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 have, since as early as 1970, included 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 sign ordinance 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 sign ordinance. (Ord. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007)

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this sign ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of this sign ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the sign ordinance in each section, subsection, sentence, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid. (Ord. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007)

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 sixty (60) days of submission of a complete application.

   D.   The application shall be accompanied by a fee as established by City Council resolution. Applications for amending sign permits shall be accompanied by a fee as established by ordinance.

   E.   The Zoning Administrator shall notify the applicant, in writing, of an incomplete application within fifteen (15) 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.

   G.   A sign permit shall lapse one (1) year after the date of approval as provided for by Section 11-8-7 of this title. (Ord. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007; amd. Ord. 867, sec. 63, 5-17-2010; Ord. 1065, 4-4-2022)

The following signs shall not require a permit and are allowed in addition to those signs allowed by sections 11-23-15 and 11-23-19 of this chapter. 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.   Within commercial and industrial districts, two (2) signs not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in area, erected up to a height of six feet (6'), and setback a minimum of five (5) feet from property lines shall be allowed for each access to a lot from a public street.

   C.   One sign per property in residential districts not to exceed nine (9) square feet.

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

   E.   Official signs.

   F.   One sign shall be allowed per street frontage when a building or parcel not subject to section 11-23-15.X.2. of this title is offered for sale or lease, provided that:

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

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

   G.   Sandwich board signs are allowed within commercial zoning districts, provided that:

      1.   Not more than one sign is allowed per principal building except that one sign is allowed per tenant within a principal building having two (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 only on the business property and shall not encroach into any principal building setback, except within the C-CBD district where the sign 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 five foot (5') pedestrian walkway and so as not to obstruct vehicular traffic.

      5.   The sign shall be set back a minimum of two feet (2') 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 (4').

         b.   Width: Three feet (3').

      7.   For signs within the C-CBD district to be located upon the sidewalk or boulevard portion of a public right of way, issuance of a sign permit in accordance with section 11-23-5 of this chapter shall be required annually.

         a.   In addition to the provisions of subsection 11-23-5F of this chapter, the owner of the sign shall provide a certificate of general liability insurance with minimum coverage of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) naming the city as an additional insured for the sign to be located upon the public right of way within the C-CBD district.

   H.   Window signs not exceeding twenty five percent (25%) of the total area of the window in which they are displayed. (Ord. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007; amd. Ord. 827, sec. 2, 7-16-2007; Ord. 866, sec. 3, 5-17-2010; Ord. 867, sec. 65, 5-17-2010; Ord. 936, 3-16-2015; Ord. 996, 5-7-2018; Ord. 1015, 8-5-2019; Ord. 1031, 6-1-2020; Ord. 1080, 7-17-2023)

   A.   Signs: A nonconforming sign lawfully existing upon the effective date of this chapter shall be regulated in accordance with chapter 15 of this title.

   B.   Uses: When the principal use of land is legally nonconforming under chapter 15 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. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007)

   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. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007)

The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this sign ordinance may substitute noncommercial copy in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial copy. This substitution of copy may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary. (Ord. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007)

   A.   Accessory Structures: Except as provided for by subsection W of this section, all signs must be accessory structures.

   B.   Standards Adopted: The design and construction standards as set forth in chapter 4 of the 1997 edition of the uniform sign code as may be amended, are hereby adopted.

   C.   Electrical Signs: The installation of electrical signs shall be subject to the state's electrical code. Electrical service to such signs shall be underground.

   D.   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.

   E.   Trees; Interference: No signs, guys, stays or attachments shall be erected, placed or maintained on trees nor interfere with any electric light, power, telephone or telegraph wires or the supports thereof. (Ord. 867, sec. 66, 5-17-2010)

   F.   Illuminated Signs:

      1.   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.

      2.   No sign incorporating LED lighting may be illuminated in any way so as to exceed a maximum intensity of five thousand (5,000) nits during daylight hours or five hundred (500) nits from sunset to sunrise measured at the sign face at maximum brightness.

      3.   Signs using fluorescent, neon or incandescent light sources shall not exceed twelve (12) watts per square foot of sign surface area.

      4.   All signs incorporating LED lighting installed after December 3, 2012, shall be equipped with a mechanism that automatically adjusts the brightness to ambient lighting conditions to conform to the requirements of this subsection.

