Any signs hereafter erected or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this chapter and any other provisions of this code. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

The purpose of this chapter is to provide standards for the use and display of signs. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

As used in this chapter, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

ABANDONED SIGN: A sign which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed.

ADMINISTRATOR: The zoning administrator or a duly authorized deputy is hereby authorized by the city council to administer and enforce this chapter.

APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT SIGN: Sign which identifies a group of apartment buildings of eight (8) or more units.

AREA OF A SIGN: The "area of a sign" is the area of the panel(s) or module(s) on which sign copy is painted or attached, exclusive of any structural support. The area of a billboard is the area of the painted bulletin or poster panel and frame, exclusive of the base and structural support. The area of a sign consisting only of individual alphabetic, numeric and symbolic characters without background or affixed directly to a wall is the area within a single continuous perimeter of straight lines at right angles enclosing the characters.

AWNING: A nonrigid hood or cover projecting over public property or right of way not more than seven feet (7') from the face of a supporting building, which may be folded, collapsed or retracted against the building. No portion of the awning shall extend nearer than two feet (2') to the face of the nearest curb line measured horizontally. In no case shall an awning extend over public property or right of way greater than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the property line to the nearest curb in front of the building site. In any configuration, awnings shall not obstruct the use of a required means of egress.

BANNER SIGN: A temporary sign composed of lightweight material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or mounted so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere.

BILLBOARD: A sign, including the supporting structures, which directs the attention of the general public on a public street or walk to a business, service or activity not offered or sold upon the premises where such sign is located.

BUSINESS SIGN: A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted upon the premises at which the sign is located, and which may refer to goods or services produced, offered for sale or obtained at such premises.

CANOPY OR MARQUEE: A permanent rooflike shelter either freestanding or extending from part or all of a building fascia over a public right of way or a portion of the premises and constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass or plastic. Every marquee shall be so located as not to interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe or obstruct the clear passage of a means of egress from the building or the installation or maintenance of electrifiers.

   A.   Projection And Clearance: The horizontal clearance between a marquee and the curb line shall not be less than two feet (2'). A marquee projecting more than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the property line to the curb line shall not be less than twelve feet (12') above the ground or pavement below and shall not exceed twenty five feet (25') in length along the direction of the street. A marquee projecting less than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the property line to the curb line shall not be less than eight feet (8') above the ground or pavement below.

   B.   Thickness: The maximum height or thickness of a marquee measured vertically from its lowest to its highest point shall not exceed three feet (3') when the marquee projects more than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the property line to the curb line and shall not exceed nine feet (9') when the marquee is less than two-thirds (2/3) of the distance from the property line to the curb line.

CANOPY OR MARQUEE SIGN: Any sign attached to or constructed on the fascia or hung from a canopy or marquee.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN (PHYSICAL): A sign such as public service information signs, message centers or reader boards physically controlled with different changeable messages (i.e., removable lettering) of an informative or commercial nature.

CHANGING SIGN (AUTOMATIC): A sign such as electronically or electrically controlled public service information signs, message centers or reader boards where different automatic changing messages of an informative or commercial nature of interest to the traveling public are shown.

   A.   Message Center: A sign which contains a changing message within the copy area which remains on for a specified minimum period of time and blacks out for a specified minimum period of time between messages.

   B.   Electronic Reader Board: A sign which contains a traveling message, or a message which appears to be traveling and usually in a horizontal manner. The characters incorporated into any message remain constant, and do not change in hue or intensity, as they travel or appear to travel across or through the automatic changing copy of the sign.

   C.   Public Service Information Sign: Any sign intended primarily to promote messages of general interest to the community such as time, temperature, date, atmospheric conditions, news or traffic control.

CONSTRUCTION SIGNS: A sign placed at a construction site identifying the project or the name of the architect, engineer, contractor, financier or other involved parties.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Any sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction and which is placed on the property to which or on which the public is directed. Such sign contains no advertising copy.

