(A) Permit required. It is unlawful to install, construct, erect, alter, revise, reconstruct or relocate any outdoor sign or structure, as defined in § 161.006 of this chapter, in the city without first obtaining a permit therefor as required by this chapter, except as provided in division (B) below.
(B) Exceptions. Permits need not be obtained for any sign less than or equal to eight square feet in area (excluding temporary signs), or for the specific signs addressed below; provided, all other requirements of this chapter are satisfied:
(1) A sign pertaining only to the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which displayed;
(2) A sign on residential property stating only the name or identity of the occupant;
(3) Construction sign or sign belonging to a contractor performing work upon a property. The sign shall be removed immediately upon completion of the work;
(4) Home occupation signs and incidental residential signs;
(5) National, state, regional, local, institutional or cultural flags;
(6) Advertising on a transit bench or within a transit shelter or enclosure;
(7) Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public safety official;
(8) Government signs. All governmental signs, including, but not limited to, traffic-control and other regulatory purpose signs, street signs, identification signs, informational signs, danger signs and signs for official city events;
(9) Flag or pennant stringers;
(10) Sandwich boards not exceeding eight square feet and ground signs not exceeding four square feet that are located within 15 feet of business advertised on sign; and
(11) Non-commercial sign. For all types of property, the city allows sign(s) that expresses an opinion or a viewpoint of a non-commercial nature. The non-commercial sign(s) shall not be illuminated or exceed nine square feet combined. For multiple unit residential properties, the sign(s) must be attached to the dwelling unit or placed in a location that clearly indicates ownership and does not represent the opinions of other residents in the area who have not agreed to the sign(s). Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the non-commercial speech exemption provided by M.S. § 211B.045, as it may be amended from time to time, is hereby incorporated by reference.
(Prior Code, § 1008.01) (Ord. 607, passed 05-11-1998; Ord. 679, passed 05-29-2001; Ord. 769, passed 05-08-2006; Ord. 816, passed 01-22-2009; Ord. 847, passed 10-21-2010; Ord. 999, passed 7-10-2023)