Albuquerque, NM Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- IDO 14-16-4-3(F)(10)(g); Table 5-12-2
- Sign Limit
- 1 non-illuminated sign, max 2 sq. ft.
- Outside Appearance
- Dwelling may not otherwise show evidence of the use
Summary
A home occupation in Albuquerque may display only one non-illuminated sign, and the outside of the dwelling may not otherwise show evidence of the business; in residential zones the sign is capped at 2 square feet under Table 5-12-2.
4-3(F)(10)(g) The outside appearance of the dwelling or unit shall not show evidence of the use, including but not limited to outside storage, noise, dust, odors, noxious fumes, or other nuisances emitted from the premises, except that 1 non-illuminated sign is allowed. In any Residential zone district, the maximum size of the sign is regulated by Table 5-12-2: On-premises Signs in Residential Zone Districts. In any Mixed-use zone district, the sign may not exceed 2 square feet.
Full Breakdown
Integrated Development Ordinance Subsection 14-16-4-3(F)(10)(g) requires that the outside appearance of the dwelling not show evidence of the use, including outside storage, noise, dust, odors, noxious fumes, or other nuisances, except that one non-illuminated sign is allowed. In any Residential zone district the maximum size of the sign is regulated by Table 5-12-2 (On-premises Signs in Residential Zone Districts), which limits a wall sign for a use accessory to the primary residential use (including a home occupation, per footnote [1]) to 2 square feet in the R-A, R-MC, R-1, R-T, R-ML, and R-MH districts; in any Mixed-use zone district the sign may not exceed 2 square feet. Table 5-12-2 alternatively allows a 2-square-foot yard sign in lieu of a wall sign where the dwelling is more than 30 feet from the street. There is no allowance for an illuminated, freestanding, or larger sign for a residential home occupation.
Violations & Fines
An oversized, illuminated, or additional sign, or other outside evidence of the business, is a zoning violation enforced through the IDO and may jeopardize the home occupation's zoning approval and business license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a sign up for my home business in Albuquerque?
Can the sign be lit up at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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