Sign Permit

A permit is required to erect, construct, post, paint, alter, maintain, or relocate any sign in the City of New Orleans. The City’s sign regulations are designed to: protect the public safety – so that signs do not fall down on pedestrians or customers, prevent signs from becoming projectiles in the event of heavy winds or rains, regulate the aesthetics of an area as to the size and number of signs visible at any given time. Depending on the details of your sign(s), you may need multiple permits.

Turnaround

Residential projects, 2-5 business days; Commercial projects, 20-30 business days.

Fees

  • $60.00 Base Fee, plus $5 per $1000 of Construction Value 
  • Plan Review Fee: $1 per $1000 of Construction Value 
  • Zoning Review Fee: $125 
  • First Year Operating Fee: $40 
  • For a reinspection following a violation: $100
  • For a one-year renewable operating permit for accessory signs: $40 
  • For signs requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness or Vieux Carre Permit, a 50% surcharge is added to the permit fee

Required Documents

  • Check to see if your building is located in a historic district or in the French Quarter  – if so, permits and approvals from the HDLC or VCC may need to be acquired. 
  • Apply online at the One Stop App.
  • A Registered Sign Contractor is required to obtain sign permits (Please fill out and submit by email to tradelicenseinfo@nola.gov for processing).
  • Executed contract or approved estimate with the scope of the work to be performed, costs inclusive of labor and materials with signatures, printed names and titles of both the owner and contractor.  If the property is owned by a business, please provide proof of signatory authority.
  • Letter from property owner or lease giving permission for property use for the permit purpose, if applicant is not the owner
  • Plot plan indicating the location and setbacks of the proposed signage 
  • Dimensions of the proposed signage
  • Some signs require a set plans, stamped with digital seals from a Louisiana licensed architect or civil engineer
  • Measurements of the frontage of tenant space and the square footage of the wall in which the business has its main entrance 
  • Sketch of proposed signage clearly indicating the copy and detailing colors and sizes
  • Notify the New Orleans Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division - Plan Examiner (504) 658- 4774 if the erection of, or the sign itself will:
    • Obstruct or close any streets
    • Obstruct or close a sidewalk
    • Impede a fire department connection to a building
    • Obstruct a fire hydrant

Apply now

You May Also Need

  • Electrical Permit, if applicable
  • Review by the City Planning Commission staff, the Historic District Landmarks Commission, or the Vieux Carré Commission depending on the location of your business

User Guides

Service provided by

Department of Safety & Permits

(504) 658-7200
1340 Poydras Street Suite 800 New Orleans, LA 70112

9am—5pm
Monday—Friday