(a)

This chapter is established to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare and order within the city though the establishment of a comprehensive and impartial series of standards, regulations, and procedures governing the type, number, size, structure, location, height, lighting, erection, maintenance, use and/or displace of devices, signs, symbols serving as a visual communicative media to persons situated within or upon public right-of-way or properties.

(b)

The provisions of this chapter are intended to establish an opportunity for effective communication, and a sense of concern for visual amenities on the part of those designing, displaying or otherwise utilizing needed communicative media of the types regulated by this chapter; while at the same time, assuring that the public is not endangered, annoyed or distracted by the unsafe, disorderly, indiscriminate or unnecessary use of such communicative media.

(c)

It is not the purpose or intent of this sign ordinance to regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent to regulate any building design or display not defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from outside a building.

(d)

The city finds it is necessary for the promotion and preservation of the public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the community that the construction, location, size and maintenance of sings be controlled. Further the city finds:

(1)

Permanent and temporary signs have a direct impact on the image of a community;

(2)

An opportunity for viable identification of community businesses and institutions must be established;

(3)

Uncontrolled and unlimited signs, particularly temporary signs commonly located within or adjacent to public right-of-way, result in roadside clutter and obstruction of views of oncoming traffic;

(4)

The right to express noncommercial opinions in any zoning district must be protected, subject to reasonable restrictions on size, height, location and number;

(5)

Uncontrolled and unlimited signs adversely impact the image and aesthetic or attractiveness of the community and thereby determine economic value and growth.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024)

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned sign means any sign and/or its supporting sign structure which remains without a message or whole display surface remains blank for a period of one (1) year or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned.

Alteration means any change to a sign, excluding routine maintenance, painting, or change of copy of an existing sign.

Area identification sign means a sign which identifies a development, such as the name of a neighborhood, a residential subdivision, a multiple residential complex consisting of three (3) or more residential buildings, a shopping center consisting of three (3) or more separate business concerns, a singular freestanding commercial building fifty thousand (50,000) square feet or larger, an industrial building in excess of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, an industrial area, an office complex consisting of three (3) or more buildings or any combination of the above.

Awning means a roof-like cover, often of fabric, plastic, metal, or glass, designed and intended for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment, and which projects from a wall or roof of a structure primarily over a window, walk, or the like. Any part of an awning that also projects over a door shall be counted as an awning.

Awning sign means a building sign or graphic printed on or in some fashion attached directly to the awning material.

Banner sign means a temporary sign composed of lightweight material, ground-mounted or secured on a building or other structure.

Bench sign means a sign affixed to or painted on a bench, such as at a public transit stop or a public park.

Billboard. See definition for off-premise sign.

Building façade means that area of the exterior of a building extending from grade to the top of the exterior wall and the entire width of the building elevation.

Cabinet sign means any wall sign that is not of channel or individual mounted letter construction.

Canopy/vehicular service means a permanent roof-like structure, either attached or detached from a permitted building, designed to provide cover for off-street vehicle service areas (such as gasoline station pump islands, drive-in establishments, truck loading berths, etc.).

Class I restaurant means a traditional restaurant where food is served by a waitstaff or waited to a customer and consumed while seated at a counter or table. Food is usually served on non-disposable containers.

Class II restaurant means fast food restaurants in which a majority of the customers are served food at a counter and take it to a table to eat or may take food outside to consume in a vehicle or off the premises.

Commercial speech means advertising a business, profession, commodity or service.

Directional sign means a sign providing directional information about the use or uses within the site where the sign is located.

Dissolve means a mode of message transition on an electronic message sign accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneously with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.

Double-faced sign means for the purpose of sign area, a double-faced sign shall be considered one (1) sign. If the sign copy is the same on both sides, the sign area shall be one (1) side. If the sign copy is different on both sides, each side will be calculated separately.

Dynamic display off-premise sign means an off-premise sign or a portion thereof that displays static or dynamic text, images, graphics, or pictures where the message change sequence is accomplished by any method other than physically or mechanically removing and replacing the sign face or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the display, the sign structure itself, or any other component of the billboard. This includes a display that incorporated a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes but is not limited to any display that incorporates light bulb, fiber optics, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink" or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of text, images or displays.

Electronic messaging sign means signs, displays, devices or portions thereof with lighted messages that change at intermittent intervals by electronic variable message center or display video sign. Only for on premise content use. Electronic message signs are not identified as flashing or motion signs.

Elevation means the view of the side, front or rear of a given structure.

Event means an organized function that serves to advertise and/or promote the individual business or business's property.

Fade means a mode or message transition on an electric message sign accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point of legibility.

Flag or feather sign means any fabric or similar lightweight material attached at one (1) end of the material usually to a staff or pole, as to allow movement of the material, usually mounted into the ground or staff holder.

Flashing sign means a directly or indirectly illuminated sign that exhibits rotating, flashing or intermittent lights, animation or exhibits noticeable changes in color, intensity, texture, shape pattern, or light intensity. A flashing sign shall not include an electronic message sign provided the sign complies with section 50.0844.

Freestanding sign means any sign that has supporting framework that is placed on or anchored in the ground and that is independent from any building or other structure.

Human sign means a sign held by or attached to a person for the purpose of advertising or otherwise drawing attention to a business, commodity, service or product. This also includes a person dressed in a costume for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention to a business, commodity, service or product.

Illuminated sign means any sign designed to be and/or is lighted by an artificial light source either directed upon it or illuminated from an interior source. All illuminated signs shall have light sources shielded to confine direct illumination to the face area of the sign.

Inflatable sign means any object that enlarges or is inflated that floats, is tethered in the air, is activated by air or moving gas, or is located on the ground or on a building with or without copy or other graphics. These signs include large single displays or a display of smaller inflatable items, such as balloons, connected in some fashion to create a larger display for the purpose of attracting attention.

