Sign Regulations in Ruston, Louisiana
Ruston, Louisiana has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Electronic Message Sign, Wall Sign. 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 Ruston, Louisiana
Sample Sign Requirements in Ruston
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | See Sec. 5.11.2.E | 100 sq ft (200 sq ft if building is setback 200 ft or more) | — |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft from ground level to top of sign | 75 sq ft per side | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks |
| Pole Sign | Top edge no higher than 30 ft above ground level; Bottom edge at least 8 ft above ground level | 200 sq ft per side (B-3, B-4); 100 sq ft per side (CE, CH) | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Monument Sign
- Electronic Message Sign
- Wall Sign
- Pole Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Ruston
Other Cities in Louisiana
Frequently Asked Questions
In Ruston, wall signs can be up to See Sec. 5.11.2.E and monument signs are limited to 6 ft from ground level to top of sign. 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 Ruston, 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 Ruston, regulated sign types include Monument Sign, Electronic Message Sign, Wall Sign, Pole Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Ruston, monument signs typically require a 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks 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 Ruston are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Ruston has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Ruston, Louisiana Sign Rules at a Glance
Ruston, Louisiana regulates 22 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Monument Signs in the General Business (CPP, CPS, CPM, CE, CH, B-2, B-3, B-4) zoning district are capped at 6 ft from ground level to top of sign tall and 75 sq ft per side, with a 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks setback (Sec. 5.11.3.A). Most commercial signs in Ruston require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Ruston, Louisiana
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Ruston (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Business (CPP, CPS, CPM, CE, CH, B-2, B-3, B-4) | 5 | Top edge no higher than 30 ft above ground level; Bottom edge at least 8 ft above ground level | 200 sq ft per side (B-3, B-4); 100 sq ft per side (CE, CH) | Yes |
| Industrial Districts (D-1, D-1-B, D-2) | 4 | Top edge shall be no higher than 30 ft above ground level; Bottom edge shall be at least 8 ft above | 200 sq ft per side | Yes |
| Pedestrian Oriented Business Districts (B-1, Core Districts except CE and CH) | 7 | Top edge shall be no higher than 20 ft above ground level; Bottom edge shall be at least 8 ft above ground level | 40 sq ft | Yes |
| Residential Districts | 1 | 6 ft from ground to top of sign | 32 sq ft per side | Yes |
| Interstate 20 Highway Corridor | 3 | Total sign height may not exceed 60 ft; Sign panel height 20 ft; Sign face length 48 ft | 500 sq ft per static sign panel | Yes |
| CPP Central Parkway Pines District | 1 | Not specified | Not specified | Yes |
| CPS Central Parkway Sports District | 1 | Not specified | Not specified | Yes |
| CPM Central Parkway Meadows District | 1 | Not specified | Not specified | Yes |
| CHC Core Highway Corridor | 1 | Not specified | Not specified | Yes |
| Core Downtown | 1 | Top edge shall be no higher than the 2nd floor of a multi-story building; Vertical height of sign shall be no greater than 4 ft. Bottom edge shall be at least 8 ft above | 16 sq. ft. total | Yes |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 12 inches | 36 square feet | Yes |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Ruston(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
General Business (CPP, CPS, CPM, CE, CH, B-2, B-3, B-4)
| 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 | See Sec. 5.11.2.E | 100 sq ft (200 sq ft if building is setback 200 ft or more) | — | — | 1 per street level business with building frontage. Corner buildings shall be permitted 1 on each frontage. | On principal building façade to be placed at the sign band, when provided. | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.A |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft from ground level to top of sign | 75 sq ft per side | — | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | 1 per street frontage of parcel. | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.A |
| Pole Sign | Top edge no higher than 30 ft above ground level; Bottom edge at least 8 ft above ground level | 200 sq ft per side (B-3, B-4); 100 sq ft per side (CE, CH) | — | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | 1 per parcel, provided that no monument sign is on the same parcel. | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.A |
| Projecting Sign | Sign shall be no greater than 4 ft; Bottom edge at least 8 ft above ground | 16 sq. ft. total | — | — | 1 per occupant at street level | No closer than 20 ft to another such sign | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.A |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of the glass area | — | — | — | In business windows | No | Unlock | 5.11.3.A |
Pedestrian Oriented Business Districts (B-1, Core Districts except CE and CH)
