2015-11-10 PC Agenda PacketPLANNING COMMISSIONMEETING
Tuesday,November 10,2015
7:00 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER -ROLL CALL –ADOPT AGENDA
2.MINUTES
October 13, 2015Planning CommissionMeeting (pages 1-3)
3.PUBLIC HEARINGS
a.None
4.OTHER BUSINESS
a.Sign Code Update (pages 4-39)
5.ADJOURNMENT
ALBERTVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2015
DRAFTMINUTES
ALBERTVILLE CITY HALL7:00PM
1.CALL TO ORDER –ROLL CALL –ADOPT AGENDA
Chair Klecker called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Beckerconducted roll call.
Present:
Chair Kleckerand Commissioners Dominick, Barthel, Lindberg
Absent:
CommissionerEdgren
Others Present:
City Planner Alan Brixius,Building Permit Technician Maeghan Becker,City
Council Member Hudson, Resident Bob Zagorski
Motioned byKlecker, seconded by Barthel,to approve the agenda as presented. Ayes:Klecker,
Dominick, Barthel and Lindberg. Nays: None. Absent:Edgren. MOTION DECLARED
CARRIED.
2.MINUTES
Motioned by Dominick, seconded by Klecker, to approve the September 10,2015Planning
Commission meeting minuteswith the following correction; spellingof Jeremy Dominick’s
name.
Ayes:Klecker, Dominick, Barthel and Lindberg. Nays: None. Absent:Edgren.MOTION
DECLARED CARRIED.
3.PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A.None
4.OTHER BUSINESS
A.Sign Code Update Discussion
Brixius wants to focus on the prepared draft ordinanceand highlightedon the specific areas of
change, as noted below.He would also like to review the comprehensive signplanto work in
flexibility with single tenant and multi-tenant buildings.
A.General Purpose and Intent:
1.To promote health and safety and the general welfare.
B.Objectives:
Page 1
1.To establish standards which permit businesses a reasonable and equitable
opportunity to advertise.
2.To preserve and promote civic beauty and prohibit signs which would detract
from this objective because of number, size, shape, height, location, condition,
cluttering or illumination.
3.To insure that signs do not create safety hazards.
4.To preserve and protect property values.
5.(New added element)To allow signage and communication to direct traffic on
both public streets and private property.
Brixius wanted it on the record this is the purpose and intent as to why they are drafting the sign
code.
Definitions Section:
Brixius reviewed the physical components of the sign. (Example: sign face, sign pole, sign area.)
General provisions governing non-conforming signs:
If at any time a non-conforming sign shall be damaged or destroyed to the extent of more
than 50% of its fair market value, said value to be determined by the City, it may be re-
established to its prior size and form, but not expanded, if the property owner applies for a
signed building permit within 180days of the damage event. If no signed building permit is
applied for within the specified time period, then without further action by the Council, the
sign shall be subject to all the regulations specified by this code for the district in which such
land and buildings are located. Any sign which is damaged to the extent of less than 50% of
its fair market value may be restored to its former extent if it is reconstructed within 12
months after the date of said damage. Estimate of the extent of damage or destruction shall
be made by the Building Official.
In the Eminent Domain Section: If you put a condition of removing a non-conforming
condition,that may be a compensatable situation.
Prohibited Signs:
Brixius went over the prohibited signs in all the zoning districts for the City of Albertville.
Klecker and Barthel discussed temporary sign regulations and enforcements.
General Provisions:
Brixius discussed all the general provisions and requirements for the signs, such as:
Application of building and electrical codes
Maintenance requirements
Illuminated signs
Glare
Identifiable address
Sign location/setback (these provisions already exist)
Brixius is asking for the Planning Commission to consider a new set back rule. He
suggestedthat no free standing sign shall be closer than 5 feet from any property line.
Right now the rule is 10 feet.
Planning Commission Meeting MinutesPage 2
Regular Meeting of October 13, 2015
Brixius went on to discuss the other general provisions of the signs.
District Regulations:
In A-1, A-2, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3 Districts, the following signs are allowed without a permit.
Temporary special event signs may be allowed under certain regulations.
Address identification.
Property listed for sale may have one temporary freestanding sign provided it meets the
following:
The sign shall not exceed four square feet.
The sign shall not exceed five feet in height.
The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale.
The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale.
The sign is removed within 14 days after the date of closing.
Klecker is opposed to the amount of days and would like it changed to 7 days.
The other commissioners do not seethe need to change at this time.
The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
Vacant lots.
Remodeling.
Brixius continued to discuss the provisions of signs for each district with and without a permit to
the commissioners.
Brixiusislooking fordirection from the Planning Commission on the number of signs per
building wall. Currently,the total number of signs may not exceed two signs per building
walls fronting on a public street right-of-way. The Planning Commission should decide if
the number of signsshould be eliminatedand simply move to a percentage of coverage.
Brixius wants to be more flexible on the location of wall signs.
Looking for direction from the Planning Commission to see if the 50-foot sign height option
should be removed.
Dominick and Lindberg see no reason to change it. Decision is to keep it as is.
With the changing technology associated with dynamic signs, the City may consider
removing the size and height limitations of these signs.The Planning Commission
recommended the removal of the limitations.
Brixius recommended that billboard language contrary to Minnesota State Statute be removed.
5.ADJOURNMENT
Motioned by Barthel,seconded byKlecker,to adjourn the meeting at 8:15p.m.Ayes:
Dominick,Bartheland Lindberg.Nays: None.Absent: Edgren.MOTION DECLARED
CARRIED.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Maeghan M. Becker,Building Permit Technician
Planning Commission Meeting MinutesPage 3
Regular Meeting of October 13, 2015
MEMORANDUM
TO:Adam Nafstad
FROM:Alan Brixius
DATE:November 5, 2015
RE:Albertville –Sign Code Update
FILE NO:163.18
At the October meeting, the Planning Commission reviewed the first draft of the updated
Sign Code. During this meeting, we went over the General Provisions, Prohibited
Signs, and the Zoning District standards. Through this review, the following changes
were recommended:
1.A new sign setback will be established for freestanding signs to give better
exposure of the signs along the streets.
2.We established new standards for awnings and canopy signs recognizing that
building awnings can be architectural amenities.
3.On electronic changeable message signs, we are recommending these types of
signsmay be as large as the district standards.
4.There was general agreement with the new zoning district standards.
We will be wrapping up the Sign Code review at the November meeting. Items for
reviewwill include:
1.Changes from the October meeting.
2.Special sign standardsfor:
a.Billboards.
b.Temporarysigns.
c.New business temporary signs.
d.Comprehensive sign plans.
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3.Permits and enforcement.
We have added new language for new businesses to give opportunities for grand
openings. We also want the Planning Commission to examine the comprehensive sign
plan standards.
If the review follows last month’s review, we anticipate a brief meeting. If all goes well,
we hope to present the recommended draft to the City Council on November 16, 2015
and go to publichearing in December.
c:Kim Olson
Maeghan Becker
Paul Heins
Mike Couri
5
Draft 11/5/15
ALBERTVILLE SIGN CODE
CHAPTER 7
10-7-1: PURPOSE AND INTENT:
A. Purpose. This section is established to protect and promote health, safety,
general welfare and order within the City of Albertville through the establishment
of a comprehensive and impartial series of standards, regulations and
procedures governing the type, number, size, structure, location, height, lighting,
erection, use and/or display of devices, signs or symbols serving as a visual
communication media to persons situated within or upon public rights-of-way or
privateproperties. The provisions of this Section are intended to encourage
opportunity for effective, orderly communication by reducing annoyances,
confusion and hazards resulting from unnecessary and/or indiscriminate use of
communication facilities.
