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§ 1010.004 NON-CONFORMING SIGNS.
   (1)   Nonconforming signs. It is recognized that signs exist within the zoning districts that were lawful before this sign chapter was enacted, which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments. It is the intention of this sign chapter that nonconforming signs shall be allowed to continue to exist, but they shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as the grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district. It is further the intent of this sign chapter to permit legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective date of this sign chapter, or amendments thereto, to continue as legal nonconforming signs provided the signs are safe, are maintained so as not to be unsightly, and have not been abandoned or removed subject to the following provisions:
      (a)   No sign shall be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity;
      (b)   Should the sign or sign structure be destroyed by any means to an extent greater than 50% of its replacement cost and no building permit has been applied for within 180 days of when the property was damaged, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter;
      (c)   Should the sign or sign structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located after it is moved;
      (d)   No existing sign devoted to a use not permitted by the zoning code in the zoning district in which it is located shall be enlarged, extended or moved except in changing the sign to a sign permitted in the zoning district in which is it located; and
      (e)   When a structure loses its nonconforming status, all signs devoted to the structure shall be removed and all signs painted directly on the structure shall be repainted in a neutral color or a color which will harmonize with the structure.
(Am. Ord. 09-14, passed 11-10-2014; Am. Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)
§ 1010.005 PROHIBITED SIGNS.
   The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:
   (1)   Off-premise signs as defined in this chapter, except as otherwise permitted in §§ 1010.006 or 1010.007.
   (2)   Signs within public right-of-way, affixed to public structures or public utility poles or boxes or other public equipment, or on other public property except signs erected or placed by a government entity with proper authority or control. A special exception may be granted by the City Council if road improvements or other public projects include the elimination of an access to a private property. In these cases, a sign giving directions to the new access may be allowed in the right-of-way.
   (3)   Signs painted on, attached to or affixed to any trees, rocks or other similar organic or inorganic natural matter.
   (4)   Any sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal. Further, no sign shall be installed, which by reason of position, shape or color would conflict with proper function or interpretation of any traffic sign or signal.
   (5)   Signs with revolving beacons, flashing signs, zip flashers or similar lighted devices.
   (6)   Signs that obstruct any door, fire escape, stairway or other access of any building or structure.
   (7)   Portable signs, except as otherwise permitted in § 1010.007.
   (8)   Projecting signs that extend over public property, except with an encroachment agreement, which the city may agree to at the city’s discretion.
   (9)   Roof signs including signs mounted on a roof surface or projecting above the roof line of a structure if either attached to the structure or cantilevered over the structure.
   (10)   Abandoned signs or signs, other than temporary off-premise signs, that advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer available on the premises on which the sign is located.
   (11)   Pennants or stringers.
   (12)   Any sign displaying obscene, indecent, immoral, or offensive content.
   (13)   Any signs not specifically allowed by this chapter.
(Am. Ord. 09-14, passed 11-10-2014; Am. Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)
§ 1010.006 GENERAL REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL ZONING DISTRICTS.
   (1)   Signs erected or placed by a government entity with proper authority or control within a public right-of-way, affixed to public structures or public utility poles or boxes or other public equipment, or on other public property are allowed in all zoning districts without a permit and are not subject to the limits or restrictions stated in this sign chapter.
   (2)   All permanent signs shall be constructed in conformance with the provisions of the Minnesota State Building Code, as amended, and Chapter 1003 of City Code.
   (3)   Signs in windows in the interior of buildings are exempt from this chapter, except that no more than 75% of any window may be covered by signage and no dynamic display signs shall be allowed to be displayed in windows. No signs may be attached to the exterior of windows.
   (4)   "No hunting” and "No trespassing" signs are allowed as regulated by M.S. § 97B.001, as it may be amended from time to time. No permit is required.
   (5)   Illuminated signs are allowed in all zoning districts. The source of light for any illuminated sign must be controlled so as not to shine directly upon or light adjacent property or public right-of-way. Signs that are not internally illuminated shall have light fixtures and sources screened from view.
   (6)   Dynamic display signs. No more than 32 square feet of the allowable sign area provided for in § 1010.008 shall be used for dynamic display signs, except that in Rural and Residential zoning districts dynamic display signs shall only be allowed for non-residential uses. The minimum display period for any message shall be eight seconds. No dynamic display signs may be placed in windows.
   (7)   Signs, including individual letters and symbols, must be detachable from the building and attached to the exterior building surface by adhesive or mechanical fasteners. Signs shall not be painted directly on any exterior building surface.
   (8)   Signs in election years. In state general election years, the provisions of M.S. § 211B.045, as amended, shall apply. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter regulating the allowed size or number of signs, in city election years all temporary noncommercial signs of any size may be posted in any number without a permit from 30 days before the city election until ten days following the city election. Other requirements of this chapter, including those regarding the location of signs, shall continue to apply.
   (9)   Directional signs up to four square feet are allowed up to six feet above grade without a permit.
   (10)   The exposed uprights, superstructure or back side of all signs must be a neutral color such as light blues, grays, greens or browns, unless the part of the sign is integral to the overall design of the sign.
   (11)   Multi-occupancy business and industrial buildings. When a single principle building is devoted to three or more businesses or industrial tenants, a comprehensive sign plan for the entire structure shall be submitted and shall be of sufficient scope and detail to permit a determination as to whether or not the plan is consistent with the following regulations. The plan shall be subject to the approval of the City Council. No permit shall be issued for an individual tenant except upon a determination that it is consistent with the approved comprehensive sign plan.
      (a)   The maximum individual tenant sign sizes shall not exceed the maximum provisions for single occupancy structures in the same zoning district.
      (b)   Multiple occupancy structures may display a unified ground sign consistent with the applicable district provisions. At least 25% of the ground sign must identify the entire site to assist with navigation to the site. Individual tenants shall not display ground signs.
      (c)   Except as provided in this chapter, individual tenants of multiple occupancy structures shall not display separate wall signs unless the tenants' business has an exclusive exterior entrance. The number of signs shall be limited to one per building facade that the tenant occupies, and each sign shall be limited to the maximum wall size sign permitted per building facade for single occupancy structures in the same zoning district.
      (d)   In any multiple occupancy structure qualifying as a mall type shopping center, one sign not exceeding 50 square feet shall be permitted for each common public entrance and shall be located within 50 feet of the common public entrance being served.
   (12)   Street addresses required to comply with address ordinances or building codes do not require a sign permit.
   (13)   Flags.
      (a)   Non-commercial flags are not regulated by this sign chapter.
      (b)   One commercial flag is allowed per property without a permit. Additional commercial flags shall be regulated as permanent signage, subject to the permitting requirements and sign area limits set by this chapter.
(Am. Ord. 09-14, passed 11-10-2014; Am. Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)
§ 1010.007 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
   (1)   Temporary signs for residential uses. Except as set forth in this chapter, all residential uses in Rural and Residential zoning districts shall be allowed one temporary on-premise or noncommercial sign up to six square feet placed at least ten feet from the lot line. This sign shall be in the form of a ground sign. Such sign may be placed without a permit and there is no time limit for the display of such sign. Only one ground sign, whether temporary or permanent, is permitted per residential use.
   (2)   Temporary signs for non-residential uses. All uses other than those addressed in § 1010.007(1) shall be allowed temporary on-premise or noncommercial signs in accordance with the following regulations:
      (a)   Except as specifically authorized by this sign chapter, one temporary sign is allowed per property. The maximum number of temporary signs for properties with multi-occupancy buildings shall be one per tenant, with no more than three per property displayed at one time.
      (b)   Except as specifically authorized by this chapter, temporary signs may not be displayed for more than a cumulative total of 90 days per calendar year per property. Properties with multi-occupancy buildings shall be allowed to display temporary signs for 90 days per calendar year per tenant.
      (c)   Except as specifically authorized by this chapter, temporary signs may not be displayed without a permit and a single permit shall not exceed 30 consecutive days. Each permit must indicate the number of days and the dates the sign is be displayed. Permits shall be signed by the property owner and/or property manager and are not transferrable if the property comes under new ownership, occupancy, or management. A fee and deposit at a level established by ordinance adopted by the City Council is required. The deposit shall be forfeited if the sign remains displayed past the date of removal indicated on the permit. The city has the right to remove the temporary sign at the end of the permit period and collect the cost of removal from the permit holder and/or property owner.
      (d)   When a property is under construction or for sale, one temporary sign is allowed to be displayed on each of the property's street frontages without a permit, subject to the following restrictions:
         1.   Each such sign must be set back at least ten feet from the lot line.
         2.   For properties that are under ten acres, the maximum size of each such sign shall be 32 square feet. For properties that are ten acres or more, the maximum size of each such sign shall be 100 square feet.
         3.   If construction or sale is of a single structure or parcel, any signs displayed under this provision must be removed within 30 days after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for or sale of the structure or parcel. If it is of more than one structure or parcel, any sign displayed under this provision must be removed 30 days after a certificate of occupancy is issued for the last building or when all of the units or parcels are sold.
      (e)   No temporary sign shall have lighting or illumination of any sort.
      (f)   All temporary signs shall be subject to the requirements in Table 1:
Table 1. Temporary Sign Requirements
Sign Type
Permit Required
Size (square feet)
Location
Special Provisions
Table 1. Temporary Sign Requirements
Sign Type
Permit Required
Size (square feet)
Location
Special Provisions
Ground signs
Required
See Table 2.
See Table 2.
Temporary ground signs shall be allowed consistent with the sizes, number, and location limits set forth in Table 2 based on the zoning district and in lieu of permanent ground signs allowed thereunder. The total number and size of temporary and/or permanent ground signs shall not exceed the limits set in Table 2. The maximum height of a temporary ground sign shall not exceed ten feet in height as measured from the ground.
Banner
Required
32 square feet maximum sign area.
All 4 corners must be attached to the principal building on the site.
N/A
Portable signs
Required
32 square feet maximum sign area.
Must be set back a minimum of five feet from lot line.
N/A
Sandwich boards
Required
Six square feet maximum sign area.
Must be in front of space occupied by the permit holder.
Sign permit is valid as long as the permit holder is in operation at the location.
No further than ten feet from door of the building occupied by the permit holder.
Can only be displayed during business hours; must be brought inside when business closes each day.
Must maintain four feet clear area for pedestrian passage, including distance from tables, opening doors, planters and the like.
Sandwich board signs must be of solid construction, of material resistant to weather, resistant to being knocked over by wind. Signs must always be maintained in good condition and avoid a shabby, unkempt appearance.
Must not be in parking area.
Balloons or inflatable signs
Not required
24 inches diameter maximum sign area.
N/A
N/A
 
