19.01.1

Applicability.

1.

Unless otherwise provided in this article, the following regulations apply generally to all signs located in all zoning districts and are in addition to the requirements contained elsewhere in these regulations.

2.

All signs shall be comply with the building code and electrical code of the city.

3.

No electrical sign shall be erected or operated unless an electrical permit for such sign has been obtained by an electrician licensed in the City of Denham Springs and issued by the building official.

19.01.2

Signs exempt from sign permit requirements. The following types of signs are exempt from the sign permit requirements of these regulations and shall be allowed in all zoning districts, provided that these signs are in compliance with all other requirements of this article and the building code of the city and, if an electrical sign, an electrical permit for such sign has been issued by the building official and is in effect:

1.

Public service signs.

2.

Window signs with a total copy area not exceeding 50 percent of the window or glass door onto which the sign(s) are located.

3.

Farm products signs and seasonal business signs provided:

a.

The signs are located on the premises where the products are grown or sold.

b.

The signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

c.

Only one sign shall be erected per lot/tract.

d.

The signs shall be removed within seven days of the termination of sales activities.

4.

Copy changes — The changing of advertising copy of the advertising message on a printed or painted sign, or sign specifically designed for use of changeable copy, except for changing the name of the owner of a business advertised.

5.

Motor fuel pump signs provided that:

a.

Signs show information pertaining to volume, octane rating and type of fuel dispensed, or display the trade name or association of the business.

b.

The signs do not exceed three square feet in area per sign face and an aggregate of six square feet per pump.

6.

Directory signs provided that:

a.

The sign shall not exceed six square feet.

b.

The sign shall be non-electric, or non-illuminated.

c.

The sign shall be wall mounted on the building.

7.

Any sign painted on the wall of a building provided that:

a.

The sign is less than 32 square feet.

b.

The sign is located on a wall which contains less than 200 square feet of signage.

c.

The sign shall be non-electric / non-illuminated.

d.

The sign shall not extend above the parapet, the mansard, or the eaves of the building to which the sign is attached.

8.

The following on-premises temporary signs:

a.

Decorative flag and bunting for city wide celebrations, conventions, and commemorations when authorized by the building official and/or the city council for a prescribed period of time.

b.

Banner signs. Any one business, individual or organization may display on a building up to four banner signs per occasion, provided each sign does not exceed 32 square feet, is non-electric, and shall not remain in place longer than seven consecutive calendar days at a time for a maximum of 28 display days in one year, is attached only to the building, and shall drape in a manner parallel to, and not perpendicular to, the building.

c.

Holiday lights and decorations for a period not to exceed 90 days.

d.

Real estate open house signs.

i.

Signs announcing open house for the purpose of real estate sales shall be placed out after 5:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the week-end event, and removed by 12:00 noon on the following Monday.

ii.

Sign copy shall identify the event open house and the address, time and date if necessary.

iii.

There shall be no limit on the number of events allowed; such events are determined by the number of week-ends per month. No more that six signs shall be allowed per open house.

iv.

Open house signs shall not exceed 192 square inches. The maximum dimensions shall be limited to eight inches by 24 inches per sign face. Each sign shall be no more than five feet in height.

v.

Open House signs shall comply with the calculations section of this ordinance.

e.

Real estate signs for residential zoned property.

i.

Signs intended for real estate advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the property on which signs are located are allowed provided that they are non-illuminated and free-standing detached. Free-standing temporary real estate signs shall comply with the following:

ii.

The maximum number of signs per street frontage shall not exceed one.

iii.

The maximum number of faces per sign shall not exceed two, and such signs shall be placed back-to-back.

iv.

No such sign shall exceed five feet in height.

v.

No such sign shall exceed six square feet per face, including sign attachments.

vi.

Real estate signs shall comply with the calculations section of this ordinance.

vii.

All such signs shall be removed within seven days after the closing of the sale, rental, or lease of the property.

f.

Real estate signs for property zoned other than residential. This section is intended for individual lots or tracts. Real estate signs advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the property on which the signs are located are allowed, provided such signs are non-illuminated and detached. Such signs shall comply with the following:

i.

The maximum number of signs shall not exceed one per street front.

ii.

The maximum number of faces per sign shall not exceed two, and such faces shall be placed back-to-back.

iii.

No such sign shall exceed ten feet in height.

iv.

No such sign shall exceed 32 square feet per face including attachments.

v.

All such signs shall be removed within seven days after the closing of the sale, rental or lease of the property.

9.

Official signs, signals, or sign structures and provisional warning signs or sign structures, when erected or required to be erected by a governmental agency and temporary signs indicating danger.

10.

Changing copy on a bulletin board, poster board, display encasement, or marquee and the painting and routine maintenance of sign structures and supports, if the sign area is not increased or any structural improvements, alterations or replacements are made.

11.

Integral sign, cornerstone or tablet of bronze, brass, or other non-combustible material when built into or attached to the wall of a building or structure, which states only the name of the building or structure, its use, the date of erection, name of owner(s), architect, municipal number, public officials or which gives information commemorating a person or event.

12.

Sign on a truck, bus, or other vehicle, trailer, or storage container while in use in the normal course of business. This section should not be interpreted to permit parking or placement for display purposes of a truck, bus, or other vehicle, trailer, or storage container to which signs are attached or painted, which practices are prohibited.