B. Objectives.
1. To establish standards which permit businesses a reasonable and
equitable opportunity to advertise.
2. To preserve and promote civic beauty and prohibit signs which would
detract from this objective because of number, size, shape, height,
location, condition, cluttering or illumination.
3. To insure that signs do not create safety hazards.
4. To preserve and protect property values.
5.Allow signage and communication to directtraffic on both public streets
and private property.
10-7-2: DEFINITIONS:
For the purpose of this chapter, the terms defined in this section shall have the
meanings herein given them:
ADJACENT AREA: For the purpose of section10-7-6of this chapter, adjacent area
shall be defined as a strip of land that is immediately adjacent and parallel to Interstate
94 through Albertville and meets bothof the following criteria:
A.The adjacent area shall only include land parcels or lots that directly abut the
Interstate 94 right of way, or city owned right of way intended for future interstate
access improvements, otherwise known as CSAH 19/Interstate 94 and CSAH
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37/Interstate 94 interchange improvements. Parcels acquired solely for drainage
and utility or ponding purposes shall not be considered an adjacent area. Parcels
that do not directly abut the aforementioned rights of way are not within the
adjacent area.
B.The adjacent area shall be limited to a strip of land four hundred feet (400') in
width measured from the midpoint of the center median between the opposing
traffic lanes of Interstate 94 and extending out either sides of Interstate 94 (see
graphic below).
BILLBOARD AREA OR SIGN AREA:That portion of the sign face of a billboardor
business sign which includes the border and trim thereof, but excludes the base and
apron supports and other structural members. If an advertising device or business sign
is constructed so that the faces are not constructed back to back, the angle shall not
exceed ninety degrees (90°). If said angle is greater than ninety degrees (90°), the total
area of both sides added together shall not exceed the maximum allowable advertising
device or business sign area.
BANNERS: Any attention getting devices which resemble flags and are of a paper, cloth
or plastic or plastic-like consistency.
CAMPAIGN SIGNS: Any sign that meets the provisions of Minnesota State Statute
211B.045.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign or portion thereof that has a reader board for the
display of text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic or symbol is
defined by objects not consisting of an illumination device and may be changed or
rearranged manually or mechanically with characters, illustrations, letters or numbers
that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign
structure. Changeable copy signs shall also include the following:
1.Changeable Copy Sign, Electronic: A sign or portion thereof that displays
electronic, non-pictorial text information in which each alphanumeric
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character, graphic, or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix
elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber
optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area.
Electronic changeable copy signs include computer programmable,
microprocessor controlled electronic displays. Electronic changeable copy
signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics
onto buildings or objects. Electronic changeable copy signs do not include
official signs.
2.Electronic Graphic Display Sign: A sign or portion thereof that displays
electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without
text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements using
different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light
bulbs or other illumination devices within the display areawhere the
message change sequence is accomplished immediately or by means of
fade, re-pixalization or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic display signs
include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or
digital displays. Electronic graphic display signs include projected images
or messages with these characteristics onto buildings or other objects.
3.Video Display Sign: A sign that changes its message or background in a
manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery,
which may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to
imitate movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a
progression of frames that gives the illusion of motion, including, but not
limited to, the illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light,
or expanding or contracting shapes, not including electronic changeable
copy signs. Video display signs include projected images or messages
with these characteristics onto buildings or other objects.
COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAYS OR CSAH: A road that is established, located,
constructed, reconstructed, improved and maintained as a public highway by the county
and is so designated a county state aid road.
DOUBLE FACE SIGN: A sign displaying information on both sides.
ERECT: To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, affix, attach, create, paint, draw or
in any other way to bring into being or establish, but it shall not include any of the
foregoing activities when performed as an incident to the change of advertising
message or customary maintenance of an outdoor advertising structure or device.
FLASHING SIGN: A directly or indirectly illuminated sign or portion thereof that exhibits
changing light or color effect by any means, so as to provide intermittent illumination
that changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts and creates the illusion of
intermittent flashing light by streaming, graphic bursts showing movement, or any mode
of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling or sparkling.
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GRADE OF SIGN: The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground,
paving or sidewalk within the area between the sign and a line ten feet (10') from the
sign.
GROUND SIGN: A sign placed upon or supported by the ground independently of the
main building or structure on the property. Signs on accessory structures shall be
considered "ground signs".
ILLUMINATED SIGN: A sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines
illuminated by electric lights or tubes, or by other artificial light directed to the sign or by
internal illumination.
INTERSTATE HIGHWAY: Any highway at any time officially designated as a part of the
national system of interstate and defense highways by the commissioner of
transportation and approved by the appropriate authority of the federal government.
LOGO: Any letter, character, or symbol used to represent an entire word or group of
words denoting the name, trade or purpose of any business.
MAINTAIN: To allow to exist.
MOVING SIGN: A sign which revolves, rotates, has any moving parts, or gives the
illusion of motion.
MULTIVISION SIGN: Any sign composed in whole or part of a series of vertical or
horizontal slats or cylinders that are capable of being rotated at intervals so that partial
rotationof the group of slats or cylinders produces a different image and when properly
functioning allows on a single sign structure the display at any given time one of two (2)
or more images.
OFF PREMISES SIGNS: A commercial speech sign which directs the attention of the
public to a business, activity conducted, or product sold or offered at a location not on
the same lot where such sign is located. For purposes of this sign ordinance,
easements and other appurtenances shall be considered to be outside such lot and any
sign located or proposed to be located in an easement or other appurtenance shall be
considered an off premises sign.
ON PREMISES SIGNS: A sign that is located on property that is the premises, property
or site of the use identified or advertised in the sign.
PORTABLE SIGN: A moveable sign not fixed to a building or the ground (i.e., pulled on
a trailer vehicle).
PROJECTING SIGN: A sign which is affixed to a building and which projects from the
building wall a distance greater than twelve inches (12").
PUBLIC NOTICES: Official notices posted by public officers, employees or their agents
in the performance of their duties, or as directed by such officers, employees or agents.
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PYLON SIGN: A freestanding sign erected upon no more than two (2) pedestals, posts
or shafts.
READER BOARD SIGN: A sign with separate inset letters and symbols or changeable
copy which can be easily removed and which are periodically changed.
ROOF SIGN: A sign which is located above the eaves or coping line.
ROTATING SIGN: A sign or portion of a sign which in any physical part or in total turns
about on an axis, rotates, revolves or is otherwise in motion, including, without
limitation, a multivision sign.
SHIMMERING SIGN: A sign which reflects an oscillating, sometimes distorted, visual
image.
SIGN: A name, identification, description, display, illustration, structure, or device which
is affixed to, or painted, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building or other
outdoor surface or a piece of land, and which directs attention to an object, product,
place, activity, person, institution, organization or business.
SIGN SETBACK: The shortest distance between the property or public right of way line
and the surface or main supporting structure of a sign.
SIGN STRUCTURE: The supports, foundations, uprights, bracing and framework for a
sign, including the sign area.
SPECIAL SIGN: means any sign that is a billboard, temporary sign, or banner
TEMPORARY SIGN: A sign which is erected for a limited time and/or special purpose.
WALL SIGN: A sign which is affixed to the exterior wall of a building and which does not
project more than twelve inches (12") from the surface to which it is attached.
WINDOW SIGN: A sign affixed to a window or located inside a window surfacelegible
to the general public. (Amended Ord. 1987-3, 10-19-1987; amd. Ord. 2004-09, 11-15-
2004; Ord. 2007-08, 8-20-2007; Ord. 2014-06, 10-20-2014)
10-7-3:NON-CONFORMING SIGNS:
A.The following are non-conforming signs:
1.Prohibited signs.