Monument sign means any sign supported by a base that is equal to or greater in width than the sign cabinet the base is intended to support/display. The base of the monument sign shall be constructed using similar exterior materials as the building(s) to which the sign corresponds or an approved alternative high-quality material (e. g., stone veneer). Monument signs may also consist of painted text or channel letters mounted on a freestanding seating wall or retaining wall where the total height of the structure meets the limitation of this Code.

Motion sign means any sign that revolves, rotates, has any moving parts or gives the illusion of motion, electronically or otherwise. A motion sign shall not include an electronic message sign provided the sign complies with sections 50.0843 and 50.0844.

Multiple-tenant site means any site which has more than one (1) tenant, and each tenant has a separate ground level exterior public entrance.

Nameplate sign means a sign bearing the name or address or both of the business or the occupant of the building on which it is located.

Noncommercial speech means the dissemination of messages not classified as commercial speech which include, but are not limited to, messages concerning political, religious, social, ideological, public service, governmental and information topics.

Nonconforming sign means a sign lawfully constructed prior to the time of the passage of the ordinance from which this section is derived, or amendment thereto, but which does not conform to the regulations of this chapter.

Off-premise sign means a commercial speech sign which directs attention of the public to a business, activity conducted, or product sold or offered at a location not on the same lot on which such sign is located.

Pennant means attention-getting devices, such as streamers or stringers, constructed of paper, cloth plastic or similar materials (excluding banners and flags).

Permanent sign means any sign that is not a temporary sign.

Portable sign means a temporary sign and/or reader board so designed as to be movable from one (1) location to another which is not attached to the ground or any permanent structure.

Projecting sign means a sign, other than a wall sign, which is affixed to a building and which has sign faces extending perpendicular from the building wall.

Reader board sign means that a portion of a sign with changeable copy or a message not to exceed forty (40) percent of the allowable sign area except electronic message signs.

Real estate sign means a temporary sign located on a lot for the purpose of announcing a sale, lease, or rental of such lot or a building or structure located thereon.

Roof sign means any sign that is erected, constructed or attached wholly or in part upon or above the roof of a building.

Rotating sign means a sign revolving or rotating on its axis by mechanical means.

Sandwich board means a two-sided temporary sign constructed to form an "A" or tent-like shape.

Search light means an apparatus containing a source of light and a reflector that projects the light produced in a concentrated, far-reaching beam for the purpose of advertisement.

Setback, front means the minimum horizontal distance permitted between the public right-of-way and a structure on the premises. In instances in which a property fronts on more than one (1) street, front setbacks are required on all street frontages.

Setback, rear means the minimum horizontal distance permitted between the side lot line and a structure on the premises.

Sign means any structure, device, advertisement, or visual representation intended to advertise, identify, or communicate information, or attract the attention of the public for any purpose; and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing includes: any symbols, letters, figures, illustrations, or wall graphics painted or otherwise affixed to a building, structure, vehicle, container, trailer, or landscape feature.

Sign area means the size of the sign face, or, where there is no sign face, the actual display of letters, symbols, insignias, figures or other media representing a message or communication, the area of which is determined by blocking the media area into a parallelogram and measuring the sides to calculate the square footage.

Sign, maximum height of, means the vertical distance measured from grade or other reference elevation as herein specified to the upper limit of a sign.

Sign structure means the base, supports, uprights, bracing and framework for a sign including the sign area.

Street frontage means the linear length in feet of the property line adjacent to public streets.

Swinging sign means any sign designed to be swayed, rocked, or so moved by wind or other natural phenomenon.

Temporary sign means a non-permanent sign that is located on private property.

Traffic control sign means any sign erected by a governmental unit for the purpose of directing or regulating vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Transition means a visual effect used on an electronic message sign or dynamic sign to change from one (1) message to another.

Unlawful sign (nonconforming sign) means a sign existing prior to or after the passage of the ordinance from which this section is derived, or amendments thereto, which does not conform with the regulations of this chapter and is not an existing legal sign, or is not a legal nonconforming sign, or is not a sign erected with a sign permit.

Wall means the building façade area that defines the front of the building. The front is a continuous line of a building that connects side wall to side wall and faces one (1) public right-of-way.

Wall graphics means a graphic design or a decorative mural not intended for identification or advertising purposes, which is painted directly on or affixed to an exterior wall surface.

Wall sign means a sign with permanent lettering that is affixed to the exterior wall of a building and has a sign face that is parallel to the building wall. A wall sign shall not project more than twelve (12) inches from the surface to which it is attached, nor shall it extend more than eighteen (18) inches beyond the top of the building, eave, or parapet.

Window sign means a temporary sign affixed to the interior of a window in view of the general public.

Yard sign means a small, often rectangular sign that is placed on a lawn. These signs are commonly made of corrugated plastic or cardstock and one (1) or two (2) wires or stakes to mount on the ground. They are typically placed in high-visibility locations such as along busy roads or at intersections, to attract the attention of passing drivers and pedestrians.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024; Ord. No. 25-136, § 1, 5-27-2025)

(a)

Permit requirements. No sign shall be erected, altered or relocated without a permit issued by the city. The content of the message or speech displayed on the sign shall not be considered in determining whether to approve or deny a sign permit. Any sign involving electrical components shall bear an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., seal of inspection.

(b)

Applications.

(1)

The permit application shall be signed by the applicant. When the applicant is any person other than the owner of the property, it shall also be signed by the owner of the property. The application shall contain the following information:

a.

The name, address and telephone number of the property, it shall also be signed by the owner of the property and sign hanger.

b.

The location of the sign or structure.

c.

A scaled drawing showing position of the sign or advertising structure in relation to the nearest building, structure, public streets, rights-of-way and property lines.

d.

Two (2) colored renderings of the plans and specifications and method of construction or attachment to the building or in the ground including all dimensions, showing all light sources, wattage, type and color of lights, and details of any light shields or shades.

e.

If required by the city, a copy of street sheets and calculations showing the structures as designed for dead load and wind velocity in the amount required by this chapter and all other ordinances of the city will be furnished.

