8.1.1

Authority. This Article is adopted pursuant to the zoning and land-use regulatory authority of the City and Parish in furtherance of the more general purposes of the Unified Development Code of which this Article is a part.

8.1.2

Purpose. The purpose of this Article is to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment of the City and Parish, the ability to attract economic development and growth to the area, improve pedestrian and traffic safety, and minimize the potential adverse effects of signs on nearby property through the consistent enforcement of reasonable sign regulations.

8.1.3

Applicability and Exclusions.

A.

This Article applies to outdoor signs, located on the premises of the occupancy to which the sign is associated, that are visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent properties.

B.

This Article does not apply to signs or displays that are unreadable 10 feet or more beyond the lot line of the building in which the sign or display is located.

C.

Any exceptions to the On-Premises sign requirements must be requested by the applicant as a Conditional Use Approval, following the procedures of Section 3.3.2, with the submission of a complete proposal, including location, size, material, and elevations of the sign or signs. Exceptions should only be granted for unusual circumstances, such as but not limited to, obstructions impairing the view of a new sign location, extreme narrowness of the lineal frontage of the property, or a request for smaller multiple signs instead of one large sign. All exceptions granted should be done so utilizing good judgement and common sense and remain within the intent of the code.

8.2.1

Permit Required. Except as provided below in Subsections 8.2.2 and 8.2.3, all on-premises signs shall not be erected, altered, or relocated unless a Sign Location Permit is issued in accordance with Section 3.4 of this Code.

8.2.2

No Permit Required. The following signs are permitted anywhere in the jurisdiction of this Code without a permit, if compliant with the structural and safety requirements of Subsection 8.3.3:

A.

Public signs, which are exempt from all provisions of this Article except for structural and safety regulations required by the building and electrical codes of the City or Parish.

B.

Decorative banners and flags of any type, displayed on publicly-owned light poles within a street right-of-way.

C.

Identification signs, limited to no more than one such sign per entrance.

D.

The flags of the United States and/or the State of Louisiana, when displayed in accordance with the National Flag Code (36 U.S.C., § 173-178).

E.

One additional flag displayed only in conjunction with Paragraph D, above, either on the same staff or mast, or on its own mounting.

F.

Construction signs identifying the architects and engineers, owners, and other individuals and firms involved. Such signs shall:

1.

Any face of such signs shall not be larger than 64 square feet unless approved otherwise by the MPC board as a Temporary Use.

2.

Not include any advertisement of any product or direct advertising of any service.

3.

Be removed within 10 days after a certificate of occupancy has been issued.

G.

Small outdoor signs integral to Retail Sales and Service uses, directed to persons who have already entered the premises; such as drive-in restaurant menu boards, filling station fuel pump signs or instructions on using an automatic car wash. To qualify for this exclusion, no lettering on the sign shall be greater than 8 inches tall.

H.

Temporary real estate signs notifying that the property or premises are for sale, lease, or rent; provided that:

1.

The signs are on the property or premises being so advertised.

2.

One sign only is permitted for each street on which the property fronts.

3.

All such signs shall be removed within 30 days of the sale, leasing, or rental of the property or premises.

4.

All such signs shall be no more than 35 square feet per side and containing no commercial message except information indicating that the property is available for sale or lease and that no two such signs shall be located within 500' of each other on the same property.

I.

Political signs, which identify and urge citizens to support a particular candidate, political party, election issue, or non-commercial public cause. Such signs shall be limited to 9 square feet in size in the R-Districts, excluding the R-A district. All political signs shall be outside any public right-of-way. Political signs shall be placed out no earlier than 60 days prior to said election and shall be removed no later than 14 days after said election.

8.2.3

No Permit Required—Specific Districts. The following commercial advertising signs are permitted in the specified zoning districts without a permit, if compliant with the structural and safety requirements of Subsection 8.3.3:

A.

In all residential districts, one business sign of no more than 4 square feet in area, on each side, and only 1 sign is allowed per residence. The residence must have a Certificate of Occupancy for a home occupation to be eligible for a home based business sign.

B.

In any nonresidential district, a maximum of 1 banner per building façade, and 2 wind feather flags displayed on each street frontage and one inflatable sign, such as a Grand Opening or a Special Event or Sale, provided that:

1.

The banner's area is no larger than the wall sign permitted for that use by this Article and the entire banner shall be completely attached or located on the building facade or hanging from a building awning. Banners shall not be attached to any poles or other such supports, but firmly attached flat on an awning or building façade or hanging from an awning.

2.

One inflatable sign is permitted temporarily for special events and the display period is limited to 10 consecutive days and for no more than 6 times in one calendar year.

3.

