646 TOWN OF TAGS
ORD"tNANCES
YEAR,
NUMBER: /e y (o
SIGN ORDINANCE
TOWN OF TAOS
ORDINANCE NO. 629
SIGN ORDINANCE
TOWN OF TAOS, ORDINANCE NO, 629
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 .
(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 ur services provided.
(3) Composite Premises - shall mean a building within which there
are several businesses sharina 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 - shal l mean to build, construct, attach, hang, place,
suspend, at- 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 - shal I 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 .
(B) Illuminated Sign - shall mtan uny sign which has characters,
letters, fig-.)res, designs, a, outline illuminated by electric
lights or luminous tubes not a part of the sign proper but
indirectly lit from a concealed light source.
1
(9) Incombustible Mnhuriul - shall mean an;.' which will
not ignite c;t rn below a temperature of 12(-'.' .lk!g. Fahrenheit
and will not continue to burn or glow at thw , ,iperature .
(10) Joint Identification (Directory type) Signs - shall include any
sign used jointly by a 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 other than joint identification signs shall not be allowed
within the Town of Taos .
(11) Other Advertising Structure - as used in this Ordinance shall
mean any marquee, canopy, awning or street clock as further
dafined herein .
(12) Outdoor Ad,/eitisii,g Sign - shall include any sign established to
advertise a business activity which is not located upon the same
premises as the sign . Outdoor advertising signs are prohibited
in the Town of Taos except for the exceptions herein stipulated.
(13) Person - shall mean and include any person, firm, partnership,
association, corporation, c-ii,puny, or organization of any kind.
(14) Premises - shol I mean a tract of land upon which a structure or
business is situated or each of several buildings or businesses
licensed to do business in the Town of Taos . Each building or
business may be considered o separate pi emises excepting that
several businesses within a composite piemises shall be considered
as a single premises.
(15) Projecting Signs - shall include any sign which is attached to a
building or other structure and extends beyond the line of said
building or structure or beyond the surface of that portion of the
building or structure to which it is attached .
(16) Roof Sign - shall mean any sign erected constructed and -maintained
wholely upon or over the roof of any building with the principal
support of the roof shucture .
(17) Sign - shall mean and include every sign, billboard, ground sign,
wall sign, roof sign, illuminated sign, projecting sign, temporary
sign, marquee, awning, canopy and street clock, and shall include
any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration,
insignia, or decoration used to advertise or promote the interests
of any person whe- the same is placed out of doors in view of the
genera public .
2
(18) Special Identification Sign - shall include any sign intended
to identify the name, location, sponsor or occupant of a
structure or premises of a public or quasi-public nature.
(19) Structural Trim - shall mean the molding, battens, cappings,
nailing strips, latticing, and platforms which are attached
to the sign structure .
(20) Temporary Sign -- shall include any sign, banner, pennant,
valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas,
light fabric, cardboard, wall board, or other light materials,
with or without frames, intended to be displayed for a short
period of time only .
(21) Traffic Signs - shall include any sign intended to direct the
flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, road marker, trail
marker, and which does not advertise nor carry any other
information excepting that related to traffic control .
(22) Wall Sign - shall include al I 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 .
Section 3 Permits Required
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, repair, alter,
relocate or maintain within the Town of Taos any sign or other
advertising structure as defined in this Ordinance without
first obtaining an erection permit from the Town Council or
its designee and making payment of the fee required by
Section 7 hereof.
Section 4 Application for Erection Permit
Application for erection permits shall be made upon blanks
provided by the Building Inspector, and shall contain or have
attached thereto the following information:
Name, address and telephone number of applicant .
Location of building, structure, or lot to which or upon
which the sign or other advertising structure is to be
attached or er ected .
Position of the sign or other advertising structure in relation
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.
Narne 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
application for an erection permit to examine 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, lie 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 nul! 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 shall be based upon total signage-the cummulative
total of all sign areas-in accordance with the size range
category into which it falls.
4
l�Sk
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 .
Temporary Signs $15.00
b. Exemption to th, 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°i0 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 same
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 Council, and all other such permits shall
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 so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within
ten (10) days after such notice, such sign or other advertising structure
5
may be removed or altered to comply by the Town Staff at the
expense of the permittee or owner of the property upon which it is
located. The Town Staff shall refuse to issue a permit to any
permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The Town
Staff may cause any sign or other advertising structure which is an
immediate peri I to persons or property to be removed summori ly
and without notice .
Section 1 1 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 a wind pressure equivalent to a wind
velocity of 100 miles per hour; and shall be constructed to receive
dead loads as 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 business conducted, or a product sold, shall be taken down
and removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial
use of the building or structure upon which such sign may be found
within ten (10) days after written notification from the Town Staff, and,
upon failure: to comply with such notice within the time specified in
such order, the Town Staff is hereby authorized to cause removal of
such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by tke
owner of the building or structure to which such sign is attached .