13.

Identification signs, directional signs, pennants or streamers erected by proper public body.

14.

Signs not visible from a public sidewalk, street, highway, alley or property.

15.

Temporary or permanent public utility and safety signs allowed by law.

16.

Official notices or advertisements posted by or under the direction of any public or court officer in the performance of his official duties, provided that all such signs shall be removed not later than ten days after the last day of the period for which they are required to be displayed in order to accomplish their purpose.

17.

Flags of any country, state, or unit of local government that do not present any type of pedestrian or traffic hazard.

18.

The following signs as long as they do not exceed six square feet, unless otherwise specified:

a.

A warning sign erected on private property to warn the public of danger or prohibiting or limiting access to the premises on which the sign is located, provided such sign is not located in the sight triangle areas.

b.

Historical markers erected or maintained by public authority or by a recognized historical society or organization identifying sites, building, or structures of recognized historical value and not located in the sight triangle area.

c.

Directional signs erected solely for the purpose of identifying and giving directions for phone booths, restrooms, and parking areas, providing direction to motorist within parking lots and structures, or aiding and directing the movement of pedestrians.

19.

A-frame or sandwich signs, defined as those signs that are hinged at the top and designed to stand along with verbiage or images contained on one or both sides, as supported by legs on the bottom of both hinged panels that make contact with the ground. No such sign shall exceed 12 square feet per face. No such sign shall interfere with pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

20.

Campaign signs, political signs and signs for any elections provided that:

a.

Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

b.

Yard signs shall not exceed five square feet.

c.

Maximum number of faces shall be two per sign (back-to-back).

d.

No political sign supporting any candidate shall be erected more than three months prior to the opening of qualifying for the election in question. In the case of signs relating to a proposition rather than a candidate, no such signs shall be placed or erected more than three months prior to the balloting on the proposition in question.

e.

All temporary signs supporting any candidate or regarding any ballot proposition shall be removed within seven days following balloting, which either terminates the candidate's campaign or which decides the issue or proposition. Signs not removed accordingly may be removed by the building official at a cost of $25.00 per sign.

f.

No temporary political sign may be located in any right-of-way, public servitude or passage, street, median, boulevard or neutral ground, between the street and sidewalk (where sidewalks are present) nor attached to any tree, utility pole or publicly owner structure. Any political sign so placed is defined as litter and is subject to removal by any person. Should removal be effected by the building official, a charge of $25.00 per sign to cover the cost of removal shall be made.

19.01.3

Prohibited signs. Unless approved by the planning and zoning commission and the city council, as set forth herein, the following types of signs are prohibited and shall not be erected within any zoning district:

1.

Signs, which, by reason of their size, location, position, shape, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination may be confused with traffic control signs or signals, or which hide from view any traffic or street signal or device or the light of any emergency or road equipment vehicle. To those ends, no signs shall use the words "Stop," "Slow," "Caution," "Yield," "Danger," "Warning," or "Go," or that hide from view any traffic or street sign, signal, or device.

2.

Any sign that emits sound, odor, illumination or visible matter that serves as a distraction to persons within the public right-of-way and as such, could present a public safety hazard.

3.

Signs placed or erected at any intersection, road, right-of-way, or in any manner so as to obstruct clear and free vision with respect to view of traffic or to other signs already in place.

4.

Portable, mobile, skid mounted signs or other trailer signs, including those that are attached to a parked truck, bus, or other vehicle, trailer, or storage container to which signs are attached or painted or those that are converted to any other type sign such as a detached sign (pole or mounted), wall sign, or projecting sign.

5.

Fluttering, rotating, or moving signs in residential or historical district other than signs that are exclusively time/date/temperature signs. This prohibition shall not apply to the hands of a clock or a weather vane.

6.

Signs extending into or placed within the public right-of-way, other than those signs specifically allowed.

7.

Any sign that does not comply with the "illumination" section of this ordinance.

8.

Any sign that projects beyond a lot line unless otherwise specifically allowed in this ordinance.

9.

All advertising media, including commercial banners and commercial benches, which are located on or within a public right-of-way. Commercial banners are not allowed as permanent on-premises signs and shall be regulated by the temporary sign provisions of this ordinance.

10.

Any sign placed so that it obstructs any opening or access intended for light, air, ingress in and egress from any building.

11.

Any sign that is attached to a tree, whether on public or private property.

12.

Any sign that is attached to a utility pole, curb, sidewalk, lamppost, hydrant, bridge, highway marker, highway regulatory sign or mailbox, on public property, except official notice or announcements.

13.

Any sign or sign structure located in an intersection sight triangle.

14.

Any sign that contains statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character that will offend public morals or decency.

15.

Off-premises signs. Signs advertising events or products on a site other than where the event shall occur or the product is sold shall be prohibited, except provided within section 19.06, Temporary signs.

16.

Parasite signs. Signs attached to the structure of a primary sign and not an integral part of the primary sign.

17.

Inoperative vehicles used as signs.

18.

Billboards.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

19.02.1

General considerations.

