The Shreveport United Development Code (UDC) controls political signs in the city of Shreveport and the expanded 5 mile zone outside the city limits.
In some areas where the city limits have been expanded, the parish jurisdiction has not been expanded by the expansion of the city limits. So in some areas the parish UDC is less than 5 miles outside the city limits.
The UDC regulations on political signs are not that complicated:
a. On residential lots the maximum sign size is 8 square feet. Usually these are 2 feet wide and 4 feet long and supported by a metal stake on both sides of the sign.
b. On non-residential lots the maximum sign size is 16 square feet. Usually these are 4 feet wide and 4 feet long and mounted on a wooden frame with a wooden stand to hold the sign up.
c. Yard signs must be located 5 feet from any lot line. The smaller signs are held up by wire frames.
d. Yard signs can not be located in the city right-of-way---this is the area between the sidewalk and the street.
e. Yard signs can not be illuminated.
f. Yard signs can only be posted on private property and only with the permission of the land owner.
The UDC authorizes removal of the signs by Shreveport's Public Works Department, the MPC office and/or the Shreveport Police Department. The signs that are picked up can be retrieved at the Claiborne Avenue Public Works facility at 1935 Claiborne Street from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The sign ordinance also contains fines for violations of the ordinance.
Judicial candidates should seriously follow the sign rules. They will be elected to both know ordinances and laws and then to enforce them in court. Seemingly they should follow these when running for office.
It’s hard for candidates to monitor the location of the small yard signs on wire hangers. Many vealous supporters want them to be highly visible and will move them to the edge of streets in the public right of way.
Candidates should take steps to ensure signs are 5 feet from lot lines and not in the public right of ways. And advise the supporter to NOT send the wrong message about their selected candidate by not following the sign rules.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.