Section 14 Exemptions
The provisions and regulations of this ordinance shall not apply to
the following signs, provided, however, said 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 exceeding eight (8) square feet in area
which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon
which said signs are located only .
6
Professional name plates not exceeding one (1) square foot
in area.
Bulletin boards not over sixteen (16) square feet in area for
public, quasi-public, charitable or religious institutions when
the some are located on the premises of said institutions .
Signs denoting the architect, engineer, or contractor when
placed upon work under construction, and not exceeding
sixteen (16) square feet in area.
Memorial signs or tablets, name of bjildings and date of
erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed
of bronze or other incombustible materials .
Traffic signs - as defined in this ordinace or other municipal
signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, danger, and such
temporary, emergency or non-advertising signs as may be
approved by the Town Counci I .
Temporary signs used for identification or advertising of events
sponsored by local non-profit/charitable associations or
organizations .
All types of signs defined in this ordinance, including ground
signs, if located in the Historic District shall be ollowed if
approved by the Historic Review Committee and said sign
also conforms to the criteria and standards set forth in this
Ordinance .
Section 15 Bond Requirements
Every applicant for a permit referred to herein shall, before the
permit is granted, file with the Town Staff, a continuing bond in
the penal sum of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars, times the area
of the sign in square feet, executed by the applicant and a Suret-.,
Company to be approved by the Town Attorney and conditioned for the
faithful observance of the provisions of this Ordinance and all
amendments thereto, and of all laws and ordinances relating to signs
and other advertising struciures, and which shall indemnify and
save harmless the Town of Taos from any and all damanges, judgments,
costs or expense which the said Town may incur or suffer by reason
of the granting of said permit. Any person lawfully maintaining a
sign or other advertising structure regulated by the Ordinance at
the time of the enactment, of this Ordinance shall, within thirty (30)
days after said enactment, comply with all the provisions set forth in
this section. A liability insurance policy issued by an insurance company
authorized to do business in the State of New Mexico conforming to
this section, may be permitted in lieu of a bond.
7
Section 16 Obstructions to Doors, Windows, or Fire Escapes
No sign sha!I 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 shall 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 -olor, it may interfere
with, obstruct the view of or be confused wi.. 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 Sii n Shall be Smooth
All signs or other advertising structures which are constructed on
street lines, or within five (5) feet thereof, shad have a smooth
surface and no nails, tacks, or wires shall be permitted to protrude
therefrom, except electrical reflectors or concealed lighting sour,
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 !enses concentrating the i Ilumination
upon the area of the sign, so as to prevent glare upon the street or
adjacent property.
Section 20 Spotlights and Floodlights Prohibited
It shall 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 & Required 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 wolf 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
7.ones 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.
Said 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 herein shall not exceed
forty (40) square feet per sign w;`I, a minimum width of two (2)
feet. Business Identification !igns may be wall signs or projecting
signs and shall not be higher than the roof line of the highest
building 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 shal I be wal I
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 allowed.
9
e . Joint Identification (Directory type) Signs as def; this
ordinance shall not exceed forty (40) square fee, size,
but in every case shall conform to its restrictions •/,
stipulated in the particular land use zone in whi c;i ii is situated.
Joint Identification signs may be ground signs not to exceed ten
(10) feet in height and may be illuminated . A maximum of or,t
(1) sign is allowed for each premises and said signs are allowed
in the following zones: C-1 , C-2, M-1 , M-2, and PUD and
are subject to the standards (if any) set forth for the particular
zone in which the sign is situated . The title of said sign shall
not exceed five (5) square feet in size and each business or
premises which is a party to said sign shall not utilize more than
two (2) square feet .
f. Temporary Sign as defined in this ordinance sha I I not exceed
four (4) feet in one of its dimensions or forty (40) square feet
in surface area and may be illuminated . Every temporary sign
must be approved by the Town Staff and a permit issued in
accordance with the regulations set forth in this ordinance . The
signs may be wall signs, projecting signs, or ground signs not
exceeding ten (10) feet in height . Signs shall be allowed in
the following zones: C-1 , C-2, M-1 , M-2, and PUD . It
must be clear that said signs are of a clearly temporary nature
with the permit for display stipulated on the permit and in no
case shall such signs be allowed for a period in excess of thirty (30)
days excepting that through reapplication two (2) additional
permits for thirty (30) days may be issued .
Section 2?. Ground Signs
a . Definition - Ground sign as regulated by this Ordinance shall
include any sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon
the ground, and not attached to any building .
b . Prohibition - As of the adoption of this ordinance, the construction
of ground signs excepting those exempted shall be prohibited .
Existing ground signs are deemed non-conforming signs and subject
to the conditions set r in this ordinance for termination of
non-conforming signs ir, Section 3'�.
c . Exemption from Prohibition - Free standing Joint Identification
Signs (us defined herein) shall be allowed in the Town of Taos.
Likewise, other free standing signs compatible with the Historic
tradition of Taos and located in the designated Historic Zones
shall be allowed to exist when. given approval by the Historic
Review Board.
