or deccantiu;i i!s.-r .)-r p;wr,,jc)te the interests
of any person v :: ! ou'r of doors in view of the
general pul-.l i;. .
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(1 ti) Specio! Sign - shall iriciude nny sign intended
to irie.ttify the na„re, location, sponsor or- occupant of a
5hr-r:tot•� of a public of cluosi.-public nature .
(19) Shucturol Tri,n mean the molding, battens, tappings,
nui litrct ships., and platforms which are atAac;hed
to dic: sits strl!;tk re.
(20) Temporary Sian - include any sign, banner, pendant,
vnlftnce, v1 (tdvi-rtisinb display constructed of cloth, canvas,
light fohri:., curdhou,d, wall board, or other light materials,
,Ath oi fro1, Ps, intended to be displayed for a short
r'c� 1•„) J tim,:
(21) lo.ftr,. Si`;,i•. ~ .hall includc ony sign intended to direct the
flow of vehic-.ilor or pedestri-in traffic, road mar!,:cr, trail
rnn&k ► a„d :IJL h docn n )tadvurtise rior cagy any ether
irlfrrlr,rttic,, (.x(.,:ptin<) tl,ot telatud to traffic ecrttrol .
(22) Wall Sign - shall include all flat signs of solid face construction
which ate placed aguinst a boildincg or other structure and
attuched to the P;;terior front, year, or side wall of anv building;
or other structure .
Section 3 Permits R :grti�-vd
h skull b- ut;lowful for any person to erect, repair, alter,
relocate or maintain -ithin the Town of Taos any sign or other
advertising structure as defined in this Ordinance without
first obtoinin�j or, erection permit from the Town Council or
its desrgneE and making payment of the fee required by
Secti m 7 hereof.
Section 4 Apuh.-crtioo fo: Erection Permit
Atyi!, ol,c.,, for erection permits shall be made upon blanks
1)10% i1i0d ray 1110 Building Inspectcr, and shall contain or have
.rr1 !• A ttf.•t, tr ;4» following information:
No ne . odd:ess and telephone number of applicant .
Location of buildi�lg, structure, or lot to which or upon
whick tho sign or ct'ler advertising structure is to be
uttuched or Prectej .
Position of the sign or other advertising structure in ralution
to nearby buildings or structures.
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Two blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications
and method of construction and attachment to the building
or in the ground.
Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing the structure
is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction
in the amount required by this and all other laws and
ordinances of the Town.
Name of person, firm, corporation, or association erecting
structure .
Written consent of the owner of the building, structure, or
land to which or on which the structure is to be erected.
Section 5 Planning Commission Approval
Permits for all signs other than traffic signs shall be subject to
review and approval by the Town Planning Commission prior to
issuance of a permit for construction. Likewise, signs to be
located in territory designated as HR - Historic Residential or
HC - Historic Commercial shall be subject to review and approval
of the Historic Review Board .
Section 6 Permit Issued If Application In Order
It shall be the duty of the Town Staff, upon the filing of an
opi?li-:r►i4fr f:.r ;�r °�ir'.-ti .r ;;�:, t 'c, r,..;,mi a such plans and
specifications and other data and the premises upon which it is
proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure, and if it
shall appear that the proposed structure is in compliance with all
the requirements of this Ordinance and all other laws and ordinance
of the Town of Taos, he shall then issue the erection permit. If
the work authorized under an erection permit has not been completed
within six (6) months after date of issuance, the said permit shall
become null and void.
Section 7 Permit Fees
a . Every Applicant being granted a permit hereunder shall pay
to the Town of Taos as per, the fee schedule stipulated below.
The fee s!l ull. be breed upon total signage-the cummulative
total of all sign areas-in accordance with the size range
category into which it fa)Is . '
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'ra
Fee Size Range
$ 1 .00 per sq. ft . 0-10 sq . ft.
$ 2.00 per sq. ft . 11 -20 sq. ft.
$ 4.00 per sq. ft . 21 -30 sq . ft.
$ 5.00 per sq. ft . 31 -40 sq. ft.
$10.00 per sq . ft . 41 -80 sq . ft.
I Temporary Signs $15.00
b . Exemption to the stiuplated fees shall be provided for signs
which are being modified to eliminate non-conformity to
this ordinance in accordance with the following schedule.
Fee Time
No Charge Within 1 year
10% of fee Within 2 years
25% of fee Within 3 years
50% of fee Within 4 years
75% of fee Within 5 years
Provided however, that non-conforming signs shall be made
to conform in accordance with the amortization schedule
stipulated in Section 30-d-4 of this ordinance .
Section 8 Annual Inspection; Fees
The Town Staff shall inspect annually, or at such other times as
deemed necessary, each sign or other advertising structure regulated
by this Ordinance for the purpose of ascertaining whether the some
is secure or insecure, and whether it is in need of removal or repair.
Section 9 Permit Revocable at Any Time
All rights and privileges acquired under the provisions of this
Ordinance or any amendment thereto, are mere licenses revocable
at any time by the Town Counci I, and al I other such permits shal
contain this provision .
