Should I install a sign on my road frontage?

[Samuel DeMass]

Hey BP! Question. I'm looking to find a way to maximize a piece of property that I own with direct access to a well traveled road. Where do I start??? Has anyone done it? Was it worth it? Thank you for your inputs!! Cheers, -Sam

[Donovan Vicenti]

Hello Sam!

Here's what the General Sign Regulations state for the city of Albuquerque (Part 3 § 14-16-3-5(C)(4)(b) - Real Estate Signs):

1. a. One temporary real estate sign located on the property it refers to shall be allowed for each street frontage of a developed premises or undeveloped lot of less than two acres. Signs shall be removed within seven days of sale or complete leasing.

b. In residential zones, the signs shall not exceed four square feet in area including name identification riders. An additional add-on sign area of one-half square foot indicating that the property has been sold or leased is permitted. In nonresidential zones, the signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.

2. One temporary real estate sign not exceeding 24 square feet in area and located on the property it refers to shall be allowed for each lot two acres or over. If the lot has multiple frontage, one additional sign not exceeding 24 square feet in area shall be allowed on the property, to be placed facing the additional frontage. Under no circumstances shall more than two sign units be permitted on the lot. Signs shall be removed within seven days of sale or complete leasing.

3. Temporary real estate directional signs not exceeding three square feet in area, three feet in height, and four in number, showing a directional arrow and placed on private property may be permitted on approach routes to an open house.

4. Temporary subdivision identification signs located on the vacant residential property shall be allowed for each subdivision or builder's development as follows:

1. Number of signs: Two (2) signs for the first ten lots plus one (1) additional sign for each additional, full ten lots, not to exceed six (6) signs total.
2. Sign face area: Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.
3. Height: Sign height shall not exceed four feet above the top of the subdivision wall on the lot where such sign is placed. Signs shall not be placed on the wall of a residential building or an accessory structure. If walls do not exist on the lot where such sign is placed, then the sign height shall not exceed eight feet.
4. Location: Signs shall not be located in common areas, such as Home Owners Association areas and easements, unless approved by the owner of the common area such as a Home Owners Association, nor in the public right-of-way. There shall be no violation of the clear sight triangle at any street intersection. Signs shall not be allowed where the sign is directly across the street from or adjacent to the lot line of a residential zone.
5. Timing: Signs shall not be displayed prior to the date of recording of the plat, and shall be removed upon completion of the project.
6. Permit required: Each sign is eligible for a two-year permit. After that, a yearly permit renewal is required. Fee is as per § 14-16-3-5(A)(4).
7. Illumination: Signs shall not be illuminated.

5. The height of real estate signs shall not exceed five feet when located in a residential zone. 

Hope this helps and as @Adan Gonzalez stated, you might also need to check with your HOA regulations if the property is located within a HOA zone. Good luck! -DVICENTI-