   (3)   Temporary off-premise signs are allowed, without a permit, on any property as follows:
      (a)   The sign must be set back at least five feet from a lot line;
      (b)   Only one temporary off-premise sign shall be allowed per property and may be displayed only if the property is not displaying any other temporary sign allowed under this section;
      (c)   Placement of the sign shall require permission from the underlying property owner;
      (d)   The sign shall only be displayed between 6:00 a.m. on a Friday and 6:00 a.m. the following Monday; and
      (e)   The sign area shall be no larger than three (3) square feet in area and no higher than four feet above the ground to which it is attached.
   (4)   In PUD, Planned Unit Development Districts, temporary signs are regulated according to the standards for the corresponding land use and zoning category as stated in this section, except that a sign plan with differing requirements may be approved by the city.
(Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)
Cross-reference:
   City fee schedule, see § 218.01
§ 1010.008 ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
   (1)   Permanent signs in each zoning district must comply with the requirements of Table 2 of this section:
   Table 2: Permanent Sign Requirements. All permanent signs shall be subject to the following requirements:
   (a)   Rural and Residential Zoning Districts
Sign Type
R Rural
R-X Rural Executive
R-1, R-1X, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5 and R-6 Residential Districts Requirements    
Identification or Nameplate Signs
One per residence to assist with navigation.
Maximum sign area of two square feet.
No sign permit is required.
Ground Signs
Each property with a residence may have one ground sign, temporary or permanent, without a permit. The maximum size is six square feet. This sign may be an on-premise sign or a sign containing only non-commercial speech. There is no time limit for such a sign.
In addition, non-residential uses and licensed residential care facilities that are allowed by the Zoning Ordinance, and manufactured home parks in R-6 zones, may have one ground sign with a maximum sign area of 50 square feet. The maximum height of the sign shall be eight feet.
 
