New Orleans Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance

Printed: 3/28/2024 2:26:28 PM

15.5.G.2 Institutional Signage Development Standards

1.  Minimize signs and visual clutter to the greatest extent possible and establish a hierarchy of messages with a unified design language. Wall signs, which function as the primary signage and identify the site from the farthest distance, shall face public roads or private roads. Internal wayfinding signage should be legible at a pedestrian scale.

2.  Use architectural and landscape architectural design components as much as possible to reduce the need for signage. This could include a prominent clearly identified entrance, memorable landmarks in the circulation like sculptures that are associated with decision points, changes in landscaping and paving or how the path is defined, and bollards and columns.

3.  The site circulation plan should clearly define pedestrian access from the parking area to the building(s). A clearly defined visible and identifiable network of pedestrian connections should be provided in and between parking lots, street sidewalks, open spaces, and buildings. As well as clearly link to alternate modes of transportation such as public transit and bicycle paths. Paths should be open and direct and there should be a common architectural language for entries and exits.

4.  Graphic and information design components should be as uncomplicated as possible. Restrict wording to terms such as “public parking” “main entrance” or “emergency department”.

5.  Multi-tenant structures, structures with multiple entrances and campuses with multiple buildings should include signage that identifies their function (e.g., emergency department, admissions office, outpatient clinics, community health services and visiting inpatient units). Signage should differentiate the dedicated emergency unit entrance from the main entrance. One main entrance is preferred and external directional signs for a specific unit or department should only be provided when they cannot be reached from the main entrance. Main directory boards and maps for individual departments shall be within the structure.

6.  Applicant shall coordinate with the applicable city and/or state departments and the Regional Transit Authority for any external directional signs along major external routes to major points of interest like the public transport hub or for any improvements to the public realm or bus stops.

7.  Internal vehicular traffic signs such as “one-way” or “speed limit” shall be consistent with the Department of Public Works sign format for design, color, shape, and size. It is encouraged for wall signs to include an “H” or “hospital” that matches the external directional signs.

8.  It is encouraged to provide a sitemap of the facility at bus stops, parking areas and pedestrian entries.

9.  Include direction information at nodes where decisions need to be made. Be sure directional information is legible from different approaches.

10.  Animated signs are prohibited.

Ord 28937 MCS, 2-17-22, ZD 82/21