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Council approves ordinance allowing low-profile signs in historic commercial overlay
Summary
Morgan City adopted Ordinance 25‑O‑5 to amend Title 10 sign rules so low-profile ("monument") signs can be permitted in the historic commercial overlay and staff — rather than the planning commission — will handle routine sign approvals in that zone.
Morgan City Council voted to approve Ordinance 25‑O‑5 on April 22, amending Title 10 zoning sign regulations to allow low-profile (often called "monument") signs in the historic commercial overlay and to move routine sign approvals in that overlay from the planning commission to staff.
Why this matters: the change formalizes current practice and clarifies materials and design expectations for signs in the historic overlay, including a requirement for a minimum 18-inch base of historic-appropriate materials and a staff review process.
Background and details: Jake, the city planner, said the planning commission had been reviewing sign regulations since January after an application for new signage on a hotel exposed inconsistencies. The ordinance change makes several explicit updates: permitting one low-profile sign per property in the historic commercial overlay; requiring that the sign be "easy to read" and "in keeping with the architecture"; and mandating a base at least 18 inches high built of brick, stone or similar materials to match historic construction.
Jake explained, "...a low profile sign, must in the historic commercial overlay must have a base of 18 inches... from the historic commercial overlay. And that's where we tie in the commercial, the historic part of it." The ordinance also standardizes approvals by giving staff the authority to approve signs that meet the ordinance and directs staff to maintain a written record of approvals.
Lighting and materials: the amendment clarifies allowable lighting. The revised language permits internal or "subtle" internal lighting in the historic overlay where appropriate; planning staff said the planning commission had previously approved signs with internal lighting where historic precedent existed. The ordinance also replaces vague terms (for example, "inappropriate") with explicit prohibition language so the rules are clearer.
Council action: A council member moved to approve Ordinance 25‑O‑5 and another member seconded. The council approved the ordinance at the meeting.
Ending: With the ordinance in place, businesses in the historic commercial overlay that meet the design and material standards may apply for staff approval of low-profile signs; planning staff will maintain approvals and denials in the public record.