10
d. Construction
Materials Required - All ground signs for which n permit is
required under this Ordinance, shall have a surface or facing
of incombustible material; provided, however, that combustible
structural trim may be used thereon .
Letters, etc . , to be Secured - All letters, figures, characters
or representations in cut-out or irregular form, maintained in
conjunction with, attached to, or superimposed upon any
' sign shall be safely and securely built or attached to the sign
structure and shall comply with all requirements in Section 18.
e. Location
Height Limitation - It shall be unlawful to erect any ground
sign whose total height is greater than twenty (20) feet above
the level of the street upon which the sign faces, or above the
adjoining ground level, if such ground level is above the street
level .
Space Between Sign and Ground and Other Signs and Structures -
Ground signs shal I have an open space not less than two (2) feet
between the base line of said sign and the ground level . This
open space may be filled in with a platform or decorative lattice
work which does not close off more than one-half of any square
foot of such open space . No ground sign shall �e nearer than
two (2) feet to any other sign, bui Wing, or structure.
Set-Back Line - No gro- nd sign shall be nearer the street than
the building I ine established by law .
Not to Mislead, Interfere with, or Confuse Traffic - All
ground signs shall conform to the provisions of Section 17.
f. Erection
Bracing, Anchorage and Supports - All ground signs shall be
securely built, constructed and erected upon posts and standards
sunk at least three (3) feet below the natural surface of the
ground, and shat I be supported and braced by timbers, or metal
rods in the rear thereof, extending from the top thereof to a point
in the ground at least a distance equal to one-half the height of
such sign, measured along the ground, from the posts or standards
upon which the some is erected .
Supports, etc . to be Creosoted - Al I posts, anchors, and bracing
of wood shall be treated to protect them from moisture by
creosoting or other approved methods when they rest upon or
enter into the ground .
11
_Wind Pressure and Dead Load Re.;uirements - 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 - Al I wall signs for which a permit is
required under this Ordinance, shall have a surface or facing
of incombustible material; provided, however, that combustible
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 fifty (50) 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
d. Erection
Supports and Attachment - All wail signs shall be safely and
securely attached to the building 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 or 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 hei grit .
Vertical projecting sign means any sign which is greate! in
height than in width .
b. Construct;on
Every Projecting sign, including the frames, braces, and
supports thereof, shall be designed by a structural engineer
or manufacturer, and shall be approved by the Planning
Commission as in compliance with the Building Code of the
Town of Taos and in the Electrical Code of the Town of
Taos and shall be constructed of incombustible materials,
provided however, that combustible materials may be used
in areas designated as "! irstoric" in the Taos Zoning Ordinance
and shall be illuminated in areas where said signs project over
public property .
Illumination - In instances where illumination is required, the
reflectors shall be provided with the proper glass lenses
concentrating the illumination upon the area of the sign and
preventing glare upon the street or adjacent property; and the
source of illumination shall be concealed.
13
Limitation of Glass - The lettering or advertising designs to
be i I lumincted may be composed of glass or other transparent
or semi-transparent incombustible material . Any glass forming
a pat t of any sign shat I be safety glass or plate glass at least
1/4 inch thick and in case any single piece or pane of glass
has an area exceeding three (3) square feet, it shall be wired
glass .
Movable Parts to be Secured - Any movable part of a projecting
sign such as the cover of a service opening shall be securely
fastened by chains or hinges .
Area Limitations - Except by special permission of the Town
Council, projecting signs shall be limited to forty (40) square
feet in area .
Thickness Limitation - The distance measured between the
principal faces of any projecting sign shall not exceed
eighteen (18) inches .
Obstructions and Traffic Hazards - Every projecting sign
shall be erected in full compliance with Section 16 and
Section 17 of this Ordinance.
c . Location
With specific approval by Town Staff projecting signs may
project over public property and specifically over public
sidewalks or walkways subject to the following conditions:
No projecting sign shall be permitted to extend beyond a
point twelve (12) inches inside the curb line.
The sign shall allow at least eight (8) feet of clearance
when located above walkways or sidewalks excepting that a
variance may be provided in situations wh ,re existing covers
(portals) may require lower placement . Said variance shat 1,
however, allow for adequate safety to pedestrians.
d. Erection
Bracing, Anchorage and Supports - Projecting signs exceeding
ten (10) square feet in area or fifty (50) poun-s in weight shall
not be attached to nor supported by frame buildings nor the
wooden framework of a building . Said signs shall be attached
to masonry wall with galvanized expansion bolts at least 3/8
inch in diameter, ,hall be fixed in the wall by means of bolts
extending through the wall, shall contain proper size metal
washer or plate on the inside of the wall, and shall comply with
section 12 hereof.
14
Anchorage with Wire, etc . , Prohibited - 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 Prohibited
V--shaped sign,, 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
and which is deemed hazardous by Town Staff may be required
to be illuminated between sunset and sunrise, on each side
thereof, by at least five (5) watts per square foot of sign
surface, but in no case less than sixty (60) watts for each sign
surface.
