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

Abandoned sign means any sign that becomes vacant, unoccupied, or unused for a period of six months or more, or a sign that pertains to an event, time, or purpose that no longer applies to a business or an activity shall not be deemed to be an abandoned sign unless that business or activity ceases to be conducted on the premises on which the sign is located for a period of more than six months.

Animated sign means any sign that has any moving or rotating part; or gives the illusion of movement, by means of illumination, provided that a changing sign shall not be considered an animated sign.

Changing sign means any electronically controlled and lighted sign such as a message center or reader board that displays messages of an informative nature that flashes on and off or travels across the area on which the message is displayed without the lighting of such message changing in intensity.

Church directional sign means a sign which bears the address and/or name of a church and arrows pointing to a church location and is not located on the property where the church is located.

Directory sign means a sign designating the occupants of a building located on the premises, which may contain a brief description of the business or function and location within the building of each occupant.

Election campaign sign means any sign that relates to a political issue or to the candidacy of a person who is seeking election to public office.

Flashing sign means any illuminated sign that does not maintain a uniform light intensity or color; provided that a changing sign shall not be considered a flashing sign.

Freestanding sign means any sign that is attached directly to the ground or is supported vertically by any structurally sound support having its source of support independent of any building existing on the premises on which the sign is located.

Height means the height of a sign shall be measured from the centerline of the street or highway toward which the sign is principally displayed to the top of the sign.

Information sign means a sign in a development or on a parcel used for property specific information or directional purposes that would not be classified as an on-premises sign.

Multiple-faced or back-to-back sign means any sign that has one or more faces as a result of being constructed back-to-back or of "V" type construction.

Nameplate sign means a sign which contains only the name and address of the occupant.

Nonconforming sign means any sign lawfully in existence on the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived or any sign lawfully in existence on the date of any amendment to the ordinance from which this division is derived which does not conform to the regulations affecting signs for the district in which the sign is situated.

Off-premises advertising sign means any sign that directs attention to a business, product, service, activity, or entertainment not conducted upon the premises on which such sign is located.

On-premises sign means any sign that directs attention to the name of the building, premises, or the name of the principal product, service, entertainment, or activity conducted, sold or offered upon the premises on which such sign is located.

Portable sign means any sign constructed so as to permit it to be moved from place to place whether on wheels or otherwise. Any sign is a portable sign unless it is both constructed upon and permanently attached to frost footings constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code and if lighted, electrically wired in accordance with the National Electrical Code.

Projecting sign means any sign which is affixed to the outside of the exterior wall of any building and which extends more than 18 inches from the building wall face.

Public service message signs means a public service message refers to short term, infrequent events not promoting a single commercial venture and occurring for the benefit of the public.

Roof sign means any sign attached to a building and extending above the highest portion of the roof of the building to which the sign is attached.

Sign means any letter, work, symbol, model, printed, projected, or affixed device, poster, picture, reading matter, or other representation in the nature of an advertisement, announcement, direction, or informative device including structural and component parts, that is located outdoors and is larger than one square foot in area.

Sign area means the area of a sign includes the space inside a continuous line drawn around and enclosing all letters, designs and background materials exclusive of border, trim and structural supports. For the purpose of calculating the sign area of multiple-faced or back-to-back signs, the stipulated maximum sign area shall refer to a single face.

Wall sign means any sign that is affixed to the outside of an exterior wall or other part of any building.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(B); Ord. No. 07-03-2006, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-2007; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

1. The purpose of this division is to protect and promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the inhabitants of the city through the establishing of impartial standards, regulations and procedures which govern the erection, use and/or display of devices, signs, or symbols serving as means of visual communication to persons situated within, upon or adjacent to public rights-of-way of properties.
2. Because of the city's unique environmental setting and awareness and its reliance on tourism, it is further the intent of this division to encourage quality and aesthetics in the size, design and the materials used for sign construction; to enhance the overall appearance and image of the city; and to ensure that the public is not endangered or distracted by the unsafe, disorderly or unnecessary use of this communication medium.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(A); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this division:

