Sign Regulations in Monroe, Louisiana
Monroe, Louisiana has specific sign regulations covering 31 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Parking Lot Directional Sign - Multi-family, Multi-family Identification Sign - Wall-mounted, Multi-family Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 12, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Monroe, Louisiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Monroe
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Lot Directional Sign - Multi-family | 5 ft | 5 sq ft per sign | — |
| Multi-family Identification Sign - Wall-mounted | — | 24 sq ft | N/A for attached signs |
| Multi-family Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument | 6 ft for freestanding/monument | 24 sq ft | Minimum 10 ft from leading edge of sign to property line (Table 7.1, notes 5–6) when treated as freestanding/monument per Table 7.1. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MonroeFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
31
- Parking Lot Directional Sign - Multi-family
- Multi-family Identification Sign - Wall-mounted
- Multi-family Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument
- Residential Subdivision Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Monroe
Other Cities in Louisiana
Frequently Asked Questions
In Monroe, monument signs are limited to 6 ft for freestanding/monument. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Monroe, 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 Monroe, regulated sign types include Parking Lot Directional Sign - Multi-family, Multi-family Identification Sign - Wall-mounted, Multi-family Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument, Residential Subdivision Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Monroe, monument signs typically require a Minimum 10 ft from leading edge of sign to property line (Table 7.1, notes 5–6) when treated as freestanding/monument per Table 7.1. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Monroe are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Monroe has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Monroe, Louisiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Monroe, Louisiana regulates 31 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Multi-family Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monuments in the Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1) zoning district are capped at 6 ft for freestanding/monument tall and 24 sq ft, with a Minimum 10 ft from leading edge of sign to property line (Table 7.1, notes 5–6) when treated as freestanding/monument per Table 7.1. setback (Sec. Sec. 37-107(1)c.1–2; Sec. 37-107(1)a,e; Table 7.1 (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1 rows); Table 7.1 note 1; Sec. 37-103(b)). Most commercial signs in Monroe require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Monroe, Louisiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Monroe (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1) | 6 | 10 ft for generic freestanding; 6 ft for monument | 50 sq ft total on-premises sign area per location (Table 7.1 note 1) | — |
| Non-residential districts (B-2, B-3, B-4, CBD, I-1, I-2, C, RF, OS) | 10 | 35 ft | Limited by the zoning classification’s attached sign standards (see Table 7.1 for CBD, RF, C, B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 15 | 4 ft | Maximum total area 32 sq ft per promotional display | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Monroe
Residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parking Lot Directional Sign - Multi-family | 5 ft | 5 sq ft per sign | — | — | Maximum 2 per multi-family parking area | For parking areas of multi-family residential uses (5+ dwelling units) in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, and B-1 districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(1)b.1–2; Table 7.1 note 1; Sec. 37-107 introductory paragraph; Sec. 37-103(a)–(b) |
| Multi-family Identification Sign - Wall-mounted | — | 24 sq ft | — | N/A for attached signs | 1 per multi-family use (5+ units) | On the wall of the multi-family building in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, or B-1 districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(1)c.1–2; Sec. 37-107(1)a,e; Table 7.1 note 1; Sec. 37-103(a) |
| Multi-family Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument | 6 ft for freestanding/monument | 24 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from leading edge of sign to property line (Table 7.1, notes 5–6) when treated as freestanding/monument per Table 7.1. | 1 per multi-family use (5+ units) | On the lot of the multi-family development (5+ units) in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, or B-1 districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(1)c.1–2; Sec. 37-107(1)a,e; Table 7.1 (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1 rows); Table 7.1 note 1; Sec. 37-103(b) |
| Residential Subdivision Identification Sign - Freestanding / Monument | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any lot line within the dedicated street entrance (specific to this sign). Table 7.1 indicates 10 ft minimum setback for generic freestanding/monument signs measured from leading edge of sign (note 6). | 1 per subdivision development (5+ lots) | Within the dedicated street entrance of a residential subdivision development (5+ residential lots) in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, or B-1 districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(1)d.1–2; Sec. 37-107(1)e; Table 7.1 note 1; Sec. 37-103(b) |
