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Mesilla trustees decline Masonic Lodge freestanding sign, adopt updated wireless and sign codes
Summary
Trustees rejected a freestanding sign application for the Hernan Masonic Lodge after staff explained zoning and DOT requirements; the board also adopted updated wireless-telecommunications and sign‑code ordinances and approved several grant authorizations and administrative items.
Trustees debated a freestanding‑sign request from the Hernan Masonic Lodge (case 062098) at 1200 West University and declined the applicant’s request after discussion about zoning interpretation and older signage on the building. Planning staff told the board the site sits in an R‑1 zone but has a long‑standing assembly use; because the requested freestanding sign does not fully conform to the town’s sign code the commission brought it to the trustees for interpretation. Commissioners and staff also noted the applicant will need a New Mexico Department of Transportation permit for a sign placed near the highway.
After back‑and‑forth about whether to require a variance or administrative approval, a motion to approve the sign with a condition requiring DOT approvals did not carry and the application was not approved. Planning staff told the applicant they could pursue the variance process or resubmit with necessary DOT permits and design changes.
On code updates, trustees adopted an updated wireless telecommunications ordinance intended to consolidate prior language and add broader definitions (including view‑corridor language and reference to small‑cell deployments). Trustees discussed the limits of local authority under federal rules and the importance of keeping ordinance terms flexible given possible FCC or court developments.
The board also approved amendments to the sign code covering sizes for commercial signage, sandwich/A‑frame signs, temporary banners and directional signs. Staff said the changes are intended to regulate sandwich signs (require property location and a permit) and to expand allowable temporary signage in commercial zones from two short windows a year to a slightly larger quota (some trustees asked staff to monitor enforcement and to clarify whether plaza rules differ from general commercial rules).
Other business included approval of several grant application resolutions (water‑use and fire‑hydrant grants, LGRF cooperative agreement, solar‑fund application) and a TerraLogic invoice for court case digitization ($8,591.82). The board also approved an amendment to rules of order and accepted multiple routine administrative items.