(2)

The city shall approve or deny the sign permit in an expedited manner or no more than thirty (30) days from the receipt of the completed application, including the applicable fee.

(3)

A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued has not been completed within a period of six (6) months after the date of the permit. Such permit may be renewed and the renewal fee shall be set forth in the city fee schedule.

(c)

Exemptions. The following signs shall not require a permit. These exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of this section.

(1)

In residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-P and PD and DCD with residential uses), one (1) yard sign, one (1) flag, or one (1) feather sign.

(2)

Election signs. In an election year, all noncommercial signs of any size may be posted in any number from sixty (60) days prior to ten (10) days after any federal, state, or local election. These signs shall be confined within private property.

(3)

Address signs.

(4)

The changing of the advertising copy or message on an approved painted or printed sign and similar approved signs which are specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy does not require a new sign permit.

(5)

Painting, repainting, cleaning or other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or a sign structure unless a structural change is made does not require a sign permit.

(6)

Banner signs advertising products or services as regulated in this section.

(7)

Flag, feather, or yard signs as regulated in this section.

(8)

Directional signs less than six (6) square feet.

(9)

Window signs.

(10)

Real estate signs.

(d)

Fees.

(1)

All sign permit fees shall be established annually as set forth in the City of Albert Lea Adopted Fee Schedule.

(e)

Licenses and bonds.

(1)

No person, firm and corporation shall engage in the business of erecting, handing or installing signs under this chapter unless licensed to do so by the city. A sign hanger license may be granted after written application to the city clerk accompanied by a license fee as set forth in the City of Albert Lea Adopted Fee Schedule. The license shall be granted for a calendar year and shall expire at the conclusion of business on June 30th of the license year. The license fee shall not be prorated.

(2)

No license shall take effect until the licensee files with the city clerk a certificate of public liability insurance for coverage concurrent with the license term and with the currently required limits. The city shall be named as an additional insured. Said certificate must state the city will be given a ten-day notice before cancellation of said insurance.

(f)

Violation and fines.

(1)

If the city finds any sign in violation of the terms of this chapter, a written notice shall be issued to the owner, and/or possessor (tenant in possession, operator or manager of the premises on which the sign is located), specifying the violation and timing for removal of the violation.

(2)

After the expiration of the time period specified by written notice, if the violation is not corrected or discontinued, the owner and/or possessor of said property shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and each day of violation after the initial time period as specified by written notice shall constitute a separate offense.

(3)

Permanent signs constructed without first securing a city sign permit are subject to a misdemeanor violation as allowed by state statute.

(4)

The city may cause any sign erected in the right-of-way not in conformance with this chapter to be removed summarily and without notice.

(g)

Abandoned signs.

(1)

A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business that it identifies is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign within one (1) year, the city shall remove it in accordance with this section.

(2)

These removal provisions shall not apply where succeeding owner or lessee conducts the same type of business and agrees to maintain the signs as provided in this chapter or changes copy on the signs to advertise the type of business being conducted on the premises and provided the signs comply with the other provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024; Ord. No. 25-137, § 1, 5-27-2025)

(a)

A minimum of one (1) address sign shall be required on each building in all districts. New and existing building and buildings under construction or demolition shall have approved address numbers, building numbers, or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. Buildings with multiple tenants/addresses shall place approved numbers or addresses on front and rear doors identifying each address. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals. Numbers shall be a minimum of four (4) inches high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm).

(b)

No sign shall interfere with the ability of any driver or pedestrian to see any street or highway sign, traffic sign or signal, or crossroad or crosswalk.

(c)

All electrical signs shall be subject to the state electrical code and after approval, the electrical inspector shall affix a sticker with their signature and date of inspection when required by the State.

(d)

No sign other than bench signs and government traffic safety or roadway information signs shall be erected within any public road right-of-way or upon any public easement.

(e)

Buildings, premises or lots shall not be allowed to have pennants, pinwheels, stringers or other attention-attracting devices.

(f)

If a double-faced monument sign is constructed so that the faces are not constructed so as to be back to back, the total after all sides added together shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for the district.

(g)

All signs shall be maintained in good condition on the areas around them and shall be kept free from debris, rubbish, weeds and other growth. Cloth, fabric, flexible plastic and like materials shall be reasonably free of fading, fraying, damage and excessive wear. Metal and other components shall be reasonably free of rust and deterioration. Signs must be structurally sound.

(h)

Portable (temporary) noncommercial signs shall be allowed within the B-1, B-2, B-4, I-1, I-2 and IDD districts under the following conditions with a permit, and the fee from the City of Albert Lea Adopted Fee Schedule:

(1)

If located entirely within the premises of that institution, the sign shall be setback no less than ten (10) feet from the property line and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area. Such signs shall be allowed no more than twenty-one (21) days prior to the event or function and must be removed within seven (7) days after the event of function. Such signs may be illuminated in accordance with restrictions set forth in this section. If building-mounted, these signs shall be flat wall signs and shall not project above the roof line. If ground-mounted, the top shall be no more than six (6) feet above ground.

(2)

Businesses located on properties within the B-1, B-2, B-4, I-1, I-2 and IDD districts may be permitted to have a portable (temporary) sign advertising an event or sale at the business on site in which the portable sign is located. Special provisions apply to the B-3 Central Business District. A portable sign permit shall expire thirty (30) days from the date the permit is issued and the sign shall be removed. The location of portable signs is subject to the following:

a.

No portable sign shall be placed or located off-site from the business that obtained the permit of the event it is promoting.

b.

No portable sign shall be placed or located in such a manner that prevents the driver of a vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view, from an adequate and safe distance, of any official sign or approaching or merging traffic.

c.

No portable sign shall be placed in a public right-of-way or on other public property.

d.

No portable sign shall be placed in any way that inhibits ingress or egress from a business parking area.

e.

No portable sign shall be placed or located in such a manner as to materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection or in such a manner as to materially impede the view of the intersection of a street or highway with a railroad crossing.

f.

