SIGN REGULATIONS

SIGN REGULATIONS

Prepared by New Directions 2025 Work Group

For Consideration by the Zoning Commission

and Parish Council

5.03 SIGN REGULATIONS

5.0301 Statement of Need and Purpose. The purpose of this section is to facilitate the location and choice of signs to ensure better communication between people and their environment and to avoid visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and community appearance. With these purposes in mind, it is the intent of this section to authorize the use of signs which are compatible to the unique environment of St. Tammany Parish, appropriate to the activity that displays them, creative and expressive of the identity of both individual activities and the community as a whole, and legible in the environment in which they are seen.

5.0302 Applicability, Permits, Waivers, Appeals and Identification

A. Applicability

1. General Applicability, Billboards Excluded. Section 5.03 is applicable to all signs except billboards and off-premise outdoor advertising signs, which are regulated by Section 5.04. No billboard or off-premise outdoor advertising sign shall be allowed except to the extent to which they are allowed and regulated by Section 5.04.

2. Applicability According to Land Uses. The Sign Regulations in this Section 5.03 are categorized so that certain of these regulations are applicable to certain land uses and other of these regulations are made applicable to other land uses. The following is a table of the land uses and the regulations, by section number, applicable to these land uses:

Uses	Regulation Section Numbers
Commercial, Industrial and Institutional	5.0302
Uses and All Uses except Residential Uses	5.0303 5.0304 5.0305 5.0306 5.0307 5.0308 5.0309 5.0310
Single Family and Two-Family Residential	5.0311
Multi-Family Residential and Condominiums	5.0312
Residential Subdivision Entrance Signs	5.0313

3. Prohibited Signs. Prohibited signs as set forth in Section 5.0314 are applicable to all uses.

4. Regulation of Legally Non-conforming Signs. The regulation of legally non- conforming signs as set forth in Section 5.0315 are applicable to all uses.

5. Definitions. Definitions are set forth in Section 5.0316.

B. Requirement of Sign Permit. A permit is required from the Department of Planning for every new sign and every modification, alteration or repair of a sign except (i) miscellaneous signs for non-residential uses as provided for in Section 5.0308, (ii) temporary signs without permits as provided for in Section 5.0309, (iii) signs for single family and two family residential uses as provided for in Section 5.0311, and (iv) the signs allowed for multiple family and condominium uses as provided in Section 5.0312A.

C. Waivers and Appeals. If the application for a new sign or for a modification or

alteration of an existing sign shows that all requirements of this Section 5.03 are complied with, the Director of Planning shall issue a permit without the necessity of any public hearing before the Zoning Commission or any other public body. If the application for the permit is denied, the applicant may seek a waiver from the Zoning Commission which may be granted by the Zoning Commission after giving the same notices that are required for a conditional use permit and after holding a public hearing. Within 10 days after the decision by the Zoning Commission on the waiver, any person or entity may take an appeal from such decision to the Parish Council. If an appeal to the Parish Council is not timely made, the decision of the Zoning Commission shall be final.

D. Criteria for Zoning Commission Waivers. The Zoning Commission and the Parish Council may grant waivers from the sign regulations in this Section 5.03 to diminish sign regulation requirements when one or more of the following exists:

unusual elevations or shape of the lot, unusual landscaping and/or tree preservation problems, unusual architectural design of the building or structures, unusual effect of the requirements of the signs to be placed on the lot or building, problems with servitudes, and any other problem or matter which affects signage that the Zoning Commission determines to be in the public interest to consider; provided that waivers shall not be based on cost or economic consideration.

E. Permit Procedure. Application for sign permits shall be submitted on forms prepared by the Department of Planning. These forms shall require plans, scaled drawings, specifications, dimensions and height, parcel identification, sign location and such other data with respect to the sign as the Department of Planning shall deem appropriate for the administration and enforcement of this Section 5.03.

Just a note about my experience with the current permitting process. Currently, the owner of a commercial building has to jump through hoops to place a sign on his own property, while a renter of that same space can call a sign company and have a sign hung by writing a check! No sign company can provide the permitting office with a copy of the deed to the property, a plot plan of the property, elevation drawings, or square footage numbers that only the owner or architect can provide. If a renter does not have to provide this information, the owner should not have to either.

F. Sign Identification. Each ground sign shall have the permit number and date of issuance permanently affixed to the sign in a location clearly legible from the ground.

5.0303 Standards Applicable to Non-Residential Uses. The following standards are applicable to all signs erected or displayed for commercial, industrial and institutional uses and for all other uses except residential uses:

A. Internal Illumination - Internal illumination is allowed creating a negative contrast, i.e. light lettering against a dark, opaque background.

B. External Illumination - Externally illuminated signs may be illuminated in white light only, not to exceed 3,000 lumens per side per sign or otherwise unreasonably intrude on a residence and such illumination shall not constitute a traffic hazard.

C. Colors - Only spectrum colors are allowed. No iridescent colors or reflective lettering are allowed.

D. Plywood and Particle Board - Signs (other than temporary signs) may not be constructed of rough or unfinished

plywood or particle board.

E. Neon - Neon will only be allowed if it is considered as an integral part of the sign being regulated. Anything within the

boundary of the outline of the neon will be considered a part of the sign face.

F. Changeable Message Sign Limitation - Movie theater signs are allowed changeable message signs without limitation. All other changeable message signs shall be incorporated into a sign face, but the changeable component must occupy less than one-half the total area of the sign face.

1. If changeable copy is used, it shall be located adjacent to or integrated into the sign face.

2. Lettering of changeable message signs shall be of a single style and shall be of uniform color and size.

3. Internal illumination, if any, shall be negative contrast.

G. Landscaping for Signs - Grass, live groundcover, shrubs and trees consistent with other plantings within the project shall be provided around each individual monument sign as provided in Section 5.16. Such landscaping shall be depicted on site

or landscaping plans in accordance with Section 5.16.

