The following regulations apply to the city's various zoning districts:
A. In A-1, A-2, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3 districts, the following signs are allowed without a permit:
1. Special Event: Temporary special event signs may be allowed without a permit subject to the following:
a. The sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed five feet (5') in height.
c. A temporary sign for a special event may not be placed on the property prior to five (5) days before the event, and must be removed one day after the end of the event.
2. Address Identification: For each dwelling unit there shall be permitted one address sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
3. Property For Sale: Property listed for sale may have one temporary freestanding sign provided it meets the following:
a. The sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed five feet (5') in height.
c. The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale.
d. The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of closing.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
4. Vacant Lots For Sale: Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale are allowed one temporary freestanding sign per adjacent street provided that:
a. The sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign shall not be placed in the public right of way and shall meet the required sign setbacks.
d. The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property being sold.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
5. Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a building, there shall be permitted one freestanding sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area and eight feet (8') in height; on corner lots, two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs shall be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
6. Campaign Signs: Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions of this chapter per Minnesota state statute 211B.045.
B. In A-1, A-2, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3 districts, signs are allowed by permit with the following conditions:
1. Businesses other than home occupations allowed within the agricultural and residential districts are allowed one wall sign or one monument sign provided that:
a. Freestanding signs may not exceed fifty (50) square feet or eight feet (8') in height.
b. Wall signs may not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the building facade.
2. Subdivisions with twenty (20) or more units are permitted one permanent freestanding sign per subdivision street entrance, provided it meets the following regulations:
a. The sign may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
b. The sign shall be placed on an outlot, easement, or common lot owned by a neighborhood association property.
c. The sign may not be placed in a visibility triangle.
d. The neighborhood association shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the sign.
e. The sign must be constructed out of materials approved by the zoning administrator.
C. In R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-MH districts, the following signs are allowed without a permit:
1. Special Event: One temporary special event sign is allowed without a permit per street frontage provided that the following criteria is met:
a. The sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed five feet (5') in height with the exception of wall signs.
c. A temporary sign for a special event may not be placed on the property prior to five (5) days before the event, and must be removed one day after the end of the event.
2. Address Identification: For each dwelling unit, there shall be permitted one nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area indicating the name and/or address of the occupant.
3. Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area and eight feet (8') in height; on corner lots, two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
4. Property For Sale: Property listed for sale or rent may have one temporary wall or freestanding sign per street frontage provided it meets the following:
a. Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the building side facing a public street.
b. Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area or eight feet (8') in height.
c. Signs must meet all sign setback requirements.
d. The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale or rent.
e. The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of closing or vacancy filled.
f. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale or rent.
5. Vacant Lots For Sale: Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale are allowed one temporary sign without a permit per adjacent street provided that:
a. The sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign shall not be placed in the public right of way.
d. The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property being sold.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
6. Campaign Signs: Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota state statute 211B.045.
D. In R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-MH districts, the following signs are allowed by permit:
1. Businesses other than home occupations allowed within the residential districts are allowed one wall sign and one freestanding sign provided that:
a. Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of building facade facing a street.
b. Freestanding signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet or ten feet (10') in height.
2. Multiple-family, apartments, condominiums, and cooperatives containing four (4) or more units, may have the following signs:
a. Wall signs not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the building facade facing a street.
b. One freestanding sign per site entrance from a street not to exceed forty (40) square feet in area and not to exceed ten feet (10') in height.
3. Subdivisions with twenty (20) or more units are permitted one permanent sign per public street access provided it meets the following regulations:
a. The sign may not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
b. The sign shall be placed on an outlot, easement, or neighborhood association property.
c. The sign may not be placed in a visibility triangle.
d. The neighborhood association is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the sign.
e. The sign must be constructed out of materials approved by the zoning administrator and must complement the neighborhood.
E. In B-2, B-2A, B-3, B-4, B-W districts, the following signs are allowed without a permit:
1. Address Identification: For each business unit, there shall be permitted one nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
2. Window Signs:
a. Window signs may occupy up to twenty percent (20%) of the window area.
b. All window signs must be placed inside the building.
3. Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area and eight feet (8') in height; on corner lots, two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
4. Vacant Lots For Sale: Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale are allowed one temporary freestanding sign without a permit per adjacent street provided that:
a. The sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign shall not be placed in the public right of way and must meet sign setback requirements.
d. The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property being sold.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
5. Property For Sale: Property listed for sale or rent may have one temporary wall or freestanding sign provided it meets the following:
a. Wall sign shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the wall facade facing a public street.
b. Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet or eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale or rent.
d. The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of closing or vacancy filled.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale or rent.