No portable sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in an area per side.

g.

No portable sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in height above the ground area. The height shall include the structure or vehicle on which the sign is mounted.

(i)

No sign shall be permitted to obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway or opening intended to provide ingress or egress for any building or structure.

(j)

Signs shall not be attached to trees, fences, utility poles or other such permanent supports not specifically intended as sign structures.

(k)

The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:

(1)

Motion signs, flashing signs and rotating signs.

(2)

Roof signs.

(3)

Inflatable signs. Exception: Allowed not more than three (3) times a year with a thirty-day permit, if located more than one hundred (100) feet off of any road right-of-way, non-illuminated, and not more than sixteen (16) feet in height. Allowed only in the Commercial and Industrial districts with the required permit.

(4)

Off-premises signs, except as expressly allowed in section 50.0848, dynamic display and non-dynamic display off-premises signs.

(5)

Content classified as "obscene" as defined by Minn. Stats. § 617.241.

(6)

Abandoned signs.

(7)

Signs imitating official signs. Signs that imitate official traffic signs or signals or that contain the words "stop", "go slow", "caution", "warning" or similar words.

(8)

Confusing signs. Signs that are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination that may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device emergency or maintenance vehicle or that obscure from view any traffic or street sign or signal or that obstruct the view in any direction at a street or road intersection.

(9)

Swinging signs.

(10)

Traffic hazard. Signs erected near or at any intersection of any streets in such manner as to obstruct free and clear vision or at any location where, because of position, shape, or color, it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic signs, signal, or device.

(11)

Obstructions. Signs erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct any fire escape, required exit way, window or door opening used as a means of egress or to prevent free passage from one (1) part of a roof to another part thereof or access thereto.

(12)

Hazardous signs. Signs that, because of its construction or state of disrepair, may fall or cause possible injury to passersby, as determined by the zoning administrator.

(13)

Signs emitting an audible message.

(l)

Election signs. In an election year, all noncommercial signs of any size may be posted in any number from sixty (60) days prior to ten (10) days after any federal, state, or local election. These signs shall be confined within private property.

(m)

Electronic message signs are only permitted in commercial or industrial districts (B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, IDD, DCD, I-1, I-2, I-3), or in residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-O, R-P) when occupied by a church or school subject to the following standards:

(1)

No electronic message sign may be erected that, by reason of position, shape, movement or color, interferes with the proper functioning of a traffic sign, signal or which otherwise constitutes a traffic hazard.

(2)

Electronic message signs must have a minimum display duration of ten (10) seconds. B-3 and DCD districts shall have a minimum display duration of thirty (30) seconds. Such displays shall contain static messages only, changed only through dissolve or fade transitions, or with the use of other subtle transitions that do not have the appearance of moving or text images.

(3)

All signs shall have installed ambient light monitors and shall at all times allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness level of the electronic sign based on ambient light conditions.

(4)

Electronic message signs shall not exceed three thousand five hundred (3,500) nits (candelas per square meter) between the hours of civil sunrise and civil sunset and shall not exceed five hundred (500) nits (candelas per square meter) between the hours of civil sunset and civil sunrise as measured from the signs face.

(5)

The lamp wattage and luminance level in nits shall be provided at the time of permit application. Electronic message sign permit applications must also include certification from the owner or operator of the sign stating that the sign shall at all times be operated in accordance with city codes and that the owner or operator shall provide proof of such conformance upon request of the city.

(6)

The leading edge of the electronic message sign must be a minimum distance of one hundred (100) feet from any residential use property. When located within two hundred fifty (250) feet of residential use property, any part of an electronic message sign must be orientated so that no portion of the sign face is visible from an existing or permitted principal structure on that property.

(7)

Electronic message signs shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the allowable sign area for a given wall sign or freestanding sign.

(8)

Electronic message signs on church or school sites shall only be illuminated from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

(9)

Electronic message signs must be placed below a minimum of twenty (20) square feet of permanent nonelectronic message sign(s) if on freestanding signs. Electronic gas price signs may be located alongside permanent nonelectronic message signs on freestanding signs.

(10)

No more than one (1) electronic message sign may be permitted per property, except that gas/convenience uses may be allowed one (1) electronic gas price sign in addition to one (1) electronic message center sign.

(n)

Human signs are permitted only in commercial zoning districts or property guided for commercial land use in the comprehensive plan under the following provisions:

(1)

Not permitted in or over the public right-of-way or off-premises.

(2)

Spinning, waving, tossing, throwing or juggling of the sign is prohibited.

(3)

The sign shall be no greater than ten (10) square feet in area.

(4)

The human sign shall be at ground level.

(5)

Human signs require a temporary sign permit. Individual businesses are limited to thirty (30) days per calendar year to display a human sign. Not-for-profit organizations shall be exempt from temporary sign permit fees.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024)

The following subsections concern signs in all residential zoning districts. Signs are regulated according to the requirements set forth below:

(a)

Setbacks. Signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from all property lines.

(b)

Nameplate signs. One (1) nameplate sign a maximum of two (2) square feet in area is permitted per residence.

(c)

Permanent monuments. One (1) permanent monument sign is permitted per access from a collector street into a residential development or institutional use. Such sign shall not exceed forty (40) square feet and sign setbacks shall be approved as part of the platting, conditional use permit or site plan process.

(d)

Home occupation. A home occupation sign wherein a permitted home occupation exists, identifying the owner or occupant of a building or dwelling unit, provided the surface area of such sign does not exceed three (3) square feet. Such sign shall not be illuminated and shall be mount flat against the wall of the principal building.

(e)

Flags. One (1) flagpole not exceeding twenty-five (25) feet in height containing a maximum of three (3) flags is permitted. The total flag length shall be limited to one-fourth (¼) the height of the flag pole. Flags containing commercial speech are prohibited.

