Title
Case No. ZCA-2026-0021. A request by the Los Alamos County Community Development Department for a Text Amendment to Chapter 16, Article IV, Development Standards, Division 8, Signage, Section 16-65, Sign Standards, of the Los Alamos County Municipal Code relating to temporary signs. The proposed amendment would revise temporary sign regulations to clarify requirements for sign location, duration, removal, and designated temporary sign areas, and to support more consistent administration and enforcement of the Code.
Applicant
Elias Isaacson, Community Development Director
Case Manager
Danyelle Valdez, Planning Manager
Case Summary
In spring 2026, the Community Development Department ("Department") initiated discussions regarding potential amendments to the Temporary Sign Code provisions of the Los Alamos County Development Code (“Development Code”). As part of this process, the Department presented existing code language, and communicated to the Planning and Zoning Commission, County Council, and stakeholder groups representing small businesses, realtors, youth, and nonprofit organizations, key issues such as unenforceable placement standards, duration, ambiguous scope, and no established removal requirement.
April 8, 2026 - Planning and Zoning Commission
May 5, 2026 - County Council Regular Session
June 8, 2026 - Youth Groups
July 7, 2026 - Real Estate Groups
July 10, 2026 - Community Services Director
July 27, 2026 - Small Businesses
August 14, 2026 - Non-Profits
Feedback and direction received through meeting discussions were considered and incorporated into Ordinance 02-381, which would amend Article IV, Division 8, Section 16-65 of the Development Code. The proposed amendments are intended to clarify the applicable standards, adopt designated Temporary Sign areas, establish enforceable requirements, and address identified gaps and ambiguities.
Procedures, Authority and Responsibility
In accordance with the Development Code, section 16-75(d)(2), establishes procedures for Text Amendments. On September 2, 2026, staff submitted an application for Text Amendment. The application was assigned Case No. ZCA-2026-0021, and pursuant to section 16-72(c) of the Development Code, was properly noticed for an October 14, 2026, public hearing.
Section 16-69 grants the Planning and Zoning Commission ("Commission") the authority and responsibility to review and make recommendation to the County Council on Text Amendment applications. The Commission shall make a recommendation to approve as presented, approve with conditions, or deny based on conformance with section 16-75(d)(3) decision criteria.
Pursuant to section 16-69(b)(5)-d, if the Commission is unable to arrive at a recommendation, the proposed application shall be forwarded without recommendation to the County Council for consideration.
Decision Criteria
An application for text amendment to this Code shall be approved if it meets all of the following criteria:
a.The request substantially conforms to the intent and policies of the comprehensive plan and other adopted county policies and plans.
b.The proposed change will not result in land use inconsistent with the purpose of the district or incompatible with a use allowed in the underlying zone district.
c.The proposed change will clarify existing language, remove redundant or inconsistent language, or simplify the understanding and implementation of the Code.
d.The proposed amendment promotes public health, safety, and welfare.
Motion Option 1
I move to recommend that the County Council approve Text Amendment ZCA-2026-0021, a request by the Los Alamos County Community Development Department to amend Chapter 16, Article IV, Development Standards, Division 8, Signage, Section 16-65, Sign Standards, of the Los Alamos County Municipal Code through the adoption of Ordinance 02-381.
Motion Option 2
I move to recommend that the County Council approve Text Amendment ZCA-2026-0021, a request by the Los Alamos County Community Development Department to amend Chapter 16, Article IV, Development Standards, Division 8, Signage, Sections 16-65, Sign Standards, of the Los Alamos County Municipal Code, with the following changes to Ordinance 02-381.
1. ...
Motion Option 3
I move to recommend that the County Council deny Text Amendment ZCA-2026-0021, a request by the Los Alamos County Community Development Department to amend Chapter 16, Article IV, Development Standards, Division 8, Signage, Sections 16-65, Sign Standards, of the Los Alamos County Municipal Code through adoption of Ordinance 02-381. Recommendation to deny is based on the application not meeting the following decision criteria:
1. ...
Attachments
A - Application Submitted (ZCA-2026-0021)
B - Ordinance 02-381
C - Legal Notice