5.0304 Monument Signs Applicable to Designated Uses

A. Definition of Ground Signs. Ground signs are specifically defined in Section 5.0316, but they consist of monument signs and pole signs. Monument signs are allowed as provided for in Section 5.03, but pole signs are prohibited.

B. Number of Monument Signs. One monument sign shall be allowed for each

1,000 feet of street frontage or fraction thereof in excess of the 1,000 foot increments. A property with more than one street frontage shall be allowed one monument sign for each 1,000 feet of street frontage or fraction thereof in excess of the 1,000 foot increments.

C. Location of Monument Signs. A monument sign, or monument signs if more than one is allowed, may be located at any place from the street property line, including the street planting area, back to the building facade as long as it is set back from the street property line at least five (5) feet. If there is no building facade behind the sign, then the sign may be located up to 50 feet back from the property line. Monument signs shall not be located within a sight clearance triangle as defined below:

1. A sight clearance triangle shall be the triangle at the corner of two intersecting street rights of way, two sides of which shall be located along the street lines and shall run a distance of 15 feet from the intersecting corner of the street rights of way, and the third side of the triangle shall be a straight line linking the ends of the street lines of the triangle.

2. A sight clearance triangle, as described immediately above, between the street rights of way and a railroad right of way, a street right of way and a pedestrian or bicycle right of way, and a driveway and a street right of way.

D. Monument Signs for Designated Uses

1. Where Allowed - Monument signs are allowed to be erected and displayed for commercial, industrial and institutional

uses and for multi-family and residential condominiums as provided for and subject to the limitations of Section 5.0312B, and for all other uses except other residential uses.

2. Area - The total sign area for each allowed monument sign constructed shall not exceed the following limits:

Building Type	Single Faced Per Side	Double Faced Per Side
Single Occupancy	40 sq. ft.	32 sq. ft.
Multiple Occupancy	80 sq. ft.	70 sq. ft.

3. Height of Monument Signs - The height of monument signs shall not be greater than nine (9) feet.

5.0305 Wall Signs for Non-Residential Uses. In addition to the monument signs allowed under Section 5.0304, the following wall signs shall be allowed for each occupant of a single or multi- occupancy premises, for commercial, industrial and

institutional uses and all other uses except residential, as follows:

A. Signs, Location - One wall sign per occupant to be sized at a ratio of one square foot of sign area per linear foot of the facade of the store front. For store fronts of less than thirty-two (32) linear feet the allowable size sign shall be thirty- two (32) square feet. All wall signs shall maintain a minimum distance of one foot from the lease line of the occupant's portion of the facade and the linear footage shall be measured along the wall of the facade on which the sign will be located.

B. Corner Buildings - On store frontages located at the corner of a building, which face two different street frontages, or if a business occupies an entire separate structure within a center, additional wall signs, the area of which shall be calculated

as per Section 5.0305 A above, shall be allowed, provided that a minimum distance of thirty (30) feet, measured along the store front, is maintained between the extremities of any two signs and each sign is mounted on a separate wall facing in a separate direction. However, under no circumstances shall a wall sign be allowed on a wall which is finished in a manner inferior to the quality of the facade where the main entrance is located or on a wall where the placement of the sign will call attention to building equipment or the unfinished side of a false building facade.

5.0306 Awning, Marquee or Canopy Signs Applicable to Non-Residential Uses. In lieu of a wall sign as provided for in Section 5.0305, an occupant, for a commercial, industrial and institutional use and for any other use other than residential, is allowed either an awning, marquee or canopy sign, and all of the provisions of Section 5.0305 relating to size, distance from lease line, signs on or extending from inferior quality walls, or signs calling attention to building equipment or the unfinished side of a false building facade must be adhered to. If the occupant uses an awning, marquee or canopy sign, a wall sign is not allowed.

5.0307 Other Occupant Signs for Non-Residential Uses. In addition to the monument signs and wall signs and awning, marquee or canopy signs allowed in Sections 5.0304, 5.0305 and 5.0306, the following signs are allowed to occupants with commercial, industrial or institutional uses or any other use other than residential:

A. Rear Doors - One rear identification wall sign must be displayed on or at a rear door of each separate business entity for purposes of emergency access and deliveries only. Such sign shall be limited in size to the minimum size required by the state fire marshal. Any door not utilized as a primary entrance-way for patrons during normal business hours or not opening directly onto the patron area of any premise shall be considered a rear door. No door located on any store frontage on which there exists a door utilized as a primary entrance-way for patrons during normal business hours or which opens directly onto the patron area of any premise shall be considered a rear door.

B. Identification and Address Signs - An occupant shall be allowed one non- illuminated identification and address sign not to exceed eight (8) square feet in area identifying the occupant, and such additional sign shall be located on or within ten

(10) feet of the primary public entrance of the occupant.

5.0308 Miscellaneous Signs for Non-Residential Uses. Subject to all provisions and requirements of this Section 5.03, the following signs may be erected and displayed, for commercial, industrial and institutional uses and any other use other than residential, without the necessity of a sign permit:

A. Public Directional Signs - Public Directional signs are allowed.

B. Official Notices - Official notices duly issued by any court, public agency or officer are allowed.

C. Flags and Insignia of Any Government - Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with a commercial promotion, are allowed.

D. Integral Decorative or Architectural Features of Buildings - Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, other than neon lights, letters, trademarks, logos, or any feature containing moving parts or moving or flashing lights, are allowed.

E. Indoor Signs - Indoor neon signs, not greater than 6 square feet in area are allowed at or near windows, provided that, they do not, in the aggregate, exceed 40 square feet of the windows in any one side of a building and provided that they do not, in the aggregate, cover more than 25% of the area of any windows in which such signs are displayed. Other indoor signs, not visible from any street right-of- way, are also allowed.

F. Private Directional Signs - Private directional signs, not exceeding four (4) square feet in sign area per sign, are allowed.