DOUBLE FACED SIGN: A sign with faces on both sides showing in opposite directions and shall constitute one advertising sign.

EVENT OR FESTIVAL TEMPORARY SIGNAGE: Temporary signs erected to advertise a public event or festival, including county fairs, city sponsored events, community events, school events, church or other nonprofit events. Event or festival signs do not include signs to advertise a sale or event for one or more commercial or for profit enterprises.

EXEMPT SIGNS: Signs exempted from normal permit requirements.

FACE OF A SIGN: The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed.

FEATHER SIGNS: A pole anchored into the ground, to which one side of a flexible fabric, generally in the shape of a feather or similar shape, is attached.

FLASHING SIGN: Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source.

GROUND SIGN: A sign which is firmly attached to the ground in a permanent location not attached to or forming part of a building.

HEIGHT, SIGN: The vertical distance measured from the adjacent street grade or upper surface of the nearest street curb to the highest point of a sign.

HOLIDAY SIGN: A sign designed to promote the spirit of a holiday which does not mention a product, service or business name.

HOME OCCUPATION SIGN: A sign identifying a residential professional office or home occupation.

ILLUMINATED SIGN: Any sign which emanates light either by means of exposed tubing or lamps on its surface, or by means of illumination transmitted through the sign faces.

INFORMATIONAL SIGN: Any sign giving information to employees, visitors or delivery vehicles but containing no advertising or identification.

INSTITUTIONAL SIGN: A sign or bulletin board which identifies the name or other characteristics of a public, semipublic or private institution on the site where the sign is located. Institutions shall include churches, schools, city buildings and other nonprofit, governmental, or charitable organizations.

INTEGRAL SIGN: A sign carrying the name of a building, its date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets, addresses and the like when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of the structure.

MULTI-TENANT BUILDING: A building that provides leased space or ownership to more than one tenant or owner, particularly a building that includes multiple ground level storefronts.

NONCONFORMING SIGN (LEGAL): Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this chapter, and any amendments thereto, and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this chapter.

OWNER/OCCUPANT SIGN: A sign which identifies the name of the owner or occupant of a residential, commercial or industrial building.

PAINTED WALL SIGN: An advertisement painted directly on the wall of a building.

PEDESTAL SIGN: A sign supported by one or more columns, uprights or braces in or upon the ground, not attached to or forming part of a building.

POLITICAL SIGN: A sign on behalf of a candidate for office or measures on election ballots.

PORTABLE SIGN: A sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building, allowing it to be moved to various locations not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet and must advertise the use located on the premises.

PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign other than a wall sign, marquee or canopy which is attached to and projects from a structure, building face or wall. The area of a projecting sign is calculated on one face of the sign only.

PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY: The particular distance across a public street, alley, sidewalk or boulevard measured from property line to property line. When property lines on opposite sides of the public street are not parallel, the public right of way width shall be determined by the city engineer.

REAL ESTATE SIGN: A sign, including auction signs, pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the property upon which it is located not exceeding twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches (24"x36").

REVOLVING/FLASHING SIGN: Illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and/or color at all times when such sign is in use.

ROOF SIGN: A sign erected upon the roof or parapet of a building, the entire face of which is situated above the roof level of the building to which it is attached and which is wholly or partially supported by said building.

SANDWICH BOARD SIGN: A freestanding sign that advertises the items or specials that are available from a business and which have no more than twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the sign utilized for business identification. Limited to "A" frame style signs with two faces or sides that are separated by no more than two feet and no less than six inches at the base of the sign and which are no more than three feet in height and two feet in width.

SEARCHLIGHTS: Illumination which comes from lamps, lenses or devices designed to focus or concentrate the light rays of the source.

SHOPPING CENTER: Any group of four (4) or more retail/service businesses with a single architectural plan.

SHOPPING CENTER SIGN: A sign advertising a shopping center or businesses within the shopping center.

