(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)