Sign Regulations in Valencia County, NM (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Valencia County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Temporary political signs may go up on private property in unincorporated Valencia County only with the owner's consent and only during an election campaign. County code sets the outer limits at 90 days before the election for posting and 10 days after for removal, on top of whatever New Mexico's own election-sign law separately requires.
Valencia County political sign timing rule
Some RestrictionsValencia County Code § 154.166(C)(1)
(1) Political signs. Temporary political signs advertising candidates or issues may be erected on private property, by, or with consent of, the property owner(s), during an election campaign. These signs shall conform to the requirements of the State of New Mexico, and shall not be erected prior to 90 days before the election and shall be removed within 10 days after the election.
Holiday Displays
Temporary holiday lights and lighting displays are fully exempt from unincorporated Valencia County's lighting nuisance rules under Chapter 92, so a homeowner's seasonal display isn't held to the shielding, traffic-hazard or steady-light standards that apply to ordinary outdoor lighting the rest of the year.
Holiday Lighting Exempt in Valencia County
Few RestrictionsValencia County Code § 92.22(B)(4)
(B) Exceptions. The following types of lighting shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... (4) Holiday displays. Temporary holiday lights or lighting displays;
Digital Billboards
Unincorporated Valencia County bans moving signs, flashing signs and any other sign likely to distract motorists in every zoning district, a blanket prohibition that reaches digital billboards and animated LED displays regardless of size or whether the sign would otherwise qualify for a permit.
Valencia County bans flashing digital signs
Heavy RestrictionsValencia County Code § 154.166(D)(1)
(D) Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zone districts: (1) Moving signs, flashing signs or other signs that may likely cause motorists distraction or be hazardous to public safety.
Window Signs
In unincorporated Valencia County, temporary window displays and temporary real estate "for rent/sale" signs need no sign permit as long as they stay at or under 8 square feet. Anything larger drops into the county's standard sign-permit process, which requires a Type A application with dimensioned drawings showing sign area, placement and construction before the Planning and Zoning Department will approve installation.
Valencia County window sign size limit
Light RestrictionsValencia County Code § 154.166(A)(2)(h)
(2) Signs for which permit not required. Sign permit applications shall not be required for the following signs: ... (h) Temporary window displays or signs and temporary real estate "for rent/sale" signs not exceeding 8 square feet in surface area.
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