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Commission approves freestanding sign for Masonic lodge, conditions include DOT approval and 5-foot setback
Summary
The Mesilla Planning and Zoning commission approved a freestanding sign for the Hernando Masonic Lodge at 1200 W. University, conditioned on New Mexico Department of Transportation approval and a 5-foot setback; the amendment passed 3–1 after debate about safety and code compliance.
A Mesilla Planning, Zoning and Historical Appropriateness Commission vote on March 2 approved a freestanding sign for the Hernando Masonic Lodge at 1200 West University, but only after commissioners added a condition requiring New Mexico Department of Transportation approval and a 5-foot setback.
Staff summarized the application as a request to install a freestanding sign roughly 10 feet tall with a 4-by-2-foot panel assembly and perforated galvanized-steel posts, and said the property is zoned R-1 despite functioning as an assembly use. "The permit may be issued administratively if the proposed sign complies with our sign guidelines and town code," staff said, noting applicable Mesilla code sections and building-code adoption.
At the meeting an applicant who identified himself at the microphone as Joe Chrisman said the lodge has been at the location for about 70 years and runs a program that provides durable medical equipment free to the community. "People never find our building," he said. "They'll drive right by and never find us... that's why we wanted a sign." He described the proposed sign as a cut-out design with a light-brown outer finish and turquoise interior paneling.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on setbacks and state permitting because the site fronts a state highway. One commissioner said online DOT guidance indicated a five-foot setback requirement from the right-of-way; staff confirmed the lodge would need to apply to New Mexico DOT for any state-highway permits. Commissioners debated whether to approve subject to DOT review or to amend the setback in the motion.
Commissioner Oviatt moved to amend the approval to require New Mexico DOT compliance and to change the 4-foot setback in the packet to 5 feet; the amendment passed on a 3–1 vote. The commission then approved the permit as amended, also 3–1.
The action was recorded with the condition that the applicant obtain any required DOT permits and that the sign installation meet the 5-foot setback and breakaway-post requirements discussed in the meeting. The commission also noted that existing letters on the building and the property's long-standing nonresidential use complicated strict R-1 sign limits and that staff will follow up about administrative permit issuance.
The applicant and staff were told to coordinate with the DOT and bring any modified plans forward if required changes arise.