Section 10 Unsafe and Unlawful Signs
If the Town Staff shall find that any sign or other advertising
structure regulated herein is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to
the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained
in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, he shall give written
notice to the permittee thereof. If the permittee fails to remove or alter
the structure sc as to comply with the standards herein set forth within
ten (10) days after such notice,.such sign or other advertising structure
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may be removed or altered to comply by the Town Staff at the
expeii.,P of the perrnittP@ o; o,-,n or --)' the property upon which it is
located. ihc: Town Stc►fl dwell iefus(- t, 4 kje a permit to any
permitter -)r owner who refuses to pay so assessed. The Town
Staff ma. cause any sign or ether odwortising structure which is an
immediate peril to persons or property to hh removed summarily
and without notice .
Section 11 Number, Date to be on Sign
Every sign or other advertising structure hereafter erected shall have
painted in a conspicuous place thereon, in letters not less than one
inch in height, the date of erection and the permit number.
Section 12 Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements
All signs and other advertising structures shall be designed and
constructed to withstand o wind pressure equivalent to a wind
velocity of 100 miles per hour; and shall be constructed to receive
dead loads us required in the Building Code or other ordinances
of the Town of Taos .
Section 13 Removal of Certain Signs
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a
bona fide Lousiness conducted, or a product sold, shall be taken down
and removed by the owner, orient, or pnrsnn having the beneficial
use of the b,rildincri or shucture Uj"I'l wi►i(.h such sign may be found
within ten (10) days cftor written r►,)tification from the Town Staff, and,
upon f0ilure to comply with such notice within the time specified in
such order, the Town Staff is F�erebv ouil-iorized to cause removal of
such sign, and any expense incident thereto: shall be paid by the
owner of the building or :;tructure t-- which such sign is attached.
Section 14 Exemptions
The provisin,is and regulations of this ordinance shall not apply to
the fol lowi.,j -inns, provided, hcwovei , :aid signs shall be subject
to the provisions of Sections 3 & 10 of this ordinance and shall
conform to the criteria and standards set forth in this ordinance for
the particular type of sign.
Real estate signs not exce.edir g eight (8) square feet in area
which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon
which said signs are booted only .
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f .. .MR. •+
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Professional nuine plates not exceeding one (1) square foot
in at en.
Biill,itiri hotit+ r)-.)t ovr�t sixteen (16) square feet in area for
public, aua::i-public, ch: ritable or religious institutions when
tl-,L :nwt- rare on tn': promises of soir_I inslitrrt;ons .
dor.,.,tw-, the architect, engineer, c'r rontract,.r when
ltl:cc.. ci Uf'-,'; woii< under construction, and not exceeding
sixtl ;.t (16- .r;uure lent in crea .
Memorial sirens or tablets, name of buildings and data of
,':ret•;io . when cut ink-) arty masonry surface or when constructed
of hron;-e of ether incombustible materials .
lf�'fIIC '•i'_ il: .a.11t,:'.i 'r'15 oI':fltlac-� �r other mur•ti:;tpal
Signs le, (il n:,tic.us, iailioad crossing signs, danger, and such
ternp rtaty, e►nerc;ency of i,cr.'-adve;rtisirig signs cis muy be
apntt)vo d f:',. tl'f.' Towel Counc; I .
Tei, por('ty ,i r,s used for identification or advertising of events
sp,)r'isorEd l'y local non-riofit''charitable associations or
organizntionm .
All types signs defined in ►his ordincrn .r, including ground
signs, if located in the Historic District shall be allowed if
upproved by the Historic Review Committee and said sign
1JIso conforms to the criteria and standards set forth in this
C�rclinarr.f. .
Section 15 Bond R(-ClUiteme:nt�
Every upp licant for a permit referred to herein shall, before the
pr'rrt;it �:, gionted, file with the Town Staff, a continuing bond in
tl,c ire nn' ;..im O! One Hundred ($100.00) Doi lars, times the or,a
of the rtgn it, .quare feet, executed by the applicant and a Surety
Company to he approved by the Town Attorney and conditioned for the
faithful ohservanc:e of the provisions of this Ordinance and all
�.itrnondment, thereto, and of all laws and ordinances relating tc signs
and other advertising structures, and which .5ha'I•I ine4ernn4y-cnd
save harmless the town of Taos from any and all damanges, judgments,
co,_ts of 4xpense which the sa'd Town may incur or suffer b� r•e:•nSon
of the ;►rantt,,g of said permit . Any person lawfully c;aintainirfcd a
si:, , or Ot110' (7dvVr tisi 119 _ti L-I. t'LIrr' rrCIulated by the O,rli;)nrn.:e of
the tint, or the enactment, r'rf fllis Ordinance shall, within thirty (30)
;sic! ."nactment, cornr4j'w•itI•t all t'',e r.r')v►,ions set forth in
linbi lity t!i5ul'11, 1' ,1l;r.Y rin :!.I'Ciir Q cfcJmpany
illf i. �t lJ List�lf�.. .... , . I }1�r, Y,'r.♦ ti F') n�1; ` rti
tl'ti;. section, mny.he reimit'ti:cd in lie:.r of a
5.
Section 16 Obstructions to Doors, Windows, or Fire Escapes
No sign shall be erected., relocated or maintained so as to
prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire
escape . No sign of any kind steal I be attached to a stand pipe
or fire escape.
