Title
Introduction of Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-381. A Code Ordinance amending Chapter 16, Development Code, Article IV, Development Standards, Division 8, Signage, Section 16-65, Sign Standards
Recommended Action
I introduce, without prejudice, Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-381 and ask the staff to assure that it is published as provided in the County Charter.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council introduce this Code Ordinance.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Planning and Zoning Commission ("Commission") considered a Development Code Text Amendment Application ("ZCA-2026-0021") on October 14, 2026 and recommended approval with a revision to include the requirement that the expiration date, in addition to the registration number, must be written on the temporary sign in permanent ink and clearly visible.
Body
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, Development Standards, Division 8, Signage, Section 16-65, Sign Standards 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.
On October 14, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered the Development Code application, ZCA-2026-0021, to amend the Development Code through Ordinance 02-381. Pursuant to Section 16-69(b)(1) of the Development Code, the Commission has authority to review Development Code Text Amendment requests and make recommendations to the County Council for final decision.
Following the staff presentation and Commission discussion, they unanimously voted to recommend that the County Council approve the proposed text amendment with the following change:
Section 16-65(f)(2) - Designated Temporary Sign Areas - include the requirement that the expiration date, in addition to the registration number, must be written on the temporary sign in permanent ink and clearly visible.
Staff supports the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommended change.
Proposed Public Hearing: December 8, 2026
Attachments
A - Text Amendment Application (ZCA-2026-0021)
B - Ordinance 02-381
C - PZC Recommendation