Center City City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 207

SIGNS

§ 207.01 FINDINGS, PURPOSE, AND EFFECT.

(A) Findings. The city finds:

(1) Exterior signs have a substantial impact on the character and quality of the environment.

(2) Signs provide an important medium through which individuals may convey a variety of messages.

(3) Signs can create traffic hazards and aesthetic concerns, thereby threatening the public health, safety, and welfare.

(4) The city’s zoning regulations include the regulation of signs in an effort to provide adequate means of expression and to promote the economic viability of the business community, while protecting the city and its citizens from a proliferation of signs of a type, size, location, and character that would adversely impact upon the aesthetics of the community and threaten the health, safety, and welfare of the community. The regulation of the physical characteristics of signs within the city has had a positive impact on traffic safety and the appearance of the community.

(B) Purpose and intent. It is not the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate any building design or any display not defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from outside a building. The purpose and intent of this chapter is to:

(1) Regulate the number, location, size, type, illumination, and other physical characteristics of signs within the city in order to promote the public health, safety, and welfare.

(2) Maintain, enhance, and improve the aesthetic environment of the city by preventing visual clutter that is harmful to the appearance of the community.

(3) Improve the visual appearance of the city while providing for effective means of communication, consistent with constitutional guarantees and the city’s goals of public safety and aesthetics.

(4) Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations set forth herein under the zoning authority of the city.

(C) Effect. A sign may be erected, mounted, displayed, or maintained in the city if it is in conformance with the provisions of this chapter. The effect of this chapter, as more specifically set forth herein, is to:

(1) Allow a wide variety of sign types in commercial zones, and a more limited variety of signs in other zones, subject to the standards set forth in this sign ordinance.

(2) Allow certain small, unobtrusive signs incidental to the principal use of a site in all zones when in compliance with the requirements of this sign ordinance.

(3) Prohibit signs whose location, size, type, illumination, or other physical characteristics negatively affect the environment and where the communication can be accomplished by means having a lesser impact on the environment and the public health, safety, and welfare.

(4) Provide for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.02 SEPARABILITY.

If any section, division, sentence, clause, or phrase of this sign chapter is for any reason held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of this sign chapter. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the sign regulations in each section, division, sentence, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, divisions, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.03 PERMIT REQUIRED.

No sign shall be erected or existing sign structure expanded without first securing a permit from the city, except when changing only the face of the sign without altering the area, height, or location of the sign.

(A) The content of the message or speech displayed on the sign shall not be reviewed or considered in determining whether to approve or deny a sign permit.

(B) Application for a sign permit shall be filed by the property owner or designated agent with the Zoning Administrator on forms to be provided by the city.

(C) The Zoning Administrator shall process and review the application and related materials and shall determine whether the proposal is in compliance with all applicable evaluation criteria, codes, ordinances, and applicable performance standards set forth in this title within 60 days of submission of a complete application.

(D) The application shall be accompanied by a fee as set forth in the city fee schedule.

(E) The Zoning Administrator shall notify the applicant, in writing, of an incomplete application within 10 days of the date of submission.

(F) Application for a permit shall contain the following information unless waived by the city:

(1) Names and addresses of the applicant, owners of the sign, and lot.

(2) The address at which any signs are to be erected.

(3) The lot, block, and addition at which the signs are to be erected and the street on which they are to front.

(4) Type and size of sign (e.g., wall sign, pylon sign).

(5) A site plan to scale showing the location of lot lines, building structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs, and any other physical features.

(6) Plans, location, and specifications and method of construction and attachment to the buildings or placement method on the ground.

(7) Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by this and all other laws and ordinances of the city.

(8) Written consent of the owner or lessee of any site on which the sign is to be erected.

(9) Any electrical permit required and issued for the sign.

(10) A detailed description of any electronic or electrical components that are proposed to be added to the sign.

(11) Other information to demonstrate compliance with this and all other ordinances of the city.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.04 PERMIT NOT REQUIRED.

The following signs shall not require a permit and are allowed in addition to those signs allowed by §§ 207.07 (General Regulations) and 207.09 (District Regulations) of this title. These exemptions, however, shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any other law or ordinance regulating the same.