   Table 2: Permanent Sign Requirements (Cont’d).
   (a)   Rural and Residential Zoning Districts
Building Wall Signs
Non-residential uses and licensed residential care facilities that are allowed by the Zoning Ordinance, and manufactured home parks in R-6 zones, may have one wall sign on one building, maximum 80 square feet.
Property Setback
No sign shall be closer than ten feet to any lot line.
   (b)   NB, Neighborhood Business Zoning District
Sign Type
Single and Double Occupancy Building Requirements
Multi-Occupancy Building Requirements
Ground Signs
One ground sign of any type:
If a single building has three or more businesses, it must comply with § 1010.006(11) and shall be limited to one ground sign.
Maximum sign area of 50 square feet.
Maximum sign area of 100 square feet.
Maximum sign height of 30 feet.
No closer than 50 feet to another ground sign.
Building Wall Signs
Total wall sign area shall not exceed: 100 square feet or 10% of the building facade area, whichever is greater.   
Wall signs are permitted on any facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
Sign for individual business only if business has separate entrance. Maximum sign size applies to that tenant’s wall area and signs are permitted only on a facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
No illuminated sign may face land zoned residential or guided residential by the comprehensive plan. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
No wall sign higher than parapet wall.
Property setback
No sign may be closer than five feet to any lot line.
 
