Alamogordo commission approves Landmark appeal to place two double-deck billboards on outskirts, vote 7-0

The Alamogordo City Commission on Tuesday approved an administrative appeal by Landmark Companies to install two double-deck billboards at locations along U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 54, voting 7-0 to reverse the earlier denial.

Landmark representative James Spence told the commission the company submitted applications for the two signs on Sept. 27, 2024, the day after a prior moratorium on new billboards had expired. "Our application was placed for the 2 billboards on 09/27/2024," Spence said, and Landmark's appeal argued the administrative denial cited a moratorium that was not in place on the application date.

The denial had followed a period of strong citizen objections after the installation of a large sign on Indian Wells; city staff said much of the earlier administrative action reflected public backlash. Commissioners discussed sightlines and airport safety near the Highway 54 site, and staff noted that Federal Aviation Administration clearance would be obtained if required during the permitting and construction process.

Commissioner Steven Burnett made the motion to approve the appeal; Commissioner Warren Robinson seconded. The motion passed 7-0. The commission recorded locations discussed as 821 U.S. Highway 70 West and (corrected by Landmark) 2200 U.S. Highway 54. Commissioners who spoke during the item expressed a general reluctance about stacked double-decker billboards in prominent corridors but said they were more acceptable on the outskirts of town.

Landmark representatives, including James Spence and Angie Duncan, offered to work with city staff and the city attorney on an ordinance that would set rules for future sign permits and avoid recurring moratoriums. Staff told the commission the city is still finalizing updates to the sign ordinance and that moratorium language had been reintroduced in March and is currently active in a six-month renewal cycle.

No changes to the city’s existing sign ordinance were passed at the meeting; the commission only decided on the administrative appeal. The appeal decision allows Landmark to proceed with the permitting process, subject to standard construction requirements and any required FAA clearances.

Commissioners did not impose additional conditions in the public record at the time of approval. The appeal was taken up as an administrative appeal from an acting city manager’s denial; the commission heard testimony and then voted to overturn that administrative decision.