(f)

Real estate signs. Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in area located on the subject property and limited to one (1) sign for each frontage of a home, lot, parcel or tract less than two (2) acres in area. Signs shall be removed within seven (7) days of the sale. Temporary real estate open house and/or directional signs for open houses within Albert Lea city limits are permitted in compliance with the following:

(1)

Signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and three (3) feet in height.

(2)

Signs may be placed in public view no earlier than 9:00 a.m. on the actual day of the open house and must be removed no later than 9:00 p.m. on the same day.

(3)

Only one (1) sign per intersection is allowed for each open house.

(4)

Signs shall not block pedestrian or bicycle pathways or sidewalks.

(5)

Signs shall not be placed within the twenty-foot sight visibility triangle at street intersections. The triangle is described as beginning from a point at the paved edge (or face of a curb) of the intersection, two (2) sides of which extend a distance of twenty (20) feet along the edge of each street and the third side being a line connecting the other sides.

(6)

Signs may not be attached to federal, state, county or city sign posts.

(7)

Signs may not be placed on center medians or street islands.

(8)

Signs may not be placed within four (4) feet of the roadway surface.

(g)

In-home daycares. In-home daycares shall be permitted one (1) sign per street frontage no larger than three (3) square feet. Such sign shall not be illuminated and shall be located on the dwelling unit or in the front yard with a minimum setback of 10 feet.

(h)

Temporary banner signs. Temporary banner signs are permitted for up to thirty (30) days within a calendar year on model homes or multifamily buildings with vacancies. Banners shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet.

(i)

One (1) freestanding sign no more than thirty-two (32) square feet and twenty (20) feet in height may be allowed on each site in the R-O district only.

(j)

Each individual lot may have one (1) flag, one (1) feather, or one (1) yard sign as defined in section 50.0842. Signs shall not be within public right-of-way. Maximum height of six (6) feet for a flag or a feather and not more than nine (9) feet from ground to uppermost point of material or structure. Yard signs limited to maximum of six (6) square feet and three (3) feet in height above ground.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024)

The following subsections concern signs in commercial districts, and said signs are regulated according to the requirements set forth below:

(a)

General provisions for commercial districts.

(1)

Signs may not be located closer than fifteen (15) feet of any property line that abuts any residential district.

(2)

Nonilluminated and illuminated window signs placed within a building and not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the window in sign area shall be permitted. Coverage of up to an additional twenty-five (25) percent (fifty (50) percent total) shall be allowed if the additional twenty-five (25) percent is translucent or perforated to allow for light or vision in both directions.

(3)

An illuminated window sign must be limited to luminaires having a rated initial luminaire lumen output of five hundred twenty-five (525) lumens or less which do not allow light trespass past the boundaries of the property on which it is located.

(4)

A product identification sign may be integrated into a permitted monument or wall sign and shall be included as part of the maximum allowable sign area. Product identification sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the maximum allowable sign area.

(5)

Signs may be attached to a canopy or marquee, but the canopy or marquee shall not be considered as part of the wall area and this [shall] not warrant additional sign area.

(6)

A temporary banner sign or conventional sign structure pertaining to the lease or sale of a building or property shall be permitted. Such sign shall not be illuminated, shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, or be more than eight (8) feet in height.

(7)

Vehicular service canopy signs shall be limited to a business logo and/or graphic design not to exceed fifteen (15) percent of each canopy face area or ten (10) square feet on each canopy face, whichever is smaller. Service station canopy signs shall be restricted to two (2) faces of the canopy and shall not be located above or below the canopy area.

(8)

Service stations may advertise gasoline prices on reader boards attached to a permitted freestanding sign and included in the total square footage of the allowable signage for an entire site.

(9)

Banner signs advertising products or services shall be limited to ten (10) percent of any building face and up to sixteen (16) square feet per banner. Banner sign square footage shall be included in the maximum wall signage allowed on any building face. In no case shall more than four (4) banner signs be placed on any one (1) building face. In B-3 and DCD districts banners are limited to two (2) per property. Banners shall be securely mounted and be free of damage or excessive weathering. Banner signs advertising special business events shall be limited to sixty (60) days per event and shall have a thirty-day period between banners for the same or like event. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

(10)

Wall or banner signs shall not be permitted on any building wall facing an abutting residential property or properties, unless separated by a city street or highway right-of-way.

(11)

One (1) sandwich board sign is permitted per site or per tenant for multitenant sites and will not require permitting but are subject to the following:

a.

Sandwich board signs may be no larger than three (3) feet in width and four (4) feet in height and no materials, including but not limited to, balloons, streamers, and windsocks, may be added to the sign to increase its height or width. Sandwich board signs may not contain electrical components or be lit.

b.

Sandwich board signs must be placed on private property within twenty (20) feet or the main entrance to the business being advertised.

c.

Sandwich board signs shall be located as to maintain a minimum four (4) foot pedestrian walkway and so as not to obstruct vehicular traffic.

d.

Sandwich board signs may be used only during the hours when the business is open to the public.

e.

Sandwich board signs may only be placed on sidewalks that have been cleared of snow and/or other debris.

(12)

Each lot may fly a maximum of three (3) noncommercial speech flags and one (1) commercial speech flag on flag poles. Flag poles that are permanently mounted in the ground or mounted on a building may not exceed seventy-five (75) feet in height.

Exception: B-3 and DCD are limited to twenty-five (25) feet if space is available within the property boundary. There shall be a maximum height limitation one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet MSL in any district.

(13)

One (1) freestanding sign, no more than two hundred (200) square feet in area and fifty (50) feet in height may be allowed on each site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument sign.

a.

Freestanding signs are prohibited in the B-3 district.

b.

In B-1 and DCD districts, freestanding signs are limited to fifty (50) square feet in area and twenty-five (25) feet in height.

