Sign Regulations in Alexandria, Louisiana

Alexandria, Louisiana has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include On-premises Signs, Off-premises Signs, Construction Signs. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: January 14, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for Alexandria, Louisiana

Sample Sign Requirements in Alexandria

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Small, Nonilluminated Wall Signs5 square feet
Construction Signs5 square feet in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 32 square feet in other districts
Real Estate Signs5 square feet in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 32 square feet in other districts

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for AlexandriaFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

22

  • On-premises Signs
  • Off-premises Signs
  • Construction Signs
  • Real Estate Signs
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

8

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Alexandria

City WebsiteMunicipal Code1 permit application link available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Alexandria vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.

To get a sign permit in Alexandria, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.

In Alexandria, regulated sign types include On-premises Signs, Off-premises Signs, Construction Signs, Real Estate Signs, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.

Sign setback requirements in Alexandria vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.

Digital and LED signs in Alexandria are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Alexandria has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Alexandria, Louisiana Sign Rules at a Glance

Alexandria, Louisiana regulates 22 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Off-premises Signs in the General business district (B-3) zoning district are capped at 25 feet tall, 72 square feet, and 12 feet wide (Sec. §7.4.6.B.). Most commercial signs in Alexandria require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Alexandria, Louisiana

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Alexandria (8 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones20200 square feet (temporary); 24 square feet (permanent)Yes
Fire District No. 11Yes
Residential districts (AG, SF-1, SF-2, SF-3, MF-1, MF-2, MF-3)48 square feet for 3-12 units; 10 square feet per 100 lineal feet of street frontage up to 32 square feet for 13 or more unitsYes
Office and neighborhood business districts (O, B-1)132 square feetYes
Community business district (B-2)1100 square feet per side of premises adjacent to a public streetYes
General business district (B-3)225 feet200 square feetYes
Commercial districts (C-1, C-2, CBD)260 feet450 square feetYes
Industrial districts (I-1, I-2)260 feet672 square feetYes

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Alexandria(sample of 3 of 8 zones)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Small, Nonilluminated Wall Signs5 square feetAttached to a building facade.NoUnlock§7.4.3.4.
Construction Signs5 square feet in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 32 square feet in other districtsSite under construction.NoUnlock§7.4.3.5.
Real Estate Signs5 square feet in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 32 square feet in other districtsOne per street frontageOne sign per street frontage.NoUnlock§7.4.3.6.
Identification Nameplates2 square feetOne per single-family dwelling address or entry to a businessAttached to a building.NoUnlock§7.4.4.8.
Institutional Signs50 square feetOn the premises of the institution.YesUnlock§7.4.4.9.
Subdivision Name Sign200 square feet (temporary); 24 square feet (permanent)At each entrance of a subdivision.YesUnlock§7.4.4.10.
Novelty Yard Sign10 square feetSecurely anchored to the ground.NoUnlock§7.4.4.12.
Political Signs5 square feet in residential areas; 32 square feet in other districtsNot within the public right-of-way.NoUnlock§7.4.4.13.

Residential districts (AG, SF-1, SF-2, SF-3, MF-1, MF-2, MF-3)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Construction Signs5 square feet in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 32 square feet in other districtsSite under construction.NoUnlock§7.4.3.5.
Real Estate Signs5 square feet in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 32 square feet in other districtsOne per street frontageOne sign per street frontage.NoUnlock§7.4.3.6.
Temporary Signs5 square feet in SF-1, SF-2, SF-3; 32 square feet in other districtsNoUnlock§7.4.3.7.
On-premises Signs8 square feet for 3-12 units; 10 square feet per 100 lineal feet of street frontage up to 32 square feet for 13 or more unitsGround or attached signs for multifamily, mobile home park and group housing uses.YesUnlock§7.4.5.A.

General business district (B-3)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
On-premises Signs200 square feetNo more than one pole mounted signPole mounted or building mounted signs.YesUnlock§7.4.5.D.
Off-premises Signs25 feet72 square feet12 feetNot within 100 feet from the front or side property line of residential use or zoning nor within 50 feet from the rear property line of such residential use or zoning.YesUnlock§7.4.6.B.

PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Alexandria — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Alexandria

  • Any sign that advertises or publicizes an activity not conducted on the premises upon which the sign is maintained, except as allowed by §7.4, Off-premises signs.
  • Any temporary sign or window sign, except as permitted under the provisions herein.
  • Any sign that contains statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character that will offend public morals or decency.
  • Any sign that contains or is an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal or contains the words 'stop,' 'go slow,' 'caution,' 'danger,' 'warning,' or similar words.
  • Any sign that is of a size, shape, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination that may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or that hides from view any traffic or street sign or signal.
  • Street signs, banners, and streamers suspended over or above dedicated streets or alleys are prohibited, except in C-1 or C-2 districts where nonprofit agencies may apply for a special exception from the planning director.
  • Portable signs, defined as skid mounted, trailer mounted or A-framed signs, with or without wheels, for use with or without changeable lettering, and with or without electricity.
  • Inflatable signage that does not conform with §7.4.3.B.7, Temporary signs.
  • Signs that are illegal under state laws or regulations.
  • Signs that are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.
  • Signs located on public property, unless placed thereon under lease arrangements or otherwise permitted by legal authority.
  • Signs that are constructed so as to periodically change the direction toward which any plane containing the sign surface area is oriented.
  • Signs that emit smoke, vapor, particles, or odor.

Exempt Signs in Alexandria

  • Direction signs on private property, but without advertising matter, for the purposes of identifying and giving direction to phone booths, restrooms, and parking areas; providing direction to motorists within parking lots and structures; aiding and directing the movement of pedestrians.
  • Signs protecting private property or identifying property hazards.
  • Notices posted by public agencies.
  • Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with a commercial promotion.
  • There shall be no permit required when changing permitted copy of a sign provided no increase occurs with respect to either the area of any such sign or the manner in which it is structurally supported.
  • Nonilluminated signs not exceeding five square feet attached to a building facade.
  • Individual signs at a site under construction shall not exceed five square feet in SF-1, SF-2 and SF-3 districts or 32 square feet in other districts. Removal shall be within one month of project completion.
  • One sign per street frontage not exceeding five square feet in SF-1, SF-2 and SF-3 districts, or 32 square feet in all other zoning districts. Removal shall be within one week of closing.
  • Signs that apply to a specific sale, drive, or event limited to five square feet in SF-1, SF-2 and SF-3 districts and 32 square feet in all other zoning districts. Such temporary signs shall not be erected more than one month before the event and shall be removed within one week of the event's conclusion.
  • A sign that states the name and/or address of the occupant, not to exceed one attached sign per single-family dwelling address or entry to a business without direct exterior access, and not to exceed two square feet.
  • Signs denoting the name of any public, charitable, or religious institution when located on the premises of such institution, provided such signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in display area. Such signs shall be simply for the purpose of displaying the name of the institution and its activities or services. It may be illuminated, but not flashing.
  • Temporary signs, not to exceed 200 square feet each, may be erected at each entrance for a period of one year to advertise a new subdivision.
  • Permanent signs, not to exceed 24 square feet in area per exclusive entrance to a subdivision; such signs are restricted to the subdivision name.
  • Commemorative plaques placed by historical agencies recognized by the city.
  • A temporary sign that pertains to a certain event such as but not limited to: a birth, anniversary or birthday and limited to size to 10 square feet and allowed for a period of not to exceed seven days. These signs shall be securely anchored to the ground.
  • Temporary signs related to political elections may be erected in any zoning district of the city, but not within the public right-of-way. Temporary signs may also be erected in any zoning district of the city in connection with nonprofit promotions or special events provided they are of community-wide interest and approved for placement by the board of adjustment and appeals. Temporary signs placed in residential areas shall not exceed five square feet in area, and no such sign in other zoning districts shall exceed 32 square feet. Such temporary signs shall be removed within one week of the event's conclusion.

Source: other municipal code