1. Any sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in the discharge of any governmental function or required by any law, ordinance or governmental regulation.
2. Signs which are not visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are located.
3. Works of fine art which in no way identify or advertise a product or business.
4. Temporary decorations or displays when such are clearly incidental to and are customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday or celebration.
5. Temporary or permanent signs erected by public utility companies to warn of danger or hazardous conditions.
6. Signs, merchandise, pictures or models of products or services which are incorporated as an integral part of a window display.
7. Signs on vehicles regulated by any governmental body that provide public transportation including but not limited to buses and taxicabs.
8. Signs on any other vehicles, including trailers and trucks; provided such vehicles shall not be utilized as parked or stationary outdoor display signs.
9. Signs such as corner stones, commemorative tablets and historical signs.
10. National, state, or local governmental flags or symbols, provided that the display of such does not impair public safety. However, a building permit may be required for any permanent structure intending to hang a flag.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(C); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

1. Permitted maintenance. Nonconforming signs shall be allowed to continue and reasonable maintenance of nonconforming signs shall be allowed. The changes in advertising message and/or maintenance and repair upon an existing sign shall not be considered a relocation, replacement, or structural alteration.
2. Permitted modifications. A sign which is nonconforming because of its location may be structurally altered or modified in its existing location, provided that the sign is not made more nonconforming. For the purpose of administering this principle, the following tests will be used:
   1. The modified sign may not be larger in area than the existing sign being modified.
   2. The modified sign may not encroach into a required yard any further than the existing sign being modified.
   3. The modified sign must meet all other applicable codes and requirements.
3. Relocating signs. Nonconforming signs shall not be relocated without being brought into compliance with all of the requirements of this division.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(J); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

1. Except as otherwise provided in this division, no person, partnership, firm, or corporation shall erect, cause to be erected, or allow to be erected any sign unless a zoning or building permit has been issued by the zoning administrator and/or building official.
2. No permit or permit fee shall be required for the following signs:
   1. Informational signs which do not exceed two square feet in area per face.
   2. Election campaign signs.
   3. Permitted signs that indicate the occurrence of construction or remodeling.
   4. Permitted signs that indicate to a visitor on the property that the visitor should enter, exit, stop, not enter or not trespass, and other permitted signs of this type.
   5. Window signs.
   6. Permitted temporary signs.
   7. Copy changes on permitted signs.
3. Application for a building permit shall be made to the zoning administrator. The application shall contain the following information:
   1. The exact location of the proposed sign;
   2. The dimensions of the proposed sign;
   3. A listing of the materials with which the proposed sign will be constructed;
   4. Whether the sign will be illuminated or use any type of artificial light source;
   5. The name and address of the owner of the property on which the sign is to be constructed; and
   6. The name and address of the person that is to construct the proposed sign.
   The zoning administrator may require additional suitable information consistent with the provisions of this division. All signs shall be constructed and placed in substantial compliance with the permit and the data submitted by the applicant.  
4. 1. The structural design of the following signs shall be certified by an engineer or architect registered in the state:
      1. Any freestanding sign which has a sign area in excess of 50 square feet or a height of greater than 15 feet.
      2. Any projecting sign which has a sign area in excess of 50 square feet.
   2. In lieu of the provisions of subsection (d)(1) of this section, if a structural design book showing standard sign designs is filed with the building official, and the designs therein are certified by an engineer licensed in the state and the proposed sign is shown in the standard design book, no individual certification shall be required.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(I)(1)—(4); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

Cross reference— Administration, ch. 2.

The following signs shall not be permitted or erected in the city:

1. Signs which emit sound.
2. Portable signs except for those permitted in section 30-677(9).
3. Any sign or structure which is unsafe or constitutes a hazard.
4. Roof signs.
5. Signs with rotating or revolving beacon lights.
6. Abandoned signs.
7. Signs that are supported or secured in any fashion by guy-wires, chains, cables or similar methods.
8. Banners, streamers and other attention getting sign media that is not permitted, other than attached to permanent structures w/permit or as permitted under Section 30-677 13).
9. Signs comprised of objects not originally created for signage purposes, such as a reused car or boat.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(D); Ord. No. 04-11-17, 11-9-2004; Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

State Law reference— Signs resembling traffic control devices or which interfere with same prohibited, Minn. Stat. § 169.07, distribution of obscenity, Minn. Stat. §§ 617.241, 617.293.

