Baton Rouge's Unified Development Code generally exempts residential holiday decorations (lights, wreaths, seasonal displays) from sign permit requirements. Temporary commercial signs exceeding 16 square feet or displayed more than 14 days do require permits. No specific holiday-display removal deadline is codified.
UDC Chapter 16 (Signs) governs signage in Baton Rouge/East Baton Rouge Parish. Section 16.8 lists exempt signs that do not require permits; residential holiday and seasonal decorations — including lights, wreaths, banners, and non-commercial displays — fall within this exemption provided they are not illuminated commercial advertising. Temporary commercial signs (e.g., grand-opening banners, event promotions) exceeding 16 square feet require a temporary sign permit. Animated or flashing commercial signs, roof-mounted signs, and signs resembling traffic control devices are prohibited. Residential seasonal displays have no codified maximum duration or removal deadline under the current UDC. Enforcement is by the Permit & Inspection Division and Code Enforcement.
Unpermitted commercial temporary signs may receive removal notices and fines under UDC Chapter 16. Residential non-commercial holiday displays are generally not subject to citation absent neighborhood or HOA rules.
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