2.All other signs not prohibited that do not conform to the provisions of this
code.
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B.General provisions governing non-conforming signs:
1.A non-conforming sign lawfully existing upon the effective date of this
ordinance may be continued at the size and in the manner existing upon
such date.
2.Non-Conforming Sign Maintenance and Repair. Nothing in this code
shall be construed as relieving the owner or user of a legal non-
conforming sign or other of the property on which the legal non-
conforming sign is located from the provisions of this ordinance regarding
safety, maintenance, and repair of signs, provided however, that any
repainting, cleaning, and other normal maintenance or repair of the sign or
sign structure shall not modify the sign structure or sign areain any way
which makes it more non-conforming or the sign shall lose its legal non-
conforming status.
3.If at any time a non-conforming sign shall be damaged or destroyed to the
extent of more than fifty percent (50%) of its fair market value, said value
to be determined by the City, it may be re-established to its prior size and
form, but not expanded, if the property owner applies for a signed building
permit within one hundred eighty (180) days of the damage event. If no
signed building permitis applied for within the specified time period, then
without further action by the Council, the sign shall be subject to all the
regulations specified by this code for the district in which such land and
buildings are located. Any sign which is damaged to an extent of less
than fifty percent (50%) of its fair market value may be restored to its
former extent if it is reconstructed within twelve (12) months after the date
of said damage. Estimate of the extent of damage or destruction shall be
made by the Building Official.
10-7-4:PROHIBITED SIGNS:
A.The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts in the City of Albertville:
1.Flashing Or Moving Signs: No flashing signs, rotating or moving signs,
animated signs, signs with moving lights, or creating the illusion of
movement shall be permitted.
2.Painted Wall Signs: Nosign which is painted directly upon a wall surface
shall be permitted.
3.Obsolete And Off Premises Signs: No sign shall be permitted which
advertises a business which is not being presently conducted on the
premises on which the sign is located, except billboards, as provided for in
section8of this chapter, and except any privately owned recreational
establishment having a gross open space area within the city greater than
eighty (80) acres, where such open space is an integral part of the
11
business, may have one directional sign not to exceed thirty two (32)
square feet in size identifying the name of the establishment with one
directional arrow. Said sign shall be in conformance with this chapter. Said
directional sign shall not be erected or maintained in the city except on
property abutting a county road.
4.Signs Obstructing Accesswaysor Windows: No sign shall physically
obstruct any required accessway or window in such a manner as to create
a safety hazard.
5.Signs Obstructing Traffic: No exterior sign or sign located in the interior of
a building but visible through a window shall be maintained at any location
where, by reason of its position, size, shape or color, it may obstruct,
impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any traffic
control sign, signal or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or
confuse traffic.
6.Signs on trees or shrubs, or which are painted or drawn upon rocks or
natural features, or on public utility poles.
7.Signs which are structurally unsafe, in disrepair, or are abandoned.
8.Roof signs located directly on a building roof or projecting over or from a
building roof.
9.Signs mounted on vehicles or trailers with the exception of trailer reader
signs, excepttemporary portable signs as permitted under Section 10-7-8
of this chapter.
10-7-5:GENERAL PROVISIONS:
All signs hereafter painted, constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated or expanded
shall comply with the following standards:
A.Application of Building and Electrical Codes: All signs shall be wired to conform
to the electrical code of the state of Minnesota. Sign structures shall be designed
to provide a thirty (30) psf snow load and a thirty (30) psf wind pressure.All
signs allowed by permit shall be installed and maintained in conformance with
Minnesota State Building and Electrical Codes, as may be amended.
B.Maintenance Requirements: All signs, including electrical wiring, supporting
structures, guywires or chains, shall be properly maintained and kept in a safe
condition.
C.Illuminated Signs: Signs shall be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting
bright light upon property located in any residential district or upon any public
street or park. Any illuminated sign located on a lot adjacent to, within twothree
12
hundred feet (2300') of, or across the street from,any single-family residential
district, which sign is visible from such single-family residential district, shall not
be illuminated at any time between the hours of eleveno'clock (11:00) P.M. and
seven o'clock (7:00) A.M., when the use is not open for business.
D.Glare: In all districts, any lighting used to illuminate an off street parking area,
yard or other structure shall be arranged to deflect light away from any adjoining
residential zone or from the public streets. Direct or sky reflected glare, where
from floodlights or from high temperature processes such as welding or
combustion, shall not be directed into any other property. The source of light
shall be hoodedor controlled. Bare incandescent light bulbs shall not be
permitted in view of adjacent property or right of way. Any light or combination of
lights which cast light on residential property shall not exceed four-tenths (0.4)
foot-candle (meter reading), as measured from the residential property. Any light
or combination of lights which cast light on a public street shall not exceed one
foot-candle as measured from the centerline of the street.
E. Identifiable Address: Every principal building shall be identified with an address
containing the street number(s), which shall be readable from the nearest
adjacent roadway serving the premises. The size of the numbering shall not
exceed the size standardsin Section ________ of this chapter.
F.Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises or identifies a bona
fide business conducted, or a service rendered, or a product sold, shall be
removed by the owner, agent, or person having the beneficial use and/or control
of the building or structure upon which the sign may be found within ten (10) days
after written notice from the City Official.
G.Signs shall not create a hazard to the safe, efficient movement ofvehicular or
pedestrian traffic. No private sign shall contain words orcolors which might be
construed as traffic controls, such as “stop”,“caution”, “warning”, unless the sign
is intended to direct traffic on thepremises.
H.Sign Location/Setbacks.
1.No signs other than governmental signs shall be erected or placedwithin
apublic right-of-way.
2.No freestanding sign structure shall be closer than five (5) feet fromany
property line. When the bottom of the sign face of afreestanding sign is
fifteen (15) feet or higher above grade, the signface may extend into the
setback no closer than one (1) foot fromthe property line. No sign shall be
placed within any drainage orpublic easement.
3.Except for off-premise signs allowed in other sections of thisOrdinance,
all signs must be located on the same lot as the person,firm, business,
product, or building being identified.
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4.On all corner lots, signs shall not be permitted within twenty (20)feet of
any corner formed by the intersection of two (2) streets. Thetwenty (20)
feet shall be in the form of a triangle with two (2) sidesformed by the
property lines and the third side formed by a straightline connecting the
two (2) twenty (20) foot points on each side ofthe corner. A sign may be
extended abovethe triangular areaprovided that the clearance between
the bottom of the sign face andthe street grade is fifteen (15) feet or
higher.
I.Banners, Pennants, Streamers, Strings ofLights, Searchlights: No banner,
pennant, streamer, string of lights, searchlight, or any other similar sign shall be
permitted, except as provided in Sections10-7-8.B and 10-7-8.Cof this chapter.
Banner signs and specialty signs will be permitted as temporary signage as
regulated by this section and Sections10-7-8.B and 10-7-8.Cof this chapter.
J.Projecting signs are permitted if they are atleast eightfeet (8') aboveground and
meetrequired setbacks.Said sign shall be counted as a wall sign in the sign
area calculation.
K.All signs shall be accessory uses within the designated zoning district and shall
be directly related to the principal use of the property on which it is located. Only
off-premise signs and Billboard sign structures, allowed under Section 10-7-8,
shall bean exception to this provision.
L.Sign Height.
1. All height restrictions on signs shall include height of sign structure and be
measured from the lot grade or in the case of inflatable device from its
mounting surface to its highest point.