Wind feathers or other similar eye catching devices, no larger than 30 square feet in size. More than two devices may be displayed on sites with linear street frontage greater than 300 feet on any one street. In this situation, the number of wind feathers or similar devices may be displayed at a rate of one device per 50 linear feet on each street frontage.

8.2.4

Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited anywhere in the jurisdiction of this Code:

A.

Signs imitating an official traffic sign, signal, or traffic-control device. The determination of whether a sign so imitates shall consider:

1.

The size, shape, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination of the sign; and/or

2.

Whether the sign contains the words "stop" "caution" "danger," "warning" or similar words.

B.

All temporary signs, unless approved in conjunction with a Certificate of Occupancy for a temporary use. Such signs are limited to one sign per temporary use and no larger than 16 square feet per side.

C.

Banners or similar cloth-based signs shall not be used as permanent signage or to cover an existing sign to block out the previously displayed message, for a period of more than 30 days while the sign is being maintained.

D.

Signs over three (3) feet in height, within a clear visibility triangle, as defined in Section 13.13.

E.

Window and door signs, where any individual sign or accumulation of signs occupy more than 50 percent of an individual window or door frame's total area.

F.

No sign or portion of a sign, to include the supporting poles may be constructed of wood, cloth, vinyl or similar fabric type material.

8.2.5

Signs Prohibited in Residential Districts. All commercial advertising signs are prohibited in residential districts, with the following exceptions:

A.

Signs provided for in Subsections 8.2.2 and 8.2.3A.

B.

Signs on the premises of permitted nonresidential uses in the R-A District.

8.2.6

Permitted Temporary Retail Sale Signage. The following signs are permitted for a temporary retail sales such as Christmas Tree and Fireworks, and operating for a period of no more than 30 consecutive days.

A.

One temporary freestanding sign that does not exceed 16 square feet per side. The freestanding sign may include a message board.

B.

One inflatable advertising device.

C.

Any number of flags, streamers, pennants or wind feathers with size calculated as determined in Section 8.3.1.D.

D.

One temporary banner for each street frontage. The size of the banner shall be no larger than 50 square feet.

8.3.1

Signs Allowed.

A.

Canopy, Projecting or Wall Signs.

1.

Single Frontage Lots.

a.

Each nonresidential occupancy may have a maximum of five (5) canopy, projecting or walls signs with total area of up to 1½ (one and one-half) square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage.

b.

Raised channel letter signs shall be measured by placing a rectangle around the perimeter of the sign and will be allowed 30% additional square footage to the above calculation for allowance of empty spaces between the letters.

2.

Corner and Multiple Frontage Lots. If the occupancy abuts more than one street, Interstate Highway or private drive it may have a maximum of five (5) canopy, projecting or wall signs exposed to each street frontage, provided:

a.

The total area of signs shall not exceed 1½ (one and one-half) square feet for each lineal foot of building frontage to which the sign is exposed.

b.

The total of the sign area exposed to any single street frontage shall not exceed 60 percent of the total allowable area for all signs.

3.

Multi-Tenant Buildings.

a.

Each individual tenant in a multi-tenant center may have no more than 3 canopy, projecting or wall signs with a total area of up to 1½ (one and one-half) square foot for each lineal foot of tenant space.

b.

As an option to the signs allowed above, tenant spaces with lineal footage of 30 feet or less, may elect to use the following calculation: one canopy, projecting or wall sign that shall not exceed 75% of the width of the front of the tenant space with lettering and spacing not to exceed 60 inches in height.

B.

Freestanding Signs. In addition to the canopy, projecting or wall signs permitted above in Paragraph A, each nonresidential occupancy may have one or more on-premises freestanding signs as stated below:

1.

Individual Lots.

a.

A single occupancy on an individual lot may have 1 sign with an area of 1 square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage distributed over all faces of the sign. For example, a business with a 100-foot frontage may erect a pole sign or monument sign with a total area of 100 square feet distributed over all faces of the sign. A single face sign's size shall be calculated at one-half (½) the size allowed for a multi-face sign. Any single occupancy sign that qualifies for a single sign face greater than 400 square feet, must be approved by the MPC board following the procedures stated in Section 8.1.3C.

b.

For corner or multiple-frontage lots, the entire lineal frontage of the lot is used to calculate the area of the sign. For example, a corner lot with a total of 200 lineal feet of street frontage may erect a sign with total area of 200 square feet distributed over all faces of the sign. One additional sign of equal or smaller size shall be allowed on each street frontage. Sign faces shall be oriented to the street frontage they are located on. Occupancies adjoining an Interstate Highway or a raised expressway, are not considered multi-frontage lots.

c.

Sign pole covers are strongly encouraged. If the width of a sign pole cover is a minimum of 50% of the length of the bottom coping of the sign face, a 50% increase in the allowable square footage of the sign face shall be granted. This allowance is for single occupancy signs only. The area of the pole cover shall not be calculated as a portion of the sign face for any sign and shall not include advertising on the cover.

d.