(A) The changing of the display surface on a painted or printed sign only. This exemption, however, shall apply only to poster replacement and/or on-site changes involving sign painting elsewhere than directly on a building.

(B) Not more than 2 signs 2 square feet or less in size.

(D) All noncommercial signs of any size posted in any number from 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year until 10 days following the general election, and 13 weeks prior to any special election until 10 days following the special election.

(E) Official signs.

(F) One sign shall be allowed per street frontage when a building is offered for sale or lease, provided that:

(1) Within the agriculture and rural districts and residential districts, no sign shall exceed 12 square feet in area and 6 feet in height for single-family, two-family, and townhouse units; or 32 square feet in area or 8 feet in height for multi-family or institutional uses.

(2) Within all other zoning districts and in those cases where a parcel of land exceeds 10 acres, regardless of its zoning, no sign shall exceed 64 square feet in area or 10 feet in height.

(G) Sandwich board signs are allowed only within the B-1 Downtown Business District, provided that:

(1) Not more than 1 sign is allowed per principal building except that 1 sign is allowed per tenant within a principal building having 2 or more tenants each with an exclusive exterior entrance.

(2) The sign shall only be displayed when the business is open to the public.

(3) The sign shall be placed on the business property or may be located upon public sidewalks directly abutting the business property or within required principal building setbacks, and not placed on any vehicle.

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

(5) The sign shall be set back a minimum of 1 foot from the back of curb of a public street or private drive aisle.

(6) The sign shall conform to the following maximum dimensions:

(a) Height. Four feet.

(b) Width. Three feet.

(7) For signs within the B-1 Downtown Business District to be located upon the sidewalk or boulevard portion of a public right-of-way, issuance of a sign permit in accordance with § 207.03 (Permit Required) of this title shall be required annually.

(a) In addition to the provisions of § 207.03(F) (Permit Required) of this title, the owner of the sign shall provide a certificate of general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000 naming the city as an additional insured for the sign to be located upon the public right-of-way within the B-1 Downtown Business District.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.05 NONCONFORMING SIGNS AND USES.

(A) Signs. A nonconforming sign lawfully existing upon the effective date of this chapter shall be regulated in accordance with Chapter 204 (Nonconforming Lots, Structures, and Uses) of this title.

(B) Uses. When the principal use of land is legally nonconforming under Chapter 204 (Nonconforming Lots, Structures, and Uses) of this title, all existing or proposed signs in conjunction with that land use shall be considered conforming if they are in compliance with the sign provisions for the most restrictive zoning district in which the principal use is allowed.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.06 ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.

(A) Administration. This chapter shall be administered and enforced by the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator may institute in the name of the city appropriate actions or proceedings against a violator.

(B) Inspection. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Zoning Administrator.

(C) Sign removal. The city reserves the right to require the removal at the owner’s expense of any sign when the requirements of this chapter are not completely followed and adhered to, or if a sign is not properly maintained or falls into a state of disrepair. The city shall not have any obligation or liability to replace any sign when removed by the city.

(D) Penalty. Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with, or resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined or penalized not more than the maximum levels established by the state for misdemeanor offenses.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.07 GENERAL REGULATIONS.

(A) Accessory structures. Except as provided for by § 207.07(J) and (V) (General Regulations) of this title, all signs must be accessory structures.

(B) Electrical signs. The installation of electrical signs shall be subject to the state’s electrical code. Electrical service to such signs shall be underground.

(C) Approval. No sign shall be attached or be allowed to hang from any building until all necessary wall and roof attachments have been approved by the Zoning Administrator.

(D) Trees; interference. No signs, guys, stays, or attachments shall be erected, placed, or maintained on trees nor interfere with any electric light, power, or telephone or the supports thereof.

(E) Illuminated signs. Illuminated signs shall be shielded to prevent lights from being directed at oncoming traffic in such brilliance that it impairs the vision of the driver and may not interfere with or obscure traffic signs or signals. Lighting may not illuminate any adjacent properties, buildings, or streets.

(F) Temporary signs. The use of banners, pennants, and similar devices for commercial, industrial, and institutional uses shall be subject to the following provisions:

(1) Temporary signs shall require a permit valid for no more than 42 days during any 12-month period.

(2) The area of a temporary sign shall not exceed 50 square feet per sign face.