Section 26 Temporary Signs
a. Definitions
Temporary signs as regulated by this Ordinance shall include
any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display
constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wall
board, or other light materials, with or without frames, intended
to be displayed for a short period of time only.
b. Construction
Materials and Area Limitations - No temporary sign of
combistible material shall exceed four (4) feet in one of
its dimensions or fifty (50) square feet in area .
Weight Limitation - Every temporary sign weighing in excess
of fifty (50) pounds 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 and Over Public Property - No temporary
sign shall extend Dver c; into any street, alley, sidewalk, or
other public thoroughfare a distance greater than four (4) inches
from the 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 Doors, Windows and Fire Escapes - No temporary
sign shall be erected, so as to prevent free ingress to or egress
from any door, window or fire escape, nor shall such sign be
attached to any stand pipe or fire escape .
15
d. Erection
Anchorage and Support - Every temporary sign shall be
attached to the wall with wire or steel cables, and no
strings, ropes or wood slats for anchorage or support purposes
shaI I 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 granted for additional thirty (30) day periods up to a
maximum period not to exceed ninety (40) days.
f. Advertising Permitted
The advertisement contained on any temporary sign shall pertain
only to the business, industry, or pursuit conducted on or within
the premises on which such sign is erected or maintained . This
provision shall not apply to signs of a civic, political or religious
nature.
9 . Bond of Insurance_ Requirements
Bond or insurance requirements on temporary signs shall be as
provided for in Section 15.
Section 27 Marquees
a . Definition
Marquee as regulated by this Ordinance shall include any
hood or awning of permanent construction projecting from
the wall of a building above an entrance and extending over
a thoroughfare .
b. Construction ,
Materials required - All marquees, including the anchors,
bolts, supports, rods, and braces thereof shall be constructed
of incombustible materials, provided, however, that A':ien
located in a designated "Historic" district may be of such
material , combustible or otherwise, deemed appropriate by
the Taos Historical Review Committee and shall be designed
by a structural engineer and approved by the Town Staff as
in Compliance with the Building Code of the Town of Taos and
in compliance with the electrical code of the Town of Taos
and shall be illuminated .
Drainage - The roofs of all marquees shall be properly guttered
and connected by down spouts to a sewer so that the water
therefrom will not drip or flow onto public property .
16
Roofs - The roofs of all marquees shall be used for no other
purpose than to form and constitute a roof.
c . Location
Height Above Sidewalk - No portion of a marquee shall be
less than ten (10) feet above the level of the sidewalk or
other public thoroughfare .
Set-back from Curb Line - No marquees shall be permitted to
extend beyond a point one (1) foot inside the curb line.
Width - No marquee shall be wider than the entrance or
entrances of the building, plus five (5) feet on each side
thereof, provided, however, that where the entrances to a
building are not more than twenty (20) feet apart, a marquee
inay be made a continuous single structure between said entrances.
d. Erection
Bracing, Anchorage and Supports - Marquees shall be supported
solely by the building to which they are attached, and no
columns or posts shall be permitted as support therefor .
Roof Live Load Requirement - The roof of any marquee except
glass area, shall be designed and constructed to support a live
load of not less than one hundred 000) pounds per square foot.
The wind pressure requirements shall be those stated in Section 12.
Anchorage to Wood Structure Prohibited - No marquee shall
be erected on any building of wood frarne construction unless
attached to the masonry, concrete or steel supports of the
bii Iding .
e. Signs Attached to Marquee
Signs attached to, or hung from a marquee shall be completely
within the borderline of the marquee outer edge, and shall in no
instance be lower than ten (10) feet above the sidewalk or public
thoroughfare. No sign or advertising material shall exceed
five (5) feet in height exclusive of the name of the establishment
exhibiting such marquee . No advertising material shall be
placed upon the roof of any marquee .
f. Illumination Required
Every marquee projecting over public property shall be illuminated
by at least sixteen (16) candle power of illumination for each
fifty (50) square feet or fraction thereof of area from sunset to
two a .m . every night, Monday through Saturday of each week .
17
Section 28 Awnings and Canopies
a . Definitions
Awning - An awning as regulated by this Ordinance shall
include uny structure made of cloth, wood, or metal with a
metal frame attached to a building and projecting over a
thoroughfare, when the same is so erected as to permit its
being raised to a position flat against the building 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, Awnings - Awnings may be constructed of cloth,
or metal , provided, however, all frames and supports shall
be of metal .
Materials, Canopies - Canopies may be constructed of cloth,
wood, or metal, provided, however, all frames and supports
shall be of metal .
c . Location
Height above Sidewalk, Awnings - Ali awnings shall be
constructed and erected so that the lowest portion thereof
shall be not less than ten (10) feet above the level of the
sidewalk or portion of the thorou jhfare .
Height above Sidewalk, Canopies - All canopies shall be
constructed and erected so that the lowest portion thereof
shall be not less than ten (10) feet above the level of the
sidewalk or portion of the thoroughfare .