Single round sign poles shall be covered. No minimum width along the bottom coping of the sign is required.

2.

Occupancy Groups and Multi-tenant Buildings.

a.

A group of nonresidential occupancies occupying a single premises, such as a shopping center or multi-tenant building, may have one multi-tenant sign for each street frontage, with twice the area permitted by Paragraph B.1 above.

C.

Gas Station Canopies. In addition to the wall and freestanding signs permitted in this subsection, gas stations and convenience stores with fuel pump islands are permitted one or more canopies that cover the fueling area.

1.

The total area of sign lettering on each face of the canopy shall not exceed 30 square feet.

2.

Canopy supports shall be located on the pump island or be set back at least 25 feet from any property line.

3.

The roof or outermost projection of any canopy shall be set back at least 5 feet from any property line.

D.

Advertising Flags and Pennants. Commercial occupancies shall be permitted an unlimited number of flags and pennants provided that:

1.

The total area of flags and pennants shall not exceed 1 square foot for each foot of street frontage.

2.

No single flag or pennant shall exceed 20 square feet.

3.

Flags and pennants shall be kept out of the street right-of-way.

4.

Flags and pennants shall not be attached or tied to utility poles.

E.

Incidental Signs. Nonresidential uses may have incidental signs as needed for informational or traffic control purposes. Each driveway or access way to a parking area may have one permanent incidental sign, although two may be permitted if visibility requires it. Such signs shall not exceed 3' in height, for traffic visibility, with a maximum size of 6 square feet per side and may include a logo covering no more than 50% of the sign.

F.

Changeable Copy Signs. Changeable copy is permitted as a wall, marquee or canopy sign. Size calculation of the changeable copy sign is the same as a typical wall sign.

1.

When used as a component of a freestanding or monument sign, the changeable copy shall be no more than 90% sign surface.

2.

Electronic message boards are prohibited within the A-1 or A-2 buffer zones. Electronic message boards may be allowed within the North Approach Zone, as identified by the current AICUZ or Joint Land Use Study, by Conditional Use approval following the procedures of Section 3.3.2 of this Code.

G.

Roof Signs. On-premises roof signs are permitted in the RFD district only, subject to the following provisions:

1.

Construction or enlargement of a roof sign must be approved by the Metropolitan Planning Commission as a component of a planned unit development project.

2.

Signs must be oriented to the Red River, approaching bridges, Interstate Highways or to internal activities within the boundaries of a development project.

3.

The backs of roof signs shall be covered to prevent light spillage behind the sign or its supporting structure.

H.

Historic Structures. Any structure that has been declared an historic landmark or is an integral part of an historic district under Federal or Louisiana law or local ordinance may have one sign per street frontage.

8.3.2

Sign Height.

A.

On-premises advertising signs shall not exceed the maximum building height of the zoning district it is located in or 45', whichever is less. Sign height is defined as the vertical distance between the highest part of the sign and the ground level at its supports.

B.

Signs oriented toward an interstate highway or raised expressway and located on property no further than 400' from the nearest point of the right-of-way of said interstate or raised expressway shall not exceed 75 feet in height, measured as the vertical distance between the highest part of the sign and the ground level at its supports, or 25 feet above the centerline of the raised expressway, whichever is taller. Measurements shall be taken in a straight line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest portion of the sign face to the nearest point of right-of-way of said interstate highway or raised expressway. Signs oriented toward an expressway are allowed twice the area allowed for an individual freestanding sign as described in Section 8.3.1.

8.3.3

Structural and Safety Requirements.

A.

All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition and damaged and missing faces shall be replaced within 180 days after written notification from the zoning office.

B.

All freestanding and wall signs shall be constructed and installed by a Louisiana licensed sign company and shall comply with the applicable provisions and requirements of the City or Parish building codes, and of the City or Parish electrical codes if a sign is illuminated or electrically animated.

C.

Illuminated signs shall be located and constructed so as to protect the general welfare of the public and the safety of the traveling public. In particular, illuminated signs shall:

1.

Have their light shaded, shielded, or directed so that the light intensity or brightness is neither a nuisance to the surrounding area nor a hazard to the operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares;

2.

Not include or consist, on any exterior surface, of exposed reflective or clear bulbs, strobe lights, or incandescent lamps over 15 watts that expose the face of the bulb, light, or lamp to any public thoroughfare or adjacent property;

3.

Not include or consist of beacons or revolving lights;

4.

Not include or consist of colored lights that by location or manner of use may be confused with traffic control devices; and

5.

Digital signs shall not be allowed in the area defined as the North Approach to Barksdale AFB unless approved as a Conditional Use following the procedures of Section 3.3.2 of this Code.

D.