SIGN: Any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated or nonilluminated which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify or convey information. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures. However, a "sign" shall not include any display of official court, public office notices or traffic signs, nor shall it include the flag, separate emblem or insignia of a nation, political unit or school or religious group, or incombustible tablet or lettering built into the wall of a building or other structure. A "sign" inside a building is not included unless its face is visible only from the exterior of a building.

SIGN POSTERS/HANDBILLS: Flier/brochure type sign advertising event or activity affixed to poles, trees, buildings, walls or other public or private property.

SUBDIVISION PLAT SIGN: A temporary sign which advertises a new subdivision plat.

TEMPORARY SIGN: A nonpermanent sign affixed, erected or displayed, including "lighter than air devices", on a premises for a limited period of time not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet and must advertise the use located on the premises.

TRAFFIC SIGN: A sign which is erected by a governmental unit for the purpose of directing or guiding traffic.

UNLAWFUL SIGN: A sign which violates this chapter or which the administrator may declare as unlawful if it becomes dangerous to public safety by reason of dilapidation or abandonment.

WALL SIGN: Any sign affixed in such a way to a building or structure that its exposed face is parallel to or approximately parallel to the plane of the building or structure on which it is affixed. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000; amd. Ord. 940, 6-6-2016; Ord. 971, 4-18-2022)

This chapter shall be administered by the zoning administrator appointed by the council. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

Except as otherwise provided, signs shall comply with the following: (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   Yard Requirements: No signs shall violate the front, side or rear yard requirements of the district in which they are placed, except in a B-1 and B-2 district the base of a pedestal or ground sign may be placed within ten feet (10') of the front lot line, and the sign face may be within five feet (5') of the front lot line. In the case of existing or built up commercial areas, the sign may be set to meet the average setback of other signs on the block, but in no case may new pedestal or ground signs or sign faces be closer than five feet (5') to the front lot line. (Ord. 889, 2-17-2009)

   B.   Illumination: The light from any illuminated sign or from any light source, including the interior of a building, shall be so shaded or directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect a surrounding or facing residential district, or adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways or parking areas. Light shall not shine or reflect on or into residential structures.

   C.   Obstruction Prohibited: Signs or sign structures that obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway or opening intended to provide ingress or egress for any building structure are prohibited. With reference to commercial and industrial districts, signs painted on the inside glass portion of windows or doors are permitted.

   D.   Traffic Hazard: No sign shall be erected near or at any intersection of any streets in such manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or at any location where by reason of position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.

   E.   Projection Over Right Of Way: No signs may be placed on or over a public right of way except that a wall sign may project up to twelve inches (12") over a public right of way and except as permitted on a canopy or marquee.

   F.   Measurement: The zoning administrator shall interpret the measurement of sign area in a liberal, consistent interpretation, taking into consideration the surface area to which the sign is to be applied. In no case shall temporary paper, watercolor, chalk or similar signs that are displayed in windows be counted as sign surface area. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

The following signs are hereby prohibited:

   A.   Searchlights or similar devices (without a temporary sign permit);

   B.   Revolving and flashing signs;

   C.   Sign posters/handbills on public property or on private property without the permission of the owner;

   D.   Signs placed on top of marquees, canopies or buildings;

   E.   Roof signs;

   F.   Sign placed or painted on any tree or rock in its natural setting;

   G.   Inflatable devices (without a temporary sign permit);

   H.   Billboards along a state or federally designated scenic byway. (Ord. 887, 1-20-2009)

The following signs are hereby permitted without a permit in all districts:

   A.   Construction signs;

   B.   Real estate signs;

   C.   Political signs;

   D.   Directional and private traffic control signs;

   E.   Subdivision plat signs;

   F.   Integral signs;

   G.   Holiday signs;

   H.   Informational signs;

   I.   Institutional signs;

   J.   Flags not exceeding sixty (60) square feet in total area;

   K.   Real estate signs; except that real estate signs exceeding twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches (24" x 36") require a temporary sign permit.