1.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, no sign shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, substantially altered (a change in more that 50 percent of the sign value or total square footage), maintained or relocated unless a sign permit for such sign has been issued by the building official and is in effect.

2.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, these regulations shall be interpreted to permit one sign of each permitted type, in accordance with applicable regulations, for each street frontage of the premises.

3.

The following persons shall be responsible for compliance with this article and shall be subject to enforcement and penalties as provided in this article in the event of any violation of this article: (1) any person who owns an interest in, or is occupying or in possession of, the sign or the premises on which the sign is located; (2) any person who, at the time the sign was erected or installed, owned an interest in, or was occupying or in possession of, the sign or all or any portion of the premises on which the sign is located; (3) any persons who erected or installed the sign, provided, however, that if the sign was erected in accordance with this article, the persons who erected or installed the sign shall be relieved of further responsibility under this article after final approval of the sign by the building official; and (4) any persons who commit, take part in, or assist in any violation of this article or who maintains any sign or premises on which any violation exists.

19.02.2

Sign permits.

1.

Application. In order to obtain a permit to erect, substantially modify or relocate any sign under the provision of this article, an application provided by the building official, shall be filed, together with three sets of drawings, and/or specifications (one to be returned to the applicant) as may be necessary to fully advise and acquaint the building official with the location, construction, materials, manner of illumination, and/or securing or fastening, the number of signs applied for, and the wording of the sign or advertisement to be carried on the sign. The building official shall act upon an application for a permit with plans as filed, or as amended, without unreasonable or unnecessary delay.

2.

The following are the minimum requirements necessary to issue a sign permit:

a.

The name, address, and telephone number of the property owner, the persons entitled to possession of the sign and the sign contractor. If a license is required to erect the sign, the license number of the licensed sign company shall be provided.

b.

The location by street address of the proposed sign structure, and if applicable, by lot number, square, and subdivision name or exact legal description, with a sketch showing lot lines, nearest intersecting streets and nearest detached sign(s).

c.

All information required on application forms provided by the building official including but not limited to site plan and elevation drawings of the proposed sign indicating height, width, sign size, foundation construction materials, anchoring and fastening details, and any other information relevant to the structure of the sign, as well as existing buildings and other existing appurtenances. It is the responsibility of the applicant or its representative to find and expose property corner markers so that they are visible to the building official during the sign location inspection. In lieu of providing survey indicating property corner markers, the applicant may provide to the building official an official plat map clearly indicating the property corners.

d.

Plans including the scope and structural detail of the work to be done, including details of all connections, guy lines/wires, supports, footings and materials to be used.

e.

For signs 100 square feet or larger and if required by the building official, a structural design statement signed by a Louisiana Registered Engineer or Architect, certifying the sign meets the wind pressure of Section 1609 (wind load) of the International Building Code.

f.

If the sign is electric, electrical diagrams and details are required for an electrical permit. Such information shall include the name(s) of the licensed electrical installer. All signs that are electrically illuminated by neon or by other means shall require a separate electrical permit and inspection.

g.

An agreement to defend, indemnify and hold the city harmless for all damages, demands or expense of every character that may in any manner be caused by the sign, sign structure, or sign installation.

h.

All signs shall be erected within six months of being permitted. If any permitted sign is not substantially erected within six months from the date of issuance of such permit, such permit shall become null and void and a new permit shall be required. Each sign requiring a permit shall be clearly marked with the permit number and the name of the person or firm placing the sign on the premises. Fees for sign permits shall be paid in accordance with the schedule adopted by ordinance, a copy of which is maintained in the offices of the building official.

i.

When a sign permit has been issued, it shall be unlawful to substantially alter the sign without prior approval of the Building Official or to deviate from the terms and conditions of the sign permit; however, the changing of the advertising copy or message on signs that are specifically designed for the use of replacement copy shall not require a sign permit. A written record of such approval shall be entered upon the original permit application and maintained in the files of the Building Official.

3.

Emergency permit. In extenuating circumstances where a sign becomes unsafe due to an accident or a natural disaster, the building official, upon review, may issue an emergency permit for a temporary or substitution sign for a period of time not to exceed 45 days. The building official may waive permit fees for an emergency permit.

4.

Revocation. The building official may revoke any permit issued by him upon failure of the permitee to comply with the provisions of this ordinance or with the plans submitted to the building official.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

19.03.1

Signs over public streets, sidewalks, and alleys.

1.

No permanent signs shall be located so as to extend over a portion of a public street used by vehicles.

2.

No signs projecting over public sidewalks shall extend or project nearer than 24 inches to the curb.

3.

No sign projecting over any part of a public sidewalk shall be erected less than nine feet, measured vertically, above any part of such sidewalk.

4.

No sign projecting over a side or back alley shall be erected less than 15 feet above the surface of the alley directly beneath the signs.

19.03.2

Other sign locations.

1.

Unless otherwise stated in these regulations, all signs shall comply with the applicable height, area and yard requirements of the district in which such signs are located.

2.

Signs of permitted types and within total sign area may be placed on walls of buildings other than the front, except on side or rear walls facing and within 100 feet on the same side of the street of any residential zoning district.

3.