6. Campaign Signs: Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota state statute 211B.045.
F. In B-2, B-2A, B-3, B-4, B-W districts, the following signs are allowed by permit:
1. Wall, Awning, And Canopy Signs:
a. Area: The total wall sign area (including projecting, awning, and canopy signs) for any building shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the building walls (including windows and doors) fronting on a public street right of way.
b. Number: The total number of signs may not exceed two (2) signs per building walls fronting on a public street right of way. One wall sign may be a changeable message board including changeable reader board/changeable banner (nondynamic) that is framed to define its perimeter. Additional wall signs may be approved with the submission and approval of a comprehensive sign plan per subsection 10-7-7D of this chapter.
c. Awning Or Canopy Signs: Letters may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible awning or canopy, subject to the following regulations:
(1) Lettering or letters shall not project above, below or beyond the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy.
(2) Signs on awnings that do not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total square footage of the awning.
d. Location: Wall signs shall be located on that side of the building or tenant bay facing the street right of way. Signs may be placed on that side of a building or tenant bay not facing a street right of way provided that no sign is located on that side of the building where the lot directly abuts a residential zoning district.
e. Type And Construction:
(1) Illuminated Signs: Wall signs shall be illuminated by shielded illumination, shielded silhouette lighting or shielded spotlighting, but not any lighting where the light source itself is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the characters.
(2) Clearance To Grade: Signs constructed of metal and illuminated by any means requiring internal wiring or electrically wired accessory fixtures attached to a metal sign shall maintain a free clearance to grade of nine feet (9'). Accessory lighting fixtures attached to a nonmetal frame sign shall maintain a clearance of nine feet (9') to ground. In the event a metal sign structure or accessory fixture herein described is grounded by the use of a grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors, and said structure or fixture is also grounded by being bonded to a grounding electrode at the sign site, no clearance to grade shall be mandatory.
(3) Neon Signs: Wall signs may be gaseous tube or may be illuminated by interior means of lighting of an intensity to prevent excessive glare and shall comply with the regulations established in section 10-7-7 of this chapter.
2. Ground Signs:
a. Not more than one ground sign shall be permitted on any lot. The total area of such sign shall be based on the lot width where the sign is to be placed up to a maximum area. For each one hundred (100) linear feet of width, sixty (60) square feet of signage shall be permitted (lot width/100 x 60) up to a maximum of two hundred fifty (250) square feet.
b. No ground sign shall exceed thirty feet (30') in height.
c. Sign area for ground signs applies to only one face of a two (2) faced ground sign, or two (2) faces of a four (4) faced sign, etc.
d. Commercial lots having one hundred feet (100') in width immediately adjacent to and along Interstate Highway 94 (excluding any intervening street or railroad right of way) shall be allowed the following:
(1) One freestanding pylon sign not to exceed fifty feet (50') in height. Sign area shall be determined by this subsection F2.
(2) One freestanding monument sign at the site entrance not to exceed sixty (60) square feet in sign area or twelve feet (12') in height.
(3) Lots containing an off premises advertising device shall only be allowed one billboard sign not to exceed fifty feet (50') in height.
e. Ground signs shall have a background which is dark in color in contrast to the sign lettering or message which is light in color to create a sufficient contrast and be clearly legible. No ground signs with lightly colored backgrounds shall be permitted unless the following conditions are met:
(1) All signs with light backgrounds shall be equipped with automatic dimming devices. Light cast upon adjacent rights of way (as measured from the curb line) or residential zoning districts (as measured from the property line) shall not exceed five-tenths (0.5) foot-candle (meter reading) above ambient light.
(2) The sign does not exceed thirty feet (30').
(3) The sign is located two hundred feet (200') from all residential buildings.
3. Changeable Copy Signs: One electronic changeable copy sign shall be allowed per site in the above listed districts with the following restrictions:
a. The images and messages displayed on changeable copy signs must be static, and the transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous without any special effects with the exception of a scrolling monochromatic message on a single color dark background.
b. A changeable copy sign may change its message no more than once every eight (8) seconds.
c. No changeable copy signs shall be closer than two hundred feet (200') from any residential zoning district unless they are screened from the adjoining residential property, or they shall not be illuminated between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. if the use is not open for business.
d. All changeable copy signs shall be equipped with automatic dimming devices. Light cast upon adjacent rights of way (as measured from the curb line) or residential zoning districts (as measured from the property line) shall not exceed five-tenths (0.5) foot-candle (meter reading) above ambient light.
e. Changeable copy signs shall not be permitted as window signs.