      5.   The owner of any LED illuminated sign shall provide certification as to compliance with subsections F2 and F3 of this section to the city upon request by the zoning administrator. (Ord. 897, 12-3-2012)

   G.   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 sixty (60) days during any calendar year.

      2.   The maximum area of a temporary sign shall be fifty (50) square feet per sign face, except within the freeway corridor district where the maximum area of a temporary sign shall be one hundred (100) square feet per sign face.

      3.   Not more than one temporary sign shall be displayed upon a property at any one time.

      4.   No temporary sign as provided for by section 11-23-15.T. of this title shall be allowed for a lot upon which there is a dynamic display sign.

   H.   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.

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

   J.   Address Sign: Except for farm buildings, at least one address sign identifying the correct property number as assigned by Dakota County shall be required on each principal building in all districts. The number shall be at least three inches (3") in height.

   K.   Exterior Mounted Signs: All exterior mounted signs shall be constructed of high quality materials, durable and resistant to fading, cracking, chipping, peeling or other forms of extreme wear and except within the C-CBD District shall not be applied with paint directly onto the exterior surface of the building. (Ord. 897, 12-3-2012)

   L.   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 twelve inches (12") 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 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.

   M.   Height:

      1.   Freestanding signs:

         a.   The height of the sign shall be measured from the ground at the base to the highest-most part of the structure.

         b.   On commercial and industrial properties with an elevation below that of the centerline of the adjacent street, measured at the closest distance between the sign location and centerline of the street, the height of a freestanding sign may increase to be not more than the allowed height of a freestanding sign within the applicable district above the centerline elevation of the street with a total height not to exceed more than ten feet (10') above the maximum height of the applicable district.

      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.

   N.   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.

   O.   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 fifteen feet (15').

         b.   The sign base and supporting material shall be equal to at least forty percent (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 twenty four (24) square feet shall be allowed for continuous display (no flashing, scrolling or other animation) of electronic or nonelectronic changeable copy identifying current fuel prices in accordance with Minnesota state statutes section 239.751.

      2.   Wall signs:

         a.   One (1) wall sign shall be allowed on the canopy elevation in addition to the wall signs allowed by Section 11-23-19 of this title.

         b.   The area of the individual wall signs shall not exceed the area allowed for wall signs within the zoning district as established by Section 11-23-19 of this title.

   P.   Window Signs: Window signs shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the total area of the window in which they are displayed.

   Q.   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 section 11-23-19 of this chapter.

      2.   The height of the freestanding sign shall be consistent with the applicable district provisions in section 11-23-19 of this chapter.

      3.   The maximum number of signs displayed on a single structure is two (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 Dakota County recorder against the titles of the two (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.

   R.   Multiple Occupancy Commercial And Industrial Buildings: When a single principal building is devoted to two (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 section 11-23-19 of this chapter.

      2.   Multiple occupancy buildings may display a freestanding sign that complies with the applicable zoning district provisions in section 11-23-19 of this chapter.

      3.   Individual tenants of a multiple occupancy building within a commercial or industrial zoning district may display separate wall, canopy, or marquee signs subject to the following requirements:

         a.   Within the O-R, M-1, M-2, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-CBD, and O-P districts:

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

            (2)   The tenant’s business shall have an exclusive exterior entrance except when the tenant occupies greater than twenty percent (20%) of the net leasable area of the building.

            (3)   The sign(s) shall be located only on the exterior wall of the tenant space to which the sign permit is issued, except when the tenant occupies greater than twenty percent (20%) of the net leasable area of the building, but is (are) not required to face a public street.

            (4)   Each sign and the total area of all signs on a single elevation for an individual tenant shall be limited to the maximum wall sign size permitted in the applicable zoning district provisions in section 11-23-19 of this chapter.

         b.   Within the I-1, I-2 and I-CBD Districts:

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

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

            (3)   Each sign or the total area of all signs on a single elevation for an individual tenant shall be limited to the maximum wall sign size permitted in the applicable zoning district provisions in section 11-23-19 of this chapter.

         c.   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.

   S.   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 one percent (1%) for every five feet (5') of additional setback beyond the zoning district front yard setback requirement. This increase shall be limited to a maximum area of one hundred twenty five percent (125%) and shall be applied only to signs located on the side of the building facing the yard for which the calculation was made.

   T.   Changeable Copy Signs:

      1.   For commercial and industrial uses, one (1) 40-square foot changeable copy sign (but not including electronic changeable copy or electronic graphic display 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.

