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Trustees deny Casa Otro projecting sign after planning commission tie, citing plaza design standards
Summary
Mesilla trustees declined a projecting, internally lit sign for Casa Otro after planning commissioners split 2–2 and trustees debated whether internal illumination and modern styling fit the historic plaza. Staff advised design changes and resubmission.
A proposal for a projecting illuminated sign at Casa Otro failed before the Mesilla Board of Trustees on June 8 after trustees questioned whether the design fits the plaza's design standards.
Staff explained the applicant requested a 28×16-inch metal sign with interior illumination to mount on an existing projecting bracket. The planning and zoning review produced a 2–2 split among commissioners; the chair cast the tie-breaking vote to forward the application to trustees. Trustees discussed whether the sign's internally lit, modern appearance is compatible with the plaza’s established aesthetic and noted there are alternatives (gooseneck-mounted externally lit signs) that are commonly accepted in the area.
Several trustees said they liked the material and craftsmanship but felt the internal lighting and color might change the plaza’s traditional ambiance, particularly because the proposed location sits behind a church. Trustee commentary referenced the earlier acceptance of internally lit letters on the park feature as an exception but noted the plaza standards are interpreted differently by commissioners. Staff suggested options that would likely make the application acceptable on resubmission: remove internal illumination, change mounting to a wall-mounted configuration or adjust colors and lighting to match surrounding signage.
The motion to approve PZAHC case 062135 failed on the board, so the applicant will be advised to revise and resubmit. Staff committed to provide clearer guidance to the applicant about acceptable materials and lighting and to explain what design changes would be necessary to meet plaza design standards.
