24.15 Classic Signs

24.15.A Eligibility   

1.  Any person or the City may apply for designation of an existing sign, as of the date of adoption of this Ordinance, as a classic sign. Classic signs are exempt from area, setback, height, lighting, movement, flashing, placement, type, content, placement and construction materials requirements of this Ordinance.

2.  To qualify for designation as a classic sign, the sign shall:

a.  Be at least twenty-five (25) years old or an exact replica of an original sign where the combined age of the duplicate and original sign is at least twenty-five (25) years.

b.  Possess unique physical design characteristics, such as configuration, message, color, texture, etc.

c.  Be of significance to the city, regardless of the use identified by the sign.

3.  A sign designated a classic sign may remain on the premises even if the original use to which the sign relates is no longer located on the premises.

4.  No designated classic sign may be converted into a billboard.

24.15.B Application   

1.  An application for classic sign status shall include plans for sign maintenance, renovation, or possible reconstruction. A classic sign application may also be submitted by the Historic District Landmarks Commission, Vieux Carre Commission, City Council, or City Planning Commission.

2.  Application for classic sign status shall be made to the Historic District Landmarks Commission or Vieux Carre Commission, as appropriate, who will schedule a public hearing, where the applicant presents classic sign recommendations to the Historic District Landmarks Commission, or Vieux Carre Commission, as appropriate.

3.  The Historic District Landmarks Commission or Vieux Carre Commission, as appropriate may approve or deny the application within sixty (60) days of the public hearing.

4.  The applicant may appeal a decision of the Historic District Landmarks Commission or Vieux Carre Commission to the City Council within thirty (30) days of notification of the decision. 

24.15.C Maintenance and Relocation   

Classic signs may be moved to a new location when and where the associated business moves.  One exact replica of a designated classic sign may be installed at a new location when a business with a classic sign moves.

24.15.D Designated Classic Signs   

The signs identified in Table 24-3: Designated Classic Signs are deemed to be of special significance in the City and are, therefore, designated classic signs and exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance:

Adopted by Ord 28942 MCS 2-17-22, ZD 95/21