Follow up: Signs in neighborhoods

Parks and Parkways Guidelines
for Neighborhood and Subdivision Signs
on Neutral Grounds

1. Many neighborhoods and subdivisions have elected to erect signs to enhance their entrances. In order to insure that these signs are appropriate and do not become eyesores, the city has instituted an approval process as outlined below. Please allow an adequate time frame for this process when requesting a sign permit (to allow for the placement of the sign review on the agenda of the City Planning Commission meetings and for approvals of appropriate city departments as may be required).
2. Submit to Parks and Parkways (attn. Planning & Design Office) the following:
a. A plot plan showing where the sign(s) are to be located. This plan should be to scale, show actual dimensions, existing site features (such as trees, utility poles, etc.), street names, setback from intersection and side curbs of neutral ground.
b. A drawing of the sign showing the design and wording with dimensions including height and width.
c. A description of the materials to be used (brick, stucco, ornamental iron, etc.)
3. The above material will be submitted to the City Planning Commission for review and approval by their Planning Advisory Committee and Design Advisory Committee and at which the following may be determined:
a. If there are questions about the structure of the sign or if the sign is lighted and involves electricity, the applicant may be required to have the plan reviewed and stamped by a Louisiana licensed engineer for review by the Department of Safety and Permits.
b. The Department of Public Works Traffic Engineer may require addition information or changes to insure that the sign does not become a traffic hazard.
c. Representatives on the committee may also inform the applicant of any upcoming construction by S&WB, Entergy, Public Works, etc. that may affect the sign location.
4. The signs must be located at least 30 feet from an intersection and a minimum of 5 feet in from the side curb.
5. The sign should not be located within the drip line (under branch canopy) of an existing tree so as to not cause any disturbance to the roots and subsequent decline of the tree.
6. The applicant is responsible for making, erecting and maintaining the sign.
7. If the sign is damaged, destroyed or becomes unsightly, the applicant is responsible for replacement.
8. The applicant is responsible for any damage caused by the installation of the sign. At least 96 hours before installing, verify locations of underground utilities by calling Louisiana One Call – 1 800 272-3020.
9. No promotional or commercial material is allowed on the sign.
10. If landscaping is proposed to enhance the sign, a plan and a maintenance agreement must be submitted to Parks and Parkways for approval (see Design Standards for Plantings on Public Green Space).