Set-back from Curb Line-Awnings and Canopies - No awning
or canopy shall be permitted to extend beyond a point twelve
(12) inches inside the curb line.
Width, Awnings and Canopies - No limitation on width of
awnings, provided, however, full compliance with Section 12
is required. No canopy shall be permitted to exceed eight
(8) feet in width .
18
d. Erection
Awnings, Support - Every awning shall be securely attached
to and supported by the building. Posts or columns beyond
the building line shall not be permitted for awnings . No
awning shall be attached to the wood iambs, frames, or other
wood members of a building (frame buildings excepted) when
such building is less than ten (10) feet from public property.
Canopies, Support - The framework of all canopies shall be
designed by a structural engineer and approved by the Town
Staff as in compliance with the Building Code of the Town of
Taos. All frames and supports shall be of metal and designed
to withstand a wind pressure as provided in Section 12 of
this Ordinance .
e. Advertising
No advertising shall be placed on any awning or canopy, except
that the name of the owner and the business, industry, or
pursuit conflicted within the premises may be pointed or
otherwise permanently placed in a space not exceeding E'ght
(8) inches in height on the front and side portions thereof.
f. Permits and Inspection
Permits for awnings and canopies shall be required as provided
in Section 12. Awnings and canopies shall be subject to annual
inspection as required in Section 8 .
g. Awnings to be Rolled
Every awning shall be rolled or folded against the building wall
except when serving as protection from sun, rain, snow, or
other inclement weather .
Section 29 Sign Area Measurement
a. Area to be Measured
The area of a sign shall be measured in conformance with the
regulations as herein set forth, provided that the structure or
bracing of a sign shall be omitted from measuremen+, unless
such structure or bracing is made part of the message or face
of the sign . Where a sign has two or more display faces, the
area of all faces shall be included in determining the area
of the sign .
19
b. Sign with Backing
The area of al signs with backing or a background, 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, triongle, portion of
a circle, or any combination thereof which creates the
smallest single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme
limits 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 witho.it 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, poi ,n of a circle or on), combination
thereof which creates the sirallest 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 otherwise used for support.
d. All other Signs or Combinations Thereof
The area of any sign having parts both with and without backing
shall be measured by determining the total area of all sq--ares,
rectangles, triangles, poitions of a circle or any combination
thereof constituting the smallest single continuous perimeter
enclosina the extreme limits of any of the following combinations:
The display surface or face of the sign including all frames,
backin(t, face plates, non-structural trim of 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 o her
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 doling 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
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 ordinance but which sign, by reason of
amendment to this ordinance after the effective date
thereof, does not conform to the limitations established
by the amendment to this ordinance in the District in which
the sign is located .
c . Continuance of Non-Conforming Signs
Subject to the termination hereinafter provided, any non-conforming
sigr, may be continued in operation and maintained after the
effective date of this ordinance; provided, however, that no
such sign shall be changed in any manner that increases the
noncompliance of such sign with the provisions of this ordinance
established for signs *n the District in which the sign is located;
and, provided, further, that the burden of establishing a sign
to be non-conforming under this Section rests entirely upon the
person or persons, firm or corporation claiming a non-conforming
status for a sign.
d . Termination of Non-Conforming Signs
1 . By Abundonment - Abnnd-)nment of a non-conforming
sign shall terminate immediately 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 whatsoever, 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 follow*-ng
schedule:
Any sign which on the Shall be ter-rninoted
dote the ;ig-i became within the following
non-cc)nforming would period after the sign
cost the following became non-
amount to replace: conforming
$ 0 to $ 3,000 2 years
3,001 to 6,003 3 years
6,001 to 15,000 4 years
15,001 or more 5 years
a . The right to ma'ntaln a ''Io-Jiina, blinking, fluctuating,
aiimated -)r porta:':)!e ;ign shall te-minote within 30
days after such sign became non-conforming provided
however, that signs deemed appropriare by the Town
Planning Commission, and n t 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 .,uthorized 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 got exceeding Two Hundred (200 .00) Dollars . Each
day such violation is committed, or permitted to ccn+inue, shall
constitute a separate offense and shal I be punishable as such I creunder.
22
j • v `#
1
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE ERECTION, CONSTRUCTION
REPAIR, ALTERATION, LOCATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGNS
AND BILLBOARDS, WITHIN THE TOWN OF TAOS; PROVIDING
FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND FEES THEREFOR; THE
REVOCATION OF PERMITS; INSPECTION; REPEAL OF CERTAIN
ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
THEREOF.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THOS:
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 (a) The term "Sign" shall mean and include any device fixed to,
painted on or incorporated in the building surface or displayed from
or with a building or structure, or free standing, and which is visible
from the public right of way and designed to convey or direct a message
to the public concerning the identification of the premises or to adver-
tise or promote the interest of any person. The term sign shall also
include a graphic design as defined in Section 2 (e).
