New Orleans's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In New Orleans, Louisiana, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Political Signs
New Orleans limits political campaign signs on the public right-of-way to a tight window: Sec. 134-122(1) of the Code of Ordinances allows placement only 48 hours before an election and requires removal within 48 hours after the polls close, one of six inclusive exceptions to the city's general ban on right-of-way signage.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 134-122(1). Placement window: 48 hrs before election only. Removal deadline: 48 hrs after polls close. Location: public right-of-way only. Initial penalty: $10.00 per sign + removal invoice.
A political sign posted before the 48-hour pre-election window opens, or left standing more than 48 hours after the polls close, is an unlawful sign under Sec. 134-121 subject to immediate seizure. Sec. 134-130 lets the department of sanitation or parks and parkways invoice the candidate or campaign depicted on it for removal costs plus a $10.00-per-sign penalty, rising to up to $25.00 per sign (capped at $500.00 total) if the violation is contested and upheld on appeal.
Garage Sale Signs
New Orleans lets garage, moving, and rummage-sale signs go up in the public right-of-way, but Sec. 134-122(3) of the Code of Ordinances caps their total display time at 48 hours; any sign left up longer, or placed without meeting the temporary-sign exceptions, is illegal and can be seized and invoiced to the person it advertises.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 134-122(3). Display cap: 48 hours total, garage/moving/rummage signs. Placement: public right-of-way only, exceptions inclusive. Initial penalty: $10.00 per sign + removal cost invoice. Appeal penalty: up to $25/sign (up to $500 total).
Under Sec. 134-130, the department of sanitation or parks and parkways may invoice whoever is depicted or advertised on an illegal sign for removal costs, plus a $10.00-per-sign penalty. A recipient can appeal in writing within ten days; if found guilty at that hearing, the fine rises to up to $25.00 per sign (up to $50.00 if posted on a tree), capped at $500.00 total per case, plus at least five hours of community service per sign.
The Bottom Line
New Orleans's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming New Orleans is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from New Orleans's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.