   L.   Rummage/garage sale signs;

   M.   Street signs erected by the city;

   N.   Handbills/sign posters erected on private property with permission of the owner. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000; amd. Ord. 971, 4-18-2022)

   A.   Residential districts:

      1.   Permitted uses:

         a.   Owner-Occupant Signs: One wall sign, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area.

         b.   Home Occupation Sign: One wall sign, not to exceed two (2) square feet in area, where used by permitted home occupation.

         c.   Apartment Development Sign: One per building, not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area, and not to exceed a height of eight feet (8').

         d.   Institutional Signs: One per site, not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area, and not to exceed a height of eight feet (8').

         e.   Temporary Or Portable Sign: Three (3) temporary or portable ten (10) day permits per calendar year. These may be taken "back to back".

      2.   Conditional uses:

         a.   Institutional signs exceeding the number or square footage allowed as a permitted use.

   B.   Business districts:

      1.   Permitted Uses:

         a.   Residential Signs: Any sign permitted in residential districts.

         b.   Business Signs:

            (1)   Wall Signs: Twenty five percent (25%) of the square footage of the front silhouettes and fifteen percent (15%) of side and rear silhouettes may be taken up by wall signs.

            (2)   Canopy, Marquee, Awning Or Projecting Signs: Will be included in the total square footage for wall signs.

            (3)   Pedestal Signs Or Ground Signs:

               (A)    One pedestal sign up to two hundred twenty five (225) square feet in area and not exceeding thirty five feet (35') in height and no less than ten feet (10') above grade; or

               (B)    One ground sign up to one hundred (100) square feet in area is allowed for each one hundred feet (100') of front footage.

            (4)   Temporary Signs Or Portable Signs: One 30-day temporary or portable sign permit per calendar year and two (2) 21-day temporary or portable sign permits per calendar year, for a total of three (3) temporary or portable sign permits per calendar year. These may be taken "back to back".

            (5)   Event Or Festival Signs: Event or festival signs not to exceed six (6) signs, which may be in place for up to seven (7) days prior to each event or festival and for the duration of the event or festival. Event or festival signs may not exceed eighty (80) square feet each. No event or festival signs are allowed on city property or rights of way without prior approval by the city. Event or festival signs may not have flashing or strobe lights, but may be lighted. Event or festival signs may include electronic reader boards, but they must have a static message, and may not scroll.

            (6)   Sandwich Board Signs: Sandwich Board Signs are allowed in Districts B-l and B-2 with a no-cost permit as determined by the zoning administrator.

               (A)   Placement. Sandwich Board Signs shall only be placed within the boundaries of the applicable business on street frontage. The sign shall be placed on the edge of the sidewalk that is furthest from the street and closest to the business. The sign cannot be placed on that portion of the property that is adjacent to the street. The sign may not be lighted. The signs may not be displayed from parked vehicles adjacent to the business. Signs must not be placed on display until such time as the sidewalk area has been cleared of snow to its full width. The sign must be removed from the sidewalk at the end of each business day. The sign shall be positioned as not to:

                  i.   Reduce the sidewalk clearance below a width of thirty-six (36") inches;

                  ii.   Impede any line of sight for motorists at vehicular public right-of way intersections;

                  iii.   Interfere with persons entering or exiting parked cars.

            (7)   Multi-Tenant Buildings: Each tenant in a multitenant building is allowed one wall sign. The aggregate gross area of all wall signs shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the area of the wall to which they are attached.

            (8)   Feather Signs: A no-cost permit must be obtained for every feather sign. Feather signs may not be electrified. The sign shall have a maximum height of eight feet (8') . No more than two (2) feather signs shall be allowed for each property.