Section 17 Signs Not to Constitute Traffic Hazard
No sign or other advertising structure as regulated by this
Ordinance shall be erected at the intersection of any streets in such
a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location
where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere
with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic
sign, signal, or device; or which makes use of the words "STOP",
"LOOK", "DANGER", or any other word, phrase, symbol or
character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse
traffic .
Section 18 Face of Sign Shall be Smooth
All signs or other advertising structures which are constructed on
street lines, or within five (5) feet thereof, shall have a smooth
surface and no nails, tacks, or wires shall be permitted to protrude
therefrom, except electrical reflectors or concealed lighting sources
which may extend over the top and in front of the advertising structures .
Section 19 Goose Neck Reflectors - Indirect Lighting Source
Goose neck reflectors and lights shall be permitted on projecting
signs, and wall signs, provided, however, the reflectors shall be
provided with proper glass lenses concentrating the illumination
upon the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or
adjacent property.
Section 20 Spotlights and Floodlights Prohibited
It'shalI be unlawful for any person to maintain any sign which
extends over public property which is wholly or partially illuminated
by floodlights or spotlights excepting that signs may be illuminated
by a concealed light source if said light does not substantially
illuminate any area except the surface of subject sign .
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Section 21 Categories of Signs, Criteria & Requited Land Use Zoning
Specific types of signs shall be limited with regard to location,
configuration, and land use zoning of the premises upon which it
is to be located . Said sign shall conform to the following criteria
and restrictions.
a. Identification signs as defined herein shall not exceed six (6)
square feet in size but in every case shall conform to the
restrictions (if any) stipulated in the particular land use zoning
district in which it is located. An identification sign may be
a wall sign or a projecting sign and may be illuminated. A
maximum of one (1) sign may be allowed for each premises and
said signs are allowed in any zoning district excepting that signs
located in the HR - Historic Residential or HC - Historic Commercial
'. zones shall require a Certificate of Appropriateness to be issued
by the Taos Historical Review Board.
b. Traffic signs as defined herein shall not exceed four (4) square
feet in size but in every case shall conform to the restrictions,
if any, stipulated in the particular zoning district in which it
is located . Traffic signs may be wall signs, projecting signs or
ground signs not to exceed eight (8) feet in height and may be
illuminated . A maximum of two (2) signs shall be permitted for
each premises and said signs are allowed in any zoning district .
Suid signs are allowed in any zoning district without a permit
excepting that signs located in the HR - Historic Residential
and HC - Historic Commercial zones shall require a Certificate
of Appropriateness to be issued by the Taos Historical Review Board.
c . Business Identification signs as defined here*,n shall not exceed
forty (40) square feet per sign with a minimum width of two (2)
feet. Business Identification signs may be wall signs or projecting
signs and shall not be higher than the roof line of the highest
bui lding on the premises . A maximum of two signs shall be
permitted for each premises and said signs shall be allowed in
the following zones: C-1 , C-2, M-1 , M-2, HC, PUD, and
CV (Cottage Industry) subject to its standards set forth for the
particular zone in which said sign is situated.
d. Special Identification Signs as defined in this ordinance shall
not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in size and shall be wall
signs or projecting signs and shall be limited to identification of
the name, location, sponsor, or occupant of a structure or
premises of a public or of semi-public nature. Said signs are
exempt from these regulations excepting that if located in the
HR or HC zone they shall require a Certificate of Appropriateness
from the Taos Historic Review Committee. A maximum of one (1)
sign per premises is allovsed'.
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e. Joint Identification (04-::%.tort' ty.)e) Sian; ors dafined in this
ordin-snc,e s!trili n s ,�y;f,.,;cJ forty ^'t} .qurice fui i:r tr.tal :.ize,
but In every case s!r,lll • oni,rm •,• its 1').;S`rl,;�lCti,y, If Ony,
stipulcted in ',hr, pr- ti+.ul :, sand o!;,� zone i), w�,ich it is situated .
Joint Identification signs r+ ay hir r+,,und sic not to exnped ten
(10) feet in heir+ht rind P-tv be i!lurr;;;c,lyd . A maximum of one
(1) sign is alln�,cd for earrh p,rmi�os r.nd scid sign:, are allowed
in the following zrjnes: C-1 , C;-2, M.-1 , M-2, acid PUD and
are subject to the standards (if uny) set fe,-th for the particular
zone in which the sign is situated. Tho title cf said sign shall
not exceed five (5) sgiigr:; feet ire size and each bu:,inoss or
premises which is a party to said sf,all not utilize more than
two (2) square feet .
f. Temporary Sign as in thi, oi,7;nrnce shill not exceed
four (4) feet in one ni is: r i;,.r :,;;;,;, c i fk:r t;, (4:)) square feet
in surfa, a as ea cinr4 rn,., !-)c: ilk:,ii.Mo.ed L�eiy t sign
must Le approve., 1 If:c T,.,. s. S1.Iff 'Mil a f , lm:t "ssuc:d in
acco,dance with the i (.,).ri: ti0.1,� �,ut folI.J. in this .,rdll;ance . The
signs may be wa!! sign praj•Noes ng signs or nrcwnd signs not
exceedinct test 00, in h,.iJ t . Siuns _h.•II be al!!-wed in
the following zc;ic:.: C-1 , C-2, t,^ 1, H-2, r i.d POD . It
must be cleur that sc+*cj sic,ns ase of a Ilea;ly ten.pz�r'ary nature
With the pes'm*,t for r���lnl stir,l;!c1t, cl on the rerniit and in no
case slhc,! I such sio-is, erl for a i.,or',od in excess of thirty (30)
days e.ccepting thGt rhr,•ur,h irii t,llcc,i.'..n two (2) addiiiona)
permits for thirty 1101 ,-i+ Ys m iv b .