G. Fuel Service Station Pump Signs, Oil Rack Signs, and Pricing Signs - Fuel service station pump signs, oil rack signs, and pricing signs are allowed pursuant to the following:

1. Fuel Service Station Pump Signs - Fuel service station pump signs may be displayed on fuel pumps to provide required information to the public regarding the available fuel such as "gallons," "price," "octane rating" and "type of fuel." If a trade name of the business or supplier is incorporated into the name or designation of the different types of fuels available, said trade name and any associated symbols therewith may be displayed on the pumps provided that such signs are flat signs that do not exceed three (3) square feet per sign face and an aggregate area of six (6) square feet of sign face per pump.

2. Oil Rack Signs - If a fuel service establishment markets engine oil on the pump island, any identification signs on the merchandise itself visible to the public shall be allowed. Additional signs on the oil rack may be allowed provided that each such sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet per sign face with an aggregate area of six (6) square feet of sign face per rack.

3. Tire Rack Signs - If a fuel service station, tire store, auto repair shop or any other business which markets tire displays the tires on racks visible to the public, additional signage on the tire rack identifying the tires displayed on that rack may

be allowed, provided that such additional signage shall not exceed three (3) square feet per sign face with an aggregate area of six (6) square feet of sign face per rack.

4. Pricing Signs - A sign advertising the price of motor fuel, other than pump signs, shall be allowed provided that such sign shall be included and made part of the allowable sign area as set forth in Section 5.0304.

H. Menu Boards - Menu boards for drive-thru [drive-through] facilities providing food for off-premise consumption, which do not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area and which are located so as not to be visible from the street right-of-way from which primary access to the premise is obtained, are allowed. Menu boards and similar data for drive-in parking spaces for drive-in restaurants shall not exceed nine (9) square feet.

I. Vehicle and Trailer Signs

1. Vehicle and trailer signs may be displayed on any vehicle or trailer operated in the daily conduct of any business enterprise so long as such signs:

(a) Are limited in content to a noncommercial message; or

(b) Are required to be displayed by any federal, state or local law, rule or regulation; or

(c) Are limited in content to an identification of the name, address and/or telephone number, web site and e-mail address and logo of the business entity operating the vehicle or trailer or the goods, products or services available from or provided by said business entity;

(d) Are not parked in front of or in line with any greenbelt or planting areas when on the premise of the business entity operating or advertising on such vehicle or trailer;

(e) Are on a vehicle or trailer which is operable and not parked primarily for the purpose of signage.

2. Vehicle and trailer signs shall not be used as off-premise signs and shall not be displayed or parked on sites other than the premise of the business entity operating such vehicle other than when the vehicle is being used in connection with the business operations of the entity operating said vehicle or trailer. Such vehicles and trailers may also be parked at the residence of its operator, so long as such vehicle, trailer and signs are in conformance with the provisions and restrictions of the zoning district in which the residence is located. Billboards may not be erected or displayed on any vehicle or trailer.

J. Licensed Roadside Vendor Sign - One Roadside Vendor Sign for licensed road vendors will be allowed on signs facing each side not to exceed 16 square feet per side.

K. Handicapped Parking and Access Signs - Handicapped parking and access signs are allowed and are regulated in accordance with state or federal law.

5.0309 Temporary Signs Without Permits. The following temporary signs are allowed, without the necessity of a permit, for commercial, industrial and institutional uses and for uses allowed in the RC Recreational/Conservation District:

A. Business Award Signs -Chamber of Commerce, Business of the Month, banners for the month of the award are allowed.

B. Temporary Window Signs - Temporary window signs displayed on the inside of windows and intended for the purpose of disseminating information about special sales or promotional campaigns are allowed pursuant to the following:

1. Materials - Shall be constructed of such materials as to indicate the temporary nature of the sign;

2. Area Covered - Shall not, in the aggregate, cover more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the area of any windows in which such signs are displayed;

C. Temporary Real Estate Signs - Temporary real estate signs are allowed pursuant to the following:

1. Number and Size - Signs shall be limited to the owner of or to one real estate sign per listing broker on any premises offered for sale, rent or lease. Such sign shall be non-illuminated. A double-faced real estate sign is allowed, provided that such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area per sign face and an aggregate sign face area of thirty-two (32) square feet. If freestanding, any such sign, whether single or double-faced, shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height. Property with two (2) or more premises Street frontages shall be allowed to display one additional sign conforming with all of the requirements of this subsection on a second frontage.

2. Condominiums - For purposes of the regulation under this code of real estate signs only, each separately designated unit of a condominium development created by virtue of written instruments duly recorded in the office of the St. Tammany Parish Clerk of Court shall be considered a separate premise and real estate signs relating to any such unit shall be regulated depending upon the use of the unit in question, in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Sign Code.

3. Construction, Placement - Temporary real estate signs may be attached to stakes or rods which are placed in the ground, they may be constructed of plywood or they may be constructed and placed in other way that meets the requirements of this Section 5.03.

5.0310 Temporary Signs Requiring Permits for Non Residential Uses. The following temporary signs are allowed, provided that a permit is obtained, for commercial, industrial and institutional uses and any other use other than residential:

A. Public Service Signs - Public service signs including Street banner signs are allowed only in connection with the promotion or identification of special events of a civic, philanthropic, charitable or religious purpose.

1. General Application - Any person, firm, corporation or organization in charge of any festival, spectacle, play, show, or other event of such a general civic and public nature and who is in charge of placing, erecting, constructing and maintaining any public service banner, flag, emblem, bunting or freestanding public service sign upon or over any public Street, or other public place in the Parish shall first secure a temporary permit subject to the approval of the Planning Department and the conditions provided herein prior to the placement of the sign.

2. Application for Permit - Applications for such a permit shall state the name of the person, firm, corporation or organization sponsoring the event; the location where such device or devices are to be installed and the contemplated dates during which such devices shall remain upon or over any Street or other public place in the Parish. Such application shall have attached to it a chart or drawing showing that the device would not interfere with traffic or the safety of persons using such public places.