      2.   Within the C-2 and C-3 Districts, one electronic changeable copy or electronic graphic display sign may be allowed provided that:

         a.   Operation: The operation of the electronic sign shall require issuance of a license pursuant to section 3-22-3 of this Code.

         b.   Location:

            (1)   The sign shall be displayed only in a yard abutting an arterial, minor expander, minor connector or minor reliever street, collector or local commercial street as defined by the Comprehensive Plan.

            (2)   The sign shall be set back a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

         c.   Sign Structure:

            (1)   The electronic changeable copy or graphic display shall be incorporated as part of the freestanding sign allowed by subsection 11-23-19E of this chapter.

            (2)   The sign including the electronic changeable copy or graphic display element shall be a monument sign constructed as follows:

               (A)   The electronic changeable copy or graphic display element shall not exceed forty (40) square feet and shall be integral and contiguous to the overall sign display.

               (B)   The sign shall be self-supported vertically by a solid base extending horizontally for a minimum of the entire width of the sign face.

               (C)   The height of the electronic changeable copy or graphic display within the sign structure shall not exceed fifteen feet (15').

               (D)   The sign base and supporting material constructed of stone, brick, or decorative masonry shall be equal to at least forty percent (40%) of the total sign area, but shall not be counted toward the sign area and shall not contain any sign copy.

      3.   For buildings with a gross floor area of seventy thousand (70,000) square feet or larger within C-2 and C-3 Districts also within the Freeway Corridor District, as defined on the zoning map, one (1) electronic changeable copy or electronic graphic display sign may be allowed provided that:

         a.   Operation: The operation of the electronic sign shall require issuance of a license pursuant to section 3-22-3 of this Code.

         b.   Location:

            (1)   The sign shall be displayed only in a yard abutting an arterial, minor expander, minor connector or minor reliever street, collector or local commercial street as defined by the Comprehensive Plan.

            (2)   The sign shall be set back a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

         c.   Sign Structure:

            (1)   The electronic changeable copy or graphic display shall be incorporated as part of the freestanding sign allowed by subsection 11-23-19F of this chapter.

            (2)   The electronic changeable copy or graphic display element shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet and shall be integral and contiguous to the overall sign display.

            (3)   The total height of the sign structure including the base shall not exceed thirty feet (30').

   U.   Time And Temperature Sign: Within commercial and industrial zoning districts, an area not to exceed sixteen (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.

   V.   Projecting Signs: Projecting signs may be allowed in commercial districts provided that:

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

      2.   The sign does not project more than five feet (5') 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 C-CBD District may not project over a public right- of-way.

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

   W.   Billboards: Existing billboards erected prior to January 1, 1980, 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 four hundred (400) square feet.

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

   X.   Subdivisions:

      1.   Permanent Signs: For a subdivision having not less than three (3) lots or principal buildings, one (1) sign shall be allowed at each corner of an intersection within the plat or abutting a lot or outlot within the plat with a collector or arterial street defined by the Lakeville transportation plan, provided that:

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

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

            (1)   Ten feet (10') for residential uses.

            (2)   Twenty feet (20') for commercial, industrial, and institutional uses.

      2.    Temporary Signs: Additional temporary signs shall be allowed upon approval of a preliminary plat for a subdivision having not less than three (3) lots or approval of site and building plans, a conditional use permit, or an interim use permit for development of one (1) lot provided that:

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

            (1)   The area of the sign face shall not exceed sixty four (64) square feet.

            (2)   Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of eight feet (8').

         b.    Model homes as provided for by Chapter 27 of this title shall be allowed the following signs to be installed upon the same lot as the model home:

            (1)   One freestanding sign with a sign face not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet or a maximum height of eight feet (8').

            (2)   Not more than three (3) flags with a maximum area of sixteen (16) square feet per face per flag and maximum height of twenty four feet (24') 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 three (3) years from the date a permit is issued for the sign or flag or until building permits have been issued for one hundred percent (100%) of the lots within a final plat or subsequent phases of the same preliminary plat of a subdivision. (Ord. 867, sec. 66, 5-17-2010; amd. Ord. 888, 2-21-2012; Ord. 897, 12-3-2012; Ord. 936, 3-16-2015; Ord. 958, 3-21-2016; Ord. 976, 3-6-2017; Ord. 982, 6-19-2017; Ord. 996, 5-7-2018; Ord. 1000, 8-6-2018; Ord. 1015, 8-5-2019; Ord. 1020, 12-2-2019; Ord. 1047, 6-7-2021; Ord. 1052, sec.6, 9-7-2021; Ord. 1078, 6-5-2023; Ord. 1080, 6-5-2023; Ord. passed 8-4-2025)