Section 22 Ground Signs
a. D(,finitir,n - Gro,int4 ,iri as e -i- eJ I' th.Li: 01dinonce shall
in 4W, a) , c r•n ,cnr )� ►n i i i , ,r r � )rh 0! p ia, ed upon
the ground, and n.t attric:-ec: :,, on . IOLO' sing.
b. Prohibition - As of the odopti •n of this ordinance, the construction
of rotinc „ ext.r n- I•,
9 r ' (1 p' L t n P , x. r + ,I - 'li ke prof-ibiled .
Existing a)nJr 1 si -;, F c'3r r, : n'-r -r.c.nFc rmi;:g 7,i gns and subject
to the crn.iit;r)ns se•; fo I;) in ,'in(nc.e fr,r termination of
non-c,.)nF,,rmcng Jc.;ts in Se,t cn
c . Exemption fr_oi f'r,.!:il i;icn - F-ce ..t ;;di,ig Joint identification
rvJc,.! in the Town of Taos.
Lik(.W,;se, r,ta e4ir ,41 � 1'p+•'itll•'.N•J�Iti� tl:e F1'$tOrIC
ur T, ,s n ', r r �' h :1.,, , ; 'r.
++ r. a . c +.+.'_emir Tones
shot-1 be a!lowed to e.xi•_t Wien gi%,en oprru� by tl•:e H-istoric
Review Eduard.
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d . Construction
McatrI01-s ("o--w.; II (P QLIod signs for which a permit is
requirerl uncfel this Ordinance, shall have a surface or facing
of inr.n-mhustihll; rneltul icii; Plovided, however, that combustible
struc.tl trot I trier w:-iy I•c thereon .
Letters, etc . , to hn Sncured - All Ictters, figures, characters
or ruprusel.trrtiows in cut-nut nr irlc-q_Ilor form, maintained in
conjunction ,.itl ; nttrrrlic-d to, of superimposed upon any
sign shall hr• s(,f,,ly c;nc! se•c:urE•ly hlailt .:r attached to the sign
structure and dinll with all iec-luirernents in Section 18 .
e. Loc0tion
Heigh. Limitation - It shall bn unlawful to erect any ground
Sign wh()<.., iotol ht ight is greater than twenty (20) feet above
the level of the 5t-.,.-ot Epee which thu sign faces, or above the
adjoining ctrorand lr'vei , if :uch ground level is above the street
level .
Space Bc;tween Shin 1„Id G;ound :_lad Otht•r Signs and Structures -
Grouncl r,igns shall have an c,fa.n space not less than two (2) teet
between the i-cist Iii,e of said sign ur.d the ground level . This
open sput•e nary F, filled in "ith cl t.luifurm o. decorative lattice
work vhi,-h d -c�_- I-t ,.Ion c ff 11wre than one:-half of any square
foot c,f slick (T'(* , IAWIrc- . tJ, • a,t,und sign shall be nearer than
two (2) fcot to cv-:y .-fh(--, !inn, bjilding, or structure.
Set-Back Line - No around sign shall he nearer the street than
they hui ldinn l ivic, 101;1 islied by I,,w .
Nc,t telfe�e •.-Jfh, nl Cnrfu r Traffic •- All
glc)und cictn�, r,nft,.rr. t, the l: i•,•isions of Secti.�n 17 .
f. Erection
Bracing, An:-.horoge 0nd Supports - All mound signs shall be
illot' po,ts :,nd stondeaids
sunk (It IC CIO tl.ree !'31 feet I-elow the natural su•-f-•-r:e of the
ground, c:nd dial I be supported and braced by t CIS, ur metal
rods in the rec.; thereof, extending frorn the top the[,--.)f to a point
in the nlclur;d at least a distance equal to one-half the height of
such sign, mensllc�r) crlinct the ground, from the po,.ts or standards
# UP':�Il .✓ .it !1 t!'E' SC'1;'i i, CrF^tEd
51 ppc,;t ttc. . to I'.- Ctc:•SV:,'d - All fii;;;�, Ur1lhJ.s . and bracing
of shall Eql }leate•ei t•1 prcitect them fnlrr, m.:isttrre by
C.I'e ,`C7ti llrl ,r ••tl+- e' ii 'i'' t tl-ds •,!"on il'•"J • e- t upon or
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Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements - All ground
signs shall conform to the requirements set forth in Section 12.
Section 23 Roof Signs
Definition - Roof sign as regulated by this Ordinance shall mean
any sign erected, constructed and maintained wholly upon or
over the roof of any building with the principal support on the
roof structure .
Prohibition - As of the adoption of this ordinance, the construction
of roof signs shall be prohibited . Existing roof signs are deemed
non-conforming and are subject to the conditions set forth in this
ordinance for termination of non-conforming signs in Section 30.