(3) Not more than 2 temporary signs shall be displayed upon a property at any 1 time.

(G) Placement. No sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign or sign structure shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

(H) Structure. 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 20° unless the total area of both sides added together does not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for that district.

(I) Address sign. Except for farm buildings, at least 1 address sign identifying the correct property number shall be required on each principal building in all districts. The number shall be at least 3 inches in height.

(J) Off premises signs. Off premises signs are a principal use of property. An annual license is required for all off premises signs. Off premises signs must be removed as a condition of construction of another principal use upon the property or platting or subdivision approval for the land on which it is located.

(K) Square footage calculation. The area within the frame of a sign shall be used to calculate the square footage except that the width of a frame exceeding 12 inches shall constitute sign face, and if such letters or graphics be mounted directly on a wall or fascia or in such way as to be without a frame the dimensions for calculating the square footage shall be the area extending 6 inches beyond the periphery formed around such letters or graphics in a plane figure bounded by straight lines connecting the outermost points thereof. Each surface utilized to display a message or to attract attention shall be measured as a separate sign and shall be calculated in the overall square footage. Symbols, flags, pictures, wording, figures, or other forms of graphics painted on or attached to windows, walls, awnings, freestanding structures, suspended by balloons, or kites or on persons, animals, or vehicles, are considered a sign and are included in calculating the overall square footage.

(L) Height.

(1) Freestanding signs. The height of the sign shall be measured from the ground at the base to the highest most part of the structure.

(2) Wall, canopy, or marquee signs. The top of a sign, including its structure, if any, shall be no higher than the roof of the building to which such sign may be attached.

(M) Landscaping. The area around freestanding signs shall be landscaped with plantings and maintained in such a manner to accent and enhance the sign while remaining sensitive to the natural features of the site.

(N) Motor fuel facilities. Signs for motor fuel facilities shall be regulated by the sign provisions for the zoning district in which the facility is located, except that:

(1) The construction of any freestanding sign shall be as follows:

(a) The sign shall be self-supported vertically by a solid base extending horizontally for a minimum of the entire width of the sign face. Total height of the monument sign including the base shall not exceed 15 feet.

(b) The sign base and supporting material shall be equal to at least 40% of the total allowable sign square footage, and shall not be counted toward the sign area. The base shall be attached to the ground for its entire horizontal width of the sign. The base shall be stone, brick, or decorative masonry consistent with the exterior material of the principal building and shall not contain any sign copy.

(c) Within a freestanding sign, an area not to exceed 24 square feet shall be allowed for continuous display (no flashing, scrolling, or other animation) of electronic or non-electronic changeable copy identifying current fuel prices in accordance with M.S. § 239.751.

(2) Signage may be allowed on a detached canopy in lieu of wall signage on the principal structure, provided that:

(a) The individual canopy sign does not exceed more than 20% of the canopy facade facing a public right-of-way.

(b) The canopy fascia shall not be illuminated, except for allowed canopy signage.

(O) Window signs. Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total area of the window in which they are displayed.

(P) Adjoining properties. Separate commercial and industrial uses on adjoining properties with a common lot line may each locate a sign on one freestanding structure subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator, provided that:

(1) The area of each of the individual business signs shall be consistent with the applicable district provisions in § 207.09 (District Regulations) of this title.

(2) The height of the freestanding sign shall be consistent with the applicable district provisions in § 207.09 (District Regulations) of this title.

(3) The maximum number of signs displayed on a single structure is 2 signs.

(4) No additional freestanding signs shall be displayed on the individual properties.

(5) An agreement addressing construction, maintenance, and repair responsibilities and trespass rights is established and filed with the Chisago County Recorder against the titles of the 2 properties involved in the collocated freestanding sign. Amendment or cancellation of the agreement shall be allowed only upon written approval by the Zoning Administrator.

(Q) Multiple occupancy commercial and industrial buildings. When a single principal building is devoted to 2 or more commercial or industrial principal uses, signs shall be allowed subject to review and approval of the Zoning Administrator based upon the following requirements:

(1) The maximum individual sign sizes for multiple occupancy buildings and individual businesses that may display a sign shall not exceed the maximum provisions in the same zoning district in § 207.09 (District Regulations) of this title.