      2.   Conditional Uses:

         a.   Billboard Signs In B-2 Zones: One billboard sign may be substituted for one pedestal or ground sign, not to exceed three hundred (300) square feet. Billboards must be no more than thirty five feet (35') in height nor less than ten feet (10') above grade. No billboard shall be erected closer than five hundred feet (500') to any other billboard, either within or outside the city's boundaries, nor closer than five hundred feet (500') to a residential zone.

         b.   Other Off Premises Signs Or Messages: Off premises signs or messages may be substituted for up to fifty (50) square feet of wall signs per building.

         c.   Multi-Occupant Or Shopping Center Signs: Pedestal or ground signs exceeding the square footage allowed under permitted uses.

   C.   Industrial districts:

      1.   Permitted Uses: All those signs listed as permitted uses in residential and business zones.

      2.   Conditional Uses:

         a.   All those signs listed as conditional uses in residential and business zones. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000; amd. Ord. 940, 6-6-2016; Ord. 971, 4-18-2022)

   A.   Required: All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation. All signs shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times. Maintenance shall include painting, repainting, cleaning, replacement or repair of defective parts, and other necessary acts. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. Every sign and the immediate surrounding premises shall be maintained by the owner or person in charge thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, free and clear of all obnoxious substances, rubbish and weeds.

   B.   Dangerous, Defective Condition: Any sign which is found in a dangerous or defective condition shall be removed or repaired by the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises on which the sign is located. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   Removal Required: Abandoned signs shall be removed by the owner of the sign. Any such sign not removed shall be subject to removal by the city thirty (30) days after the zoning administrator shall have served a notice of removal on the owner thereof by mail, or if the owner cannot be found, publication in the legal newspaper of the city. The notice of removal shall specify the nature of the violation, the action required by the owner, the date by which the action must be completed and an opportunity to appear before the council and be heard as to any objections concerning the proposed action of the council. If the owner of the sign is not the owner of the premises on which the sign is located, the owner of the premises shall also be served.

   B.   Removal By City; Expense Responsibility Of Owner: If, after such notice has been served, the party or parties served fails to remove the sign in accordance with the terms of the notice, and after having heard the objections thereto, if any, the council does not determine otherwise, the council may cause the sign to be removed at the expense of the city and recovered in the manner in which improvements are assessed. This shall not limit any other rights which the city has to enforce collection of the cost against the owner of the sign and the owner of the property.

   C.   Exception: Permanent signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change of ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of more than six (6) months. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   Permitted To Continue: Within the districts established by this title, there exist signs and sign structures which were lawful before this chapter was passed or amended, but which would be prohibited under the terms of this chapter or future amendment. It is the intent of this chapter to permit these nonconformities to continue until they are removed, but not to encourage their survival. It is further the intent of this chapter that nonconformities shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended or used as a basis for allowing additional signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the same district.

   B.   Restrictions: Any sign or sign structure which does not conform to the use regulations contained in this chapter at the time it becomes applicable may be continued subject to the following provisions:

      1.   Damage: Any nonconforming sign or sign structure which has been damaged such that its value has been reduced to less than fifty percent (50%) of its fair-market value prior to such damage, shall be required to conform to the use regulations of this chapter.

      2.   Repairs: Such repairs and maintenance work as required to keep a nonconforming sign or sign structure in sound condition may be made; provided, that no additions shall be made to a nonconforming sign. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   Permit Required: No sign shall be erected, altered or relocated without a permit issued by the administrator, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. In all events, a permit must be obtained before any visible work is done in connection with the erection, alteration or relocation. Any permit or license issued in conflict with this chapter shall be null and void and of no effect whatever.

   B.   Application: Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing on forms provided by the city. The permit application shall contain the names and addresses of the sign owner, sign erector and property owner, a drawing showing the location, size and design of the sign, and such other pertinent information as the zoning administrator may require to ensure compliance with this chapter and other ordinances of the city.