Section 24 Wall Signs
a. Definition - Wall sign as regulated by this Ordinance shall
include all flat signs of solid face construction which are
placed against a building or other structure and attached to
the exterior front, rear, or side wall of any building, or
other structure .
b. Construction -
Materials Required - All wall signs for which a permit is
required under this Ordinance, shall have a surface or facing
of incombustible material; provided, however, that combustiole
materials may be used in areas designated as historic areas in
the Taos Zoning Ordinance.
c . Location_
Limitation on Placement and Area - No wall sign shall cover
wholely or partially any wall opening, nor project beyond the
ends or top of the wall to which it is attached, and any one
wall sign shall not exceed an area of five hundred (500) square
feet.
Projection Above Sidewalk and Set-back Line - No wall sign
shall be permitted to extend more than six (6) inches beyond
the building line, and shall not be attached to a wall at a
height of less than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or ground.
Obstructions to Door, Windows or Fire Escapes - No wall sign
whalI be erected, relocated or.maintained so as to prevent free
ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape .
12
t
d. Erection
Supports and Attnchment - All wall signs shall be safely and
securely attached to the bjilding wall by means of metal
anchors, bolts, or expansion screws of not less than 3/8 inch
in diameter embedded in said wall at least five (5) inches;
provided, however, that such signs may rest in, or be bolted
to strong, heavy metal brackets or saddles set not over six (b)
feet apart, each of which shall be securely fixed' to the wall
as hereinbefore provided. In no case shall any wall sign be
secured with wire, strips of wood or nails .
Wind Pressure and Dead Load Requirements - All wall signs
shall conform to the requirements of Section 12.
Section 25 Projecting Signs
a. Definitions
Projecting sign as regulated by this Ordinance shall include
any sign which is attached to a building or other structure
and extends beyond the line of the said building a. structure
or beyond the surface of that portion of the building or structure
to which it is attached .
Horizontal projecting sign means any sign which is greater in
width than in height .
Vertical pic,jecting sic,ri n,ear!s any sint-, which is greater in
height tlii.n in width .
b. Constru�tic:;i
Ev ciy Prc_jcc.tin,i sign, :: lucir;.,, the fiames, braces, and
supports the,, ;, shall i,,, de:71,rn A by n structural engineer
or manufactui,1 , and sk.-.dl he opproved by the Planning
Commission as in cornphonce v ith the Building Code of the
Town of Tats and in the Electrical Code of the Town of
Taos and shnll be constructed of incombustible materials,
provided however, that combustible materials may be used
in areas designated as "Historic" in the Taos Zoning Ordinance
an.1 shal I be illuminated in areas where said signs project over
public property.
Illumination - In instances where illumination is required, the
reflectors shall he prnvicled with the proper glass lenses
concentrating the Mumir;ction upon the area of the sign and
preventing glare upon the street or adjacent property; and the
source of iIluminotion shcriI be concealed.
13
Limitation of Girss - The �)c advertising designs to
be illum'-natcd !!1y of or other transparent
or semi-trari pxn:.rtt :wrlwoihlo mal'..ri(II . Any glass forming
a part of any sipi dioli hr; -,.Acty or p'ate glass (it least
1/4 inch thick crrtd in c-asc: an;✓ single piece or pane of glass
has an area exce%;din j threes (',) Square: feet, it shall be wired
glass .
Movable farts to I e Se;.,ired - /any movable part of a projecting
sign such as the cover of o service oponing shall be securely
fastcncd by LIKt ins 01 ,iirtr;�
Area Limitations - F;:c:cl,t by spc:cinl I,ermission of the Town
Council, projecting si,cins shall r:u lirrited to forty AM square
feet in ai en .
Thickness Lin-Alation - The distance m.2asured between the
principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed
eighteen (18) incite:. .
Obstructions and Trrffir Hazards - fveiy projecting sign
shall be erected in fu:l compliance with Section 16 and
Section II of this idin,tncu .
c . Location
Mirth specific opprnv7l by Tnvvn Staff projecting signs may
project over t ulalic, (.,r.",.rty oriel 5poc.ifically over public
sidewalks rn- to ! t: following conditions:
No projecting sign shall be permitt,.d to extend beyond a
point twelve (12) inches inside the curb line.
The sign shall allow at least eici'it (,a) feet of clearance
when locatud obovQ wnikv;cys .,r sidewalks excepting that a
variance may be pievido'd in =iluatinns where xisting covers
i
(portals) may require lower placement . Said variance shall,
however, allow for cidecivate scfety to pedestrians.
d. Erection
Braci rig, Anchgroge and Support; - Pi-ojecti-ng signs exceeding
ten OCO square: feet in area or fifty (50) pounds in weight shall
not be atta hod to nor su.ppoi ted by frame buildings nor the
wooden framework of a Lui Iding. Said signs shall be attached
to masonry wall with galvanized expansion bolts at least 3/8
inch in dir7m,;tc.r, :•h-.11 feu fl>,,(.l in the wall by means of bolts
exic:ndin,-, iE,l� Wall , _,hill contoin proper size metal
lhc insit'_ of the wall, and shall comply with
section 1 /' he;-col .