2. The top edge of any wall or building mounted sign or object intended as
an attention attracting device shall not extend above the roof line, parapet,
mansard or façade of a building adjacent to the sign or object.
M.A freestanding sign or sign structure constructed so that the faces are not back to
back shall not have an angle separating the faces exceeding twenty (20) degrees
unless the total area of both sides added together does not exceed the maximum
allowable sign area for that district.
N.Off Premise Signs. Off premise signs shall adhere to the regulations of Section
10-7-8of this chapter.
10-7-6:DISTRICT REGULATIONS:
The following regulations apply to the City’s
various zoning districts.
A.In A-1, A-2, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3Districts, the following signs are allowedwithout
a permit:
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1.Temporary special event signs may be allowed without a permit subject to
the following:
a.Thesign shall not exceed four (4) square feet
b.Thesign shall not exceed five (5) feet in height
c.A temporary sign for a special event may not be placed on the
property prior to five (5) days before the event, and must be
removed one (1) day after the end of the event.
2.Address Identification: For each dwelling unit there shall be permitted one
addresssign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
3.Property listed for sale may have one (1) temporary freestanding sign
provided it meets the following:
a.Thesign shall not exceed four (4) square feet
b.Thesign shall not exceed five (5) feet in height
c.Thesign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale.
d.The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of
closing.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
4.Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale
are allowed one (1) temporary freestanding sign per adjacent street
provided that:
a.Thesign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
b.Thesign shall not exceed eight(8) feet in height.
c.Thesign shall not be placed in the public right-of-wayand shall
meet the required sign setbacks.
d.The sign shall be removed within fourteen(14) days of the property
being sold.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
5.Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a
building, there shall be permitted one freestanding sign not exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet inareaand eight (8) feet in height; on corner
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lots, two (2) such signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All
signs shall be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no
longer than two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of
the structure indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
6.Campaign signs are exempt from these provisionsof this chapterper
Minnesota State Statute 211B.045.
B.In A-1, A-2, R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3 Districts,signs are allowed by permitwith the
following conditions:
1.Businessesother than home occupations allowedwithin the agricultural
and residential districtsare allowed one (1) wall sign or one (1) monument
sign provided that:
a.Freestandingsignsmay not exceed fifty (50) square feetor eight
(8) feet in height.
b.Wall signsmay not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the building
façade.
2.Subdivisions with twenty(20) or more units are permittedone (1)
permanent freestanding signper subdivision street entrance,provided it
meets the following regulations:
a.The sign may not exceed thirty-two(32) square feet.
b.The sign shall be placed on an outlot, easement, or common lot
owned by a neighborhood association property.
c.The sign may not be placed in a visibility triangle.
d.The neighborhood association shall beresponsible for the
maintenance and upkeep of the sign.
e.The sign must be constructed out of materials approved by the
zoning administrator.
C.In R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-MH Districts,the following signs are allowedwithout
a permit:
1.One (1) temporary special event signis allowed without a permit per street
frontageprovided that the following criteria is met:
a.The signshall not exceed four (4) square feet.
b.The sign shall not exceed five(5) feet in heightwith the exception
of wall signs.
16
c.A temporary sign for a special event may not be placed on the
property prior to five (5) days before the event, and must be
removed one (1) day after the end of the event.
2.Address Identification: For each dwelling unit,there shall be permitted one
nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area indicating the name
and/or address of the occupant.
3.Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a
building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty-two (32)
square feet inareaand eight (8) feet in height; on corner lots, two (2) such
signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall
be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than
two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure
indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
4.Property listed for saleor rentmay have one (1) temporary wall or
freestanding signper street frontageprovided it meets the following:
a.Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the building side
facing a public street.
b.Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in
area or eight(8) feet in height.
c.Signs must meet all sign setback requirements.
c.The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale
or rent.
d.The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of
closingor vacancy filled.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for saleor
rent.
5.Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale
are allowed one (1) temporary sign without a permit per adjacent street
provided that:
a.The sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
b.The sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
c.The sign shall not be placed in the public right-of-way.
17
d.The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property
beingsold.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
6.Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota State
Statute 211B.045.
D.In R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-MH Districts,the following signs are allowed by
permit:
1.Businessesother than home occupations allowed within the residential
districtsare allowed one (1) wall sign andone (1) freestanding sign
provided that:
a.Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of building façade
facing a street.
b.Freestandingsigns shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet
or ten (10) feet in height.
2.Multiple family, apartments, condominiums, and cooperatives containing
four (4) or more units, may have the following signs:
a.Wall signs not to exceed ten percent (10%) of the building façade
facing a street.
b.One (1) freestanding sign per site entrance from a street not to
exceed forty (40) square feet in area and not to exceed ten (10)
feet in height.
3.Subdivisions with twenty (20) or more units area one (1) permanent sign
per public street access provided it meets the following regulations:
a.The sign may not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
b.The sign shall be placed on an out lot, easement, or neighborhood
association property.
c.The sign may not be placedin a visibility triangle.
d.The neighborhood association is responsible for the maintenance
and upkeep of the sign.
e.The sign must be constructed out of materials approved by the
zoning administrator and must complement the neighborhood.
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E.In B-2, B-2A, B-3, B-4, B-WDistricts,the following signs are allowedwithout a
permit:
1.Address Identification: For each business unit,there shall be permitted
one(1)nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
2.Window Signs:
a.Window signs may occupy up to twenty (20) percent of the window
area.
b.All window signs must be placed inside the building.
3.Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a
building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty-two (32)
square feet inareaand eight (8) feet in height; on corner lots, two (2) such
signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall
be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than
two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure
indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
4.Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale
are allowed one (1) temporary freestanding sign without a permit per
adjacent street provided that:
a.The sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
b.The sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
c.The sign shall not be placed in the public right-of-wayand must
meet sign setback requirements.
d.The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property
being sold.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
5.Property listed for saleor rentmay have one (1) temporary wall or
freestanding sign provided it meets the following:
a.Wall sign shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the wall façade
facing a public street.
b.Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet or
eight (8) feet in height.
c.The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale
or rent.
19
d.The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of
closingor vacancy filled.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
6.Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota State
Statute 211B.045.
F.InB-2, B-2A, B-3, B-4, B-W Districts, the following signs are allowed by permit:
1.Wall, Awning, and CanopySigns:
a.Area: The total wall sign area (including projecting, awning, and
canopy signs) for any building shall not exceed fifteen percent
(15%) of the building walls (including windows and doors) fronting
on a public street right of way.
b.Number: The total number of signs may not exceed two (2) signs
per building walls fronting on a public street right of way. One wall
sign may be a changeable message board including changeable
readerboard/changeable banner (non-dynamic) that is framed to
define its perimeter.Additional wall signs may be approved with
the submission and approval of a comprehensive sign plan per
Section 10-7-8.Dof this chapter.
c.Awning or Canopy Signs: Letters may be painted or otherwise
affixed to any permissible awning or canopy, subject to the
following regulations:
(1)Lettering or letters shall not project above, below or beyond
the physical dimensions of the awning orcanopy.
(2)Signs on awnings that do not exceed fifty (50) percent of the
total square footage ofthe awning.
d.Location: Wall signs shall be located on that side of the building or
tenant bay facing the street right of way. Signs may be placed on
that side of a building or tenant bay not facing a street right of way
provided that no sign is located on that side of the building where
the lot directly abuts a residential zoning district.
e.Type and Construction:
(1)Illuminated Signs: Wall signs shallbe by shielded
illumination, shielded silhouette lighting or shielded
spotlighting, but not any lighting where the light source itself
is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the characters.
