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Historic district commission approves standardized notice to address downtown signage
Summary
The commission approved a standardized notice of violation and a plan to survey downtown businesses to address nonconforming and illuminated signs, citing proliferation of LED and exterior signs visible from public streets.
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission voted to adopt a standardized notice of violation for nonconforming signage and approved a staff-led survey of downtown businesses to identify signs that may violate the district’s sign rules.
Chair introduced the one-page notice that lays out common violations — installation without approval or a certificate of appropriateness, exceeding permitted size or number of signs, prohibited illumination and use of materials not allowed in the historic district — and explains corrective actions and deadlines. The draft notice points recipients to an available copy of the signed ordinance and lists contact information for the Historic District office and the staff member (Shantrell) handling compliance inquiries.
Why it matters: commissioners said modern LED window signs, exterior illuminated displays and an increasing number of sandwich boards and window decals are eroding the district’s historic character. “Signs are beginning to get a little bit out of hand,” the chair said, citing interior and exterior illuminated signs that are visible from public streets and a large electric sign at a downtown bar (referred to in the meeting as Adhana’s) that was installed without approval.
Commissioners debated whether to notify only identified violators or to send a general notice to all downtown occupants to avoid claims of selective enforcement. Several commissioners favored a broad mailing or an initial informational mailing with an attached two-page excerpt of the sign ordinance (cited in the meeting as 16.1-440) so merchants understand permitted signage before enforcement letters are issued. Staff and the chair will walk downtown and compile a list of properties for the commission to review before issuing violation letters.
The commission approved the notice and the approach to compile and review the list; the motion was moved by Horton and seconded by Robinson and carried by voice vote.
Next steps: staff (Chantrel and the chair) will survey downtown, compile a list of signs and present that list to the commission before letters are mailed. Businesses will be given a deadline to correct violations or to request a compliance plan or a hearing with the commission.