14
Al u
Anchorage with Wire, etc . , Prc k ibi ted - No projecting
sign shall be secured with wire, strips of wood or nails,
nor shall any projecting sign be hung or secured to any
other sign.
e. V-Shaped Signs Pr:jhibited
V-shaped signs, consisting of two single faced signs erected
without a roof or ceiling, shall not be permitted .
f. Illumination at Night Required
Every projecting sign which projects over public property
.s
and which is deemed hazardous by Town Staff may be required
to be illurninated het,- :i sunset crud sunrise, on each side
thereof, by at leci�t fiv,� (5) watts per square t,:-.,)t of sign
surface, but in no case less than sixty (60) wciti. for each sign
surface .
Section 26 Temporal Signs
a. _Definitions
Temporary signs as teguloted by this Ordinance shall include
any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising di;.play
constructed of .loth, cor-.vas, light fabric, cardboard, wall
board, or other light mn'(•rials, with or Withacrt frames, intended
to be displayed for cr short period of time only.
b. Construction
Materials and Aiecr l.imii--Jions - No temporary sign of
comh_-stible mat(.ric.i sh.r:l exceed four (4) feet in one of
its dimensions Li fifty (50) square feet in area .
Weight Limitati-)n - Evmy ternpo,ary sign weighing in excess
of fifty (50) p4:unc!s must be approved by the Town Staff as
conforming to the safety requirements of the Building Code
of the Town of Taos .
c. _Location
Projection from Wall cv.d Over Public Property - No temporary
sign shall extend z>vcr or into any street, alley, sidewalk, or
other public thoroughfare a distance greater than four (4) inches
from tka wall upon which it is erected without approval of the
Town Council and shall not be placed or projected over any wall
opening.
Obstruction to L)o,-);s, Windows and Fire Escapes - No temporary
sign shall be erected, so as to prevent Free ingress to or egress
from any does, win.+)w ..r fire escape, nor shall such sign be
attached to on/ sk.,irica'p',:e or fire escape .
15
7
i
d. Erection
Anchorage and Support - Every temporary sign shall be
attached to the wall witk wire or stECl cables, and no
strings, ropes or wood slats for anchorage or support purposes
shall be permitted
e . Duration of Permits
Permits for temporary signs shall authorize the erection of
said signs and their maintenance for a period not exceeding
thirty (30) days provided however, that subsequent permits �
may be grunted for additionol thirty (30) day periods up to a
maximum period not to exceed ninety (90) days .
f. Advertising _Permitted
T—he adverti,emerat rontninc 'I cn any temporary sign shall pertain
only to the business, indristry, ar pursuit conducted on or within
the premises on whir;h such sign is erected or maintained. This
provision shall not apply to signs c.f a civic, political or religious
nature.
g. Bond or Insurance Re_quir_e;nents
Bond or insurance regr,iic.;nents on temporary signs shall be as
provided for in Section 15.
Section 27 Marquees
a . Definition
Marquee as regulated, by this Oidir,o:icc shall include any
hood or awning of permonent consttooion projecting from
the wall of a b,,i:rlinn abr,v,- on ent,unce rand extending over
a thoroughfare .
b . _Constructi_on
Materials required - : .11 marquees, including the anchors,
bolts, supports, rods, and braces thereof shall be constructed
of incombustible maicrials, provided, however, that when
located in a designoto,J "M,toric" district may be of such
material, combustible "r othe!wise, deemed a;,prupriate by
the Tads Historical Rc . icy: Committee and shall be designed
by a structural engint!cr rind approved by the Town Staff as
in Compliance with tht: Building Code of the 'gown of Taos and
in compliance with th;� electrical cade of the Town of Taos
and shall be illuminnte:l .
Drainage - The roofs of all marquees shall be properly guttered
crud connected by down spouts to a sewer so that the water
therefrom will not drip or flow on!..) public property.
16
R, of, - Ti,,-- mots ,A all marquees shall be used for nr, other
t,t�rprn�r 1•l,nr, to trrm and constif.ite a roof
11..ici{:t .\ ±� • Sic,: Jo porti-m of ,tt,.luee shall be
I,_ ix.n . t. X10) tht: Iev"I of 1i" ;ide.-Walk o.
o4`-e -tilt: ! c tl-,nr! ,re.
S-.t-l:;tck ftc:m Curl- U,ie - No mntquees sf:all be permitted to
exti:nd bc:y-rd o pc in- one (1) foot inside the curb line.
Width -- No niviquev shall be wider than the untratice or
enttatu-t_s (.)+ ih. 1 ;,`I.lit:g, plus five (5) feet on cuch side
there-.f, h:r•vic'.`J; i;w,ever, that %-+ern the entrances to a
th i y"CrIty, (;20) f,,p ap7, , a marque.
bttilt,rt,n n°e n,,' ;,,.,,•,, �;; t r t .�
may I-,e i .add :tingle sttucttire bet•...een sail entrances.
d . Etection
Brncin.t. Any hc,�.: ,� : ;tici 'ui)p(.,.ts f;^.tti qt-, , sHr'!I b:-, ted
snlc I f`i•• t k.til ;. � to ., h;ch they sire He-Iied, and r•o
Col, nlns r, p•,s�, si n .-e pt ,mittPC1 !is :l:(.,t n• ` iheiefOr .
Roof I.iVC Iv7-f r.F:t,�l,,'t i}�r,t t11; !c,:.t of n,,}, m(.lrftl{ee eyrrpt
glr1,5 cico, sha;t t e i,y,--d and corl;t;Ur.t-d ;n �pp,,rt a live
lead of rnt lens t'!,in one hundred 000) pot;ods roi squr,tc, fcvt .