| 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 | See Sec. 5.11.2.E | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street level business with building frontage. Corner buildings shall be permitted 1 on each frontage. | On principal building façade at the sign band | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.C |
| Projecting Sign | Vertical height of sign shall be no greater than 4 ft. Bottom edge shall be at least 8 ft. above | 16 sq. ft. total | — | — | 1 per occupant at street level | No closer than 20 ft to another such sign | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.C |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of the glass area | — | — | — | In business windows | No | Unlock | 5.11.3.C |
| Monument Sign | 6 ft from ground level to top of sign | 40 sq. ft per side | — | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | 1 per parcel | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.C |
| Temporary Pedestrian or A-Frame Sign | 4 ft from ground level to top of sign | 6 sq. ft per side | — | 4 ft from the back of curb | 1 per business | Public right-of-way, but shall maintain 4 ft clear pedestrian area on sidewalks and be setback 4 feet from the back of curb. No closer than 20 ft. | No | Unlock | 5.11.3.C |
| Pole Sign | Top edge shall be no higher than 20 ft above ground level; Bottom edge shall be at least 8 ft above ground level | 30 sq. ft. per side | — | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | 1 such sign per parcel | 10 ft minimum front and side yard setbacks | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.C |
| Neon Sign | Top edge shall be no higher than the 2nd floor of a multi-story building; Vertical height of sign shall be no greater than 4 ft. Bottom edge shall be at least 8 ft above | 16 sq. ft. total | — | — | 1 per occupant at street level | No closer than 20 ft to another such sign | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.C |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Event Sign | No taller than 6 feet | 36 square feet | — | — | Only 1 special event sign may be placed on a lot and a permit can only be granted once every 6 months. | Not specified | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.L |
| Directory Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | One directory sign per building | At the principal building entrance | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.L |
| Rear Entry Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 per rear entrance | At the rear entrance | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.L |
| Additional Signs under Awnings and Canopies | 12 inches | Not specified | 4.5 ft | — | 1 per awning or canopy | Under an awning or canopy | Yes | Unlock | 5.11.3.L |
| Directional Sign | Maximum height of two and one-half feet | 2 sq ft | — | — | Up to one per driveway | Up to one per driveway | No | Unlock | 5.11.5.A |
| Temporary Sign | 3 feet | 6 sq ft | — | — | Not specified | Not specified | No | Unlock | 5.11.5.A |
| Election Season Sign | 3 feet | 12 sq ft | — | — | Not specified | Not specified | No | Unlock | 5.11.5.A |
| Property for Sale or Lease Sign | 5.5 feet (residential); 8 feet (non-residential) | 9 sq ft (residential); 36 sq ft (non-residential) | — | — | 1 additional temporary sign when a parcel, structure or unit is offered for sale or lease | Attached to a wood post or similar support that is placed in the ground or the sign may be mounted to the façade of a structure | No | Unlock | 5.11.5.A |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Ruston — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Ruston — start freeProhibited Signs in Ruston
- Signs in the right-of-way unless otherwise expressly permitted in this ordinance or required by a governmental entity.
- Flashing Signs
- Signs which resemble any official traffic sign or bear the words 'stop,' 'go,' 'slow,' 'caution,' 'danger,' 'warning' or similar words.
- Signs which, by reason of their size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle.
- Signs which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal or similar device.
- Signs which emit sound, odor or visible matter which serves as a distraction to persons within the public right-of-way.
- Mobile billboards
- Inflatable signs
- Roof signs, or signs that project or extend over the roof line of a building.
- Beacon Lights and Laser Lights
- Festoons
- Mirrors. No mirror device shall be used as part of a sign.
- Moving Signs
- Obsolete or Abandoned Signs
- Pennants
- Signs containing strobe lights
- Snipe Signs
- Skid mounted signs
- Portable arrow signs
- Trailer signs
Exempt Signs in Ruston
- A traffic control sign on private property, such as 'Stop,' 'Yield,' restricted parking, and similar signs, the face and size of which meet traffic engineering standards.
- Flags not associated with any commercial message whatsoever.
- Temporary signs in residential districts. Temporary signs shall be permitted provided they do not exceed 3 feet in height and the total area of all temporary signs does not exceed 6 square feet.
- Temporary signs in all districts during election season, subject to specific size and height limitations.
- Property for Sale or Lease signs, subject to specific size and height limitations.
- Window signs
- Temporary Pedestrian (A-frame) signs
- House number signs not exceeding two square feet in area and illuminated only by the reflector method.
- Directional signs, up to one per driveway, limited to two square feet per sign and a maximum height of two and one-half feet.
Source: other municipal code