The following signs need no permit. These exemptions, however, shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and is in compliance with the provisions of this subchapter or any other law or ordinance regulating the same. Unless restricted by this section, these signs may be placed in all zoning districts.
(A) Signs with a commercial message placed upon construction sites. Such signs may be erected 60 days prior to construction and shall be removed within 10 days after completion of construction. Total site signage shall not exceed the following size limitations:
Project Area
|
Residential
|
Commercial/Industrial
|
Under 1 acre | 8 sq. ft. | 32 sq. ft. |
1.01 to 10 acres | 64 sq. ft. | 64 sq. ft. |
10.1 to 25 acres | 150 sq. ft. | 150 sq. ft. |
25.1 plus acres | 300 sq. ft. | 500 sq. ft. |
(B) On-premise directional/information signs of 9 square feet or less.
(C) Building address signs of 2 square feet or less.
(D) Non-commercial speech signs. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this subchapter, all signs of any size containing non-commercial speech may be posted from 46 days before the state primary in any general election year until 10 days following the general election and 13 weeks prior to any special election until 10 days following the special election. One non-commercial speech sign is allowed on each lot outside the above specified time period on all properties. All signs must be at least 5 feet from all property lines and shall not be located in the sight triangle.
(E) Emergency signs as required by any governmental agency.
(F) Residential and commercial real estate signs, not placed in the right of way. These signs must be removed within 7 days after the closing date of the sale or lease of the property.
(G) Signs or posters attached or painted on the inside of a display window including illuminated signs, but not flashing signs. These signs shall be placed as not to obstruct or interfere with any window, doorway or fire escape. Such signs shall not exceed 50% of the window area or 32 square feet, which ever is more restrictive. Such signs shall be prohibited in residential districts.
(H) Public signs, street signs, warning signs, or signs of public service companies for the purpose of promoting safety.
(I) Noncommercial flags.
(J) Pedestrian, vehicular-traffic and parking directional signs in parking lots, provided the face of such signs meet Minnesota Department of Transportation standards and which do not contain commercial speech.
(K) Replacement or repair of signs damaged by storm or accident, as long as the size or setback is not increased.
(L) Noncommercial directional signs not illuminated and not exceeding 2 square feet. Signs are limited to 1 per avenue or street directly leading to the establishment.
(M) Temporary or permanent signs by public utilities erected to warn the public.
(N) Easel and/or sandwich signs, as long as such signs do not exceed 24 inches by 48 inches. Signs are limited to 1 per lot. Signs must be taken down daily and must not block sidewalks or right of ways.
(O) Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into are attached to any masonry surface or noncombustible material.
(P) Banners affixed to buildings for point of purchase displays or special events.
(Q) Portable sign for community events displayed for 7 calendar days or less at a time.
(R) General sign maintenance such as painting, replacing light bulbs, cracked panels, and the like, including changing nameplates/sign copy for an existing business that does not increase the size, height, or setback.
(S) Temporary off-premise community/special event signs which meet the definition of a community/special event and all of the provision of § 151.184(F).
(T) Feather flag signs (commercial) not exceeding 10 feet in height.
(Ord. 494, passed 9-25-2007; Am. Ord. 526, passed 5-25-2010; Am. Ord. 542, passed 4-23-2013)