| Freestanding Sign - Residential Districts General (Nonresidential Use, Monument Only) | 10 ft for generic freestanding; 6 ft for monument | 50 sq ft total on-premises sign area per location (Table 7.1 note 1) | — | Minimum 10 ft setback from leading edge of sign (Table 7.1 and note 6). Setbacks may be determined by Planning and Zoning Division where Corridor Design Standards apply (note 5). | 1 freestanding/monument sign per location (Table 7.1 "Total Allowed" = 1) | On-premises in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1 for nonresidential uses (including churches, hospitals, schools, legal nonconforming uses). | — | Unlock | Table 7.1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1 rows; notes 1–3, 5–6; Sec. 37-107(1)a,e; Sec. 37-103(b); Sec. 37-106(d) |
| Attached Sign - Residential Districts General (Nonresidential Use) | — | Up to 50 sq ft total on-premises sign area per location (Table 7.1 note 1; Sec. 37-107(1)e) | — | N/A (attached signs) | 1 attached sign per location (Table 7.1 "Total Allowed" = 1) | Attached to buildings in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1 districts for nonresidential uses (churches, hospitals, schools, legal nonconforming uses) and large multi-family. | — | Unlock | Table 7.1, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, RMH, B-1 attached row and note 1 & 3; Sec. 37-107(1)a,e; Sec. 37-103(a) |
Non-residential districts (B-2, B-3, B-4, CBD, I-1, I-2, C, RF, OS)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Non-residential Districts General | — | 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage | — | N/A (attached) | Multiple allowed per frontage, but total area limited by formula; CBD, RF, C: number of signs cannot cause total area to exceed formula allowance | On building facades in B-2, B-3, B-4, CBD, I-1, I-2, C, RF, OS districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(b)(1)a–b; Table 7.1 attached rows for CBD, RF, C, and B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2; Sec. 37-104(c); Sec. 37-106(f); Sec. 37-103(a) |
| Freestanding Sign - CBD, RF, C | 35 ft | 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage | — | Minimum 10 ft setback from leading edge of sign (Table 7.1; note 6). In Louisville Corridor, freestanding/monument setbacks determined by Planning and Zoning Division (note 5). | 1 freestanding sign per dedicated street right-of-way frontage | On-premises along dedicated street right-of-way frontages in CBD, RF, and C districts. | — | Unlock | Table 7.1, CBD, RF, C freestanding row; notes 4–6; Sec. 37-107(b)(1)c; Sec. 37-103(b); Sec. 37-106(d); corridor note under Table 7.1; Sec. 37-107(b) introductory text |
| Monument Sign - CBD, RF, C | 6 ft | 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage | — | Minimum 10 ft from leading edge of sign (Table 7.1; note 6); in Louisville Corridor, setbacks to be determined by Planning and Zoning Division (note 5). | 1 monument sign per dedicated street right-of-way frontage | On-premises along dedicated street frontages in CBD, RF, and C districts. | — | Unlock | Table 7.1, CBD, RF, C monument row; notes 4–6; Sec. 37-107(b)(1)c; Sec. 37-103(b); Sec. 37-106(d) |
| Freestanding Sign - B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2 | 35 ft | 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage | — | Minimum 10 ft setback from leading edge of sign (Table 7.1; note 6). In Louisville Corridor, setbacks to be determined by Planning and Zoning Division (note 5). | 1 freestanding sign per dedicated street right-of-way frontage | On-premises along dedicated street rights-of-way in B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, and I-2 districts. | — | Unlock | Table 7.1, B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2 freestanding row; notes 4–6; Sec. 37-107(b)(1)a–c; Sec. 37-103(b); Sec. 37-106(d) |
| Monument Sign - B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2 | 6 ft | 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage | — | Minimum 10 ft from leading edge of sign (Table 7.1; note 6); in Louisville Corridor, setbacks determined by Planning and Zoning Division (note 5). | 1 monument sign per dedicated street right-of-way frontage | On-premises along dedicated street frontages in B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, and I-2 districts. | — | Unlock | Table 7.1, B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2 monument row; notes 4–6; Sec. 37-107(b)(1)c; Sec. 37-103(b); Sec. 37-106(d) |
| Electronic Message Board (Freestanding) | Same as maximum height for freestanding sign in underlying zoning district (e.g., 35 ft in CBD, RF, C, B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2 where stated) | Included in and limited by the maximum allowable sign surface area for the primary freestanding sign under the applicable district’s formula (e.g., 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage where applicable) | — | Same as the primary freestanding sign in the applicable district (e.g., minimum 10 ft from leading edge in districts governed by Table 7.1). | 1 freestanding electronic message board per lot or parcel | On-premises in non-residential districts; must be located with the primary freestanding sign on the lot or parcel. | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(b)(2)a–d; Sec. 37-103(b); Sec. 37-106(f) |