20
(2)Clearance to Grade: Signs constructed of metal and
illuminated by any means requiring internal wiring or
electrically wired accessory fixtures attached to a metal sign
shall maintain a free clearance to grade of nine feet (9').
Accessory lighting fixtures attached to a nonmetal frame sign
shall maintain a clearance of nine feet (9') to ground. In the
event a metal sign structure or accessory fixture herein
described is grounded by the use of a grounding conductor
run with the circuit conductors, and said structure or fixture is
also grounded by being bonded to a grounding electrode at
the sign site, no clearance to grade shall be mandatory.
(3)Neon Signs: Wall signs may be gaseous tube or may be
illuminated by interior means of lighting of an intensity to
prevent excessive glare and shall comply with the
regulations established in section10-7-7of this chapter.
2.Ground Signs:
a.Not more than one ground sign shall be permitted on any lot. The
total area of such sign shall be based on the lot width where the
sign is to be placed up to a maximum area. For each one hundred
(100) linear feet of width, sixty (60) square feet of signage shall be
permitted (lot width/100x60) up to a maximum of two hundred fifty
(250) squarefeet.
b.No ground sign shall exceed thirty feet (30') in height.
c.Sign area for ground signs applies to only one face of a two (2)
faced ground sign, or two (2) faces of a four (4) faced sign, etc.
d.Commercial lots having one hundred feet (100') in width
immediately adjacent to and along Interstate Highway 94 (excluding
any intervening street or railroad right of way) shall be allowed the
following:
(1)One freestanding pylon sign not to exceed fifty feet (50') in
height. Sign area shall be determined by subsection A3of
this section.
(2)One freestanding monument sign at the site entrance not to
exceed sixty (60) square feet in sign area or twelve feet (12')
in height.
(3)Lots containing an off premises advertising device shall only
be allowed one billboardsign not to exceed fifty feet (50') in
height.
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e.Ground signs shall have a background which is dark in color in
contrast to the sign lettering or message which is light in color to
create a sufficient contrast and be clearly legible. No ground signs
with lightly colored backgrounds shall be permitted unless the
following conditions are met:
(1)All signswith light backgroundsshall be equipped with
automatic dimming devices. Light castupon adjacent rights-
of-way (as measured from the curb line) or residential zoning
districts (as measured from the property line) shall not
exceed five-tenths (0.5) footcandles (meter reading) above
ambient light.
(2)The sign does not exceed thirty feet (30').
(3)The sign is located two hundred feet (200') from all
residential buildings.
3.Changeable Copy Signs: One electronic changeable copy sign shall be
allowed per site in the above listed districts with the following restrictions:
a.The changeable copy sign shall not exceed a maximum of twenty
five percent (25%) of the allowable sign area or exceed forty (40)
square feet, whichever is less, for a freestanding or wall sign.
b.Changeable copy signs occurring on freestanding signs shall not be
higher than twenty feet (20').
c.a.The images and messages displayed on changeable copy signs
must be static, and the transition from one static display to another
must be instantaneous without any special effects with the
exception of a scrolling monochromatic message on a single color
dark background.
d.b.A changeable copy sign may change its message no more than
once every eight (8) seconds.
e.c.No changeable copy signs shall be closer than two hundred feet
(200') from any residential zoning district unless they are screened
from the adjoining residential property, or they are limited to
operation between six o'clock (6:00) A.M. and eleven o'clock
(11:00) P.M.shall not be illuminated between the hours of eleven
o’clock (11:00) PM and seven o’clock (7:00) AM if the use is not
open for business.
22
f.d.All changeable copy signsshall be equipped with automatic
dimming devices. Light castupon adjacent rights-of-way (as
measured from the curb line) or residential zoning districts (as
measured from the property line) shall not exceed five-tenths (0.5)
footcandles (meter reading) above ambient light.
g.e.Changeable copy signs shall not be permitted as window signs.
4.Automobile Service Station Signs: In addition to the district standards, the
following sign standards apply to automobile service stations:
a.Pump operation instructions located on the gas pumps are exempt
from the sign requirements.
b.Motor fuel station canopy may have a sign on those facades facing
a public street not to exceed thirty (30) percent of the canopy face.
5.Signage for multiple occupancy buildings shall submit a Acomprehensive
sign plan in accordance withSection 10-7-8.Dof this chapter.
6.Temporary special event signs as regulated by Section10-7-8.Bof this
chapter.
6.7.New business temporary signs as regulated by Section 10-7-8.C of this
chapter.
G.In I-1, I-2Districts, the following signs are allowedwithout a permit:
1.Window signs:
a.Window signs may occupy up to twenty (20) percent of the window
space on which the sign is placed.
b.All window signs must be placed inside the building
2.Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota State
Statute 211B.045.
3.Address Identification: For each business unit,there shall be permitted
one(1)nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
4.Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a
building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty-two (32)
square feet inareaand eight (8) feet in height; oncorner lots, two (2) such
signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall
be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than
23
two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure
indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
5.Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale
are allowed one (1) temporary freestanding sign without a permit per
adjacent street provided that:
a.The sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
b.The sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
c.The sign shall not be placed in the public right-of-way and must
meet sign setback requirements.
d.The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property
being sold.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
6.Property listed for saleorrentmay have one (1) temporarywall or
freestanding sign provided it meets the following:
a.Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the building
façade facing a public street.
b.Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet or
eight (8) feet in height.
c.The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale.
d.The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of
closingor vacancy filled.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for saleor
rent.
H.In I-1, I-2 Districts, the following signs are allowed by permit:
1.Wall, awning, or canopysigns with the following restrictions:
a.Wall signsshall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet or ten
percent (10%) of the wall area (including windows and doors)
facing the public street right-of-way, whichever is less.
b.Signage placed on a wall abutting a public right of way, if
illuminated, shall beby shielded illumination, shielded silhouette
lighting, or shielded spotlighting but not any lighting where the light
24
source itself is visible or exposed on the face or sides of the
characters.
c.Awning or Canopy Signs: Letters may be painted or otherwise
affixed to any permissible awning or canopy, subject to the
following regulations:
(1)Lettering or letters shall not project above, below or beyond
the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy.
(2)Signs on awnings that do not exceed fifty (50) percent of the
total square footage ofthe awning.
d.Signage on Walls Not Abutting a Public Right of Way: A sign or
signs shall be permitted on those walls not abutting a public right of
way of any principal building, subject to the following regulations:
(1)The total area of each sign or signs shall not exceed nine (9)
square feet per access door.
(2)Notwithstanding Section 10-7-6.H.1.bof this chapter, if the
main entrance/exit to a particular use in the principal building
opens on a wall not abutting a public right of way, the
applicant shall be permitted to sign the walls not abutting a
public right-of-way in accordance with the provisionsof
Section 10-7-6.H.1.aof this chapter.
2.Ground Signs:
a.There shall be not more than one ground sign along each public
street from which access is available for the parcel. The total area
of such ground sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet
in area.
b.Signs constructed of metal and illuminated by any means requiring
internal wiring or electrically wired accessory fixtures attached to a
metal sign shall maintain a free clearance to grade of nine feet (9').