(b)

B-1, B-2, B-4, IDD, and PD with commercial uses. Each individual lot may have two (2) individual flag, feather, or yard signs as defined in section 50.0842. One (1) more additional can be added for each additional one hundred (100) feet lot frontage over one hundred (100) feet of width. In no case shall there be more than five (5) flag, feather, or yard signs per individual or adjacent properties under common ownership. Signs shall not be within public right-of-way. Maximum height of eight (8) feet of flag or feather, and not more than eleven (11) feet from ground to uppermost point of material or structure. Yard signs limited to maximum of six (6) square feet and three (3) feet in height above ground.

(c)

Single-tenant commercial sites. On commercial property used exclusively for one (1) tenant, only signs stipulated below or in section 50.0846 may be erected.

(1)

Buildings less than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet:

a.

One (1) monument sign not exceeding twenty (20) feet in height and eighty (80) square feet in area with a minimum ten-foot setback.

1.

The sign shall not contain an electronic message sign.

b.

One (1) freestanding sign not exceeding fifty (50) feet in height and two hundred (200) square feet in area may be allowed on each site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any monument sign on the same site.

c.

Two (2) wall signs per public street frontage not to exceed three (3) wall signs (should two (2) public street frontages exist). Wall signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the front building wall façade and five (5) percent of any other façade to which it is attached. In no case shall a wall sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

(2)

Buildings between fifty thousand (50,000) square feet and one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet:

a.

One (1) monument sign not exceeding twenty (20) feet in height and one hundred (100) square feet with a minimum ten-foot setback. Must be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument sign. The sign shall not contain an electronic message sign.

b.

One (1) freestanding sign not exceeding fifty (50) feet in height and two hundred fifty (250) square feet may be allowed on each site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any monument sign on the same site.

c.

Two (2) wall signs per public street frontage not to exceed three (3) wall signs (should two (2) public street frontages exist). Wall signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the front building wall façade and five (5) percent of any other façade to which it is attached. In no case shall a wall sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

(d)

Multitenant commercial sites. On multitenant commercial sites, only signs as stipulated below or in section 50.0844 may be erected.

(1)

Buildings less than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet:

a.

An area identification sign stating the name of the center and major tenants shall be allowed. The maximum allowable sign area for monument signs shall be as follows:

1.

One (1) monument sign not exceeding twenty (20) feet in height and eighty (80) square feet in area.

2.

If the center has frontage on more than one (1) arterial road, business district road or higher land use classifications, one (1) monument sign is allowed at each frontage. Total aggregate area of secondary frontage monument signage shall not exceed ten (10) square feet.

b.

One (1) freestanding sign not exceeding fifty (50) feet in height and two hundred (200) square feet may be allowed on each tenant site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument signs.

c.

End-cap tenants may have wall signs on three (3) building elevations. No wall signs shall be attached to building elevations adjacent to residential property. Wall signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the front façade and five (5) percent of any other façade to which it is attached. In no case shall a wall sign exceed eighty (80) square feet. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

d.

Internal tenants may have wall signs on two (2) building elevations. Wall signs shall not be attached to building elevations adjacent to residential property. Wall signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the front façade and five (5) percent of any other façade to which it is attached. In no case shall a wall sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

1.

The wall signs shall be designed and arranged in accordance with a comprehensive sign plan for the entire multitenant commercial building which has been prepared and submitted to the city by the owner and which has been approved by the city.

(2)

Buildings greater than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet:

a.

An area identification sign stating the name of the center and major tenants shall be allowed. The maximum allowable sign area for monument signs shall be as follows:

1.

One (1) monument sign not exceeding twenty (20) feet in height and one hundred (100) square feet in area.

2.

If the center has frontage on more than one (1) arterial road, business district road or higher land use classifications, one (1) monument sign may be allowed and erected at each frontage. Total aggregate area of monument signage shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet in area.

b.

One (1) freestanding sign not exceeding fifty (50) feet in height and two hundred fifty (250) square feet may be allowed on each site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument sign.

c.

End-cap tenants may have wall signs on three (3) building elevations. No wall signs shall be attached to building elevations adjacent to residential property. Wall signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the front façade and five (5) percent of any other façade to which it is attached. In no case shall a wall sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

d.

Internal tenants may have wall signs [on] two (2) building elevations. Wall signs shall not be attached to building elevations adjacent to residential property. Wall signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the front façade and five (5) percent of any other façade to which it is attached. In no case shall a wall sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

1.

The wall signs shall be designed and arranged in accordance with a comprehensive sign plan for the entire multitenant commercial building which has been prepared and submitted to the city by the owner and which has been approved by the city.

(e)

Awning, canopy and projecting signs allowed in B-2, B-4, I-1, I-2, I-3, IDD and PD with commercial or industrial uses.

(1)

Maximum sign area.

a.

Single-story buildings. The maximum total aggregate sign area, including wall signs, for each building face shall not exceed twenty (20) percent.

b.

Multistory buildings. The maximum total wall sign area for each building face shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the first-floor level building face.

c.

Aggregate sign area includes both faces of double-sided signage.

(2)

Maximum height.

a.

Shall not extend above the roof.

(3)

Special provisions.

a.

Permitted for each building face abutting on or facing a public street, alley, or public parking area.

b.

Multistory buildings may also have one (1) identification sign for each wall facing or abutting on a public street or parking area.

c.

Shall not extend into the public right-of-way or over a property line.

d.

Projecting signs shall not project more than four (4) feet from the building façade. These signs shall be at least eight (8) feet above the grade. Maximum allowed projecting sign size is twenty (20) square feet.

(f)

Awning, canopy and projecting signs allowed in B-3 and DCD.

(1)

Maximum sign area.

a.

Twelve (12) square feet total area per sign face (unless otherwise stated herein or approved through certificate of appropriateness in the historic district and a variance).

(2)

Maximum height.

a.

Second story of building (unless otherwise stated herein).

(3)

Special provisions.

a.

No more than fifteen (15) percent of any single wall of the building may be covered by signs of any type including awning, canopy, projecting or wall signs. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

b.

