Starting a business in Albuquerque requires several key steps to ensure you are operating legally and in compliance with city, state, and federal regulations. Consider securing the following licenses, registrations, and identification numbers when you’re ready to take the step of starting a new business.

1. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
   Required for hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing taxes.

   Apply online at the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/businesses

2. New Mexico State Regulation & Licensing Department

   You will need your physical address, business type, and a valid state tax ID (CRS number). Depending on your profession or industry, a state-issued license may be required. Common fields include food service, healthcare, construction, and personal care.

   Learn more: https://www.rld.nm.gov

3. City of Albuquerque Business Registration

   All businesses operating within Albuquerque must register with the City and pay an annual business registration fee.

   Visit: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/business-registration

Choosing the right location is one of the most important steps in setting up your business. The San Pedro corridor offers a range of commercial spaces with strong foot traffic, public transit access, and opportunities for visibility within an active and diverse community. Before signing a lease or purchasing property, consider the following:

Site Selection Considerations:

• Is the property zoned appropriately for your intended use? (Refer to the Integrated Development Ordinance)

• Is the building move-in ready, or will it require significant renovations or a change in use?

• Does the site meet your needs for utilities, accessibility, signage, and parking?

• Have you spoken with City Planning or the MRA to learn about any planned infrastructure or redevelopment projects nearby?

Change of Use and Renovation Requirements

• A Certificate of Occupancy may be required if you’re changing the use of the space (e.g., converting office space to retail or food service).

• Construction permits may be required for any building modifications, including electrical, plumbing, or structural work.

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

• Projects within historic or culturally significant areas may also require design review or historic preservation compliance.

• Reusing existing buildings helps maintain neighborhood character and often qualifies you for additional technical assistance or funding.

• Businesses interested in restoring façades may apply for support through the RSPP Facade Squad, as funds are available.

Contact us early in your site selection process. We’re happy to help you navigate zoning, connect with the city’s relevant city department, and coordinate with local property owners who are seeking new tenants.

Before opening your doors, be sure your location has access to essential utilities and public services. Below is a guide to utility providers and city services for the San Pedro corridor.

Utility Providers

Electricity: PNM – (888) 342-5766 | https://www.pnm.com/startservice

Natural Gas: NM Gas Company – (888) 664-2726 | https://www.nmgco.com

Water & Sewer: Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority – (505) 842-9287 | https://www.abcwua.org

Internet & Telecom: Xfinity, CenturyLink, Vexus Fiber, Comcast Business (check address-specific availability)

City Services & Infrastructure Contacts

Trash & Recycling: Solid Waste Management – (505) 761-8100

Graffiti Removal: Report via 311 or https://www.cabq.gov/311

Street Maintenance & Potholes: (505) 857-8025 | Report through 311

Business Sign Permits: Planning Department – (505) 924-3860

Tips

• Confirm that all utility connections are active before beginning operations.

• RSPP can help coordinate with city departments if any infrastructure concerns arise.

• Consider upgrades for energy efficiency or sustainable waste practices—we’re here to connect you with resources.

🪧 Sign Regulations on San Pedro

If you’re planning to put up a sign along the San Pedro corridor, it’s important to understand the City’s rules before you get started. The City of Albuquerque’s Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) regulates sign size, placement, lighting, and permitting. In most cases, you’ll need a sign permit—especially for electronic, freestanding, or projecting signs.

We’ve gathered the key points to help corridor businesses navigate the rules with ease.

📝 When Do You Need a Sign Permit?

Most new signs in the corridor require a permit, especially if any of the following apply:

• The sign is larger than 24 square feet

• The sign is taller than 8 feet

• The sign is illuminated (internally or externally)

• The sign includes moving elements

• The sign is freestanding or projecting

• The sign is portable or electronic

Electronic signs also require an annual permit.

Exceptions: No permit is required for normal maintenance, painting, or changing the content of an already approved sign (as long as the sign structure doesn’t change).