No sign exceeding 200 square feet in area shall be erected, constructed, substantially altered, maintained, or relocated. Notwithstanding the foregoing provision, a sign not exceeding 300 square feet may be permitted when located within 1,000 feet of the interstate when used for a development over 25,000 square feet.

19.03.3

Sign illumination and requirements. The following illumination guidelines shall be followed:

1.

Any sign may be indirectly illuminated if illumination is not otherwise limited by the provisions of these regulations.

2.

No sign may be a flashing sign, including the use of strobes and lasers, unless specifically permitted by the building official under this article.

3.

No illuminated or flashing signs shall be located within 100 feet, measured along the street frontage, of any property in a residential district.

4.

Neon lighting or other tubular lighting, when used on the exterior of a building for strip lighting, to outline any portion of a building or structure other than a sign shall not be considered in computing the number of permitted signs.

5.

The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded, or directed that the light intensity or brightness will not be hazardous or objectionable to the adjacent or surrounding areas.

6.

No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused with or construed as traffic control devices.

7.

Neither the direct nor the reflected light from primary light sources shall create a traffic hazard to operators of motor vehicles on public thoroughfares.

8.

Moving message signs made up of a matrix of incandescent lights shall be limited to a maximum power output of 75 watts. The copy shall appear on the face as a lighted letter or pictorial and non-lighted background. Incandescent lamps used for this purpose shall not exceed 33 watts. No flashing of copy is allowed.

9.

When illuminated, all such signs must comply with the electric code of the city and shall carry an underwriters laboratory ("UL") label on each sign or some other similar testing certification.

19.03.4

Sign calculations.

1.

The area of a sign (advertising display area) shall be determined by computing the area of the smallest square, circle or rectangle, or triangle that will encompass the extreme limits of the sign face, including any open areas within the sign face. This calculation shall not include the sign's structure, foundations, supports or embellishments. However, if the open area within a sign face exceeds 25 percent of its total square footage, then the actual copy area of the sign is to be used to calculate the square footage.

2.

Multiple signs on a single structure.

a.

When one business has more than one sign on a single structure, the sign area shall be calculated by individual geometric shapes on each sign.

b.

When two or more businesses have signs on a single structure, the sign area shall be calculated by individual geometric shapes on each design.

3.

Where a sign is of three dimensional, round, or irregular solid shape, the largest cross-section shall be used in a flat projection for the purpose of calculating sign area.

4.

Unless otherwise specified within this ordinance, only one side of a double-faced sign or one side of a multi-faced sign shall be included in the calculation of sign area.

5.

Height is measured from the overall level of the grade below the sign to the topmost point of the sign.

6.

Clearance is measured from the average grade below the sign to the lowest point of the sign face.

7.

Spacing between signs shall be measured by the distance between two points along the edge of the street and on the same side of the street as the signs. The points shall be determined by drawing a line perpendicular to the street from the closest extremity of the sign to the street.

8.

All permanent on-premises and temporary signs shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from the right-of-way of any public street.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

The following are general specifications applicable to the various permanent signs.

1.

Changeable copy signs shall be allowed with permanent on-premises signs and shall be an integral part of the structure. The first 32 square feet of a changeable copy sign surface shall not be calculated in the total sign area. The amount of square footage in excess of the 32 square feet will be included in the maximum square footage allowed in aggregate on that sign structure. (Changeable copy signs that are an integral part of a permanent on-premises sign are not considered temporary signs.)

2.

Wall signs shall be allowed on the wall of a building as follows:

a.

Signs that are located on a wall which shall not exceed 200 square feet of signage;

b.

That do not extend above the parapet, the mansard or the eaves of the building to which the sign is attached;

c.

Not extend more than 18 inches from the building wall; and

d.

Such signs are subject to the comprehensive zoning ordinance and regulations, as may be amended from time to time and must not exceed 30 percent of the wall.

3.

Marquee, canopy, channel letters, and awning signs. Signs may be attached, painted, or printed upon the face of a marquee, canopy or awning, provided that the maximum allowable area for the marquee, canopy or awning or a combination of marquee, canopy and/or awning sign shall not exceed 30 percent of the marquee, canopy fascia and/or awning. Marquee, canopies and awnings shall not be calculated in the total square footage of a building wall.

The total area of a marquee, canopy, channel letters, or awning sign may be increased to 50 percent of the area of the marquee, canopy or awning to which it is attached if no detached or any other type of attached sign is used on the premises.

4.

Projecting signs. Projecting signs may be used in lieu of a detached sign. A projecting sign shall be allowed, provided:

a.

A projecting sign shall not project more than eight feet from a building wall and shall not exceed 48 square feet of sign area.

b.

A projecting sign shall not exceed vertically above the eaves of the lower edge of the roof or mansard by more than four feet. When on a parapet wall of a building the projecting sign shall not exceed above the parapet.

c.

The minimum height from grade level to the lowest edge of a projecting sign shall be nine feet.

5.

Free-standing signs. Free-standing signs shall be permitted provided that:

a.

No free-standing signs shall exceed 35 feet in height. Signs located on properties within 200 feet of a federal aid system road right-of-way may be allowed an additional footage not to exceed the height of any existing signs if only advertising emblems for food, fuel, and lodging are used on the free-standing sign.

b.

No free-standing sign shall be located in the sight triangle.

c.