3. Duration - Such signs or banners may be displayed for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days upon issuance of a temporary permit by the Planning Department. The sign area of such signs or banners shall not exceed 32 square feet.

B. Flags, Streamers, Banners and Pennants - Flags, streamers, banners, pinwheels, spinners or pennants may be displayed in connection with grand openings or special events no more than twice a year for any one business entity or applicant. Such signs may be displayed for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days upon the issuance of a temporary permit by the Planning Department. Applications for such a temporary permit must state the name of the person, firm, corporation or organization sponsoring the event, the locations where such device(s) are to be installed and the contemplated dates during which such devices shall remain on display. Banners shall not exceed 32 square feet and shall be limited to one banner per premise.

C. Political, Public Issue and Religious Signs

1. Applicability, Political Signs - Political signs are allowed on billboards and on off premise outdoor advertising signs as provided for in Section 5.04 and the provisions of Section 5.0310 C do not apply to billboards and off premise outdoor advertising signs.

2. General Provisions, Political Signs - Any person desiring to distribute or display political signs in connection with an organized campaign in support of or opposition to any candidacy, political slate or ticket, or ballot proposal shall first make application to the Department of Planning for the issuance of a temporary sign permit. Such application shall include the name, address and telephone number of the applicant. The applicant for the permit shall provide the Department of Planning with specimen copies of all signs to be distributed or displayed under the permit.

3. Fee, Political Signs - The applicant shall include, with his application for a political sign, a fee in accordance with the

following:

National Offices - $500.00

United States House of Representatives, United States Senate, and President

Major Office - $500.00

(a) Offices elected statewide

(b) Public Service Commissioner, Supreme Court Justice and BESE

District Office - $250.00

(a) Office of a member of the Louisiana Legislature

(b) Offices elected parish wide

(d) Offices elected in a district with a population in excess of 35,000 but less than 250,000

Any Other Office - $100.00

“Any Other Office” means offices not considered a major district, i.e., offices elected in a district having a population of 35,000 or less and not elected parish wide.

4. Distribution, Erection and Display of Political Signs - Said permit for a political sign shall authorize the distribution, erection and display of an unlimited number of signs of the type or types submitted as specimens by the applicant and shall allow for the placement of one sign to be erected per premise/Street frontage.

5. Time Period of Permit for Political Signs - Any such permit for a political sign shall be issued for a period of time not to exceed ninety (90) consecutive calendar days; provided, however, that in the event that signs are distributed, erected or displayed under any such permit in connection with any candidacy or ballot proposal which involves more than one election, the permit shall be automatically extended to the tenth day following the date of the general election to which the sign pertains.

6. Political Signs Prohibited on Public Rights of Way - No political sign shall be erected or displayed in any public right-of-way.

7. Size, Political Signs - No political sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign face area. No political sign can be stacked one on top of the other in billboard fashion.

8. Type, Political Signs - Political signs may be attached to rods or stakes placed in the ground or they may be made out of plywood or they may be made in any other way that meets the requirements of this Section 5.03.

9. Removal of Political Signs - The applicant shall remove all political signs erected or displayed under any permit issued to him under the provisions of this section no later than ten (10) calendar days following the last election to which the sign

pertains. Upon the failure to timely remove such signs the Parish may thereafter remove and dispose of any remaining signs.

Section 9 above, has included in it an enforcement section that is
1) Unconstitutional, depriving the offender of due process, and by not providing a way for the violator to retrieve his/her property, and 2) Forces the use of public money to correct a violation of the law with no penalty to the offender! If I were running for office, why would I waste my time picking up my signs, after an election loss, when the Parish will do it for me at no charge!

10. Religious and Public Issue Signs - One religious or public issue sign, not to exceed 4 square feet in sign area, shall be permitted, on any premises, without the necessity of a permit; provided that, (i) they shall not be placed in a public right of way,

(ii) they shall not be in place for more than three months, (iii) they meet the requirements of Section 5.0310 C 8, and (iv) nothing in this Section 5.0310 C 10 shall affect the rights of religious institutions to erect signs in connection with their buildings or structures as permitted in other provisions of this Section 5.03.

D. Construction Signs Non-illuminated construction signs may be allowed on the premises being developed or improved subject to the following conditions and requirements:

1. Building Permit Required - A building permit for the project must have been obtained prior to the issuance of the sign permit.

2. Residential District - In residentially zoned districts such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and shall be limited to the denoting of the architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor, owner and/or financing agency providing labor, materials, services or financial capital for the proposed construction. Such sign may be displayed only during construction and for a period of not more than ten (10) days after completion of actual construction identified by the first issuance of a certificate.

3. Non-Residential or Combined Use Districts - In any non-residential or combined use district, one such sign shall be allowed not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area and all other signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area. All such signs shall be limited to the name of the project and the denoting of the architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor, owner and/or financing agency providing labor, materials, services or financial capital for the proposed construction. Such signs may be displayed only during actual construction and for a period of not more than ten (10) days after completion of the construction as identified by the first issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the project or development in question or upon expiration of the building permit for the project or development, whichever is first to occur.

4. Set Back Requirements - The location of such signs shall be on the property to which the sign is applicable. Without limiting the other provisions of this Section, such signs shall not be placed on trees or in street rights of way.

E. Proposed Project Signs. One non-illuminated temporary sign announcing a proposed land development may be erected on the premise proposed for the project provided that such sign does not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area, is set back at least ten (10) feet from any property line, and is removed within one year from the date the sign permit for its erection was issued or upon the issuance of the sign permit for a construction sign or the lapse of sixty (60) days from the issuance of a building permit for the project whichever is first to occur. The Parish may remove the sign, at their discretion, if it is not removed after the permit expires, and the sign permit application shall give the Parish the right to remove the sign.

