Albuquerque Signshops Fight EMC Ban

After complaints from signshop and small-business owners, Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry vetoed an on-premise, electronic-message-center ban for the city. Albuquerque’s city council had voted to ban EMCs despite a city-appointed taskforce’s recommendation that some EMCs be permitted. Small-business owners banded together after the unexpected city-council vote, which preceded Berry’s veto. Newly passed legislation followed the taskforce’s recommendation, allowing EMCs an 8-second display hold-time, and prohibiting EMCs along scenic corridors. Such signage is also subject to industry brightness regulations and must be 40 ft. from residential zones.