All portions of a sign shall be set back from the street right-of-way a minimum of ten feet.

d.

The maximum angle of a double-faced sign shall be 45 degrees, except for signs located at corners, in which case the angle may be 90 degrees.

e.

In the case of a pole sign, there shall be a minimum height of ten feet from the bottom of the sign display area to the ground level.

f.

Monument signs, not including subdivisions signs, shall not exceed six feet in height. If the sign is set back more than 30 feet from the road or street, the monument height shall not exceed eight feet in height.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

1.

Residential districts.

a.

Signs on the premises of residential districts shall conform to this section of the ordinance. One sign shall be allowed not exceeding two square feet in area, identifying a dwelling, its occupant, its location or a customary incidental home occupation, as follows:

b.

Subdivision signs, including multifamily residential developments, are limited to the name of the subdivision or community, and shall not exceed one sign per subdivision entrance. The sign face shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height. Subdivision identification signs shall be placed on property within the development, on property owned and controlled in common by the individual owners of lots/units within the development, or may be placed within a private servitude at a principal entrance or intersection serving primarily the development provided that:

i.

Prior to the issuance of any sign permit, the sign location and construction details shall be approved in accordance with this section and any other applicable criteria or law by all appropriate governmental authorities having jurisdiction with respect thereto.

ii.

The location of the sign, as permitted by the building official, does not interfere with the location or placement of any official control device(s) or with the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and that such sign shall not impair any sight distance reasonably necessary for pedestrian or traffic safety.

iii.

The sign shall be properly maintained at all times in accordance with this section by the holder of the permit, their successors or assigns.

c.

Signs for other uses in residential districts shall be allowed in accordance with the following:

i.

An identification sign (primary sign) not exceeding 32 square feet in total area, and a customary bulletin board (primary sign) not exceeding 32 square feet in total area, for any permitted church, school or other public or semi-public institution is allowed. The identification sign and customary bulletin board may be combined in a single sign (primary sign), but in that event the combined sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in total area. One additional sign (secondary primary sign), not exceeding 24 square feet in total area is allowed. Such allowed signs include child care or school facilities and located within any church building. Such signs may be illuminated and shall not be located within a sight triangle. The signs shall be no higher then ten (10) feet if detached or no higher than the roof line of the building if attached to the building. A secondary sign may be a permanent Changeable Copy Sign.

ii.

Golf courses, country clubs, swimming clubs, community recreation centers, tennis clubs, and similar uses shall be allowed one identification sign per street front not exceeding 24 square feet per sign, and at a maximum height of eight feet.

2.

Commercial districts. The following signs shall be the only type of signs that are allowed in commercial districts:

Any sign permitted or allowed in residential districts.

a.

Signs for businesses other than shopping centers and multi-tenant properties:

b.

Signs for shopping centers and/or multi-tenant properties. All businesses within a shopping center and/or multi-tenant properties shall erect or construct detached identification signs on a common sign structure or monument intended for the use by the businesses or tenants of the shopping center or business complex. One sign structure per street shall be allowed. A maximum of four sign sides per structure shall be allowed.

c.

Out parcels may be allowed one monument sign per street (maximum of two monument signs per lot/tract, one per street front). Each monument sign shall be allowed a maximum height of ten feet and a maximum area of 100 square feet.

3.

Industrial zoning districts. The following signs are allowed and shall be regulated as follows:

Any sign permitted or allowed in residential, and commercial districts.

4.

Recreational zoning districts.

a.

Identification signs and directional signs not to exceed 20 square feet for each permitted use.

b.

Identification signs at a park roadway entrance not to exceed 100 square feet per sign.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

19.06.1

Generally. Temporary signs are those that generally are not allowed by this ordinance but that may be displayed for periods of no more than 14 consecutive calendar days upon receiving written prior approval from the building official or unless otherwise specifically set forth herein. All temporary signs may be placed as on-premises signs in any zoning district unless specified herein. Temporary signs may include non-illuminated detached or attached signs.

19.06.2

Permit requirements for temporary signs.

1.

Special event signs permit requirements.

a.

Any one business or organization may display a special event sign on two separate occasions during a 12-month period; provided that such signs may be displayed for a period not to exceed 14 consecutive calendar days.

b.

Such businesses, organizations, groups, and/or individuals that require additional occasions for special event signs shall comply with the permanent on-premises sign regulations by zoning district.

c.

Each separate display of a special event sign shall not exceed 14 calendar days. There shall be a minimum 30-day period without display of a special event sign between each display period.

d.

No more than one special event sign shall be located on one lot/tract at any time, unless otherwise allowed under this section. When there is more than one business or tenant per lot/tract, one sign per separate business or tenant shall be allowed.

e.

Special event signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area, and shall not exceed ten feet in height. such signs shall also comply with the calculation section of this ordinance.

f.

Special event signs shall be firmly affixed to the ground or the structure to which they are attached.

g.

Special event signs shall be removed within 24 hours of termination of the event which is advertised or within 24 hours of the end of the 14-day display period whichever comes first.

h.

Special event signs for churches, civic associations, and similar non-profit organizations displaying information pertaining to an event occurring on a lot/tract other than where the event occurs shall be allowed for a period not to exceed 14 days and according to the following criteria:

i.

