(a) Pursuant to M.S. § 462.357, subd. 1e, as it may be amended from time to time, a legally established nonconforming permanent sign may continue, including through repair, replacement, restoration, maintenance, or improvement, but not including expansion, only in compliance with the provisions of this section.
(b) Expansion. For purposes of this sign code, EXPANSION means:
(1) An increase to the sign area that increases the level of nonconformity;
(2) An increase to the height of the sign that increases the level of nonconformity;
(3) An increase to the dimensions of the sign cabinet or increase in the depth of the sign; or
(4) Removal of the sign and installation of the sign at a new location.
(c) A legally established nonconforming sign may not be expanded except to bring the sign into compliance with this sign code, unless a sign variance, master sign plan or planned development flexibility is approved that allows the proposed level of nonconformity.
(d) A legally established nonconforming sign must not resume if:
(1) The sign is discontinued within the meaning of M.S. § 462.357, subd. 1e; or
(2) The sign or is destroyed by fire or other peril to the extent of greater than 50% of its market value, as indicated in the records of the city assessor at the time of damage, and no sign permit has been applied for within 180 days of the when the sign was damaged. In this case, the city may impose reasonable conditions on the sign permit in order to mitigate any newly created impact on adjacent property.
(Ord. 2024-4, passed 2-26-2024)