The :•irJ p,c:s:u-, t Iquirements shall be those ,toted in Section 12.
Are oioge to Wood Structure Prohibited - No marquee Shull
be erec.t,:ci -,n any building of wood frame construction unlo-s
cltartirc� 'a ;i,v m.-sonry, concrete or steel supports r,f -,he
C. S i c;n' Attc,cked ro Marquee
cttt,7:!A ,'! tr., nt hunl.; from c, Mc,quec shrli be comr etely
within !h,- ;, •r per h. e & the marq,,ee eu t�,r edcgu, and shall in no
irsrn• .e le ! -,we, ihan fen (10) `_!ct oFov, the 5i-!,?Y,a1k or public
t tt..r,„;I� t ar t1c-. lion or ncivertising moteriol Fh,d! exceed
five (5, feet in heiCht of the .icwit: o� tF.e i-stoblithment
ex!,i!,i!it, 7 ,. ,..-h • ,;noee . No advorti!.ir 1 rnaIf— , " ,hall be
piar cd Up;.M- t;c, rrn-lf of any marquee .
f Illumination Required
t-\Ier\ rr,OrrtueO projecting over public prop`tty s!iul -luminated
by (166 c,mdle power 4 for each
f ;!y (;,!'t► square or frartic;I rtMY, f1.0M's.Unset'to
tv,o ., . r, . , wary !Ilmht d:-y• cf each we& .
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i
Section 28 Awnings and Canopies
a. Definitions
Awning - An owning as regulated by this Ordinance shall
include any stn.rctrire made of cloth, wood, or metal with a
metal frame attached to a building and projecting over a
thoroughfare, whey, :I,!- some is so erected as to permit its
being raised to o position flat against the bui Iding when not
in use.
Canopy - A canopy as regulated by this ordinance shall
include any structure, other than an awning, made of cloth,
wood, or metal with metal frames attached to a building,
projecting over a thoroughfare, and carried by a frame
supported by the ground or sidewalk .
b. Construction
Materials, Awning•. -- Awnings may be constructed of cloth,
or metal, provided, however, all frfimes and supports shall
be of metal .
Materials, Canopies - Canopies may be constructed of cloth,
woad, car meinl, provided, however, all frames and supports
shall be of metal .
c. Location
Height above Sidewalk, Awnings - All awnings shall be
constructed and erected so that the lowest portion thereof
shall be not !ess than ten (10) feet above tyre level of the
sidewalk or portion of the thoroughfare .
Height above Sidewalk, Canopies - All canopies shall be
constructed avid eier_ted so that the lowest portion thereof
shall be not less than ten (10) feet above the level of the
sidewalk or pe)rtion of the thorouahfotc .
Set-back from 0-fl) Line-Awnings ood Canopies - No awning
or canopy shall be pf-rmitted to extend beyond a point twelve
(12) inches i-„ide the curb line.
Width, Awnings and Canopies - No limitation on width of
owning;, hrovidod,.howev,-r, -full compliarce with Section 12
is rewired. No canopy shall be permitted to exceed ei.ght
(8) feet in width .
1>3
d. _Erection I-
Awnir1n':, Sllpr,'!'t - F,.,dry -ib'rr ioq !,hriI he securely attached
t() (711d suppoitod Ly the', P-As of coltinins beyond
the k..lildin;j lino .Ainil trot k)e f(-,r c,,�,ninas . No
awning !h,-J 11-r. ntt;.(.I; ,._! t,� the wc,.-.J jc.m b;, frames, or other
wood memho;s J a k.±ildin,-r (`1'.1mc buildings excepted) when
such building is lc-.-, than ten (i0i f(:Pt from public property.
Canopies, Support - The fi airimod-, of all canopies shall be
designed by a structmol engineer and upproved by the Town
Staff us in comp;irn-,�e ,Ath tF,c; Building Code of the Town of
Taos. All framct, w!d r-,appcj:ts he of metal and designed
to withstand a wi!.d 1--irn suie cc, pro:!idtd in Suction 12 of
this nrdinonc.e .
e. Advertising
talc? ads crtising shz.(� he pluced on ooy �s,;ninq or canopy, except
that the immc of tht.- ownui and tho L—line_-S, ind:istry, or
pursuit condicted within th(: l:!%r,iises rr,(ij• I_o po;nte(1 or
othetwise pelmolliiilly pk.'-'?I in ;' :li:i:(' r,:')t ei(g'1'lt
(8) inches in height on the fr,-rit and side p::.-'ion; th(.reof.
f. Permits and Inspcction
Perrnits for mvnii:u, and canop;L-, shall be. required as provided
in Section 12. Awrings :and r;•:;n.)t.;ic.s shall be siihject to annual
insp(rrtion n, r�,:Iuircd in _`eoi,.�r; '.
g. Awnings to be Rcil!c:d
Every awninn shrill be rolled or folded against the building wall
excel)t when scivir.(, (is prc)tectinn from sun, rain, snow, or
other inclement wca;her .
Section 29 Sign Area Measurement
a. Area to be Mcosw zrd
Th area of a sine shiall be measured in conformance with the
regulations as herein set firth, p!•nvided that the structure or
bracing of a :;Ign shuil be orniltod from measurement, unless
such structure or hra,.ing is modo part of the message or face
of the sign. VIinre a sign hus two or more display faces, the
area of all faces shall be included in determining the area
of the lion .