| Freestanding Sign - Planned Commercial Center | — | 1 sq ft per linear foot of lot frontage; capped at 300 sq ft | — | Subject to freestanding sign setback rules for the underlying zoning district (e.g., 10 ft leading edge setback where Table 7.1 applies; corridor-specific setbacks where applicable per note 5). | 1 freestanding sign per planned commercial center per street frontage | On-premises planned commercial/shopping centers in non-residential districts (B-2, B-3, B-4, CBD, I-1, I-2, C, RF, OS) per Sec. 37-107(b). | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(b)(3)a–e; Sec. 37-103(b); Sec. 37-106(f) |
| Attached Signs - Planned Commercial Center Tenant Buildings | — | Limited by the zoning classification’s attached sign standards (see Table 7.1 for CBD, RF, C, B-2, B-3, B-4, I-1, I-2) | — | N/A (attached) | Not numerically specified; governed by total allowable area and coordination requirement | On buildings within planned commercial/shopping centers in non-residential districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-107(b)(3)d–e; Table 7.1 attached sign rows; Sec. 37-103(a) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Location Restrictions | — | — | — | — | — | Applies citywide to all zoning districts and all sign types | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-104(a)–(c) |
| Sign Dimension Computations | — | — | — | — | — | Applies to all signs in all districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-105(a)–(b) |
| General Construction and Maintenance Standards | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-106(a)–(f) |
| Temporary Signs - General | — | — | — | — | 1 temporary sign per business per lot | All zoning districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-109(a)(1)–(6) |
| Temporary Construction Signs > 32 sq ft | — | — | — | — | 1 per construction site | On the premises where construction, repair, or renovation is proposed or in progress | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-109(b)(1)a–b; Sec. 37-103(c)(3) |
| Temporary Real Estate Signs > 32 sq ft (Non-residential Property) | — | — | — | — | 1 per site | On non-residential property being advertised, upon which new construction or redevelopment is occurring | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-109(b)(2)a–b; Sec. 37-103(c)(8) |
| Temporary Promotional Signs | — | Maximum total area 32 sq ft per promotional display | — | — | — | On site in connection with opening of a business, major remodeling under active building permit, new owner, closure, sale, or special event. | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-109(b)(3)a–e |
| A-frame Signs (Temporary) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | — | 1 per business | Must be placed within 20 ft of primary entrance of the business; must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or ADA/accessibility standards. | — | Unlock | Sec. 37-109(b)(4)a–d; Sec. 37-109(a)(4) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Monroe are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Monroe
- Unless specifically permitted as an exempt sign by this article, all signs shall require a sign permit.
- No signs, other than those placed by agencies of government or signs whose placement has been authorized by this article or by another designee of the city, may be erected on public property.
- No signs may be placed on any private property without prior consent of the owner thereof and, where applicable, issuance of a sign permit.
- No sign mounted on the exterior of a building may cover any windows or doors.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain portable arrow signs in all zoning districts.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain portable signs, or any prohibited sign designed to be portable, that has been altered to become permanent, in all zoning districts.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain signs that are considered abandoned or unsafe in all zoning districts.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals in all zoning districts.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain signs that are erected or maintained upon trees or painted or drawn upon rocks or other features in all zoning districts.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain signs that contain certain words, statements or pictures which would be considered obscene or indecent by local community standards in all zoning districts.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain signs that do not comply with the restrictions applicable to the zoning district in which such signs are located.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain signs, banners and streamers suspended over or above dedicated streets in all zoning districts, except as specifically allowed for temporary promotional signs on private premises.
- It is unlawful to erect or maintain signs that contain or display animation, moving video/pictures or scrolling word advertising in all zoning districts.
- It is unlawful to place signs on public property or any public right-of-way, subject to the permit exemptions in section 37-103(b) but excluding political signs.
- It is unlawful to place signs in any location that would violate any state or federal regulation or law.
