Subd. 1. Applicability. All permanent and temporary signs, except official traffic and street signs, shall conform to the provisions of this section and any other ordinance or regulations of the city.
Subd. 2. Sign Area Measurement.
1. The area to be calculated is the area within the smallest rectilinear perimeter that contains the entire signboard or module. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle.
2. Only one side of a double-faced sign shall be considered in determining the total display surface area. The face shall be that portion of a sign upon which the message, advertisement, or similar display is presented, as distinguished from the structural members.
Subd. 3. Sign Height Measurement. The height of a sign shall be measured from the post construction grade, or, if elevations of the centerline of the nearest frontage street are provided by the sign applicant, this point of elevation may be used rather than the existing grade.
Subd. 4. Setbacks. Unless specifically noted otherwise, all permanent freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from any property line and a minimum of five feet from any parking area or driveway. The city may require a greater or lesser setback due to public safety reasons, which may include the following conditions: vehicle sight distance, distance from intersection, designation of adjacent right-of-way. Menu boards and internal wayfinding signs are exempt from the setback from the parking area or driveway.
Subd. 5. Placement.
1. No sign shall be placed in such a position as to endanger pedestrians, bicyclists, or traffic on a street by obscuring the view or by interfering with official street signs or signals.
3. Signs and their supporting structures shall not interfere with any surface and underground utility or communications lines or equipment.
4. No sign shall be mounted on chimneys, rooftop equipment, towers, cooling towers, elevator penthouses, commercial antennas, communication towers, belfries, church spires, and cupolas.
5. No sign shall be pasted or attached to utility poles, trees, fences, or other signs.
6. No sign shall be pasted or attached to city property or equipment without permission from the governing body and shall be subject to all related laws and ordinances.
Subd. 6. Materials and Construction.
1. All signs shall be constructed of durable materials using noncorrosive fastenings.
2. All signs shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material to be considered safe and substantial.
3. Signs which utilize electricity must meet the following provisions:
a. Be installed in accordance with the current applicable electrical code;
b. All necessary electrical and building permits must be obtained prior to placement;
c. Electrical service to freestanding signs shall be underground;
d. Exposed wiring or conduit shall not be allowed, unless the conduit matches the surface it is attached to; and
e. All work must be completed by an electrical contractor licensed by the state.
Subd. 7. External Lighting.
1. Lighting must be directed at the sign and must be shielded (not be visible to pedestrians, motorists, or neighboring residents or businesses).
2. Lighted signs shall be no closer than 20 feet from the nearest residential property and shall be illuminated in compliance with subsection 1006.01, Subd. 8.
Subd. 8. Maintenance.
1. All signs and components thereof shall be kept in good repair and in safe, neat, clean, and attractive condition and in compliance with all applicable Building Code requirements.
2. All permanent signs shall be properly painted, including all parts and supports of the sign unless such parts or supports are galvanized or otherwise treated to prevent rust.
3. Any sign which becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety of a building or premises, or endangers the public safety, shall be considered a public nuisance and shall repaired or removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use of the building, structure, or land upon which the sign is located within ten days after written notification from the Zoning Administrator.