A projecting sign may have two (2) faces and must project at right angles from the building façade or, if projecting from a corner, at one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees from each face of the building. A corner shall be considered the corner of a building on an intersection of two (2) public rights-of-way. The sign shall not be more than four (4) feet long from the bottom to the top (unless located on a corner of a building, then it may be up to six (6) feet long).

c.

A corner projecting sign up to eighteen (18) square feet is permitted.

d.

Awning, canopy and projecting signs shall not project more than four (4) feet from the building façade. These signs shall be at least eight (8) feet above the grade.

e.

Vacant buildings in the historical preservation district may have one hundred (100) percent coverage on the interior of windows. Acceptable signage is city approved artwork, public service announcements and events, and advertising from other historical preservation district businesses.

f.

All signs must be installed in accordance with the International Building Code and, if located in the National Commercial Historic District, obtain a certificate of appropriateness from the historic preservation commission or appropriate staff prior to submittal for a sign permit.

(g)

[Sign limits of licensed cannabis businesses.] Any State of Minnesota licensed cannabis business of any type is limited to two (2) signs total on the property. Signs may consist of one (1) wall sign and one (1) freestanding sign, or both may be wall signs. No other types of signs are allowed. Each individual sign face is limited to twenty-four (24) square feet. Total square footage of all sign faces shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. Signs may be lighted by downcast, night sky compliant lights. No internally lighted signs shall be allowed. (Minn. Stats. § 342.64 subd. 2)

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024; Ord. No. 24-118, § 1, 5-28-2024; Ord. No. 24-127, § 1, 9-9-2024; Ord. No. 25-138, § 1, 5-27-2025)

The following subsections concern signs in the I-1 and I-2 industrial districts and industrial designed land in planned unit developments. Said signs are regulated according to the requirements set forth below:

(a)

General provisions for industrial districts.

(1)

Signs shall not be located within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line.

(2)

A product identification sign may be integrated into a permitted monument or wall sign and shall be included as part of the maximum allowable sign area. Product identification sign area shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of a maximum allowable sign area.

(3)

A temporary banner or conventional sign structure pertaining to the lease or sale of a building or property. Such sign shall not be illuminated, shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, or be no more than eight (8) feet in height.

(4)

A double-faced sign shall be considered one (1) sign.

(5)

One (1) freestanding sign not exceeding fifty (50) feet in height and two hundred (200) square feet in area may be allowed on each site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any monument sign on the same site.

(6)

One (1) monument sign not exceeding twenty (20) feet in height and one hundred (100) square feet in area and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument sign.

(7)

Each individual lot may have two (2) individual flag, feather, or yard signs as defined in section 50.0842. One (1) additional may be added for each additional one hundred (100) feet of lot frontage over one hundred (100) feet of width. In no case shall there be more than five (5) per individual or adjacent properties under common ownership.

(8)

Signs shall not be within public right-of-way, maximum height of eight (8) feet of flag or feather, and not more than eleven (11) feet from ground to uppermost point of material or structure. Yard signs are limited to a maximum of six (6) square feet and three (3) feet in height above ground.

(9)

Banner signs advertising products or services shall be limited to ten (10) percent of any building face and to sixteen (16) square feet per banner. Banner sign square footage shall be included in the maximum wall signage allowed on any building face. In no case shall more than four (4) banner signs be placed on any one (1) building face. Banners shall be securely mounted and be free of damage or excessive weathering. Banner signs advertising special business events shall be limited to sixty (60) days per event and shall have a thirty-day period between banners for the same or like event. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

(10)

Each lot may fly a maximum of three (3) noncommercial speech flags and one (1) commercial speech flag. Flagpoles that are permanently mounted in the ground or mounted on a building may not exceed seventy-five (75) feet in height. There shall be a maximum height limitation of one thousand four hundred (1,400) feet MSL in any district.

(b)

Allowable signage.

(1)

Single-tenant building. On industrial property used exclusively for one (1) tenant only, signs as stipulated below or in section 50.0844 may be erected.

a.

One (1) monument sign not exceeding fifteen (15) feet in height and eighty (80) square feet in area may be allowed on each site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument sign.

b.

Two (2) wall signs attached to only one (1) wall not to exceed fifteen (15) percent of the building façade or one hundred (100) square feet for each sign, whichever is less. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

c.

One (1) freestanding sign not to exceed fifty (50) feet in height and two hundred (200) square feet in area may be allowed on each site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument sign.

(2)

Multitenant building. On industrial property used for multitenant, only signs as stipulated below or in section 50.0844 may be erected.

a.

One (1) monument sign twenty (20) feet in height and one hundred (100) square feet in area.

b.

Individual tenants may have wall signs provided that are designed and arranged in accordance with the comprehensive sign plan for the entire multitenant building which has been prepared and submitted to the city by the owner and which has been approved by the city; further, the aggregate area of such signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the area of the wall to which they are attached or eighty (80) square feet, whichever is less. Single wall area is based on first floor square footage only. Second floor area is not used to calculate any signage allowable area.

c.

One (1) freestanding sign not to exceed fifty (50) feet in height and two hundred (200) square feet in area may be allowed on each tenant site and be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any other freestanding or monument sign.

(c)

Projecting signs.

(1)

Single-story buildings.

a.

The maximum total aggregate sign area, including wall signs, for each building face shall not exceed twenty (20) percent.

(2)

Multistory buildings.

a.

The maximum total wall sign area for each building face shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the first-floor level building face.

b.

Aggregate sign area includes both faces of double-sided signage.

c.

Maximum height: Sign shall not extend above the roof.

(3)

Special provisions.

a.

Permitted for each building face abutting on or facing a public street, alley, or public parking area.

b.

A minimum distance of eight (8) feet between sidewalk and the bottom of the sign is required.

c.

Multistory buildings may also have one (1) identification sign for each wall facing or abutting on a public street or parking area.

d.

Shall not extend into the public right-of-way or over a property line.

e.

Projecting signs limited to a maximum of twenty (20) square feet.