19
b. Sign with Backing
The area of all signs with bacVng or a 5ackground, or
border , material or otherwise, that is part of the overall
sign display shall be measured by determining the sum of
the areas of each square, rectangle, triangle, portion of
a circle, or any combination thereof which creates the
smallest single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme
Iii-nits of the display surface or face of the sign including
all frames, backing, face plates, non-structural trim or
other component parts not otherwise used for support.
c. Signs withoit Backing
The area of all signs without backing or a background, material
or otherwise, that is part of the overall sign display shall
be measured by determining the sum of the area of each square,
rectangle, triangle, portion of a circle or any combination
thereof which creates the sn-allest single continuous perimeter
enclosing the extreme limits of each word written representation
(including any series of letters), emblems, or figures of similar
character including all frames, face plates, non-structural trim
or other component parts not other wise used for support .
d. AII_other Signs or Combinations, Thereof
the area of any sins having farts both with and without backing
shall be measured by determining the total area of all squares,
rectangles, triangles, portions of a circle or any combination
thereof constituting the smallest single continuous perimeter
enclosing the extreme lirr'ts of anv of the following combinations:
The display surface or face of the sign; including all frames,
backing, face plates, n�:)n-stnrrctu•al trim or other- component
parts not otherwise used for support for parts of the sign that have
backing and each word, written representation (including
any series of letters), emblems or figures of a similar character
including all frames, face plates, non-structural trim or other
component parts not otherwise used for support for parts of the
sign having no backing.
Section 30 Non-Conforming Signs
a. Declaration of Public Policy
It is reasonable that a time limit be placed upon the continuance
of existing non-conforming signs. An amortization program
permits the owner to plan during a period when he is allowed to
continue the non-conforming signs while at the same time assuring
that the district in which the non-conforming signs exist will
eventually benefit from a substantial uniformity of permanent
signs .
20
Ii
b. Definition of Non-Conforming Signs
A non-conforming sign shall be any sign which:
1 .
On the effective date of this ordinance was lawfully
maintained and had been lawfully erected in accordance
with the provisions of any prior zoning ordinance but
which sign does not conform to the limitations established
by this ordinance in the District in which the sign is located;
or
2. On or after the effective date of this ordinance was
lawfully maintained and erected in accordance with the
provisions of this o dinance but which sign, by reason of
a••nendment to this or•clrnonce after the effective date
thereof, does not conform to the limitations established
by the amend-rent to this ordinance in the District in which
the sign is located .
c . C_ontintinnce of_Non-r•onfcrm,ng Signs
S;rbjcct�to the terminat',on hereinafter provided, any non-conforming
sign fnay he c on`i nor-1 'in and maintained after the
effective dote of th-s ord'non(.e; provided, however, that no
such sign shall be changed in anv manner that increases the
noncompliance of such sign with the provisions of this ordinance
established for signs in the Cistrict in which the sign is located;
and, provided, further, that the brrrden of establishing a sign
to be non-conforming under this Section rests entirely upon the
person or persons, firm o; corporation claiming a non-conforming
status for a sign .
d. Terminotion of Non-Conforming Signs
1 . By Abandonment - Abondonment of a non-conforming
sign shall terminate ir•mmndlately the right to maintain
such sign .
2. By Violation of the Ordinance - Any violation of this
ordinance shall terminate immediately the right to
maintain a non-conforming sign .
3. By Destruction, Damage or Obsolescence - The right to
maintain any non-conforming sign shall terminate and shall
cease to exist whenever the sign is damaged or destroyed,
from any cause whntsoevc.r, or becomes obsolete or
substandard under any applicable ordinance of the
municipality to the extent that the sign becomes a hazard
or a danger .
21
4. By Amortization - The right to maintain a non-conforming
sign shall terminate in accordance with the following
U�.+le:
Any sign which on the Shalt' be terminated
date the sig•-i became within the following
non-conforming would pe iod after the sign
cost the following became non-
amount to replace: conforming
$ 0 to $ 3,000 2 years
3,031 to 6,000 3 years
6,001 to 15,030 4 years
15,001 or more 5 years
a . The right to rna'ntaln a `la;Wna, blinking, fluctuating,
aiimated -)i• p.�-.taYe sign shall terminate within 30
days after such sign became nun-conforming provided
however, that signs deemed appropriate by the Town
Planning Commission, and not detrimental to the welfare,
safety, or character of the Town of Taos, may, by
specific action of this body may be granted a variance
from this requirement.
Section 31 Revocation of Permits
The Town Staff is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any
permit issued by him upon failure of the holder thereof to comply
with any provision of this Ordinance.
Section 32 Penalties
Any person violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof
shall be fined not exceeding Two Hundred (200 .00) Dollars . Each
day such violation is committed, or permitted to continue, shall
constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such hereunder.
22
P-M
Upon approval and adoption by the Town Council of Taos, New
Mexico, a certified copy of this ordinance shall be filed, according
to law, in the office of the Town Clerk of Taos, New Mexico.
This Ordinance shall become of full force and effect as of the
date of its adoption, this being the day of
1974.
Signed
Mayor,_ Tow h of Taos
Attest-
t.