Again, an enforcement action, that requires public money for enforcement, with no consequences to the violator, and legally unconstitutional.

F. Temporary Signs Preceding Permanent Sign Approval

1. Size, Duration - One temporary attached identification sign not exceeding thirty- two (32) square feet may be allowed for a period of not more than thirty (30) days for an occupant who has no other on-premise signs to identify the occupant's business subsequent to the filing of a complete application for sign approval and approval of the Planning Department.

2. Extension of Time - An additional sixty (60) days extension may be requested in writing from the Department of Planning by the sign applicant.

G. Seasonal Banners - Temporary seasonal banners such as, but not limited to, those attached to light standards within a parking area may be allowed on multi- occupant premises upon review of and approval by the Planning Department. Prior to issuance of a temporary permit for the display of such banners, the following requirements shall be met:

1. No seasonal banner shall exceed eight (8) square feet in area.

2. The total number, location and method of attachment display shall be approved by the Planning Department.

3. No advertising message shall be conveyed on the banners, however, non- advertising seasonal greetings are allowed.

4. The identifying name of the multi-occupant premises may be included on the banner but such name shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the banner area.

5.0311 Signs for Single Family and Two Family Residential Uses. The following non- illuminated signs, using only spectrum colors, are allowed to be erected and displayed, without permit, for single family residential and two family residential:

A. Resident Identification Signs - Resident identification signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in sign area are allowed.

B. Home Occupation Signs - Home occupation signs, not exceeding two (2) square feet in sign area which are non-illuminated and which are mounted flat against and parallel to the plane of the wall of the building to which the sign is attached, are allowed in zoning districts where home occupations are allowed.

C. Official Notices - Official notices duly issued by any court, public agency or officer are allowed.

D. Flags and Insignia - Flags and insignia are allowed except when displayed in connection with a commercial promotion.

E. Public Directional - Public Directional signs are allowed.

F. Temporary Real Estate Signs - Temporary real estate signs are allowed pursuant to the following:

sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area per sign face and an aggregate sign face area of sixteen (16) square feet. If freestanding, any such sign, whether single or double-faced, shall not exceed six (6) feet in height. Property with two (2) or more premises Street frontages shall be allowed to display one additional sign conforming with all of the requirements of this subsection on a second frontage. Boxes for real estate pamphlets for single family residential are also allowed; provided that, they shall not exceed a size necessary for 8 ½" x 14" pamphlets.

F. Temporary Yard or Garage Sale Signs - Temporary yard or garage sale signs shall be limited to one non-illuminated sign displayed on the residential premises at which the sale is conducted; provided that, such erection and display shall be limited to three (3) days in any sixty-day period. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area. Two (2) additional garage sale signs, a maximum of six (6) square feet may be placed off-premise on private property with permission of the property owner.

How can the government police the "permission" part above, without a permit signed by both parties?

H. Vehicle and Trailer Signs - Vehicle and trailer signs are allowed for single family and two family uses to the extent they are allowed in Section 5.0308 I.

I. Alarm Signs - Signs for burglar alarms are allowed; provided that, they do not exceed an area of three (3) square feet.

J. Beware of Dog Signs - Beware of dog signs are allowed without a permit; provided that, they do not exceed an area of three (3) square feet.

5.0312 Signs for Multiple Family, Residential and Condominium Uses. The following signs are allowed to be erected and displayed, for multiple family, residential and condominiums:

A. Multiple Family and Condominiums - Multiple family and residential condominiums are allowed, without a permit, all of the signs which are allowed to single family and two family residential in Section 5.0311.

B. Multiple Family Only - Additionally, multiple family residential projects, including residential condominiums, shall be entitled, after having obtained a permit, to monument signs which are allowed for single occupancy buildings as set forth in

Section 5.0304; E2 and E3, and located as set forth in Section 5.0304C.

5.0313 Residential Subdivision Entrance Signs. Residential subdivision entrance signs not greater than forty-eight (48) square feet in sign area per side (two sided signs are allowed) may be located at the entrances to approved subdivisions.

5.0314 Prohibited Signs Applicable to All Uses. The following types of signs are prohibited:

(1) Abandoned signs

(2) Audible signs

(3) Beacons

(4) Bench signs

(5) Billboards and off premises outdoor advertising signs except as allowed in Section 5.04.

(6) Flashing signs

(7) Inflatable signs except for use in conjunction with grand openings and special events limited to two (2) times per year for a maximum of two days each time.

(8) Lasers

(9) Moving Message or Changing Image sign except public service signs.

(10) Parapet signs

(11) Portable signs

(12) Projected signs

(13) Revolving or rotating signs

(14) Roof signs

(15) Search lights except as allowed in Section 5.05.

(16) Signs attached to trees, shrubs or any living vegetative matter

(17) Signs, other than public directional signs, public service signs, public information signs, subdivision signs or official notices which encroach into a public right-of-way

(18) Signs resembling traffic control devices or emergency devices

(19) Signs which restrict or impair visibility at the intersection of the right-of-way lines of two streets, or of a Street and a railroad right-of-way, or of a Street and a pedestrian or bicycle right-of-way, or of a driveway and street right of way.

(20) Snipe signs other than temporary real estate signs as allowed in Section 5.0309 C3 and political signs as allowed in Section 5.0310 C8.

(21) Murals that serve to advertise or promote a business, service, product, activity, cause or event.

(22) String of lights except to the extent allowed in Section 5.0509 F.

(23) Pole signs.

(24) Any sign not specifically defined and allowed by the provisions of this Section 5.03.

There should be a #25 – No sign of any type shall be attached to telephone poles or utility poles. There needs to be some definition of telephone poles in 5.0316 Currently, the electric companies will not remove signs illegally nailed to their own poles because of the courts’ opinion that to do so would be stealing property from the sign owner!

