Albuquerque, NM Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Albuquerque's Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) treats digital billboards as "electronic signs" under § 14-16-5-12(H), which applies to any sign that is all electronic or later modified to add an electronic component. On-premises electronic signs are capped at one per premises, limited to freestanding, wall, or canopy types. Off-premises digital billboards face tighter rules: a new one is allowed only if the applicant permanently removes existing off-premises signs and support structures totaling at least three times the advertising area of the proposed electronic sign, and the removed signs must sit on property of equal or lesser zoning intensity, as determined by the Planning Director.

Electronic signs are flatly prohibited within any Historic Protection Overlay zone or state or nationally registered historic district; within 660 feet of Alameda Boulevard, Griegos Road, Rio Grande Boulevard, Tramway Boulevard, Unser Boulevard, and two segments of Coors Boulevard; and within 1,320 feet, a quarter mile, of Major Public Open Space. In residential developments inside any Residential zone district electronic signs are banned outright, and non-residential uses there are capped at 25 percent of total sign area. 3 foot-candles above ambient light, measured perpendicular to the sign face at a distance keyed to sign area under Table 5-12-6.

A billboard within 660 feet of Interstate 25 or Interstate 40 that converts to electronic format keeps its nonconforming status for its interstate location, but every other siting rule still applies.