Read more about permitting rules here: https://documents.cabq.gov/planning/IDO/IDO-Effective-2023-AnnualUpdate/Part5-DevelopmentStandards/14-16-5-12-SignRegulations.pdf

📍 Location & Design Requirements

All signs must meet the following basic design and placement standards:

• Signs must not be placed on property without permission from the property owner or tenant

• Signs may not be located in waterline or sewer easements

• Clearance requirements:

  • At least 8 feet above sidewalks

  • At least 12 feet above driveways or vehicle paths

• All signs must be built from durable, weather-resistant materials and securely fastened

• No overhead electrical wiring allowed (except under rare conditions)

• Supports for building-mounted signs must be visually integrated with the building

🏙 What Type of Sign Are You Installing?

The City of Albuquerque classifies signs by type and sets limits on size, placement, and design. Here’s a breakdown of common signs in Mixed-Use and Non-Residential zones like the San Pedro corridor:

Wall Signs

• No limit on number

• Size is based on percent of building façade:

  • MX-T: 5%

  • MX-L: 10%

  • MX-H, NR-C: 15%

  • NR-LM, NR-GM: 25%

• Signs cannot extend more than 2 ft from the property line if there’s no side setback

  Full table: https://documents.cabq.gov/planning/IDO/IDO-Effective-2023-AnnualUpdate/Part5-DevelopmentStandards/14-16-5-12-SignRegulations.pdf

Window Signs

• Can cover up to 15% of window and door area

• On ground floors (between 4 and 8 ft above grade), window signs are limited to 25% of that area

Canopy Signs

• One per building entrance

• Max width: 50% of the building (or full width in some districts)

• Max message height: 18 inches

Freestanding Signs

• Allowed only on lots with at least 100 ft of street frontage

• Area:

  • MX-T, MX-FB-ID: 50 sq ft

  • MX-L: 100 sq ft

  • NR-C, NR-LM, NR-GM: up to 300 sq ft (near highways)

• Max height:

  • MX-T: 9 ft

  • MX-L: 18 ft

  • NR-C, NR-LM, NR-GM: 26 ft

Projecting Signs

• Allowed 1 per establishment

• May extend up to 30” from the building façade

• Special rules apply for signs along Central Avenue near San Pedro

Marquee & Rooftop Signs

• Allowed only for theaters, performance venues, or in special zones

• Rooftop signs: max 75 sq ft and 15 ft high

• Permitting required:

  https://www.cabq.gov/planning/documents/SignPermitApp2019fillable.pdf

✨ Special Incentives for Neon Signs on Central Avenue

If your sign is on or near Central Avenue, you may qualify for special bonuses:

• Up to 50% more sign area

• Taller freestanding or building signs

• Allowable animation (sequential neon lighting only—no flashing or video)

• Must meet neon design and safety standards and be approved by PNM

To qualify, at least 50% of the sign must be luminous neon or high-quality LED mimicking neon.

Learn more here: https://documents.cabq.gov/planning/IDO/IDO-Effective-2023-AnnualUpdate/Part5-DevelopmentStandards/14-16-5-12-SignRegulations.pdf

🛠 Apply for a Sign Permit

Your licensed contractor will need to submit a complete permit application, which may include:

• Site plan or building elevation

• Sign design and dimensions

• Mounting method

• Structural engineering (if over 6 ft tall)

• PNM approval (if over 12 ft or near overhead wires)

Useful links:

Sign Permit Application: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/documents/SignPermitApp2019fillable.pdf

Sign FAQs: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/code-enforcement/code-enforcement-sign-faqs

General Sign Regulations (IDO): https://documents.cabq.gov/planning/IDO/IDO-Effective-2023-AnnualUpdate/Part5-DevelopmentStandards/14-16-5-12-SignRegulations.pdf

Report Illegal Signs: https://www.cabq.gov/planning/code-enforcement/illegal-signs

Need Help?

Contact us at info@sanpedroabq.org and we’ll help you connect with the right permitting office or walk you through next steps.