- Temporary signs shall not be located within any public right-of-way nor in any area that may constitute a safety hazard.
- Temporary off-premises signs are prohibited; temporary signs must be related to on-premises services, though non-commercial messages are permitted.
- No temporary sign may be illuminated.
- Only one temporary sign is permitted per business on a single lot.
- A-frame signs must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or violate standards of accessibility as required by the ADA or other accessibility codes.
- Point-of-service display signs shall not be attached to any light/sign pole or pump island canopy, nor located in the parking lot or within the public right-of-way.
- Any person engaging in the business of erecting, altering, relocating, or constructing a sign without a valid sign permit may have his/her license suspended or revoked and may be subject to fines.
Exempt Signs in Monroe
- Changing of advertising copy or message on an existing legally permitted or legal non-conforming changeable sign or similar approved sign is exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning, changing permitted items of information, or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign is exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Construction signs of thirty-two (32) square feet or less are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Directional/informational signs of five (5) square feet or less are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Nameplates and identification signs of two (2) square feet or less are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Political signs are exempt from sign permit requirements (though not exempt from location restrictions).
- Public signs or notices, or any sign relating to an emergency, are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Real estate signs of thirty-two (32) square feet or less that notify that the property or premises are for sale, lease, or rent, meeting the stated conditions on location, number, timing of removal, and content, are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Window signs or displays are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Incidental signs are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Point of purchase display signs are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Subdivision identification signs of thirty-two (32) square feet or less are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Any grave marker, headstone, memorial statue, or other similar remembrance that is noncommercial in nature is exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Names and addresses on postal boxes are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Residential address numbers are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Names of newspapers and similar publications on their delivery boxes are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Signs posting privately owned land and/or buildings or structures against trespass, hunting, fishing, swimming or any other activity, or warning of any danger, hazard or condition pertaining to such land and/or buildings and structures, are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Cornerstones, memorial tablets, and similar markers made of masonry, bronze and other incombustible and durable material used to indicate, without advertising matter, information relating to the development of the facility on which they are located are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Historical signs and markers designating places of historical significance are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- City entry and park identification signs designating entry points to or parks located in the City of Monroe are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Flags, pennants or insignia of any government, except when used in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device, are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Works of fine art which in no way identify a product or business and which are not displayed in conjunction with a commercial enterprise that may benefit or realize direct commercial gain from such display are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Temporary decorations or displays clearly incidental and customary and commonly associated with national, local or religious holiday celebrations or special events are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Traffic and other official signs of any public or governmental agency are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Small outdoor signs directed to persons who have already entered the premises, such as filling station fuel pump signs or instructions on using an automatic car wash, where no lettering on the sign is greater than four inches tall, are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Menu boards for drive-thru food establishments are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Signs indicating special events, such as a fair, carnival, festival, grand opening, sale, or similar temporary activity, are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- Garage sale signs may be placed on public property two days before the garage sale and removed the day after the sale and are exempt from sign permit requirements.
- A certificate of occupancy only is required to erect a monument sign (unless lighted, in which case an electrical permit is also required), rather than a separate building permit; freestanding signs require a certificate of occupancy in addition to the sign permit and electrical permit, if applicable.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Monroe
- The ordinance does not explicitly require a master sign plan or unified sign plan for multi-tenant or multi-building developments; instead, it sets direct standards for individual and planned commercial center signs.
- Planned commercial centers are subject to coordinated building signage requirements: they must have coordinated building signage that does not exceed the size allowed for their zoning classification, and no separate freestanding signs are allowed for individual businesses located in a planned commercial/shopping center.
- Freestanding sign setbacks in certain corridor areas (Louisville Corridor) and, where noted, freestanding and monument sign setbacks generally may be determined by the Planning and Zoning Division, implying case-by-case administrative review but not a formal master sign plan process.
- All signs for which a permit is required are subject to inspection or re-inspection by the building inspector (and electrical sign inspector, if applicable), but no separate variance hearing or sign-specific board review is mandated except in cases of appeals of enforcement citations to the board of adjustment.
- Signs located or proposed to be located in historic districts are subject to additional historic district regulations and review by the City of Monroe Heritage Preservation Commission, which may function similarly to a design/sign review but is not labeled as a master sign plan requirement.
Source: municode municipal code