A business or non-profit organization may display an inflatable, a cold air balloon or gas-filled object upon the premises where a special promotion event is being held. Each display shall be displayed for no more than three days and each business or non-profit organization shall be permitted no more than two display periods during the calendar year. The inflatable object shall be securely attached to the ground or building and shall not project unto the public right-of-way or obstruct the vision of vehicles or pedestrians who may be entering or exiting the premises. A special event inflatable object permit shall be obtained from the permit department for each display from the city. The inflatable object shall be promptly removed from the premises upon the expiration of the permit. A permit fee shall be charged for each separate period.

2.

Real estate signs permit requirements. Temporary real estate signs advertising a residential or commercial subdivision development or a planned development may be erected on the premises of the development provided:

a.

That the maximum number of signs shall not exceed two freestanding signs per development.

b.

The spacing of such signs shall be at least 500 feet.

c.

The number of faces per sign shall not exceed two. Placement of faces shall be either back-to-back or V-shaped (interior angle of the two faces not exceeding 45 degrees).

d.

No such sign shall exceed 32 square feet.

e.

No such sign shall exceed ten feet in height.

f.

Such signs shall be removed within one year from the date the sign permit was issued. The building official may grant one extension of up to six months.

g.

Setback distances shall be in accordance with the regulations set forth in this ordinance.

3.

Construction sign permit requirements. Construction signs identify the contractor and/or purpose for construction, craftsmen's signs, and other signs pertaining to construction. All such signs shall be durable and weather resistant and shall comply with the following district requirements:

a.

Commercial and industrial districts. One sign shall be allowed displaying the names of the building, contractor(s), architect, engineer, craftsmen, and similar information upon the premises of any work under construction or any work of major repair or improvement, provided that the sign does not exceed 32 square feet in area. Such sign shall be set outside of the right-of-way and shall not encroach upon the vision clearances or sight triangles. This sign shall be removed within seven days after approval of final building inspection.

b.

Residential districts. Contractor's signs, craftsmen's signs and other signs pertaining to construction may be displayed separately or jointly on one sign. When displayed separately, the signs shall be grouped in an orderly manner on the site. Total sign area of all signs shall not exceed 48 square feet. All signs shall be removed within seven days after final building inspection.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

1.

Any person who owns or leases a sign shall remove such sign when the building official determines that the sign is abandoned or obsolete.

2.

All signs together with their structures and components, shall be kept in good repair, and be maintained in a safe condition. All signs and the site upon which they are located shall be maintained in a neat, clean, and attractive manner. Signs shall be kept free from excessive rust, corrosion, peeling paint, or other surface deterioration.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

1.

Signs that are in existence and fully erected as of the effective date of this article or any amendments hereto and that complied in all respects with the sign ordinance in effect prior to the effective date of this article or any amendments hereto, but are made nonconforming by the adoption of this article or any amendments hereto, may remain from and after the effective date of this ordinance; provided, however, that all such signs must be repaired and maintained as required by this article, must comply with all of the building code of the city and, if an electrical sign, an electrical permit for such sign must be issued by the building official and remain in effect. If no sign permit was required for such sign prior to the effective date of this article or any amendments hereto, no sign permit shall be required.

2.

All portable signs lawfully in use as of the effective date of this article shall be removed from use no later than one year after the effective date of this article.

3.

Billboards that are in existence and fully erected as of the effective date of this article and that were erected in compliance with all city and parish ordinances at the time of erection may remain; provided, however, that such billboards must be repaired and maintained as required by this article, must comply with all other requirements of this article and the building code of the city and all other applicable state, parish, or other requirements, and if an electrical sign, an electrical permit for such sign must be issued by the building official and remain in effect. If no sign permit was required for such sign prior to the effective date of this ordinance or any amendments hereto, no sign permit shall be required.

4.

If a sign permit has been issued and remains in effect as of the effective date of this ordinance, but the sign subject to such permit has not yet been erected, the permit and the requirements in effect at the time of issuance of the permit shall apply, if the construction of such sign is completed within six months after date of issuance of the sign permit. Otherwise the permit shall be void and a new permit and this ordinance and other requirements in effect at the time of issuance of the new permit shall apply.

5.

Loss of legally nonconforming status. A nonconforming sign that is allowed to remain pursuant to the terms of this section shall immediately lose its legally nonconforming designation if:

a.

The sign is changed or replaced with another nonconforming sign;

b.

Structurally altered so as to expend its useful life;

c.

Expanded;

d.

Relocated;

e.

Re-established after damage or destruction of more than 50 percent of the replacement value of the same type at the time of such damage or destruction;

f.

Modified in any way that would increase the degree on nonconformity of such sign; or

g.

Except in the case of e. above, this shall not prevent repairing or restoring to a safe condition any part of a sign or sign structure, or normal maintenance operations performed on a sign or sign structure.

On the occurrence of any one a., b., c., d., e., or f., above, the offending sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this article and a new permit secured therefore, or such sign shall be removed.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

1.

The building official is hereby authorized to inspect all signs or parts of signs and enforce the provisions of this article. For the purpose of sign inspections, the building official may enter at any reasonable time upon the premises where any sign is located. Neither the building official nor the city shall be liable for any damages or for any failure to enforce any of the provisions of this section of this ordinance.