(b) Free standing sign shall mean any sign structurally separated
from a building being supported on itself or on a standard or legs.
(c) Projecting sign shall mean any sign supported by a building
wall and projecting therefrom.
(d) Wall sign shall mean any sign painted on, incorporated in or
affixed to the building wall, or any sign consisting of cut out letters
and devices affixed to the building wall with no background or border
defined on the building wall.
(e) Graphic design shall mean any artistic design or portrayal,
painted directly on the exterior wall, fence, window or other structure
which is visible from any public right of way, and which has as its pur-
i
pose artistic effect and not the identification of the premises or
the advertisement or promotion of the interests of any person.
(f) Person shall mean any person, firm, partnership, association,
corporation, company or organization of any kind.
(g) Height when used in this ordinance shall be the measurement
from the top portion of any sign to the street upon which the sign faces.
SECTION 3. [PERMITS REQUIRED] It shall be unlawful for any person to
erect, alter or relocate within the Town of Taos any sign as defined in this
ordinance, without first obtaining a permit from the Building Inspector and
making payment of the fee required by Section 6 hereof. This section is not
meant to require a permit for routine maintenance and repairs as long as the
basic parts of the sign remain the same.
SECTION 4. [APPLICATION FOR PERMIT] Application for permits shall be
made on blanks supplied by The Town of Taos and shall contain or have attach-
ed thereto the following:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the applicar.t.
(b) Locatior of the building, structure or lot to which or upon
which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(c) Position of the sign in relation to nearby buildings or stru-
ctures.
(d) Two blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and specifications
and method of construction and attachment to the building or in the
ground,
(e) Name of the person erecting or attaching the sign.
(f) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land
to which or on which the sign is to be erected.
(g) Such other information as the building inspector shall require
to show full compliance with this and all other town ordinances.
SECTION 5. [PMMIT ISSUED IF APPLICATION IN ORDER] It shall be the duty of
-2-
r
the building inspector, upon the filing of an application for a permit to ex-
amine such plans and specifications and other data and the premises upon which
it is proposed to erect the sign, and if it shall appear that the sign is in
compliance with all the requirements of this ordinance, is .structurally sound
and safe and in compliance with all other ordinances of The Town of Taos he
shall then issue the permit. If the work authorized has not been completed
within three (3) months of issuance of the permit, the permit shall become null
and void.
SECTION 6. [PERMTT FFTS] Every applicant, before being granted a permit
hereunder shall pay to the Town Clerk the following fee for the total of all
signs located on the premises;
FEE SIZE RANGE
$1.00 per Sq. Ft, 0-20 Sq. Ft.
$5.00 per S4. Ft. 21-80 Sq. Ft.
There shall be no fee required for those persons bringing non-conforming
signs into conformance by July 1, 1978.
SECTION 7. [PERMIT REVOCABLE AT ANY TIME] All rights and privileges
acquired under the provisions of this ordinance or any amendment thereto, are
mere licenses revocable for cause at any time by The Town of 'Taos, and all such
permits shall contain this provision.
SECTION 8. [UNSAFE AND UNLAWFUL SIGNS] If the building inspector shall
find that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has
been erected or is being maintained in violation of this ordinance, he shall
give written notice to the permitee or owner of the property thereof. If the
permitee or owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with this
ordinance within ten (10) days after the mailing of said notice, such sign may
be removed by The Town of Taos, and the permitee or owner shall bear the ex-
pense of such removal. No person refusing to pay the costs so assessed shall
be issued a. permit. If a sign is an immediate peril to persons or property,
the building inspector may cause such to be removed summarily and without
notice.
-3-
SECTION 9. [REMOVAL OF CERTAIN SIGNS] Any sign now or hereafter exist-
ing which no longer advertises a bonafide on going business conducted, or a
product sold, or whose owner or permitee does not have a current occupational
license, shall be removed within ten (10) days after the mailing of a notice
thereof by the building inspector. If the owner or permitee fails to remove
said sign The Town of Taos may cause such sign to be removed and assess costs
of removal to the owner of the building or land upon which said sign is located.
SECTION 10. [EX04PTIONS] The provisions of this ordinance shall not apply
to the following signs, provided, however, that said signs shall be subject to
the provisions of Section 8 and Section 9:
(a) Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet and five (5)
feet in height which advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises
upon which said signs are located only. Said signs shall be removed
within seven (7) days of the sale, rental or leasing of said property.
(b) Bulletin boards not over eight (8) square feet and five (5)
feet in height, for public, charitable or religious institutions when
the same are located on the premises of said institutions.
(c) Civic, Religious and Quasi-Public signs, off-Premises. Off-
Premises name, directional and information sig , j of service clubs,
places of worship, civic organizations and Quasi-public uses as long
as said signs are no more than three (3) square feet and no more than
five (5) feet in height.
(d) Residential Name and Street Address Signs. Residential name
and street address signs so long as said signs are no more than one (1)
square foot.