(2) Commercial retail, office, or mixed use multiple occupancy buildings may display a freestanding sign consistent with the applicable zoning district provisions in § 207.09 (District Regulations) of this title.

(3) Except as provided for in § 207.07(Q) (General Regulations) of this title, individual tenants of a multiple occupancy building within a commercial or industrial zoning district shall not display separate wall, canopy, or marquee signs unless the tenant’s business has an exclusive exterior entrance and subject to the following requirements:

(a) The number of individual wall, canopy, or marquee signs shall be limited to one per tenant space except 1 additional sign may be displayed on a second facade for the tenant of a corner suite or a suite that extends through the building thus having 2 exterior walls.

(b) Each sign shall be limited to the maximum wall sign size permitted in the applicable zoning district provisions in § 207.09 (District Regulations) of this title.

(c) The sign shall be located only on the exterior wall of the tenant space to which the sign permit is issued, but are not required to face a public street.

(d) A comprehensive sign plan is submitted that includes all of the following information:

1. A site plan to scale showing the location of lot lines, buildings, structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs, and any other physical features of the area included within the proposed comprehensive sign plan.

2. Scale elevations of buildings showing the location of existing or proposed wall, canopy, or marquee signs.

3. To scale plans for all existing and proposed signs of any type included within the comprehensive sign plan indicating area, dimensions, height, materials, colors, and any means of illumination.

(e) No permit shall be issued for a new or replacement sign for an individual tenant except upon a determination by the Zoning Administrator that it is consistent with the approved comprehensive sign plan.

(R) Maximum area of signage. On individual properties within commercial and industrial zoning districts in cases where no freestanding signs are utilized and where principal structures have a front yard setback in excess of that which is required under the applicable zoning district regulations, the maximum area allowed for individual wall, canopy, or marquee signs may be increased by 1% for every 5 feet of additional setback beyond the zoning district front yard setback requirement. This increase shall be limited to a maximum area of 125% and shall be applied only to signs located on the side of the building facing the yard for which the calculation was made.

(S) Changeable copy signs. For commercial and industrial uses, one 40 square foot changeable copy sign (but not including electronic changeable copy signs) shall be allowed per site provided that the changeable copy area of the sign is integrated into the allowed freestanding sign for the respective zoning district.

(T) Time and temperature sign. Within commercial and industrial zoning districts, an area not to exceed 16 square feet within a freestanding or wall sign shall be allowed for display of an electronic time and temperature sign subject to the sign provisions for the zoning district in which the sign is located.

(U) Projecting signs. Projecting signs may be allowed in commercial districts provided that:

(1) There is a minimum of 8 feet of clearance under the base of the sign to the ground below.

(2) The sign does not project more than 5 feet beyond the wall to which it is mounted, may not project over any vehicular drive aisle or traveled portion of a public or private street and except in the B-1 Downtown Business District may not project over a public right-of-way.

(3) The area of the projecting sign shall not exceed 24 square feet.

(V) Billboards. Existing billboards erected prior to June 7, 2011, are an allowed use subject to the following requirements:

(1) The sign is defined as a principal use of the property upon which a billboard is located. No approval shall be granted for a second principal use upon a property when one of the principal uses is a billboard allowed by this section.

(2) The area of the sign shall not exceed 400 square feet.

(3) The structure shall not exceed 40 feet in height.

(W) Subdivisions.

(1) Permanent signs. One sign shall be allowed for a subdivision having not less than 3 lots or principal buildings at its entrance from a collector or arterial street defined by the Comprehensive Plan provided that:

(a) The area of the face of each sign shall not exceed 100 square feet.

(b) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of:

1. Ten feet for residential uses.

2. Twenty feet for commercial, industrial, and institutional uses.

(c) The sign(s) shall be located to accommodate said sign and related landscaping to meet all setback requirements. If the sign(s) is to be located on outlots, the outlots shall be designated on the preliminary plat and detailed plans for the area identification signs shall be submitted with the final plat.

(d) The area around the sign shall be landscaped in such a manner to accent and enhance the sign while remaining sensitive to the natural features of the site. Detailed site and landscape plans shall be included with each sign permit application and shall be subject to review and approval of the Zoning Administrator.