No sign may be closer to any property line than 5 feet, except for the following:

1.

In the Downtown Business (B-4) district, between the 400 and 1000 blocks of Barksdale Boulevard, only wall sign or projecting signs are permitted. The projecting sign is allowed to abut or overhang the public right-of-way only by permission of the appropriate governing body.

2.

Suspended pennants and flag poles shall be located so as not to impede pedestrian traffic or motor vehicle visibility at street intersections.

E.

The bottom coping of the face of a single pole sign shall be at least 10 feet above ground level. Pole joints shall be at least 8 feet above ground level or shall be free of sharp edges and exposed bolts. The first 3 feet above ground may be enclosed provided there is an unobstructed clearance of at least 7 feet, to deter climbing, vandalism, and view obstruction.

8.4.1

Building Permit Required. On-premises signs requiring a permit under Section 8.2 shall be installed, constructed, or modified only in accordance with a duly issued and valid Sign Location Permit and a separate Building Permit issued by the Permits and Inspections Office.

A.

No Building Permit shall be reviewed or issued for a sign until a Sign Location Permit has been first issued by the zoning office.

B.

One application for a Sign Location Permit may include multiple signs on the same lot or parcel.

C.

An application for a Sign Location Permit shall include:

1.

The name, address and telephone number of the sign owner;

2.

The name and address of the person or firm who will install, construct, or modify the sign, if not the sign owner; and

3.

Detailed drawings that show the dimensions, design, structure, and location of each particular sign.

D.

During the sixth month after the issuance of a Sign Permit, the Executive Director shall inspect the premises that are the subject of the permit.

1.

If the sign installation, construction, or modification has not been substantially completed at that time, the sign construction permit shall lapse and become void.

2.

If the sign installation, construction, or modification is substantially complete, but the sign does not comply with the requirements of Section 8.3, then the Executive Director shall notify the owner in writing of the nature of the noncompliance, upon which notice the owner shall have 30 days to correct the noncompliance.

a.

If the noncompliance is not corrected within the 30-day period, the sign construction permit shall lapse and become void.

8.4.2

Previously Approved and Preexisting On-Premises Signs. Whenever any occupancy having one or more previously approved or preexisting signs, requires a Certificate of Occupancy due to change in ownership or land use, the signs requiring a permit under Section 8.2.4 shall be permitted to remain only in accordance with a duly issued and valid Sign Location Permit issued by the Executive Director.

A.

One application for a Sign Location Permit may include multiple signs on the same lot or parcel.

B.

A Sign Location Permit application for a previously approved or preexisting sign shall include:

1.

The name, address and telephone number of the sign owner; and

2.

Photographs or drawings that adequately depict the design, structure, and location of each particular sign. Photos shall be at least 4 inches by 6 inches in size and shall include a scale reference item, such as a surveyor's rod, near the sign so that dimensions can be reasonably determined.

3.

A copy of the previously approved Sign Permit, if any exists.

C.

If a previously approved or preexisting sign is not in compliance with this Code, it shall be removed or brought into compliance before the Certificate of Occupancy may be issued. Removal of signs shall include the pole or poles supporting the sign. The Executive Director may grant a 30 day removal period as a condition of the Certificate of Occupancy.

8.4.3

Assignment of Permits. On-Premises Sign Location Permits may not be assigned to a successor as owner of the premises or holder of a business license for the premises.

8.4.4

Sign Inspection; Warning and Removal. The Zoning office may from time to time inspect signs. Such inspection shall be to determine continuing compliance with this Article and with the terms and conditions of the sign construction or continuance permit, if any.

A.

If a sign does not comply with the requirements of this Article and/or the terms and conditions of the permit, then the zoning official shall notify the sign owner in writing of the nature of the noncompliance, upon which notice the sign owner shall have 30 days to correct the noncompliance. If a sign is prohibited pursuant to this Section or Subsection 8.2.4, then no such notice is required and the Zoning official may proceed pursuant to Paragraph C. for uncorrected noncompliance.

B.

If the noncompliance is corrected within the 30-day period, then the Zoning official shall issue a letter to the sign owner stating that the sign that was the subject of the noncompliance notice under Paragraph A. is now in compliance.

C.

If the noncompliance is not corrected within the 30-day period, the Zoning official shall issue notice to that effect to the sign owner and:

1.

The Sign Permit, if any, shall lapse and become void; and

2.

The sign owner shall remove the sign within 10 days of receipt of the notice. If the sign is not removed within that time, the Executive Director may remove the sign without further notice and at the permit holder or sign owner's expense.

3.

May take action as permitted under Section 17.3 of this Code.

D.

If there are multiple signs on the premises, including multiple signs subject to a single Sign Permit, the Executive Director may simultaneously proceed according to Paragraph B. for compliant signs and Paragraph C. for noncompliant signs.