5.0315 Regulation of Legally Non-conforming Signs

A. Definition. The term “legally non-conforming sign” shall mean (i) any sign located within the Parish which does not conform with the provisions of this Section 5.03 at the time this Section 5.03 becomes effective, or (ii) any sign not yet constructed, but which has been granted a permit, at the time this Section 5.03 becomes effective.

B. Loss of Legally Non-conforming Status. A legally non-conforming sign shall immediately lose its legally non-conforming designation if:

1. The sign is altered in any way, which tends to make the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this code than it was before the alternation; or

2. The sign structure is relocated; or

3. The sign is abandoned for a period of 180 days or more; or

4. The sign is replaced with a sign face which differs in sign message (except for copy on a sign allowed as a changeable message sign); or

5. The building on the premises, on which the sign is situated, is no longer allowed under the provisions of Section 3.01.

6. If it is completely replaced, or if it is repaired or improved by any means to an extent of more than thirty percent (30%) of its replacement cost as determined by at least two independent bids from sign vendors at time of repair or improvement.

C. Compliance After Loss of Legally Non-conforming Status. On the happening of any one of the events in Section 5.0312 B, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this Section 5.03 and a new permit secured thereof, or the sign shall be removed. In any event, the following signs, which are not in compliance with this section upon the date of adoption of this Section 5.03 must be brought into compliance or removed as follows:

1. Signs on any public right-of-way which are not in compliance shall be removed and brought into compliance within 30 days after adoption of this Section 5.03.

Signs on public right-of-way are all currently illegal! Why shopuld they suddenly be given 30 days to comply with a new law? Again this is an enforcement question with many legal issues. Removed by who? Removal paid for by whom? Elements of Notification, Due Process, and the right of the owner to claim his property after government confiscation need to be addressed.

2. Moving signs or devices designed to attract attention, all or any part of which move by means of fluttering, spinning, etc., which are set in motion by movement of the atmosphere including such signs or devices as pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, propellers, or discs, must be removed within 90 days after adoption of this Section 5.03.

3. Strings of light, except as permitted in Section 5.0509 F, shall be removed within 90 days after adoption of this Section 5.03.

4. Portable signs shall be removed within 90 days after adoption of this Section 5.03.

5. Snipe signs or other signs attached, affixed, or otherwise located on poles, trees, shrubs or any living vegetative matter shall be removed within 30 days after adoption of this Section 5.03.

6. Inflatable signs, except as permitted in Section 5.0314, shall be removed within 30 days after adoption of this Section

5.03.

7. Banners, except as permitted in Section 5.0310, shall be removed within 30 days after adoption of this Section 5.03.

D. Substituting Panels in Non-conforming Multi-occupancy Signs. Any new tenant in a multi-occupancy building may substitute a panel in an existing nonconforming multi-occupancy sign without affecting the nonconforming status of the sign as long as the sign is not altered in any way which tends to make the sign less in compliance.

E. Maintenance and Repair of Legally Non-conforming Signs. Nothing in this Section shall relieve the owners or users of legally non-conforming signs or the owners of the property on which legally non-conforming signs are located from any provisions of this section regarding safety, maintenance and repair of signs provided, however, that any repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or sign structure does not materially alter or modify the sign.

F. Enlargement and Alteration Causing Greater Non-compliance. No legally non-conforming sign may be enlarged or altered in a way which would increase its nonconformity with the provisions of this section.

G. Damage to Legally Non-conforming Signs. Should any legally non-conforming sign be damaged by any means to an extent of more than thirty percent (30%) of its replacement cost as determined by at least two independent bids from sign vendors at time of damage, it shall be removed and not reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Section 5.03.

H. Closed Businesses. Any business that has closed shall remove any on or off- premise signs associated with the business within 60 days after the business is closed. The sign owner shall have the responsibility to remove such signs within the

60 day period.

I. Non-conforming Signs Do Not Prohibit Other Conforming Signs. The existence of a non-conforming sign on a single or multiple occupancy premise shall not prevent the erection or placement of another sign on such premises which meets the requirements of this Section 5.03.

5.0316 Definitions for Sign Regulations. The following definitions relate to the sign regulations contained in Section 5.03. These definitions are intended to also be set forth in Section 10 simultaneously with the adoption of Section 5.03 or at a later

date.

Abandoned On-Premise Sign: An abandoned on-premise sign is an on-premise sign which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, entity, product, or actively conducted, or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.

Abandoned Off-Premise Sign: An abandoned off-premise sign is an off-premise sign which:

1. No longer correctly directs or exhorts any person;

2. Has fallen into disrepair or otherwise deteriorated as a result of a lack of maintenance, repair or upkeep; or

3. With regard to billboards, which carries no advertising message other than a message concerning its availability for lease or hire on its structure for any period of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.

Activity: An economic unit designated in the classification system given in the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)

Manual published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards.

Address Sign: A sign which only conveys the numeric address of the premises on which it is located.

Architectural Detail: Any projection, relief, cornice, column, change of building material, window or door opening on any

building.

Attached Sign: An attached sign is any sign which is physically connected to and derives structural support from a building

or building appurtenance.

Audible Sign: An audible sign is any sign which is designed to or which does produce sound.

Awning: A cloth, plastic, or nonstructural covering that either is permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

Banner: A sign composed of a logo or design on a lightweight material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame and secured or mounted to allow movement caused by the atmosphere.

Beacon: A strong or bright light focused or directed in one or more directions.

Bench Sign: A bench sign is an advertising message on any portion of a bench or other non-mobile structure or device

intended for public seating or convenience.

Changeable Message Sign: A changeable message sign is a sign on which the copy, message or sign panels may be,

when specifically issued a permit as a changeable message sign, changed either electronically or manually in the field through the removal, replacement, or rearrangement of letters, symbols, blocks or panels designed for attachment to said sign.

Construction Sign: A construction sign is a temporary sign erected and maintained by an architect, contractor, developer, financial institution, subcontractor or materials supplier upon premises for which said person or persons is presently furnishing

labor, materials, services or capital financing.