4. Automobile Service Station Signs: In addition to the district standards, the following sign standards apply to automobile service stations:
a. Pump operation instructions located on the gas pumps are exempt from the sign requirements.
b. Motor fuel station canopy may have a sign on those facades facing a public street not to exceed thirty percent (30%) of the canopy face.
5. Comprehensive Sign Plan: A comprehensive sign plan in accordance with subsection 10-7-7D of this chapter.
6. Special Event Signs: Temporary special event signs as regulated by subsection 10-7-7B of this chapter.
7. New Business Temporary Signs: New business temporary signs as regulated by subsection 10-7-7C of this chapter.
G. In I-1, I-2 districts, the following signs are allowed without a permit:
1. Window Signs:
a. Window signs may occupy up to twenty percent (20%) of the window space on which the sign is placed.
b. All window signs must be placed inside the building.
2. Campaign Signs: Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota state statute 211B.045.
3. Address Identification: For each business unit, there shall be permitted one nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
4. Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area and eight feet (8') in height; on corner lots, two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
5. Vacant Lots For Sale: Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale are allowed one temporary freestanding sign without a permit per adjacent street provided that:
a. The sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign shall not be placed in the public right of way and must meet sign setback requirements.
d. The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property being sold.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
6. Property For Sale: Property listed for sale or rent may have one temporary wall or freestanding sign provided it meets the following:
a. Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the building facade facing a public street.
b. Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet or eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale or rent.
d. The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of closing or vacancy filled.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale or rent.
H. In I-1, I-2 districts, the following signs are allowed by permit:
1. Wall, Awning And Canopy Signs: Wall, awning, or canopy signs with the following restrictions:
a. Wall Signs: Wall signs shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet or ten percent (10%) of the wall area (including windows and doors) facing the public street right of way, whichever is less.
b. Illumination: Signage placed on a wall abutting a public right of way, if illuminated, shall be by shielded illumination, shielded silhouette lighting, or shielded spotlighting but not any lighting where the light source itself is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the characters.
c. Awning Or Canopy Signs: Letters may be painted or otherwise affixed to any permissible awning or canopy, subject to the following regulations:
(1) Lettering or letters shall not project above, below or beyond the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy.
(2) Signs on awnings that do not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total square footage of the awning.
d. Signage On Walls Not Abutting A Public Right Of Way: A sign or signs shall be permitted on those walls not abutting a public right of way of any principal building, subject to the following regulations:
(1) The total area of each sign or signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet per access door.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection H1b of this section, if the main entrance/exit to a particular use in the principal building opens on a wall not abutting a public right of way, the applicant shall be permitted to sign the walls not abutting a public right of way in accordance with the provisions of subsection H1a of this section.
2. Ground Signs:
a. There shall be not more than one ground sign along each public street from which access is available for the parcel. The total area of such ground sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in area.
b. No ground sign shall exceed thirty feet (30') in height.
c. In lieu of a ground sign, one pylon sign shall be permitted on any lot in an industrial district, subject to the regulations in this section.
d. Ground signs shall have a background which is dark in color in contrast to the sign lettering or message which is light in color to create a sufficient contrast and be clearly legible. No ground signs with lightly colored backgrounds shall be permitted unless the sign is located two hundred feet (200') from all residential property lines.
3. Changeable Copy Signs: One electronic changeable copy sign shall be allowed per site in the above listed districts with the following restrictions:
a. The images and messages displayed on the signs must be static, and the transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous without any special effects with the exception of a scrolling monochromatic message on a single color dark background.
b. The sign may change its message no more than once every eight (8) seconds.
c. No sign shall be closer than two hundred feet (200') from any residential zoning district unless they are screened from the adjoining residential property, or they shall not be illuminated between the hours of eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M. if the use is not open for business.
d. All signs with light background shall be equipped with automatic dimming devices. Light cast upon adjacent rights of way (as measured from the curb line) or residential zoning districts (as measured from the property line) shall not exceed five-tenths (0.5) foot-candle (meter reading) above ambient light.
e. Changeable copy signs shall not be permitted as window signs.