(e) The design and construction of the sign shall be done with the highest quality materials and workmanship to keep maintenance and upkeep costs to a minimum and to minimize the potential for vandalism. The signs are to be aesthetically pleasing when designed and constructed. The sign shall be compatible with nearby structures in the area. Detailed construction plans and a materials list shall be included with each sign permit application and shall be subject to the review and approval of the Zoning Administrator.

(2) Temporary signs. A comprehensive signage plan for additional temporary signs shall be allowed upon approval of a final plat for a subdivision having not less than 3 lots or approval of site and building plans for 1 lot by the Zoning Administrator provided that:

(a) One sign shall be allowed per project or subdivision or 1 sign for each frontage to a collector or arterial street, whichever is greater.

1. The area of the sign face shall not exceed 64 square feet.

2. Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of 8 feet.

(b) Model homes as provided for by § 205.16 (Model Homes) of this chapter shall be allowed the following signs:

1. One freestanding sign with a sign face not to exceed 32 square feet or a maximum height of 8 feet.

2. Not more than 3 flags with a maximum area of 16 square feet per face per flag and maximum height of 24 feet shall be allowed upon lots within the subdivision.

(c) Unless extended by the Zoning Administrator, the temporary signs and flags allowed by this section shall only be displayed for a period not to exceed 3 years from the date a permit is issued for the sign or flag or until building permits have been issued for 100% of the lots within a final plat or subsequent phases of the same preliminary plat of a subdivision.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.08 PROHIBITED SIGNS.

(A) The following signs are prohibited.

(1) Any sign, signal, marking, or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles any official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signs, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal.

(2) All signs over 600 square feet in area, except within the POS Public and Open Space District.

(3) All off premises signs except as allowed by § 207.07(J) and (V) (General Regulations) of this title.

(4) Balloon signs.

(5) Content classified as "obscene" as defined by M.S. § 617.241.

(6) Signs painted, attached, or in any other manner affixed to trees or similar natural surfaces, or attached to utility poles, bridges, towers, or similar public structures.

(7) Only those signs installed at the direction of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Chisago County or the city shall be located within public rights-of-way.

(B) The following signs are also prohibited except with a conditional use permit if located within the B1 or B2 District, and subject to all other city regulations.

(1) Roof signs.

(2) Illuminated, luminous, electric flashing, multivision, rotating, shimmering signs and/or video display signs.

(C) The following signs are prohibited except with a permit if located within the B1 or B2 District and subject to all other city regulations.

(1) Mobile signs (also referred to as portable sign): A sign designed or intended to be moved or transported by trailer or on wheels. A sign may be a mobile sign even if it has wheels removed, was designed without wheels, or is attached temporarily to the ground, a structure, or other sign. Signs mounted on a vehicle for advertising purposes, when the vehicle is parked and visible from public right-of-way, except signs identifying a business when the vehicle is being used in the normal day-to-day operation of that business.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011; Am. Ord. 2015-02-03A, passed 2-3-2015)

§ 207.09 DISTRICT REGULATIONS.

In addition to the signs allowed by § 207.04 (Permit not Required) and § 207.07 (General Regulations) of this title, the following signs shall be allowed within the specific zoning districts:

(A) Within the A-1 Agricultural and RR Rural Residential Districts, the following additional regulations apply:

(1) One sign shall be allowed provided that:

(a) The area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

(b) Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of 8 feet.

(B) Within the R-1 Traditional Single-Family Residential, R-2 Suburban Single-Family Residential, R-3 Medium Density Residential and R-4 Multiple-Family Residential Districts, the following additional regulations apply:

(1) Government buildings and structures, public, semi-public or private recreation buildings, neighborhood or community centers, public parks and recreation areas, public and private educational institutions limited to accredited elementary, middle, or senior high schools, nursing homes, daycare facilities, golf courses and country clubs, and religious institutions such as churches, chapels, temples, and synagogues shall be allowed the following signs:

(a) Freestanding sign.

1. Number allowed. One sign is allowed per lot, except that 1 additional sign shall be allowed when there is more than 1 entrance from a collector or arterial street.

2. Area. The area of each sign may not exceed 100 square feet per sign face.

3. Monument type; height. The sign shall be a monument type with a maximum height not to exceed 10 feet.

4. Changeable copy signs. Within the allowed area of a freestanding sign, a maximum of 40 square feet of nonelectronic changeable copy shall be allowed per frontage to a major collector or arterial street.