The following provisions shall apply to all districts:

1. A sign shall be considered as a structure or part of a structure for the purpose of applying height and yard requirements. Sign height shall not exceed the maximum established principal structure height in the zoning district, or 35 feet, whichever is the lessor height. The front, side and side streetyard setback for any sign within multiple-family residential, business and industrial zones shall be half the required yard setback for a principal structure. Measurements for determining compliance with yard requirements shall be taken from the portion of a sign nearest the property line used to establish the yard requirement. EXCEPTION: In any district where freestanding signs are already established and do not meet the front yard requirement, a method of averaging may be used to determine the location of a new sign. This method may take into account any legally grandfathered signs located 300 feet in both directions from the proposed business, but in no case may a new freestanding sign encroach into the public right-of-way.
2. Permanent off-premises advertising signs are permitted in the GB and SGB zones, and are subject to the conditions of section 30-678.
3. Signs, other than governmental signs, temporary off-premise signs as allowed under 30-677(f) and 30-677(g), and portable signs allowed under 30-679, are prohibited within public rights-of-way and easements and on public property without written permission of the city council.
4. Projecting signs, awnings and canopies that overhang a sidewalk or other pedestrian way shall provide a minimum clearance above the pedestrian way of ten feet.
5. Temporary, on-premise signage, for the purpose of selling, renting or leasing of property may be erected upon the lot which the property is located provided:
   1. One sign per street frontage is permitted, with:
      1. One additional sign permitted along lake or river frontage.
      2. One additional sign permitted on lots equal to or greater than five acres in area.
      3. One additional sign permitted during and 48 hours prior to one day sales event, for the purpose of advertising that event.
   2. Signs, in RR, SRR, R-1, SR-1, R-1a, SR-1a, R-2, and SR-2 districts are limited to a maximum sign area of six square feet and a maximum height of five feet.
   3. Signs, in zoning districts not listed in 30-677(e)2, are limited to a maximum sign area of thirty-two (32) square feet and a maximum height of ten (10) feet.
   4. Signs shall be removed within seven days following the sale, lease or rental of the property advertised.
6. Temporary, off-premise, signage for the purpose of providing direction to a one day sales event are permitted, provided:
   1. Signs shall be erected for not more than 48 continuous hours prior two and during the sales event and shall be immediately removed upon the conclusion of that activity.
   2. Such signs shall be freestanding, not attached to any governmental signs or public infrastructure, and are limited to a maximum sign area of four square feet and a maximum height of three feet.
   3. No more than three signs, for any single activity shall be displayed at any given time.
   4. A total of no more than one sign for any single activity, or a combined total of no more than two signs for multiple activities, shall be displayed on a single lot, or upon public right-of-ways or easements adjacent to said lot, at any given time.
   5. Such signs shall not hide from view or interfere with effectiveness of any governmental sign or traffic control device, nor shall it interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic, and, additionally, shall adhere to the requirements stated within section 30-553(a).
   6. Such signs shall be placed a minimum distance of 12 feet from the edge of the street, and shall not be placed within two feet of a pedestrian walkway.
   7. The placement of all signs, whether on a lot, or in public right-of-way or easement adjacent to a lot, shall require the written consent of that private property owner. Upon a request from the Grand Rapids City Community Development Department, proof of a written consent must be furnished the city within five business days.
   8. Nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate or affect the more restrictive provisions contained within any state statute or rules, including but not limited to, State Statutes (Chapters 160 and 173) and State Rules (Chapter 8810), relative to the erection of signage within or adjacent to state highway right of ways located within the City of Grand Rapids, or Itasca County ordinances, resolutions or regulations relative to the erection of signage within or adjacent to county highway right-of-ways located within the city.
7. Temporary, off-premise, signage for the purpose of providing direction to a commercial product are permitted, provided:
   1. Signs shall be erected for a period of time not to exceed 180 consecutive calendar days or until such time as the product is no longer offered for sale, rent or lease, whichever is sooner, at which time the sign shall be immediately removed.
   2. The owner of the sign(s) shall notify the city community development office in writing within three calendar days after the signs initial placement and its location.
   3. Such signs shall be freestanding, not attached to any governmental signs or public infrastructure, and are limited to a maximum sign area of four square feet and a maximum height of three feet.
   4. No more than three signs, providing direction to any single product or activity shall be displayed at any given time.
   5. A total of no more than one sign providing direction to any single product, or a combined total of no more than two signs providing direction to multiple products in differing locations, shall be displayed on a single lot, or upon public right-of-ways or easements adjacent to said lot, at any given time.
   6. Such signs shall not hide from view or interfere with effectiveness of any governmental sign or traffic control device, nor shall it interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic, and, additionally, shall adhere to the requirements stated within section 30-553(a)
   7. Such signs shall be placed a minimum distance of 12 feet from the edge of the street, and shall not be placed within two feet of a pedestrian walkway.
   8. The placement of all signs, whether on a lot, or in public right-of-way or easement adjacent to a lot, shall require the written consent of that private property owner. Upon a request from the city community development Department, proof of a written consent must be furnished the city within five business days.
   9. Nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate or affect the more restrictive provisions contained within any state statute or rules, including but not limited to, State Statutes (Chapters 160 and 173) and State Rules (Chapter 8810), relative to the erection of signage within or adjacent to state highway right-of-ways located within the City of Grand Rapids, or Itasca County ordinances, resolutions or regulations relative to the erection of signage within or adjacent to county highway right-of-ways located within the city.
8. Temporary on-premise signage for the purpose of selling or promoting a development project are permitted, provided:
   1. Such signage for projects of 30 acres or less, one sign, with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet and a not exceeding a ten feet in height may be erected on the project site.
   2. Such signage for projects over 30 acres, two signs, adhering to the same dimensional standards described in section 30-677(5)c, may be erected on the project site.
   3. Such signage shall be located at least ten feet from the nearest property line on the property to be sold, leased or rented, and in all cases shall be in compliance with section 30-553(a).
   4. Such signage shall be removed when the development project is sold out, fully leased or rented.
9. Receptacles, not exceeding six inches in diameter and 24 inches in length, used exclusively for distribution of newspapers and advertising materials, may be maintained within the public right-of-way if the person or company desiring to place such a receptacle within the public right-of-way first obtains the written consent of the owner of the property abutting such right-of-way. The written consents are to be kept as a part of such person's or company's business records, which are to be made available to the city upon demand. Such receptacles shall be placed so that they do not interfere with city maintenance or snow plowing crews during the course of employment. Any person or company desiring to maintain such receptacles within the public right-of-way must execute an agreement, the effect of which would hold the city harmless from any liability or claim from injury or property damage which might arise because of the existence of such receptacles within the public right-of-way. Placement of such receptacles shall be limited to areas within the city which have rural mail delivery.
10. One temporary construction or identification sign of not more than 100 square feet may be installed upon a construction site at its primary entrance in any district denoting the name of the architect, engineer, contractor and/or future business, provided the sign shall not be installed prior to the issuance of a building permit for the proposed construction and provided further that the sign shall be removed within 30 days following occupancy of the building.
11. Permanent church directional signs shall be permitted in all districts provided the total area of such signs shall not exceed four square feet and shall not be considered off-premises advertising signs for the purpose of section 30-678(h). Each church shall be permitted up to two off-premise directional signs.
12. Temporary signs which advertise a special event of a public service nature may be displayed in any business or industrial district for 30 days or less each calendar year.
13. On-premises signs or banners advertising the grand opening or similarly identifiable opening of a new or relocated business for a period not to exceed 60 days.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(E); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008; Ord. No. 18-08-06, Exh. C, 8-27-2018)

