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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. i (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 . I (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. . 1 (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;. . 2 1 z.. (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. 3 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 . ' 4 '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 5 r� 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 . 6 f .. .MR. •+ r 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 . 8 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'. 9 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. 10 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 11 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& . 17 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.