(e) Street Benners. Street banners advertising a public entertain-
meet or event if approved as to location by building inspector may be
displayed fourteen (14) days prior to and shall be removed three (3)
days after the public entertainment or event.
-4-
1
M Official national, state, or town flags for any period of time.
(g) Religious Emblems. Religious emblems containing not more than
sixteen (i6) square feet or eight (8) feet in height if located on the
premises of a religious institution.
(h) Temporary Subdivision Identification Signs. One temporary sub-
division identification sign may be located on the property to be develop-
ed not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet and eight (8) feet in height.
Said sign shall not be displayed prior to recording the subdivision plat
with the County Clerk and shall be removed upon completion of the project.
(i) Temporary Political Signs. Temporary political signs shall be
permitted up to a total area of six (6) square feet for each premises.
Said signs may be erected no earlier than sixty (60) days prior to any pri-
mary or general election; they shall be removed within three (3) days
after the election to which the sign pertains. The candidate portrayed
on the sign or for whom the sign advertises shall bear the responsibility
for removal.
(j) Signs located inside a building or structure provided the sign
is not readily visible from the public right of way.
(k) Advertising for community or civic events. One such sign
providing said sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet and eight
(8) feet in height and is located upon the site of said event. Said
sign may be erected no more than fourteen (14) days prior to the event
and shall be removed three (3) days after the event.
(1) Construction Signs. One construction sign on the construction
site as long as said sign does not exceed ten (10) square feet and six
(6) feet in height. Said sign shall be removed upon completion of the
project.
(m) Memorial Signs or Tablets. One memorial sign or tablet not ex-
ceeding three (3) square feet and permanently attached to the building or
-5-
1 ,
f
struc cur e.
r
(n) Gasoline Price Signs. Service Stations shall be permitted one
on site sign not to exceed twelve (12) square feet and five (5) feet in
height advertising the price of gasoline. Said sign shall not contain
any other advertisement.
(o) Time and Temperature. Time and temperature signs may be allow-
ed with the permission of the Town Council based upon a determination of
public need and usefulness. The size and area of such shall be determin-
ed by the Town Council.
(p) Directional and Informational Signs, i.e. , "Self Service" ,
"Parking", "Open", "Closed", "Exit" , "Entrance" , including arrows, etc. ,
' shall be allowed, providing no more than two (2) such signs are located
on one premises, and further providing each such sign does not exceed
three (3) square feet. It shall be permissible for the name of the
business to appear on directional signs.
(q) Other Temporary Signs. Other temporary signs announcing "An-
nual Sale", "Sale", "l¢ Sale", "Special Price" , etc. , so long as the
signs are window signs and so long as they are clearly temporary in
nature and are rot up for more than Forty-five (45) days.
SECTION 11. [PROHIBITING SIGNS, LIGHTS, AND OTHER DEVICES] The follow-
ing signs, lights and other devices are prohibited under this ordinance:
(a) Any sign or part therE,-lf erected, constructed and maintained
wholly upon or over the roof of any building. Except for those signs
exempt in Section 10 (f) and (g).
(b) Gas filled (Neon,ete. ) tubing which is visible to the public
view.
(c) Any sign or part thereof that radiates light by transmission,
is luminescent, floureseent, phosphorescent, flashes, blinks, rotates,
changes degrees of illumination, glows, shines, sparkles or is internal-
ly lit.
-6-
(d) Any sign that has as a part of its design any moving parts.
(e) Any sign or part thereof that contains any audible device.
(f) Any sign or part thereof that is not located upon the premises
for which the advertisement exists.
(g) Any sign or part thereof which contains lights that shine into
the eyes of persons on public property or on the public right of way.
(h) Any sign or part t:2reof which obstructs the view of a driver
on the public right of way.
(i) Any sign or part thereof which might be confused with any author-
ized traffic sign, signal or device; or which makes use of the words
"Stop" , "look" , "Drive-In", "Danger" or any other word phrase, symbol
or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse
traffic.
Q )) Any sign or part thereof that is partially or wholly illuminat-
ed by flood lights or spot lights, unless such lights are used for indirect
lighting and are not visible from the public right of way.
(k) Any sign or part thereof that restricts free ingress or egress
from any door, window or fire escape.
(1) Any sign or part thereof which is constructed, erected or main-
tained on street lines, or within five (5) feet thereof, which does not
have a smooth surface.
(m) Any wall sign or part thereof that projects more than six (6)
inches from the building wall.
(n) Any sign or part thereof which extends above the roof, eave or
parapet line of the facade cr the building to which it is attached, or ex-
tends beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
(o) Any projecting sign or part thereof which extends more than
four (4) feet from the building to which it is attached, except that; no
projecting sign may extend to within twelve (32) inches of the curb line
-7-
t.
nor may any projecting sign be thicker than nine (9) inches.
(p) Any part of any sign over or partially over a public walkway,
street, alley, lane or other public place if the distance from the walk
surface to the sign is less than eight (8) feet, except where the ceiling
of a portal prevents this minimum clearance in which case the sign must be
no less than seven (7) feet from the surface of the walk.