The following signs are prohibited:

   A.   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.

   B.   All signs over six hundred (600) square feet in area, except within the P-OS district.

   C.   All off premises signs except as allowed by subsection 11-23-15W of this chapter.

   D.   Balloon signs.

   E.   Changeable copy signs, electronic except as allowed by subsections 11-23-15O1c and 11-23-19H1d of this chapter.

   F.   Content classified as "obscene" as defined by Minnesota statutes section 617.241.

   G.   Dynamic display signs, except as may be allowed by this title and this code.

   H.   Electronic graphic display signs except as allowed by subsections 11-23-15T2 and 11-23-19H1d of this chapter.

   I.   Flashing signs.

   J.   Multivision signs.

   K.   Portable signs.

   L.   Roof signs.

   M.   Rotating signs.

   N.   Shimmering signs.

   O.   Signs painted, attached or in any other manner affixed to trees or similar natural surfaces, or attached to utility poles, utility boxes, bridges, towers, or similar public structures, or public fences.

   P.   Video display signs.

   Q.   Only those signs installed at the direction of the Minnesota department of transportation, Dakota County or the city of Lakeville shall be located within public rights of way.

(Ord. 827, sec. 4, 7-16-2007; Ord. 867, secs. 67, 68, 69, 5-17-2010; Ord. 897, 12-3-2012; Ord. 903, 3-4-2013; Ord. 936, 3-16-2015; Ord. 1015, 8-5-2019)

In addition to the signs allowed by sections 11-23-7 and 11-23-15 of this chapter, the following signs shall be allowed within the specific zoning districts:

   A.   Within the A-P and RA districts, the following additional regulations apply:

      1.   One (1) free standing or wall sign shall be allowed provided that:

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

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

   B.   Within the RS-1, RS-2, RS-3, RS-4, RS-CBD, RSMH, RST-1, RST-2, RM-1, RM-2, RH-1, or RH-2 District, the following additional regulations apply:

      1.   Government buildings and structures, public, quasi-public or private recreation buildings, public parks and recreation areas, public and private educational institutions limited to accredited elementary, middle or senior high schools, daycare facilities as a principal use, and religious institutions shall be allowed the following signs:

         a.   Freestanding signs:

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

            (2)   Area: The area of each sign may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per sign face.

            (3)   Monument Type; Height: The sign shall be a monument type with a maximum height not to exceed ten feet (10').

            (4)   Changeable Copy Signs:

               (A)   Within the allowed area of a freestanding sign, one (1) non-electronic changeable copy shall be allowed per frontage to a major collector or arterial street as defined by the Comprehensive Plan.

               (B)   One (1) dynamic display sign may be allowed for lots that are a minimum of five (5) acres in area or greater provided that:

                  (i)    Operation: The operation of the dynamic display sign shall require issuance of a license pursuant to section 3-22-3 of this Code.

                  (ii)    The sign shall be displayed only in a yard abutting a major collector or arterial street as defined by the Comprehensive Plan.

                  (iii)    The sign shall be set back a minimum of fifty feet (50') from any side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

               (C)   Sign Structure:

                  (i)    The changeable copy or dynamic display shall be incorporated as part of the freestanding sign allowed by subsection 11-23-19.B.1.a(1), (2) and (3) of this chapter.

                  (ii)    The changeable copy or dynamic display element shall not exceed forty (40) square feet and shall be integral and contiguous to the overall sign display.

         b.   Signs:

            (1)   Area:

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for interior lots; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

            (2)   Number. There is no limit as to the number of wall signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.B.1.b(1) of this section.

            (3)   Elevations. Wall signs may be located on any elevation of the principal structure except that facing a side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

            (4)   Building Entrances. Notwithstanding section 11-23-19.B(1) and (2) of this section, an additional signs(s) not to exceed forty- eight (48) square feet shall be allowed for each building entrance.

      2.   Multiple Family Dwellings:

         a.   Freestanding Signs:

            (1)   Number: One (1) sign is allowed upon each lot.

            (2)   Area: The area of each sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet for each sign face.