Accessory lighting fixtures attached to a nonmetal frame sign shall
maintain a clearance of nine feet (9') to ground. In the event that a
metal sign structure or accessory fixture herein described is
grounded by the use of a grounding conductor run with the circuit
conductors, and said structure or fixture is also grounded by being
bonded to a grounding electrode at the sign site, no clearance to
grade shall be mandatory.
c.No metal ground sign shall be located within eight feet (8') vertically
and four feet (4') horizontally of electric wires of conductors in free
25
air carrying more than forty eight (48) volts, whether or not such
wires or conductors are insulatedor otherwise protected.
bd.No ground sign shall exceed thirty feet (30') in height.
ce.In lieu of a ground sign, one pylon sign shall be permitted on any lot
in an industrial district, subject tothe regulations in thissection.
df.Ground signs shall have a background which is dark in color in
contrast to the sign lettering or message which is light in color to
create a sufficient contrast and be clearly legible. No ground signs
with lightly colored backgrounds shall be permitted unless the sign
is located two hundred (200) feet from all residential property lines.
3.Changeable Copy Signs: One electronic changeable copy sign shall be
allowed per site in the above listed districts with the following restrictions:
a.The sign shall not exceed a maximum of twenty five percent (25%)
of the allowable sign area or exceed forty (40) square feet,
whichever is less, for a freestanding or wall sign.
b.Signs occurring on freestanding signs shall not be higher than
twenty feet (20').
ac.The images and messages displayed on thesigns must be static,
and the transition from one static display to another must be
instantaneous without any special effects with the exception of a
scrolling monochromatic message on a single color dark
background.
bd.Thesign may change its message no more than once every eight
(8) seconds.
ce.No sign shall be closer than twothreehundred feet (2300') from any
residential zoning district unless they are screened from the
adjoining residential property, or theyare limited to operation
between six o'clock (6:00) A.M. and eleven o'clock (11:00) P.M.
shall not be illuminated between the hours of eleven o’clock (11:00)
PM and seven o’clock (7:00) AM if the use is not open for business.
df.All signs with light background shall be equipped with automatic
dimming devices. Light castupon adjacent rights-of-way (as
measured from the curb line) or residential zoning districts (as
measured from the property line) shall not exceed five-tenths (0.5)
foot-candles (meter reading) above ambient light.
eg.Changeable copy signs shall not be permitted as window signs.
26
4.Temporary special event signs regulated by Section 10-7-8.Bof this
chapter.
4.5.New business temporary signs as regulated by Section 10-7-8.C of this
chapter.
5.6.Signage for multiple occupancy buildingscontaining three (3) or more
tenantsshall submit a Acomprehensive sign plan in accordance with
Section 10-7-8.Dof this chapter.
I.In P/IDistricts, the following signs are allowedwithout a permit:
1.Address Identification: For each business unit,there shall be permitted
one(1)nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
2.Window Signs:
c.Window signs may occupy up to twenty (20) percent of the window
space on each side of a principal building without a permit.
d.Window signs that occupy more than twenty (20) percent of the
window space require a permit.
e.All window signs must be placed inside the building.
3.Remodeling: In connection with the construction or remodeling of a
building, there shall be permitted one sign not exceeding thirty-two (32)
square feet inareaand eight (8) feet in height; on corner lots, two (2) such
signs, one facing each street, shall be permitted. All signs permitted shall
be removed by the person or persons erecting the same no longer than
two (2) weeks after final inspection by the building official of the structure
indicated, or two (2) years, whichever is less.
4.Vacant lots that are two (2) acres or more in size that are listed for sale
are allowed one (1) temporary freestanding sign without a permit per
adjacent street provided that:
a.The sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
b.The sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height.
c.The sign shall not be placed in the public right-of-way and must
meet sign setback requirements.
d.The sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the property
being sold.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for sale.
27
5.Property listed for saleor rentmay have one (1) temporary wall or
freestanding sign provided it meets the following:
a.Wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the building
façade facing a public street.
b.Freestanding signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet or
eight (8) feet in height.
c.The sign may only be displayed while the property is listed for sale.
d.The sign is removed within fourteen (14) days after the date of
closingor vacancy filled.
e.The sign is removed if the property is no longer offered for saleor
rent.
6.Campaign signs are exempt from these provisions per Minnesota State
Statute 211B.045.
J.In P/I Districts, the following signs are allowed by permit:
1.Wall Signs:
a.Area: The total wall sign area (including wall, awning, canopy,
projecting signs) shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of building
façade fronting on a public street.
b.Number: The total number of signs may not exceed two (2) signs
per building wall fronting on a public street right-of-way. One (1)
wall sign may be a changeable message board including
changeable readerboard/changeable banner (non-dynamic) that is
framed to define its perimeter.Additional wall signs may be
approved with the submission and approval of a comprehensive
sign plan per Section 10-7-8.D of this chapter.
c.Location: Wall signs shall be located onthat side of the building or
tenant bay facing the street right-of-way. Signs may be placed on
that side of a building or tenant bay not facing a street right-of-way
provided that no sign is located on that side of the building where
the lot directly abuts a residential zoning district.
2.Freestanding Signs:
a.Area: The maximum size of signing area allowed for such uses
shall be determined on the basis of site area according to the
following schedule:
28
(1)Up to 5 acres: 96 square feet.
(2)5.1 acres to 25 acres: 128 square feet.
(3)25.1 acres and above: 160 square feet.
b.Height: The maximum height of sign structures shall be determined
on the basis of site size according to the following schedule:
(1)Up to 15 acres: 8.0 feet.
(2)15.1 acres and above: 17.5 feet.
c.Number: One (1) freestanding sign per site.
3.A comprehensive sign plan as regulated by Section 10-7-8.D of this
chapter.
10-7-8:SPECIAL SIGN STANDARDS:
A.Billboards:
1.Billboards shall only be allowed within the "adjacent area", as defined in
section 10-7-2 of this chapter.
a.The maximum area of an billboardface, whether a single billboard
face or each face of two (2) back to back or V-type billboards, shall
not exceed seven hundred twenty (720) square feet, including
border and trim, but excluding base and apron supports and other
structural members, and provided further, that the maximum
allowable extensions shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the
total billboardarea. The maximum size limitation stated in this
subsection A1a shall apply to each side of an billboardstructure,
and billboards may be placed back to back, or in a V-type
construction (provided the angle shall not exceed 90 degrees), but
not more than two (2) displays to each facing, and such billboard
shall be considered as one billboard.
b.Billboards shall not be erected or maintained which are not
effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from
being directed at any portion of the traveled way of an interstate
highway, of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair
the vision of the operator of any motor vehicle, or which otherwise
interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle, are
prohibited.
29
c.Outdoor billboards shall not be erected or maintained which shall
be so illuminated that they interfere with the effectiveness of or
obscure any official traffic sign, device or signal.
2.No billboardshall be erected closer to any other such billboardon the
same side of the same interstate highway facing traffic proceeding in the
same direction than one thousand feet (1,000').
3.All billboards shall comply with the minimum principal building setback
requirements provided in the applicable zoning district.
4.The maximum height of any billboardshall be thirty feet (30') from the
ground.
5.The maximum length of any billboardshall be sixty feet (60').
6.No billboardshall be erected or maintained on any lot or parcel of land
unless the lot or parcel of land is within the area zoned as commercial or
industrial districts under the Albertville Zoning Ordinance.
7.No billboardshall be erected or maintained in that part of the city which
lies south of County State Aid Highway 37 and west of the bridge over
Interstate Highway 94 (202 bridge).
8.Billboards erected or maintained after the effective date hereof and not
complying with the regulations hereof may be removed by the city upon
sixty (60) days' prior written notice by certified or registered mail to the
owner thereof and to the owner of the real property on which such
billboard is located; provided, that no notice shall be required to be given
to the owner of an billboard whose name is not stated upon the billboard
or the structure on which it is displayed, unless the name of such owner is
otherwise reasonably known to the city clerk. The period of such notice
shall be computed from the date of mailing.