2.

All violations shall be subject to the penalties found in the City of Denham Springs Code of Ordinances, section 1-9, general penalty.

3.

The building official may remove or cause to be removed any abandoned sign or obsolete sign, and sign erected or maintained in violation of this article, at the expense of the persons that are responsible for compliance with this article, if the owner or lessee of either the sign or the premises on which the sign is located fails to correct the violation within 30 days after receiving written notice of such violation from the building official.

4.

The building official may remove or cause to be removed, immediately and without notice, at the expense of the persons that are responsible for compliance with this article, any sign which in his opinion presents an immediate threat or danger to the public or otherwise constitutes a public hazard.

5.

The building official may store any sign that he has removed or caused to be removed, for a period of 30 days from the time the person responsible is notified or has failed to timely respond as provided in this ordinance. The building official shall continue to store the sign for any additional period during which an appeal of his action is pending. At the expiration of the time specified in this subsection, if the person responsible for the sign or other interested person has not reclaimed the sign as provided herein, the building official may destroy the sign or dispose of it in any manner deemed appropriate. To reclaim any sign removed by the Building Official, the person reclaiming the sign shall pay to the Building Official, as directed, an amount equal to the entire costs incurred by the Building Official and any other fine imposed under this ordinance.

6.

For purposes of the section:

a.

Any notice required under this section may be served (i) by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the owner or lessee of either the sign or the premises on which the sign is located at his last known address, or (ii) by the marshal or any sheriff or deputy sheriff on constable having jurisdiction and power to serve legal process where the party being served is found within the state, on the owner or lessee of either the sign or the premises on which the sign is located, or on any other person on whom service of citation and/or other process may be made in civil actions under the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure, in which case the officer shall make return of the service as in ordinary cases.

b.

If the party to whom notice is attempted to be served is absent from the state or unrepresented therein, then any notice required under this section may be served also upon an attorney at law appointed by the mayor to represent the absentee. Domiciliary service may be made as in ordinary cases.

7.

In the event of any violation of this article, all persons that are responsible for compliance with this article, as provided herein, may be fined not less than $10.00 and not more than $25.00 for each day that the violation continues.

8.

All persons that are responsible for compliance with this article, as provided herein, shall be liable jointly, severally, and in solido for any fines, penalties, costs, and expenses imposed or incurred pursuant to this article, unless such person can show that the sign was erected or maintained notwithstanding such person's objection and that they lacked the authority or control necessary to prevent the violation.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)

1.

Abandoned sign. A sign which is dilapidated beyond repair or one in which the business or event identified by the sign is no longer operating.

2.

Advertising display area. The advertising display surface area (copy area) encompassed with any regular geometric figure which would enclose all parts of the sign. The structural supports for a sign, whether they be columns, pylons, or a building, or a parcel thereof, shall not be included in the advertising area.

3.

Banner sign. Any sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illusions, or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind.

4.

Beacon light. Any light with one or more beams, capable of being directed in any direction or directions or capable of being revolved automatically.

5.

Bench signs. A sign located on any part of the surface of a bench or seat placed on or adjacent to a public right-of-way.

6.

Billboards. Outdoor advertising signs, attached or detached, which advertise, promote or disseminate information not related to the goods, products or services comprising a primary use of the premises on which the sign is located.

7.

Canopy and awning signs. A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that is either permanently attached to a building, or can be raised or retreated to a position against a building when not in use.

8.

Changeable copy sign. A sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.

9.

Construction sign. Any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, owners, and/or lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed, together with other information included thereon.

10.

Directory sign. A sign that provides the names and locations of occupants or the use of a building. This shall include office buildings and church directories.

11.

Electrical sign. Any sign containing electrical wiring and which is attached or designed or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.

12.

Erect. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, install, or affix and shall also include the painting of such signs.

13.

Flashing signs. Signs that have flashing, blinking, changing or fluttering lights or other similar illuminating devices.

14.

Flag. A piece of material commonly bearing a distinctive design, usually attached to a staff or halyard, used as a standard, symbol or signal.

15.

Freestanding signs. A permanent sign that is supported by one or more uprights or braces in or upon the ground and is not attached to any building or wall which may include a changeable copy display.

16.

Garage sale signs. A temporary sign announcing a garage, carport, yard, or similar sale.

17.

Illuminated sign. Any sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message readable.

18.

Institutional bulletin board. An on-premises sign containing a surface upon which is displayed the name of a religious institution, school, library, or community center and the announcement of its services or activities.

19.

Integral sign. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and date of erection when cut into masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials mounted on the surface of a building.

20.

Laser lights. A device or series of devices which emits an intense monochromatic beam of light.

21.

Location. Any lot, premises, building, structure, wall, or any place whatsoever upon which a sign is located.

22.

Marquee sign. Any sign attached to and made part of a marquee. A marquee is defined as a permanent roof-like structure protruding 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.

23.

Mobile sign. A sign, such as an A-frame, which is movable by a person with the aid of a motor vehicle or other mechanical equipment.

24.