4. Special Events Signs: Temporary special event signs regulated by subsection 10-7-7B of this chapter.
5. New Business Temporary Signs: New business temporary signs as regulated by subsection 10-7-7C of this chapter.
6. Comprehensive Sign Plan: A comprehensive sign plan in accordance with subsection 10-7-7D of this chapter.
I. In the P/I district, the following signs are allowed without a permit:
1. Address Identification: For each business unit, there shall be permitted one nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
2. Window Signs:
a. Window signs may occupy up to twenty percent (20%) of the window space on each side of a principal building without a permit.
b. Window signs that occupy more than twenty percent (20%) of the window space require a permit.
c. All window signs must be placed inside the building.
3. Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty two (32) square feet in area and eight feet (8') in height; on corner lots, two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
4. Vacant Lots For Sale: Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale are allowed one temporary freestanding sign without a permit per adjacent street provided that:
a. The sign shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
b. The sign shall not exceed eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign shall not be placed in the public right of way and must meet sign setback requirements.
d. The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property being sold.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
5. Property For Sale: Property listed for sale or rent may have one temporary wall or freestanding sign provided it meets the following:
a. Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the building facade facing a public street.
b. Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet or eight feet (8') in height.
c. The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale or rent.
d. The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of closing or vacancy filled.
e. The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale or rent.
6. Campaign Signs: Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota state statute 211B.045.
7. Central Park/ playfield advertising signs.
a. Temporary signs within Central Park playfields may be approved administratively for Albertville nonprofit baseball and softball associations and baseball leagues provided they meet the following conditions.
b. The number, location, materials, and duration of advertising signs for each proposal shall be determined on an individual basis and shall be based on the park layout, natural surroundings, and potential visual impact to surrounding properties and scenic views. Playfield advertising signs shall be subject to the review and approval of City Zoning Administrator.
c. Temporary playfield signs shall meet the following design standards.
(1) Banner signs only.
(2) Banner signs shall not exceed three (3) in height and five (5) in length.
(3) Banner signs within the Central Park playfields shall be located internal to the playfield and oriented toward the playfield.
(4) Signs may be installed from May 1 to October 1.
(5) All signs must be removed for the playfield fences two (2) days before Friendly City Days festival and may be reinstalled one day after the festival.
d. The city shall have the right to remove signs if they exceed the duration of the sign approval or the signs are not properly maintained as necessary for public health, safety and welfare, all as determined by the City's Zoning Administrator.
e. A written agreement shall be prepared by the city to be signed by the city and Albertville nonprofit baseball and softball associations and baseball leagues, identifying the parameters of the advertising signs and responsibilities of maintenance and financing for the advertising signs. One association per playfield.
J. In the P/I district, the following signs are allowed by permit:
1. Wall Signs:
a. Area: The total wall sign area (including wall, awning, canopy, projecting signs) shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of building facade fronting on a public street.
b. Number: The total number of signs may not exceed two (2) signs per building wall fronting on a public street right of way. One wall sign may be a changeable message board including changeable reader board/changeable banner (nondynamic) that is framed to define its perimeter. Additional wall signs may be approved with the submission and approval of a comprehensive sign plan per subsection 10-7-7D of this chapter.
c. Location: Wall signs shall be located on that side of the building or tenant bay facing the street right of way. Signs may be placed on that side of a building or tenant bay not facing a street right of way provided that no sign is located on that side of the building where the lot directly abuts a residential zoning district.
2. Freestanding Signs:
a. Area: The maximum size of sign area allowed for such uses shall be determined on the basis of site area according to the following schedule:
(1) Up to five (5) acres: Ninety six (96) square feet.
(2) 5.1 acres to twenty five (25) acres: One hundred twenty eight (128) square feet.
(3) 25.1 acres and above: One hundred sixty (160) square feet.
b. Height: The maximum height of sign structures shall be determined on the basis of site size according to the following schedule:
(1) Up to fifteen (15) acres: 8.0 feet.
(2) 15.1 acres and above: 17.5 feet.
c. Number: One freestanding sign per site.
3. Comprehensive Sign Plan: A comprehensive sign plan as regulated by subsection 10-7-7D of this chapter. (Ord. 2016-03, 5-2-2016; amd. Ord. 2024-02, 3-18-2024)