Albuquerque, NM Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Albuquerque's temporary sign rules at § 14-16-5-12(I) cover election signs without naming them separately: they are simply temporary signs subject to Table 5-12-7's standards, which allow up to 4 signs per premises, a maximum size of 16 square feet total across those signs, a height cap of 4 feet above the tallest wall on the lot (or 8 feet if the lot has no walls), and a flat ban on illuminated temporary signs. No sign permit is required, and temporary signs do not count toward the property's maximum permanent sign allowance.

The default time limit for any temporary sign is 15 calendar days, but § 14-16-5-12(I)(2) lists exceptions, and § 14-16-5-12(I)(2)(c) is the election-specific one: one temporary sign per street frontage may be displayed for up to 60 calendar days before an election and up to 10 calendar days after it, well beyond the general 15-day cap. Placement is still restricted: temporary signs are prohibited on the wall of any building in a low-density residential development, and prohibited in common areas such as homeowners' association areas and easements unless the common-area owner approves, or in the public right-of-way.

A property that is for sale, for rent, or under an active building permit gets its own separate one-sign, unlimited-duration allowance under § 14-16-5-12(I)(2)(a) and (b), independent of the election window.