4.11 Sign Permit

4.11.A Permit Required   

1.  No sign may be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained, or relocated until a sign permit has been issued by the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits.

2.  Before a sign permit may be issued in the Vieux Carré Districts, the Vieux Carré Commission shall grant approval.

3.  Before a sign permit may be issued in a local historic district or for a designated local historic landmark, the Historic District Landmarks Commission shall grant approval.

4.11.B Application   

1.  Before any permit is issued, a sign permit application shall be filed with the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits, together with three (3) sets of drawings, and/or specifications (one (1) to be returned to the applicant) as may be necessary to fully advise and acquaint the Director with the location, construction, materials, manner of illumination, securing or fastening, and the number of signs applied for. The wording of the sign or advertisement to be carried on the sign shall also be included in the application, except in the case of signs where the copy or advertising is a changeable message sign and where such wording or advertising is not needed in computing the area of the sign.

2.  All signs which are electrically illuminated require a separate electrical permit and inspection. The application for a sign permit for the erection of a sign with electrical wiring and connections shall be submitted to the Chief Electrical Inspector. The Chief Electrical Inspector will examine the plans and specifications to determine compliance with the electrical code as a condition of granting the sign permit.

4.11.C Permit Identification   

Each sign requiring a permit shall be clearly marked with the permit number and name of the person or firm placing the sign on the premises. 

4.11.D Inspection   

The Director of the Department of Safety and Permits may inspect, at such times as deemed appropriate, each sign regulated by this Ordinance. The purpose of the inspection is to ascertain whether the structure is secure or insecure, whether in need of repair or removal, or not in conformance with the permit application or otherwise in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance. 

4.11.E Termination or Revocation of Permit   

Upon the termination or revocation of the sign permit, the licensee shall remove the sign without cost or expense of any kind to the City. In the event of the failure, neglect, or refusal on the part of the licensee to do so, the City may proceed to remove the same and charge the expense to the licensee. 

4.11.F Validity of Permit   

All signs shall be erected within six (6) months from the date of issuance of the permit. Otherwise the permit becomes null and void and a new sign permit is required. 

4.11.G Appeals   

An applicant may appeal the Director of the Department of Safety and Permits sign permit decision to the Board of Zoning Adjustments within forty-five (45) days of the decision.