1. Description of ownership. Every off-premises advertising sign shall indicate plainly the owner of such sign.
2. Location. Off-premises advertising signs are permitted in the GB and SGB zones.
3. Height. The maximum height of an off-premises advertising sign shall not exceed the district requirements for building height or 35 feet whichever is the lesser.
4. Sign area. The maximum sign area of an off-premises advertising sign shall not exceed 100 square feet. An off-premises sign is subject to the aggregate sign area per lot, as referred to in section 30-679(c)1.
5. Spacing. No off-premises advertising sign shall be placed within 500 feet of another off-premises advertising sign. Such 500 feet shall be measured along the nearest edge of the street or highway to which an off-premises advertising sign is displayed and between points directly opposite the centers of the off-premises advertising signs. For the purpose of calculating the 500 feet, multiple-faced or back-to-back type signs shall be considered as one sign.
6. Setback requirements. All off-premises advertising signs shall be set back in conformance with the setback requirements for buildings in the district in which the sign is located.
7. Interference with traffic. No off-premises advertising sign shall be placed on a site or constructed or maintained in such a manner that the sign will substantially obstruct the vision of pedestrians and motorists entering and leaving any street or highway intersection so as to create a dangerous traffic hazard. Off-premises advertising signs shall be constructed and maintained so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of a street or highway with such brilliance, intensity, or glare so as to impair the vision of pedestrians and motorists.
8. Proximity to natural features. No off-premises advertising sign shall in any way obstruct the view from any public street or natural features located in a conservancy district.
9. Permitted arrangements. Off-premises advertising signs are permitted as multiple-faced and back-to-back type signs; however, not more than two displays are allowed on each face of a sign structure. Off-premises advertising signs shall not be constructed as roof signs or wall signs.
10. Design and materials. All off-premises advertising signs, the sign area of which exceeds 50 square feet, shall contain a border 12 inches in width around the sign area. The border shall provide the appearance of wood grain and the sign support structure shall be painted in an earth tone color.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(F); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

In addition to those signs permitted in all districts, the following on-premises signs are permitted within each specific district subject to the size and location requirements established in this section:

1. Signs in residential districts.
   1. One nameplate sign for each dwelling which shall not exceed three square feet in area per surface, and no sign shall be so constructed so as to have more than two sides. Such sign may indicate the name and address of the occupant.
   2. One nameplate for each dwelling group of four or more dwelling units, which shall not exceed three square feet plus one square foot for each unit over one per surface, and no signs shall be so constructed as to have more than two surfaces.
   3. Nonresidential uses permitted within the R districts shall not have a total square footage of sign surface in excess of one-half square foot per front foot of lot.
2. Signs in LB, SLB, M, and SM districts. Within LB, SLB, M, and SM districts, the aggregate sign area per lot for advertising, business and nameplate signs shall not exceed one square foot per front foot of lot.
3. Signs in GB, SGB, CBD, MU, and SMU districts. Within GB, SGB, CBD, MU, and SMU districts, wall, freestanding signs and, where specifically prescribed, portable signs, are permitted subject to the following regulations:
   1. The aggregate sign area per lot for advertising, business and nameplate signs shall not exceed the sum of:
      1. Two square feet per front foot of lot.
      2. One square foot for each foot of side yard abutting a public right-of-way 50 feet or more in width. (If the rear of the property abuts a public owned parking lot, and is to be used as a primary building entrance, it is considered to be the same as a public right-of-way allowing one square foot of signage per linear foot of rear lot frontage.)
   2. No individual on-premises sign shall exceed 250 square feet in sign area.
   3. In a business district where the established building setback is less than required by section 30-591, a sign attached to the principal structure may encroach into the required yard for signs, or in the case where there is no yard, into the public right-of-way, a distance not to exceed four and one-half feet, subject to the following restrictions:
      1. Any sign extending more than six inches into the public right-of-way shall provide a minimum clearance of ten feet above ground.
      2. The sign shall not extend more than four and one-half feet from the building wall to which it is attached.
      3. No part of such sign or superstructure shall extend nearer than three feet to the vertical line extended from the face of the curb.
   4. There shall be no more than one freestanding sign per 300 feet of street frontage on any lot.
   5. Within the CBD, MU and SMU zoning districts, a maximum of one portable sign, per lot, shall be allowed, subject to the following restrictions:
      1. Portable signs may not be displayed without a permit.
      2. Portable signs shall be limited to a maximum height of 42 inches and a maximum width and depth of 30 inches. (For three-dimensional signs, compliance with this section will be based on a cross sectional measurement of the sign at its point of maximum dimension.)
      3. Portable signs shall be constructed of wood, plastic or metal, and shall have a professional appearance, and shall complement and not compete with, the character of the downtown.
      4. Portable signs shall not be electrified or have moving parts.
      5. Portable signs on display shall be braced or secured, as needed, to prevent motion.
      6. The text and images on portable signs shall be limited to an advertising message related to the business being conducted on the lot upon which it is located, or, as allowed under subsection 30-679(3)e.10., adjacent to.
      7. No portable sign may be erected or maintained if it prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
      8. No portable sign shall obstruct or impede the movement or vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or create a hazardous or unsafe condition.
      9. Portable signs shall be setback from the property line a minimum of two feet.
      10. Subject, also, to the following, portable signs may be located on public sidewalks and street boulevard areas, under the jurisdiction of the city, in situations where buildings extend to the property line or to within 30 inches of the property line, thus making the location of the sign on private property impractical:
          1. Portable signs must be positioned directly adjacent to the lot frontage on the private property side of the sidewalk or boulevard.
          2. Portable signs shall not be attached to trees, utility poles, governmental signs, public benches, streetlights, or other public infrastructure.
          3. Portable signs shall only be displayed during normal business hours.
          4. The owner shall remove the portable sign, during snow removal and other maintenance operations.
          5. All persons involved in the maintenance, installation, alteration, or relocation of signs near or upon any public right-of-way shall, as a condition of the use of such public property for sign work, agree to hold harmless and indemnify the city and its officers, agents and employees against any and all claims of negligence resulting from such work insofar as this subdivision has not specifically directed the placement of a sign.