(d)

[Sign limits of licensed cannabis businesses.] Any State of Minnesota licensed cannabis business of any type is limited to two (2) signs total on the property. Signs may consist of one (1) wall sign and one (1) freestanding sign, or both may be wall signs. No other types of signs are allowed. Each individual sign face is limited to twenty-four (24) square feet. Total square footage of all sign faces shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Freestanding signs shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. Signs may be lighted by downcast, night sky compliant lights. No internally lighted signs shall be allowed. (Minn. Stats. § 342.64 subd. 2)

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024; Ord. No. 24-127, § 1, 9-9-2024; Ord. No. 25-139, § 1, 5-27-2025)

(a)

Findings, purpose and intent. The city council finds it necessary for the promotion and preservation of the health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the community that the construction, location, size, conspicuity, brightness, legibility, operational characteristics and maintenance of dynamic display off-premises signs be controlled. Dynamic display off-premises have a direct and substantial impact on traffic safety, pedestrian safety, community aesthetics and property values. The city council recognizes that signs provide a guide to the physical environment and as such serve an important function in the community and economy. The city council intends by this subsection to establish legal framework for dynamic display off-premises sign regulation in the city. The regulations of this subsection are intended to facilitate an easy and agreeable communication between people while protecting and promoting the public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the community. It is not the purpose or intent of this subsection to prefer or favor commercial messages or speech over noncommercial messages or speech or to discriminate between types of noncommercial speech or the viewpoints represented herein. Rather, the purpose of the dynamic display off-premises sign regulations in the subsection is to:

(1)

Eliminate potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians using the public streets,

(2)

Safeguard and enhance property values,

(3)

Control nuisances,

(4)

Preserve and improve the appearance of the city through adherence to aesthetic principles in order to create a community that is attractive to residents and to nonresidents who come to live, visit, work or trade,

(5)

Eliminate excessive and confusing sign displays,

(6)

Encourage signs which, by their design, are integrated with and harmonious to the surrounding environment and the buildings and sites they occupy,

(7)

Promote public health, safety and general welfare.

(b)

Location of dynamic or non-dynamic display off-premises signs. Dynamic display off-premises signs are prohibited in all zoning districts of the city other than IDD, B-4, I-1, and I-2. Dynamic display non-display off-premises signs located in the Interstate Development District must comply with the following code requirements:

(1)

One (1) dynamic display and non-dynamic display off-premises sign shall be permitted per property, parcel or lot and shall not be located closer than three hundred (300) feet from another dynamic display or non-dynamic display off-premises sign and a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any freestanding or monument sign.

(2)

Such signs shall be setback a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any Interstate Right-of-Way.

(3)

Size. Dynamic display and non-dynamic display off-premises signs shall not exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet.

a.

Exception: May be up to six hundred (600) square feet in surface area per sign surface if located immediately adjacent to Interstate Highway 90 or 35 rights-of-way.

(4)

Number of surfaces. Dynamic display and non-dynamic display off-premises signs shall not contain more than two (2) sign surfaces. Said sign surfaces shall face in opposite directions with an interior angle not to exceed forty-five (45) degrees.

(5)

Height. Dynamic display and non-dynamic display off-premises signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height as measured from the established grade of the site upon which the dynamic display off-premises sign is located.

(c)

Dynamic display and non-dynamic display off-premises performance standards.

(1)

No dynamic or non-dynamic display off-premises sign shall be erected that, by reason of position, shape, movement or color, interferes with the proper functioning of a traffic signal or which constitutes a traffic hazard.

(2)

Dynamic display off-premises signs must have a minimum display duration of ten (10) seconds. Such display shall contain static messages only; change from one (1) static message to another shall be instantaneous without any special effects, through dissolve or fade transitions, or with the use of another subtle transition technique that does not have the appearance of moving text or images.

(3)

Dynamic display or non-dynamic off-premises signs must be rectangular in shape and all messages must be contained within the dynamic display off-premises sign frame.

(4)

Dynamic display off-premises signs shall have ambient light monitors installed as part of the dynamic display off-premises sign and shall, at all times, allow such monitors to automatically adjust the brightness level of the electronic sign based on light conditions.

(5)

Dynamic display off-premises signs shall meet the following brightness standards:

a.

Dynamic display off-premises signs shall not exceed five thousand (5,000) nits (candelas per square meter) between the hours of civil sunrise and civil sunset and shall not exceed five hundred (500) nits (candelas per square meter) between the hours of civil sunset and civil sunrise as measured from the face of the sign. The light level shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured from a pre-set distance depending on the sign size.

1.

Measuring distance shall be determined using the following equation: The square foot of the message center sign area multiplied by 100. (Example: For a twelve-square foot sign: √(12 × 100) = 34.6 feet measuring distance.)

(6)

Dynamic display off-premises signs shall have a fully functional monitoring off switch system that shuts the dynamic display off-premises sign off when the display deteriorates, in any fashion, five (5) percent or greater until the dynamic display sign has been repaired to its fully functional factory specifications.

(7)

Dynamic display off-premises signs must be part of the State of Minnesota's public safety alert system.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024; Ord. No. 24-119, § 1, 5-28-2024)

(a)

Any lawfully constructed nonconforming sign or any legal sign existing upon the effective date of the ordinance from which this section is derived may be maintained and continued at the size and manner of operation existing upon such date except hereinafter specified.

(b)

Upon adoption of the ordinance from which this section is derived, a nonconforming sign shall not be:

(1)

Changed to another nonconforming sign.

(2)

Structurally altered or moved except to bring such nonconforming sign into conformance with this chapter.

(3)

Expanded or enlarged.

(c)

Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, all signs which are made nonconforming by this chapter shall be brought into conformance at the time that a face or copy is changed or altered except for routine maintenance as required by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024)

The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by the chapter may substitute noncommercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial copy. This substitution of copy may be made without additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision prevails over any other specific provision to the contrary.

(Ord. No. 24-111, § 1, 3-11-2024)