(q) Any sign over or partially over a public walkway that exceeds
six (6) square feet.
(r) Any sign that is in poor repair.
SECTION 12. [AREA AND NUMBER CF SIGNS] A) . In calculating the area of
signs, the following shall apply:
(1) All faces of a multi-faced sign shall be included.
(2) The area shall be that of the smallest rectangle that will
wholly contain the sign. Except that the area of a wall sign of cut out
lettering with no borders or background defined on the building wall will
be considered to be one-half (1/2) the area of the smallest rectangle that
will wholly contain the letters.
(3) The maximum area for any wall, projecting or free standing sign
shall be forty (40) square feet. In no event will a free standing, wall
or projecting sign exceed five (5) per cent of the area of the face of
its premises and it must have a minimum width of two (2) feet.
(4) The maximum area for any joint identification sign shall be
seventy (70) square feet.
B) In calculating the number of signs allowable, the following shall ap-
ply:
(1) Each person shall be allowed a maximum number of two signs
which is set forth in these combinations, containing a maximum total area
of eighty (80) square feet:
(A) One free standing and one (1) wall sign, or one (1)
-8-
projecting sign or, one (1) graphic design, or;
(B) Two (2) wall signs; or
(C) One (1) wall sign and one (1) projecting sign or one (1)
graphic design; or
(D) One (1) joint identification sign and one (1) wall sign
or one (1) projecting sign or one (1) graphic design.
SECTION 13. [SHOPPING CENTERS, BUSINESSES SHARING THE WIE PREMISES]
Whenever three (3) or more businesses share the same site or location, unless
the land is separately owned by each business, said business may not have a
free-standing sign other than a joint identification sign. Each of said bus-
' inesses may also have either a wall sign, projecting sign or graphic design.
SECTION 14. [JOINT IDENTIFICATION SIGN] Joint identification signs
(directory signs) may be free-standing signs, which shall have two (2) faces
and which shall not be located closer than twelve (12) feet from any public
right of way. No joint identification sign shall exceed twelve (12) feet in
height above the level of any street upon which the sign faces or the height
of the building whichever is less. Of the seventy (70) square feet allowed
a joint identification sign no more than ten (10) square feet may be allowed
to the title of said sign and each person, a party to said sign, shall not
utilize more than four (4) square feet.
SECTION 15. [FREE STANDING SIGNS] Free standing signs shall be allowed
as long as they have two (2) faces and in the following circumstances only:
(a) On the site of the person or business erecting, employing
or maintaining the same.
(b) The building being advertised must be located more than
twenty-five (2.5) feet from the public right-of-way.
(c) The height of the sign does not exceed fifteen (15) feet above
the level of any street the sign faces or the height of' the building
-9-
on the site whichever is less.
(d) The sign shall not be located closer than twelve (12) feet
from any public right of way, and may not be thicker than nine (9) inches.
SECTION 16. [WIND PRESSURE AND DEAD LOAN REQUIRI4'NTS1 All signs except
those listed in Section 10, shall be designed and constructed to withstand a
wind velocity of not less than 75 miles per hour; and, to receive dead loads
as set forth in the Town of 'Thos Building Code.
SECTION 17. [INSPECTION] The Town of Taos shall have the right to inspect
all signs for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same is safe, secure, in
r. ed of repair and conforming to this ordinance.
SECTION 18. [AMORTIZATION OF NONCONFORP4[NG SIGNS] It is hereby determin-
ed that the original investment in all nonconforming signs has been recovered,
and that the normal useful remaining life of existing nonconforming signs is
four (4) months from the date this ordinance is adopted. For the reasons stat-
ed all nonconforming signs shall be removed and their use discontinued within
four (4) months of the passage and adoption of this ordinance.
SECTION 19. [VARIANCES] It is recognized that under very unusual or ex-
treme circumstances that certain variances may have to be granted. Variances may
only be granted by the building inspector with the approval of the planning and
zoning commission after a public hearing with notice. All variances shall be
subject to Town Council review and approval.
SECTION 20. [PENALTIES] Any person violating any provision of this
ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a petty misdemeanor and upon conviction
thereof shall be fined not less than $10.00 nor zmre than $200.00. Each day
such violation is committed, or permitted to continue shall constitute a sep-
arate offense and shall be punishable as such hereunder.
SECTION 21. [SEPARABILITY] If any section, subsection, sentence, clause,
phrase or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held invalid or uncon-
-10-
stitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deem-
ed a separate, distinct and independant provision and such holding shall not
affect the remaining portions thereof.
SECTION 22. [ORDINANCES REPEALED] Ordinances numbers 618 and 629 and/or
parts of any ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 23. [EFFECTIVE DATE] This ordinance shall take effect on the
lst day of March, 1978.
DONE at Taos, New Mexico this 18th day of January , 197
ATTEST:
TOWN -CLERK
(SEAL)
-].l-