§ 3-81. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Dimensional requirements means those measurements contained in this division that identify the area and height requirements for signs.

Display surface area means the area within a regular geometric shape enclosing all the elements of informational or representational matter including blank masking. Structural supports not bearing information shall not be included in the computation of display area. All decorative embellishments or appurtenances such as directional arrows which are not a part of the display area shall not be greater than 20 percent of the display area.

Frontage means that portion of property which has direct vehicular access to a street.

Marquee means a permanent structure that projects over the entrance and is attached to and supported by a building.

Nonconforming signs means signs that were in existence prior to the adoption of this division which do not conform to the provisions of this division are declared nonconforming signs.

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

Permanent window sign means a sign that is placed on or attached to the exterior side of a window.

Sign means a device designed to inform or attract the attention of persons not on the premises on which the device is located, or to advertise, promote the interest of, or attract attention to any business, industry, individual, group, enterprise, public performance.

Sign, abandoned means a sign which shall be considered abandoned when the business activity or firm which such sign advertises is no longer in operation, or does not have a current business license in effect.

Sign copy means all words, letters, numbers, figures, characters, art work, symbols, or insignia that are used on a display surface area.

Sign, freestanding means a sign that is permanently affixed to the ground and which is not a part of a building or other structure.

Sign, ground means an outdoor advertising display sign when such sign is mounted upon a vehicle, trailer or mobile structure principally used for the purpose of advertising. A ground sign includes three basic kinds of detached signs: pole signs, monument signs and skid mounted (or trailer mounted) signs.

(1)

Pole sign: 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 grade surface, unless the top of the sign is not more than three feet above the ground. The display surface of all such signs shall be set back either a minimum of ten feet from any street right-of-way or 20 feet from the edge of street pavement, whichever is greater, and shall not be located within or over any public right-of-way. There shall be no height limitation on on-premises signs erected for the purpose of locating food, lodging and gasoline provided such signs are designated by emblem, insignia, trademark or trade name only and are located only along the federal highway systems.

(2)

Monument signs: Such signs shall be set back at least ten feet from the street right-of-way line or 20 feet from the edge of street pavement, whichever is greater and shall not exceed three feet in height, unless the sign is set back more than 30 feet from the edge of street pavement.

(3)

Skid mounted sign (also same as mobile sign, portable sign and temporary sign): In case of a skid mounted (or trailer mounted) sign, with or without wheels, for use with or without changeable lettering, the sign shall comply with the following requirements (also see "Sign, temporary" for time limitations):

a.

The display surface area shall not exceed 50 square feet.

b.

All such signs shall be equipped with outriggers or other devices to comply with wind load requirements of the building code of the parish.

c.

When illuminated, all such signs shall comply with the requirements of the electrical code of the parish and shall carry an underwriters' label on each sign.

d.

All such signs shall be set back either a minimum of ten feet from any street right-of-way, or 20 feet from the edge of the street pavement, whichever is greater, and shall not be located within any public right-of-way.

e.

The frame must be securely fastened to the ground.

Sign, mobile means a sign, such as an A-frame, which is moveable by a person without aid of a motor vehicle or other mechanical equipment. (See Sign, temporary for time limitations.)

Sign, multiple use identification means a sign stating the name of the group development and the major tenants.

Sign, owner includes the person receiving benefit from the sign and the property owner.

Sign, on-premises means any sign that disseminates information that directly relates to the use of the property on which it is located and is not a separate and distinct use.

Sign, portable means a sign which may be moved from one location to another, is not permanently affixed to the ground, and is differentiated from a mobile sign in that it may be equipped for transportation by a motor vehicle or other mechanical means and does not exceed 50 square feet except where authorized. Trailer signs, skid mounted signs and temporary signs are considered to be portable signs. (See Signs, temporary for time limitations.)

Sign, projecting means any sign, other than a wall sign which projects from and is supported by a building and projects more than 12 inches.

Sign, roof means a sign that is erected, constructed or maintained above the roof of any building.

Sign, temporary means a sign that shall not exceed 50 square feet except where authorized, which disseminates information about special events or occurrences, property for sale, land development, or contractor's or craftsmen's signs at a construction site subject to the provisions of section 3-52 et seq. One temporary sign (skid mounted or other designs) per lot, tract or parcel shall be permitted in addition to the permitted detached sign if displayed on the premises for not more than one 30-day period out of any 12-month period. A permit fee shall be charged for each 30-day period. Temporary signs or portable signs must meet all of the requirements of the building and electrical codes and shall carry an underwriters' label on the sign if illuminated and shall be located ten feet from the street right-of-way or 20 feet from the edge of pavement, whichever is greater.

Sign, wall means any sign painted on or attached flat and parallel to the exterior wall or surface of a building or other structure and which projects not more than 12 inches from that wall or surface.

Sight triangle means, measured from the curb or edge of pavement, the triangle area created by a line connecting points on the front and side for lines at a distance (as indicated below) from the intersection of the lines or the extension of the lines:

Street or driveway intersection

diagram

Useable wall area means the exterior wall or surface area of a building or structure that excludes doors.

(Ord. No. 17-87, § 2(1), 3-23-87)

Cross reference

Definitions and rules of construction generally, § 1-2.