9.8.Electronic changeable billboards shall only be permitted on legal
conforming billboards with the following requirements:
a.The graphic display may not change or move more often than once
every eight (8) seconds.
b.The images and messages displayed must be static, and the
transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous
without any special effects.
c.All changeable billboard signs shall be equipped with automatic
dimming devices. Light cast upon adjacent rights-of-way (as
measured from curb line) or residential zoning districts (as
30
measured from the property line) shall not exceed five-tenths (0.5)
footcandles (meter reading) above ambient light.
d.Billboards shall have the vertical support structure of the sign (such
as pole) concealed with architectural embellishments consisting of
natural stone, brick, masonry panels, stucco, or synthetic material
that has the appearance of natural stone, brick or stucco over
eighty percent (80%) of the exterior face on all sides of the
structure.
10.9.No sign permit to erect abillboardon parcels or lots that are abutting city
owned right of way intended for futureinterstate access improvements,
shall be issued unless an acknowledgment and waiver of future damages
is first signed by the applicant and all property owners and submitted to
the city. Said acknowledgment and waiver shall be in the form approved
by the city attorney, and shall acknowledge that future construction of
CSAH 19/Interstate 94 and CSAH 37/Interstate 94 interchange
improvements may impact the visibility of the proposed device/sign. The
acknowledgment and waiver shall require the applicant and property
owners to hold the city harmless and waive all damage claims arising as a
result of such improvements, including, but not limited to, claims arising
from the obstruction of the view of any billboardinstalled on the permitted
property pursuant to a sign permit issued by the city. Said
acknowledgment and waiver shall not apply to damages resulting from the
physical occupation of the applicant's real property by the city. Said
acknowledgment and waiver shall be submitted to the city with the
application for a sign permit. Failure to submit such acknowledgment and
waiver shall result in a denial of the requested sign permit or the refusal of
the city to process the application due to its incomplete status.
11.10.Permit Identification Number: Every permit issued by the city shall be
assigned an identification number. The city shall also issue with each
permit an identifying number which shall be attached by the permittee to
the billboardin a conspicuous place. The permittee shall also have his
name plainly marked on each billboard.
B.Temporary and Portable Signs: In all districts temporary and/or portable signs or
banners may be permitted subject to the following:
1. Permit Requirements:
a. Permit Application: Temporary and/or portable signs or banners
shall not be permitted without a permit. A temporary sign application
fee, as set by city resolution, shall be submitted to the city building
official. Each sign shall require a separate permit. The application
shall be signed by both the business requesting the sign and the
property owner of the site where the sign is to be located. The sign
application shall include information that identifies the type of sign,
31
sign size, sign location and thedates when the sign will be in place
and the date of the sign removal. The city building official is
authorized to review and approve permits for temporary signs and/or
portable signs or banners, ten (10) days prior to the special event.
b. Duration Of Permit; Expiration; Sign Removal Required: All permits
issued hereunder shall be for a maximum duration of fourteen (14)
days and shall automatically expire after said period. Upon
expiration, the applicant shall cease to display any and all signage
permitted by the permit unless the applicant has received a new
permit for said signage.
c. Limitations On Permits:
(1) No more than four (4) permits per calendar year shall be
issued to any one property, except for the period of time
from July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012, no more than
eight (8) per calendar year shall be issued for each property.
After December 31, 2012, the number of temporary and
portable signs shall be limited to four (4) permits per
calendar year per property. Shopping centers and multiple-
tenant buildings shall be counted as one property.
(2) If two (2) or more permits are obtained in succession by any
applicant, these permits shall be counted for the purpose of
determining the yearly limitations of this subsection G1c.
2. Maximum Size: Maximum banner sign size shall be limited to thirty two
(32) square feet. Maximum portable sign size shall be limited to forty eight
(48) square feet.
3. Temporary Sign Location Standards:
a. Except as allowed in subsection G6 of this section, all temporary
signs shall be located on the property of the business with the
special event.
b. Signs may not be placed in the right of way and must be set back a
minimum of five feet (5') from all property lines.
c. Where multiple signs have been located, they shall be a minimum
of one hundred feet (100') apart.
4. Dangerous Signs Prohibited; Anchors Required: Signs must not be unsafe
or dangerous; they must be securely anchored.
5. Electronic Signs: Electronic changeable copy signs shall be prohibited as
temporary or portable signs.
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6. Nonprofit Or Charitable Organization Signs:
a. Nonprofit and charitable organizations as defined by internal
revenue code 501(C3) or 501(C4) may have temporary off
premises signs provided:
(1) All temporary signs require permits; permit applications must
include the property owner's permission to locate the sign on
their property.
(2) Special events are limited to no more than six (6) in a
calendar year.
(3) Signs from a nonprofit or charitable organization shall not be
counted against the number of temporary sign permits
allowed to the property owner.
(4) Nonprofits and charitable organizations may have up to
three (3) temporary signs per permit.
(5) Nonprofit and charitable organization temporary signs shall
comply with sign location standards of subsection G3 of this
section. These signs may be located on vacant lots with the
written permission of the property owner.
7. Violation: Temporary off premises signs erected without a permit or in
violation of this subsection G may be subject to immediate removal and/or
be subject to an administrative fine pertitle 1, chapter 6of this code. After
one notice of a violation of this section the city shall levy administrative
fines for subsequent violations or repeat offenses without additional
notices. Failure to abide by the approved permit or the provision of this
code will be grounds for denial of additional permits for six (6) months
following notice of violation.
C.New businesses in the B, PUD, or I Districts shall be allowed additional
temporary sign permits during the first three (3) months of the opening of a new
business. These “new business temporary signs” shall not exceed three (3)
signs consisting of a combination of portable signs, banners, pennants, and
flags. Onlyone of said signs may be a portable sign, as defined in Section 10-7-
2 of this chapter. Display of said signs shall not exceed a period of thirty (30)
days. No such additional sign will be allowed if it interferes with the use of
adjacent property or constitutes a danger to public health, welfare or well being,
or if it does notconform to the other provisionsof this chapter.
D.Comprehensive Sign Plan:
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1.Introduction: Mixed use, commercial, and industrial multiple occupancy
buildings, PUD developments,orsingle occupancy buildings requesting
more than two (2) signs shall submit an application and receive approval
of a comprehensive sign plan. Any building devoted to two (2) or more
uses shall be a multiple occupancy building and shall require a
comprehensive sign plan. Upon approval of a comprehensive sign plan,
no permit shall be issued for an individual use except upon a
determination that it is consistent with a previously or concurrently
approved comprehensive sign plan. The effect of said comprehensive sign
plan is to allow and require the owner of multiple occupancy structures to
determine the specific individual sign requirements for the tenants of his
building. As sign locations, size and other sign details may be of some
significant importance in lease arrangements between owner and tenant, it
is the city's intention to establish general requirements for the overall
building only, thus providing a building owner with both the flexibility and
responsibility to deal with his individual tenants on their specific sign
needs. Comprehensive sign plan applications or amendments require
approval of an administrative permit.
2.Comprehensive Sign Plan Information: The applicant shall prepare a
written and graphic comprehensive sign plan for submission to the city.
Said plan shall include, but not be limited to the following information:
a.Sign location (both wall signs and freestanding signs).
b.Sign area.
c.Sign height.
d.Scaled building elevations.
e.Scaled floor plan that outlines tenant bays.
f.Identification of sign design.
g.Sign construction drawings (sections).
h.The city council, planning commission and city staff may request
additional information from the applicant concerning the application
or may retain expert opinions at the expense of the city, or may
require as a condition of proceeding with its consideration that the
applicant furnish expert opinion and data at the expense of the
applicant.