Directory Sign: A directory sign is an outdoor sign listing and identifying the occupants within shopping centers, industrial

centers, retail centers, office centers, and other multi-use commercial or industrial sites.

Flags, Banners, Seals: Flags, banners and seals are mottos, emblems, designs, shapes or symbols on cloth, plastic, canvas or devices of similar type and materials intended to convey any message or to identify any person, place, idea or thing other than duly adopted flags or seals of nations, states, parishes or municipalities.

Flashing Lights: Any light or light source or reflection of light source which is intermittent in duration, color or intensity or

which creates or is designed to create an illusion of intermittency in duration, color or intensity.

Flashing Sign: A light source which, in whole or in part, physically changes in light intensity or gives the appearance of such

change at intervals of less than six seconds.

Freestanding Sign: A freestanding sign is a sign supported by a sign structure secured in the ground and which is wholly

independent of any guy wire, support wire, building, fence, vehicle or object other than the sign structure, for support

Ground Sign: A ground sign is a monument sign or a pole sign supported by a sign structure secured in the ground and

which is wholly independent of any guy wire, support wire, building, fence, vehicle or object other than the sign structure, for

support.

Home Occupation Sign: A home occupation sign is any on-premise sign advertising a home occupation.

Identification Sign: An identification sign is a sign which is limited to the name, address, and/or number of a building or institution, person, or entity which is primary to the identification of the premise and to a general statement of the activity carried

on in the building or institution.

Illuminated Sign: An illuminated sign is any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by an interior or exterior light source which is primarily designed to illuminate such sign.

Individual Letter Sign: An individual letter sign is any sign made of self-contained letters that are mounted directly on the face of a building, a parapet, a roof edge of a building or on or below a marquee without being attached to a structure defined

herein as a "sign face."

Inflatable Sign: An inflatable sign is any sign dependent in whole or in part for its structural integrity on the infusion into said sign of compressed air or other fluids, and specifically including balloons larger than two (2) feet in diameter or two (2) foot

square in area or other gas or liquid filled figures.

Laser: A device emitting a narrow, very intense beam of light waves that have been amplified and concentrated by stimulated atoms, or the light produced by such device.

Marquee Sign: A marquee sign is any sign attached to and made part of a marquee. A marquee is defined as a permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building wall at an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting beyond the building's wall and generally designed and constructed to provide protection against the weather. Signs painted or sewn onto awnings or canopies shall be considered marquee signs.

Monument Sign: A monument sign is a freestanding ground sign (a) which is of monolithic construction in which the sign's base or support is of uniform composition with the material comprising the sign area of said sign and the base or support of said

sign is directly affixed in or to the ground, (b) the sign face of which is encompassed on the top, sides and bottom by a border or column of the same or compatible material which border or column is not less than 12 inches wide and not more than 24 inches wide, and which border or column compliments and enhances the aesthetic effect of the sign, and (c) a double-faced monument sign shall be made of back-to-back sides unless visibility of such sign is impeded in which case the two sides may form a “V” shape in which the interior angle does not exceed 45 degrees.

Moving Message or Changing Image Sign: A moving message or changing image sign is any sign including public service signs designed to convey sign copy which changes in form or content with greater frequency than once an hour or which otherwise includes action or motion or the illusion of action or motion within its message or sign copy.

Multi-Occupancy Center: A single building or group of buildings situated in close proximity to each other that house more than one (1) tenant or owner and whose parking facilities may be in common with other tenants, owner, or buildings, except those businesses which engage in the sale of automobile fuel products and other goods and services including, but not limited to, fast food restaurants and convenience stores.

Murals: A work of art painted or otherwise applied to an exterior wall surface.

Neon Signs: Any white or colored tubular lighting bent or formed into a design or lettering of which the primary source of

light is gaseous. Anything within the boundary of the outline of the neon will be considered a part of the sign face.

Non-Conforming Sign: A non-conforming sign is any sign structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this code or any amendments thereto and which fails to conform to all applicable

regulations and restrictions of this code, or a non-conforming sign for which a special permit has been issued.

Off-Premise Sign: An off-premise sign is a sign that directs a person to a different premise or location than that on which the sign is located; which identifies advertised goods, products, or services not available on the premises on which the sign is located; or which conveys a non-advertising idea or message; or identifies or advertises a business, person, firm or corporation not located on or occupying the premises where the sign is located; or which is not otherwise defined as an on- premise sign.

On-Premise Sign: An on-premise sign is a sign identifying or advertising a business, person, firm, corporation, activity, goal, product or service located or available on the premises where the sign is installed and maintained or which is displayed and maintained by the owner or occupant of the premises on which it is located.

Parapet Sign: A parapet sign is a sign extending above a roof line or which serves as a parapet.

Pole Sign: A pole sign is a ground sign (i) the structure of which consists of one or more vertical poles which are partially placed in the ground for stability, and which may have a horizontal pole at or near the top of a single vertical pole and which may be joined together by a horizontal pole, (ii) the sign face or faces of which are attached to the vertical pole(s) and/or horizontal pole and may be chained, cabled or attached to the vertical pole(s) and (iii) the sign face(s) of which do not touch the ground and, therefore, leave an open space between the bottom of the sign face and the ground. A pole sign cannot be connected to or affixed to a building.

Political Sign: A political sign is any sign urging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office, or urging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure, but not including any billboard owned or maintained by a commercial firm or

advertising company when leased or used as a political sign.

Portable Sign: A portable sign is any sign other than a trailer or vehicle sign that is not permanently affixed to a building, structure or the ground or a sign designed to be moved from place to place. These signs primarily include, but are not limited to:

A frame or sandwich board signs, signs attached to wood or metal frames, and signs designed to be self-supporting and moveable.

Private Directional Signs: Private directional signs are on-premise signs directing vehicular or pedestrian traffic movement into a premise or within premises.