   6. Within the GB and SGB zoning districts a maximum of one on-premise portable sign, per lot, shall be allowed, subject to the following restrictions:
      1. Portable signs may not be displayed without a permit.
      2. Portable signs may not be displayed for more than 90 days per calendar year.
      3. Portable signs shall be limited to 32 square feet of sign area per side. (For three-dimensional signs, compliance with this section will be based on a cross sectional measurement of the sign at its point of maximum dimension.)
      4. Portable signs shall be constructed of wood, plastic or metal, and shall have a professional appearance.
      5. Portable signs on display shall be braced or secured, as needed, to prevent motion.
      6. The text and images on portable signs shall be limited to an advertising message related to the business being conducted on the premises within which it is located.
      7. Portable signs may not be placed in the right-of-way. Portable signs shall be setback from the property line a minimum of ten feet.
      8. No portable sign shall obstruct or impede the movement or vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or create a hazardous or unsafe condition.
4. Signs in industrial and business park districts. Within the industrial and business park districts, wall and freestanding signs are permitted subject to the following restrictions:
   1. The aggregate sign area per lot for advertising, business and nameplate signs shall not exceed the sum of:
      1. Two square feet per front foot of lot.
      2. One square foot per foot of side yard abutting a public right-of-way 50 feet or more in width.
      3. There shall be no more than one freestanding sign per 300 feet of street frontage on any lot.
      4. Within the BP and SBP zoning districts a maximum of one on-premise portable sign, per lot, shall be allowed, subject to the following restrictions:
         1. Portable signs may not be displayed without a permit.
         2. Portable signs may not be displayed for more than 90 days per calendar year.
         3. Portable signs shall be limited to 32 square feet of sign area per side. (For three-dimensional signs, compliance with this section will be based on a cross sectional measurement of the sign at its point of maximum dimension.)
         4. Portable signs shall be constructed of wood, plastic or metal, and shall have a professional appearance.
         5. Portable signs on display shall be braced or secured, as needed, to prevent motion.
         6. The text and images on portable signs shall be limited to an advertising message related to the business being conducted on the premises within which it is located.
         7. Portable signs may not be placed in the right-of-way. Portable signs shall be setback from the property line a minimum of ten feet.
         8. No portable sign shall obstruct or impede the movement or vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or create a hazardous or unsafe condition.
5. Signs in RC and SRC districts. Within RC and SRC districts, wall, freestanding signs and, where specifically prescribed, portable signs, are permitted subject to the following regulations:
   1. The aggregate sign area per lot for advertising, business and nameplate signs shall be the greater of 500 square feet or the sum of one square foot per front foot of lot and one square foot for each foot of side yard abutting a public right-of-way 50 feet or more in width. (If the rear of the property abuts a public owned parking lot, and is to be used as a primary building entrance, it is considered to be the same as a public right-of-way allowing one square foot of signage per linear foot of rear lot frontage.)
   2. No individual on-premises sign shall exceed 250 square feet in sign area.
   3. There shall be no more than one freestanding sign per 300 feet of street frontage on any lot.
   4. Within the RC and SRC zoning districts a maximum of one on-premise portable sign, per lot, shall be allowed, subject to the following restrictions:
      1. Portable signs may not be displayed without a permit.
      2. Portable signs may not be displayed for more than 90 days per calendar year.
      3. Portable signs shall be limited to 32 square feet of sign area per side. (For three-dimensional signs, compliance with this section will be based on a cross sectional measurement of the sign at its point of maximum dimension.)
      4. Portable signs shall be constructed of wood, plastic or metal, and shall have a professional appearance.
      5. Portable signs on display shall be braced or secured, as needed, to prevent motion.
      6. The text and images on portable signs shall be limited to an advertising message related to the business being conducted on the premises within which it is located.
      7. Portable signs may not be placed in the right-of-way. Portable signs shall be setback from the property line a minimum of ten feet.
      8. No portable sign shall obstruct or impede the movement or vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or create a hazardous or unsafe condition.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(G); Ord. No. 04-11-17, 11-9-2004; Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008; Ord. No. 12-06-07, Exh. F, 6-11-2012)