3.Through an approved comprehensive sign plan, the site may have
building identification wall signs, individual tenant wall signs, awning signs,
canopy signs, marquee signs and directory signs. The cumulative sign
area of the aforementioned signs shall not exceed fifteen(15) percent of
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the building façades which they are located. These signs shall be located
on building façades fronting on public streets or a city approved private
streets or parking lots.
4.Multiple Occupancy Buildings:
a.Wall Signs:
(1)Maximum Area:The total allowable sign area for a multiple
occupancy structure shall not exceed (fifteen) 15 percent of
the combined wall surfaces on walls which abut streets in
business or industrial zoning districts.
(2)No multiple occupancy structure may display more than two
overall building identification signs. The total area of
individual tenant wall signs, awning signs, canopy signs and
marquee signs shall not exceed fifteenten(150) percent of
the building façade of the individual tenant bay.
(3)Tenant Signs:Individual tenants located within multiple
occupancy structures shall be permitted to display individual
signs, if they have separate exterior entrances to their use or
they are tenants in a shopping center. A tenant occupying a
corner location fronting two streets may display signs to both
street frontages.
(4)Except for Section C.4.a.(5)of this section, tenant wall,
awning, and banner signs shall be located on the building
façades of the tenant bay occupied by the business.
(5)The property owner may identify through a comprehensive
sign plan up to four (4) tenants per building within the
multiple occupancy building that will be eligible to locate wall
signs on the building at locations beyond their occupied
tenant bays.
(6)The location of all wall signs and awning signs shall be
established through an approved comprehensive sign plan.
No illuminated wall signs shall be located on the side of a
building where the lot directly abuts a residential zoning
district.
(7)Individual sign permits shall be required prior to the
installation of any wall signs or awning signs.
b.Tenant Directory Sign: Multiple story/multiple occupancy buildings
with tenants served by a common building entrance may have, in
addition to the wall signs, one tenant directory sign as either a wall
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sign or freestanding sign located at each common entrance
provided the tenant directory sign meets the following standards:
(1)An individual tenant directory sign shall not exceed one
hundred (100) square feet in area.
(2)An individual tenant directory sign shall be located within fifty
(50) feet of the common building entrance.
(3)A freestanding individual tenant directory wall sign shall not
exceed ten (10) feet in height. Individual tenant directory wall
signs shall not be located above the building floor where the
common entrance is located.
4.Freestanding Sign:
a.Shopping Centers:Shopping centers containing more than four
separate distinct occupancies may erect one freestanding sign per
street frontage, not to exceed two freestanding shopping center
signs per site (single or double faced).
(1)Each ground sign may not exceed two hundred (200) square
feet in area, nor thirty (30) feet in height.
b.Other Multiple Occupancies:Multiple occupancy structures other
than shopping centers, or shopping centers having four or less
separate and distinct occupancies, may erect one ground sign in
accordance with the provisions of this chapterand may identify
each separate and distinct occupancy on said ground sign.
c.Changeable copy wall signs are permitted subject to the provisions
of Section 10-7-6 of this chapter.
5.Traffic Control/Directional Signs: The City may approve a traffic control/
directional sign plan for a multiple tenant commercial, industrial, and
planned unit development site including signs not to exceed four (4)
square feet in area.
10-7-9:PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
A. Permit And Compliance Required: Except for routine maintenance, no billboard
or sign may be painted, constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated, or expanded
until a billboard or sign permit is obtained and until all other signs on the
premises of the applicantare brought into conformance with this chapter. No
such permit shall be issued for anybillboardor sign unless the same is permitted
by, and complies with the regulations of this section; provided, however, that
signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar
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regulatory devices, legal notices, and warnings at railroad crossings, are exempt
from the permit requirement and from the regulations of this section.
B. Application For Permit: The application for an advertising deviceor sign permit
shall be made upon the forms provided by the city and shall state or have
attached thereto the following information:
1. Name, address and telephone number of applicant and owner of the
advertising device or sign.
2. Location of lot, building or structure upon which or to which the advertising
device or sign is to be erected or attached.
3. Position of the advertising device or sign or other advertising structures in
relation to nearby buildings or structures.
4. A blueprint or inkdrawing of the plans and specifications and method of
construction or attachment to the building or in the ground.
5. Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing the structure is designed
for dead load and wind velocity in the amount required by thischapter and
all other ordinances of the city if requested by the city building official. This
information shall be furnished every three (3) years for each advertising
device.
6. Name of person erecting the structure. (Amended Ord. 1987-3, 10-19-
1987)
7. Any electrical permit required and issued for the sign.
8. A detailed description of any electronic or electrical components that are
proposed to be added to the sign. (Ord. 2007-08, 8-20-2007)
C. Permit Fees: For each billboard sign requiring a permit, there shall be an initial
fee which shall be set from time to time by City Council ordinance.
a. Initial Fee: For each advertising device, there shall be an initial fee
which shall be set from time to time by city council resolution.
b. Change OfAdvertising Device: Any change or replacement of an
advertising device will constitute a new advertising device requiring
a new initial fee and the issuance of a new permit unless, after such
change or replacement, the advertising device does not exceed the
size requirements as provided in this chapter and the change is in
content only.
c. Renewal Fee: For each advertising device, there shall be an annual
renewal fee which shall be set from time to time by city council
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resolution on or before April 1 of each year to be applicable to
subsequent renewal fees. Each permit shall expire on June 30
following.
D. Consent For Continued Advertising: There shall be submitted, together with the
fee for the annual renewal, a statement by the applicant that the owner or
occupant of the property has consented to the continued use of his property for
such advertising device, and adequate proof of such consent shall be submitted
to the city at the time application is made for a permit or renewal.
E. Transfer Of Permit: Advertising device permits may be assigned. The city clerk
shall be notified in writing by the assignor of any assignment of an advertising
device permit.
D.Revocation Of Permit: The city council may revoke any permit granted herein
after a hearing for violation of the provisions of this chapter, or applicable laws
and regulations of the United States or the state of Minnesota, upon thirty (30)
days' written notice of such hearing to the permittee. The city council, within ten
(10) days after conclusion of the hearing, shall notify the permittee of its decision,
and may, where appropriate, notify the permittee what he can do to retain the
permit, and the permittee shall, in those instances, have thirty (30) days
therefrom in which to comply with the requirements of the city council, if
compliance would bring the advertising device into lawful conformity with this
chapter.
E.Scope Of Provisions; Exemptions:
1. Scope: The provisions of this section relating to permits and fees shall
apply to billboardlegally existing on the effective date hereof as well as
devices that may be erected and maintained thereafter.
2. Exemptions From Permit Requirements:Signs identified within this
chapter, as allowed without permit, are exempt from permits and fee
requirements.
10-7-10:VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES:
A.Notice Of Violation: If the building official or any other authorized agent of the city
shall find any advertising device, business sign, accessory sign or other
regulated sign in violation of the terms of this chapter, a written notice shall be
issued to the permittee, owner, possessor (tenant in possession), operator or
manager of the premises on which the advertising device is located, specifying
the violation and giving seven (7) days in which to correct or remove the
violation.
B.Failure to Remedy; Penalties: After the expiration of seven (7) days and the
violation is not corrected or discontinued, any person convicted of such violation
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shall be punished as provided in section 1-4-1of this code, and each day's
violation after the initial seven (7) day period shall constitute a separate offense.
C.Injunctive Relief: In addition thereto, the city may seek injunctive relief in the
district court of the county and require that either the advertising device, business
sign, accessory sign or other regulated sign conform or be removed.
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