(b) Wall, canopy, or marquee signs.

1. For single occupancy buildings, not more than 1 sign larger than 100 square feet shall be allowed on 1 facade fronting a public street, except in the case of a corner lot or through lot where 1 additional 100 square foot wall sign may be installed on a second facade fronting a public street.

2. Additional signs not to exceed 48 square feet shall be allowed for each building entrance.

(C) Within the B-1 Downtown Business and B-2 Highway Business districts the following additional regulations shall apply:

(1) Total area and number of signs.

(a) Freestanding sign. One sign is allowed per lot. The area of a freestanding sign may not exceed 100 square feet each side with a maximum height of 20 feet.

(b) Wall, canopy, or marquee sign.

1. For single occupancy buildings, not more than 1 wall, canopy, or marquee sign shall be permitted on 1 facade fronting a public street, except:

a. In the case of a corner lot or through lot where wall signs may be installed on not more than 2 facades fronting a public street.

b. In the case of a single occupancy building or single tenant space with a gross floor area of 45,000 square feet or larger, additional secondary wall signs shall be allowed on 1 facade fronting a public street.

c. Within the B-1 Downtown Business District, 1 additional sign shall be allowed to be displayed on a side or rear wall of a building, which may or may not front a public street.

2. The area of individual signs shall not exceed 100 square feet, except:

a. The area of 1 individual sign for single occupancy buildings or individual tenant spaces with a gross floor area of 45,000 square feet or larger shall not exceed 440 square feet. If a second sign is allowed for a single occupancy building or individual tenant with a gross floor area of 45,000 square feet or larger by § 207.09(C)(1)(b)1.a (District Regulations) of this title, the area of the second individual sign shall not exceed 200 square feet.

b. The total area of all secondary wall signs allowed by § 207.09(C)(1)(b)1.b. (District Regulations) of this title for a single occupancy building or individual tenant space with a gross floor area of 45,000 square feet or more shall not exceed 144 square feet and the area of any 1 secondary wall sign shall not exceed 72 square feet.

(D) Within the I-1 Light Industrial District the following additional regulations shall apply:

(1) Total sign area and number.

(a) Freestanding sign. One sign is allowed per lot. The area of a freestanding sign may not exceed 100 square feet each side with a maximum height of 10 feet.

(b) Wall, canopy, or marquee sign. For single occupancy buildings, not more than 1 wall, canopy, or marquee sign shall be permitted on 1 facade fronting a public street, except in the case of a corner lot or through lot where wall signs may be installed on 2 facades fronting a public street. The area of individual signs shall not exceed 100 square feet.

(E) Within the POS Parks and Open Space District the following additional regulations shall apply:

(1) Freestanding sign.

(a) Number allowed. One sign is allowed per lot, except that 1 additional sign shall be allowed when there is more than 1 entrance from a collector or arterial street.

(b) Area. The area of each sign may not exceed 100 square feet per sign face.

(d) Changeable copy signs.

1. Within the allowed area of a freestanding sign, a maximum of 40 square feet of non-electronic changeable copy shall be allowed per frontage to a major collector or arterial street.

2. For city public administration, fire stations, and public maintenance buildings, Chisago County buildings and school district uses only, the changeable copy sign allowed by this section may utilize electronic changeable copy.

(2) Wall, canopy, or marquee signs.

(a) For single occupancy buildings, not more than 1 sign shall be allowed on 1 facade fronting a public street, except in the case of a corner lot or through lot where 1 additional 100-square foot wall sign may be installed on a second facade fronting a public street.

(b) Additional signs not to exceed 48 square feet shall be allowed for each building entrance.

(F) In a planned unit development, signing restrictions shall be based upon the individual uses and structures contained in the complex. Signs shall be in compliance with the restrictions applied in the most restrictive zoning district in which the use is allowed.

(Ord. 2011-06-07A, passed 6-7-2011)

§ 207.10 SETBACKS.

Except as otherwise required by this chapter, all freestanding signs shall be set back 15 feet from any property line abutting a public right-of-way and 5 feet from any side or rear property line.