   C.   Exceptions: The following operations shall not require a sign permit:

      1.   Replacing Copy: The changing of advertising copy on a sign or the message on a theater marquee or a similar approved sign which is specifically designed for the use of changeable copy.

      2.   Maintenance: Painting, repainting, cleaning and other normal maintenance and repair of a sign or sign structure, unless a structural change is made.

      3.   Exempt Signs: Signs listed in subsection 11-14-7A of this chapter.

   D.   Term: Permits issued for the erection, alteration or relocation of a sign shall be valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of issuance. The zoning administrator may extend the time at the administrator's discretion but not exceeding an additional six (6) months.

   E.   Permit Fee: Sign permit fee shall be paid on each sign in accordance with the fee schedule fixed by resolution of the council and on file at the city offices. A late application charge in accordance with the fee schedule fixed by resolution of the council and on file at the city office shall be imposed for failure to obtain a permit prior to erecting, altering or relocating any sign. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   Right Of Entry: This chapter shall be enforced by the zoning administrator of the city. The zoning administrator shall have the right to enter at any reasonable hour upon any premises, for the purpose of enforcement of this chapter.

   B.   Violations: If the zoning administrator shall find that any of the provisions of this chapter are being violated, the zoning administrator shall notify in writing the persons responsible for such violations, indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct it or shall take such action authorized by this chapter to ensure compliance with or to prevent continued violation of its provisions. The person responsible for such violation shall be given thirty (30) days to correct the violation except in the case of a violation involving portable signs where the person responsible for such violation shall be given five (5) days to correct the violation. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   Petty Misdemeanor: Any violation of this chapter of the code shall be a petty misdemeanor punishable according to petty misdemeanor limits as established from time to time by the state of Minnesota. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense.

   B.   Removal Without Notice: If a sign is found to be an immediate and serious danger to the public because of its unsafe condition, it may be removed without notice, and notice of removal and reasons for such shall be served as soon as possible under the terms of this chapter. The costs of removal may be enforced and assessed as provided in section 11-14-10 of this chapter. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   The board of zoning adjustment shall have the power and duty of hearing appeals or requests on the following cases:

      1.   Appeals from any action of the zoning administrator in granting or denying a sign permit.

      2.   Appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative officer in the enforcement of this chapter.

      3.   Requests for variances as in other cases involving zoning ordinances of the city, from the literal provisions of this chapter in instances where their strict enforcement would cause undue hardship because of circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration. In granting a variance, the board may impose conditions to ensure compliance and to protect adjacent properties. The board may not permit as a variance any sign which is not permitted in the zoning district in question by this chapter.

   B.   All appeals are subject to procedures set forth in section 2-2-3 of this code. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)

   A.   Subject to the provisions of this section, the owner or operator of an airport, library, community center, church, hospital, institution of an educational, philanthropic or charitable nature, cemetery, mausoleum, mortuary, governmental institution or armory may place a directional sign on any city street sign located adjacent to a state highway or county road or state aid designated street within the city.

   B.   Any such sign shall be two hundred sixteen (216) square inches.

   C.   All such signs shall conform to the coloring and construction materials used in state of Minnesota highway department information signs. The city may mandate the design of the sign.

   D.   No sign shall be erected pursuant to this section until the person or agency erecting the sign has obtained a sign permit and approval on the specific location of the sign. The city zoning administrator will issue the sign permit after consulting with the public works director as to the public safety of the proposed sign. No sign permit will be issued for a sign that would constitute a hazard to public safety.

   E.   The city shall install any such sign for which a permit is issued after the person or agency requesting such sign has paid the costs thereof. The person or agency erecting the sign shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of any sign placed on a city street sign. In the event the sign so installed is not maintained and kept in the same condition as the city street sign or becomes a hazard to public safety, the city, at its option, may request such person or agency to remove the sign. If the sign is not removed, the city may remove the sign and recover the costs thereof from the person or agency erecting the same. (Ord. 803, 11-20-2000)