   Table 2: Permanent Sign Requirements (Cont’d).
   (c)   LB, Limited Business Zoning District
Sign Type
Single and Double Occupancy Building Requirements
Multi- Occupancy Building Requirements
Motor Fuel Station Requirements
Ground Signs
One ground sign of any type.
If single building has three or more businesses, it must comply with § 1010.006(11) and shall be limited to one ground sign of any type.
One ground sign per frontage, which could be a pylon sign, meeting the following requirements:
   Maximum sign area of 80 square feet.
   Maximum sign height of 45 feet height.
Maximum sign area of 50 square feet.
Maximum sign area of 100 square feet.
Maximum sign height of 30 feet      
Shall not be located closer than 50 feet to another ground sign      
Building Wall Signs
 
Total wall sign area shall not exceed: 100 square feet or 10% of the building facade area, whichever is greater.
Wall signs are permitted on any facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
Sign for individual business only if business has separate entrance. Maximum sign size applies to that tenant’s wall area and signs are permitted only on a facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
Canopy signs must comply with conditional use permit requirements in Zoning Ordinance.
 
No illuminated sign may face land zoned residential or guided residential by the comprehensive plan. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.       
No wall sign higher than parapet wall.
Property setback
No sign may be closer than five feet to any property line.
 
 
   Table 2: Permanent Sign Requirements (Cont’d).
   (d)   GB, General Business, PSP, Public Semi-Public Zoning Districts
Sign Type
Single and Double Occupancy Building Requirements
Multi-Occupancy Building Requirements
Motor Fuel Station Requirements
Ground Signs
One ground sign of any type per parcel.
If single building has three or more businesses, it must comply with § 1010.006(11).
One ground sign per frontage, which could be a pylon sign, meeting the following requirements:
   Maximum sign area 80 square feet.
Ground signs may total two square feet per frontage foot up to a maximum sign area of 200 square feet.
   Maximum sign height of 45 feet.
If between Town Center Parkway and Apollo Drive near the interchange of Interstate 35W and Lake Drive or between 21st Avenue North and Otter Lake Road near the interchange of Interstate 35E and Main Street, one additional sign is allowed consistent with the following standards:
1. For a pylon sign:
Maximum sign height of 40 feet.      
   a. Maximum sign area of 100 square feet.
   b. Maximum sign height of 65 feet.
2. For a ground sign:
Shall not be located closer than 50 feet to another ground sign.      
   a. Maximum sign area of 32 square feet. Maximum sign area of 32 square feet.
   b. Maximum sign height of 30 feet.   
 
   Table 2: Permanent Sign Requirements (Cont’d).
   (d)   GB, General Business, PSP, Public Semi-Public Zoning Districts (Cont’d)
Sign Type
Single and Double Occupancy Building Requirements
Multi-Occupancy Building Requirements
Motor Fuel Station Requirements
Building Wall Signs
Total wall sign area shall not exceed: 100 square feet or 10% of the building facade area, whichever is greater.
Wall signs are permitted on any facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
Sign for individual business only if business has separate entrance. Maximum sign size applies to that tenant’s wall area and signs are permitted only on a facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
Wall signs are permitted on any facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
No illuminated sign may face land zoned residential or guided residential by the comprehensive plan. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
No wall sign higher than parapet wall.
Property setback
   No sign may be closer than five feet to any lot line.
 
   Table 2: Permanent Sign Requirements (Cont’d).
   (e)   LI, Light Industrial, GI, General Industrial, and BC, Business Campus Zoning Districts
Sign Type
Single and Double Occupancy Buildings
Multi-Occupancy Building Requirements
Ground Signs
Individual sign allowed only if business is not part of integrated retail complex.
If single building has three or more businesses,it must comply with § 1010.006(11).
Ground signs of any type totaling two square feet per frontage foot up to a maximum sign area of 200 square feet.
Maximum sign height of 40 feet.   
Shall not be closer than 50 feet to another ground sign.
Building Wall Sign
Total wall sign area shall not exceed:
   100 square feet; or 10% of the building facade area whichever is greater.
   Wall signs are permitted on any facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For the purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
   Sign for individual business only if business has separate entrance. Maximum sign size applies to that tenant’s wall area and signs are permitted only on a facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone. For purposes of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.
No illuminated sign may face land zoned residential or guided residential by the comprehensive plan. For the purpose of this section a road shall constitute a separation of zones.   
No wall sign higher than parapet wall.
Property Setback
   No sign may be closer than five feet to any lot line.
 
   (2)   In a PUD, Planned Unit Development Districts, permanent signs are regulated according to the standards for the corresponding land use and zoning category as stated in this section, except that a sign plan with differing requirements may be approved by the city.
(Am. Ord. 09-14, passed 11-10-2014; Am. Ord. 01-23, passed 3-27-2023)
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