1. Application of the building code: general. All signs shall be constructed in accordance with the state building and electrical codes in effect at the time that a sign permit is applied for. All signs shall be constructed in a safe and secure manner so that no sign will endanger persons or property.
2. Structural supports. All off-premises advertising signs, the sign area of which exceeds 50 square feet, shall be constructed on a single freestanding self-supporting metal pole. All other signs shall have structural support made of any material or materials that provide adequate and safe support for such signs.
3. Display surface. The display surface of signs may be constructed of wood, metal or plastic.
4. Nonstructural trim. The nonstructural trim surrounding the display surface of signs may be constructed of wood, metal or plastic.
5. Lighting. Signs may be illuminated by an artificial light source, whether it is an integral component of the sign or is intended to direct artificial light upon the sign. Signs shall not be erected or maintained which are not effectively shielded so as to prevent:
   1. Beams or rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled way of any street or highway.
   2. Beams of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare, or impair the vision of the operator of any motor vehicle.
6. Flashing lights. Signs shall not be erected or maintained that contain any flashing light or any lights that give the illusion of movement unless such light or lights are more than ten feet above the ground and more than 150 feet from any intersection controlled by a traffic signal.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(H); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)

All signs shall be maintained so as not to threaten danger to persons or property. Abandoned signs and signs that have become damaged, dangerous, or dilapidated shall be repaired or removed immediately. The city shall have the rights and shall follow the procedures set forth in Minn. Stat. §§ 463.15—463.261 with respect to any abandoned, dangerous, or dilapidated sign.

(Code 1978, § 23.8(I)(5); Ord. No. 07-03-06, § 2(Exh. A), 3-27-2007; Ord. No. 07-05-09, 5-29-07; Ord. No. 08-07-06, 7-14-2008)