Project Sign: A project sign is a temporary sign announcing a proposed land development or construction project.

Projected Sign: A projected sign is a sign or visual image created by the projection of light onto a surface.

Projecting Sign: A projecting sign is any sign other than a wall sign affixed to any building or wall which sign has a leading

edge extending twelve (12) inches or more beyond such building or wall. Projecting signs are of two (2) types:

1. Fixed - A sign, other than a wall sign, which extends outward twelve (12) inches or more from the facade of any

building and is rigidly affixed thereto.

2. Swinging - A sign projecting twelve (12) inches or more from the outside wall or walls of any building which is

supported by only one rigid support affixed thereto.

Public Directional Signs: Public directional signs are either:

1. Signs permanently or temporarily erected in the public right-of-way or on public property with the approval of the Parish Council which denote the name or route to any educational institution, public building of facility, historic place, shrine, church, synagogue, hospital, library or similar facility or institution; or

2. Signs permanently or temporarily erected identifying a person or entity who has undertaken to plant or maintain landscaping of that portion of the right-of-way.

Public Service Sign: A public service sign is a sign the primary purpose of which is to provide information as a service to the general public such as time, temperature or the promotion or announcement of public events, or other events of a civic, philanthropic, charitable or religious purpose of general interest to the public.

Real Estate Sign: A real estate sign is any temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of land or buildings, which is

erected or displayed on the lot or parcel to which it applies.

Resident Identification Sign: A resident identification sign is any on-premise sign limited in content to no more than the name of the premises, its municipal address and the names of the present occupant or occupants of the premises.

Revolving or Rotating Sign: A revolving or rotating sign is any sign whose sign face is designed to move or turn on any axis.

Roof Sign: A roof sign is any sign erected or painted upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building.

Searchlight: A strong or bright light with a reflector in a swivel so that its beam may be sent or directed in various

directions.

Sign: "Sign" is defined as a medium of communication, including its structure and component parts, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to its subject matter or location usually for advertising purposes, including paint on the surface of

a building. Each distinctive message painted or placed on a building or other structure shall be considered an individual sign.

Sign Area: The area of a sign shall be defined as the square foot area enclosed within the perimeter of the sign face with each face contributing to the aggregate area of any sign. With respect to signs which are composed of individual symbols, letters, figures, illustrations, messages, forms, or panels, the sign area shall be defined as that area enclosed by one continuous line connecting the extreme points or edges of the advertising message. In cases where there is no definable simple geometric shape, the simplest geometric shape or rectangle enclosing the outer edges of the advertising message shall determine the sign area. In cases of back-lighted awnings with advertising messages, the entire area of the awning shall be considered as the sign area.

Sign Face: Sign face is the part of the sign that is or can be used to identify, advertise, communicate, inform or convey a visual representation which attracts the attention of the public for any purpose. "Sign face" includes any background material, panel, trim, frame, color and direct or self-illumination that differentiates the sign from the building, structure, backdrop surface or object upon which or against which it is placed. The sign structure shall not be included as a portion of the sign face provided that no message, symbol or any of the aforementioned sign face criteria are displayed on or designed as part of the sign structure, unless it is outlined in neon.

Sign Height: Sign height of a sign shall be defined as the vertical distance from the finished grade to the highest point of either the sign or sign structure.

Sign Message: The words or symbols on a sign face which convey a message to those viewing the sign.

Sign Owner: A sign owner is that person who owns a sign and/or who is responsible for a sign. In those cases in which the sign owner cannot be determined; the owner of the premises upon which the sign is located shall be deemed the owner of the sign.

Sign, Premise: A Sign Premise is defined as the contiguous land in the same ownership which is not divided by any highway, street, alley or right-of-way. For purposes of this Article a single premise:

1. May include more than one lot of record when such lots are devoted to a single unity of use; or

2. May consist of a separate structure on the same lot of record when, in the opinion of the Planning Department, such separate structure appears to be a separate premise.

Sign Structure: A sign structure is the supporting structure upon which a sign or sign face is fastened, attached or displayed or is intended to be fastened, attached or displayed; provided however, this definition shall not include a building or fence.

Signable Area: An area which is free of architectural details on the facade of a building or part of a building in which an activity is located.

Snipe Sign: A snipe sign is a sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued or otherwise attached to poles, stakes, fences, or to other like objects.

Store Front: The facade of a space in a building, regardless of the type use of the space, which space must have a direct entrance, by door, from the exterior of the building through the facade, and which facade must face a street or a parking lot for the building.

Street Banner Sign: A street banner sign is any banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.

String of Lights: A string of electrical conductors containing two (2) or more lights or light sockets.

Subdivision Sign: A subdivision sign is a sign identifying the subdivision and denoting the entrance or exit to the subdivision.

Temporary Sign: A temporary sign is any sign, the display of which is limited by law, ordinance, or regulation and which advertises a situation or event that is designed, intended, or expected to occur and be completed within a reasonably short or

definite period after the erection of such sign.

Trailer Sign: A trailer sign is any sign or sign structure attached to or composed in whole or in part of a trailer frame or chassis or skid or skid frame or body or of any materials which have ever previously constituted in whole or in part such a trailer, skid, frame, chassis or body.

Vehicle Sign: A vehicle sign is any sign displayed on or from any mode of transportation, including but not limited to cars, buses, trucks/trailers, trains, boats, or airplanes.

Wall Sign: A wall sign is a sign other than a parapet sign which is painted on or which projects less than twelve (12) inches from the wall of a building, and is painted on, attached to or erected against any exterior wall or window of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign being in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall or window and not extending above the building.

Window Sign: A window sign is any sign which is painted on, applied to, attached to or projected upon the exterior or interior of a building glass area, including doors, or located within one foot of the interior of a building glass area, including doors, whose identification, message, symbol, insignia, visual representation, logo type or any other form which communicates information, can be perceived from any off-premises contiguous property or public right-of-way.