Los Ranchos publishes major zoning text changes emphasizing content‑neutral sign rules

Trustees voted Aug. 19 to publish a sizable package of zoning‑code text amendments (Ordinance 303) that moves scattered definitions into a central definitions section and replaces much of the sign code to meet constitutional, content‑neutral standards.

Planning staff described the package as largely reorganizational with one substantive area of change: signage. "Approximately 75 to 80% of this are new sign regulations," said Mr. Williams, who briefed the board; Bill Chapel, who drafted sign language, told trustees litigation has constrained content‑based categories and the ordinance was revised so approvals cannot be based on a signmessage. "You cannot reject or approve a sign on a content basis," Chapel said, explaining the change responds to court precedent.

Trustees pressed staff on several specifics that they said needed clarification before final adoption: how legally nonconforming billboards would be treated if sold or altered, whether neon/illuminated signage could conform with the village's Dark Sky rules, and whether transfer‑of‑development‑rights (TDR) language could permit increases in building height or density that contradict zone limits.

Trustee Kefir noted the draft uses a broad standard for whether a sign has been "changed" and asked whether repainting would trigger loss of grandfathering. Planning staff acknowledged the language could be ambiguous and agreed to refine it. Trustee Renovich and others asked staff to separate this publication from unrelated zoning changes (for example, bed‑and‑breakfast rules and VC/CC moratorium items) that will be handled in other packages.

The trustees approved publication for public notice and scheduled final adoption for a future meeting. Staff said they will accept redline suggestions, post revised drafts, and hold follow‑up discussions with trustees and the public.