Monument sign. A freestanding sign that (a) the sign area is constructed or connected directly to a sign support consisting of a concrete slab base or foundation or a base or foundation of similar type of construction; or (b) is of monolithic construction in which the base of the sign or support is of uniform composition with material comprising the area of said sign and the base of support of said sign is directly affixed in or to the ground.

25.

Multi-tenant identification sign. A sign stating the name of the group or development and the major tenants.

26.

Nonconforming sign. Any sign that does not conform to the regulations of this ordinance.

27.

Obsolete sign. When a business ceases to operate, its signs are considered obsolete. Signs advertising a product or service no longer provided or rendered are also considered obsolete signs.

28.

Off-premises sign. A sign relating its subject matter to premises other than the premises on which it is located.

29.

On-premises sign. A sign relating its subject matter to the premises on which it is located.

30.

Parapet. That portion of a building wall that rises above the roof line.

31.

Parasite sign. A sign attached to the structure of a primary sign and not an integral part of the primary sign.

32.

Person. Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company or organization, singular or plural, of any kind.

33.

Pole sign. Any sign that is supported by structure(s) on or upon ground and independent of support for a building, guy wire, fence, vehicle or object.

34.

Political sign. Any sign that indicates the name, cause or affiliation of anyone seeking public office, or which indicates any issue for which a public election is scheduled to be held.

35.

Portable sign. Such signs that are not firmly anchored and secured to either a building or the ground. A firmly anchored sign is any sign attached to a rigid support such as a wood or steel post firmly set in the ground and secured in a concrete base. Trailer signs and skid-mounted signs and mobile signs are considered to be portable signs.

36.

Premises. A lot or unplatted tract, or any combination of contiguous lots or unplatted tracts held under a single ownership.

37.

Primary building sign. A sign which is mounted against, painted on or affixed to a building wall fascia, awning or sloping roof and directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or other activity conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located.

38.

Private directional sign. Such signs directing vehicular or pedestrian traffic movement into a premises or within a premises.

39.

Projecting signs. Any sign, other than a wall sign, affixed to any building or wall whose leading edge extends beyond such wall or building.

40.

Public property signs. Signs that are not located on the premises of the businesses or organization being advertised, but are on public property.

41.

Public service signs. Signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest, erected by or upon the order of a public official in the performance of his public duty, such as safety signs, zoning signs, memorial plaques, signs of historical interest, and all similar signs, including signs designating hospitals, libraries, schools, airports, and other institutions or places of public interest and concern.

42.

Public warning signs. A sign that warns the public of possible danger or informs the public of certain restrictions (such as "Beware of the Dog" or "No Trespassing").

43.

Pylon sign. See Pole sign.

44.

Real estate signs. Temporary signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises or part of the premises on which the sign is displayed.

45.

Revolving beacon. A light can or a series of light cans which move or rotate in a random orbit.

46.

Roof line. The juncture of the roof and the perimeter all of the structure. The term "roof" includes the term "canopy".

47.

Roof sign. A sign erected upon or above a roof or a canopy of a building and affixed to that roof or canopy.

48.

Skid mounted sign. See Trailer mounted signs.

49.

Sight triangle. The triangular-shaped portion of land formed at the intersection of street right of way lines, two sides of such triangle extending 30 feet along the street right of ways from the point of intersection, and the third side being a straight line connecting the end points of such lines at points 30 feet from the point of intersection, unless a lesser area is approved by the building official.

50.

Sign. Sign is defined as a medium of communication, including the sign structure, sign face, 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.

51.

Sign face. The part of a sign including any border and trim facing traffic moving in one direction, and built on one structure.

52.

Sign height. The height of a sign shall be defined as the vertical distance from the adjacent street grade or upper surface of the street curb to the highest point of either the sign or sign structure. Elevated roadways shall not be used to measure height.

53.

Special event sign. Any sign or display which advertises an event such as a fair, grand opening, anniversaries, or special designated city-wide or annual events.

54.

Subdivision marker. A sign which identifies a subdivision when located within the subdivision limits.

55.

Temporary sign. A sign which disseminates information and is approved by the building official for a 14-day period only, after which the sign must be removed.

56.

Thoroughfare. Any street, expressway, freeway, highway or railway in Denham Springs.

57.

Trademark flags. A flag bearing the recognized logo or symbol of an organization, business or corporation.

58.

Trailer signs. Any sign mounted on a vehicle normally used as a trailer and used as advertising or for promotional purposes.

59.

Useable wall area. The exterior wall or surface area of a building or structure that excludes doors and windows.

60.

Under canopy signs. A sign which is located beneath or projecting below the permanent roofed shelter covering a sidewalk, drive, or other similar area.

61.

Unsafe signs. Any sign, which because of its location, coloring, illumination, or animation, interferes with a motorist's perception of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or intersectional traffic, or traffic control devices, or the traffic directional signs. Any sign which, because of its construction or state of repair, is likely to fall or blow down or cause possible injuries to passers-by.

62.

Wall sign. Any sign painted on or attached to and erected parallel to the face of, or erected and confined within the limits of the outside wall or building and which displays only one advertising surface.

63.

Window sign. Any sign placed inside or upon a window facing the outside and which is intended to be seen from the exterior.

(Ord. No. 11-01, art. VI, 2-28-11)