            (3)   Height: The sign shall ne a maximum height not to exceed ten feet (10').

         b.   Wall Signs:

            (1)   Area:

               (A)   The total area of all walls signs shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed one hundred twenty-eight (128) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum are of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.

      2.   Number. There is no limit as to the number of wall signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.B.2.b(1) of this section.

      3.   Elevations. Walls signs may be located on any elevation of the principal structure except that facing a side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

   C.   Within the O-R and C-1 Districts the following additional regulations shall apply:

      1.   Freestanding Signs:

         a.   Number: One (1) sign is allowed upon each lot.

         b.   Area: The area of each sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for each sign face.

         c.   Height: The sign shall be a maximum height not to exceed twenty feet (20').

      2.   Wall Signs:

         a.   Area:

            (1)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed sixty four (64) square feet for interior lots; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed one hundred twenty eight (128) square feet.

            (2)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed sixty four square feet.

         b.   Number. There is no limit as to the number of wall signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.C.2.a of this section.

         c.   Elevations. Wall signs may be located on any elevation of the principal structure except that facing a side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

   D.   Within the M-1, M-2, C-2, C-3, and C-CBD Zoning Districts, but not those properties within the freeway corridor district regulated by section 11-23-19.F of this section, the following additional regulations shall apply:

      1.   Freestanding Signs:

         a.   M-1, C-2, and C-3 Districts:

         (1)   Number: One (1) sign is allowed upon each lot.

         (2)   Area: The area of each sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for each sign face.

         (3)   Height: The sign shall be a maximum height not to exceed twenty feet (20').

         b.   M-2 and C-CBD Districts. No freestanding sign is allowed.

      2.   Wall Signs:

         a.   Area:

            (1)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area less than forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet:

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for interior lots; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

            (2)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area of forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet or greater.

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet for interior lots; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area individual wall sign shall not exceed:

                  (i)   One (1) sign with a maximum area of four hundred forty (440) square feet.

                  (ii)   One sign with a maximum area of two hundred (200) square feet.

                  (iii)   All other signs shall be limited to a maximum area of seventy two (72) square feet.

         b.   Number. There is no limit as to the number of walls signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.D.2.a of this section.

         c.   Elevations. Wall signs may be located on any elevation of the principal structure except that facing a side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

   E.   Within the O-P, I-CBD, I-1, and I-2 Districts, but not those properties within the freeway corridor district regulated by section 11-23-19.F of this section, the following additional regulations shall apply:

      1.   Freestanding Signs:

         a.   Number Allowed: One (1) sign is allowed upon each lot.

         b.   Area: The area of each sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for each sign face.

         c.   Height: The sign shall be a maximum height not to exceed ten feet (10').

      2.   Wall Signs:

         a.   Area:

            (1)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area less than forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet.

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.

            (2)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area of forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet and less than two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) square feet:

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.

            (3)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area of two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) square feet or greater:

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed for hundred (400) square feet.

         b.   Number. There is no limit as to the number of wall signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.E.2.a of this section.

         c.   Elevations. Wall signs may be located on any elevation of the principal structure except that facing a side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

   F.   Within the Freeway Corridor District, defined on the zoning map, the following additional regulations shall apply within the M-1, C-2, C-3, O-P, I-1, and I-2 districts :

      1.   Freestanding Signs:

         a.   Number: One sign is allowed for each lot.

         b.   Area:

            (1)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area less than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, the area of a freestanding signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each face.

            (2)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or greater, the area of a freestanding signs shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet for each face.

         c.   Height:

            (1)   For, principal building with a gross floor area less than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, the maximum height of the sign shall not exceed thirty feet (30').

            (2)   For, principal buildings with a gross floor area of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or greater, the maximum height of the sign shall not exceed fifty feet.

            (3)   For convenience food, hotel, motor fuel, and restaurant uses developed on properties with an elevation below that of the centerline of I-35, measured at the closest distance between the sign location and centerline of I-35, the height of a freestanding sign may be increased to be not more than thirty feet (30') above the centerline elevation of I-35 with a total height not to exceed seventy feet (70').

      2.   Wall Signs:

         a.   Area:

            (1)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area less than forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet:

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet for interior lots; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall sign shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

            (2)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area of forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet or greater:

               (A)   The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed six hundred (600) square feet for interior lots; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet.

               (B)   The maximum area individual walls sign shall not exceed:

                  (i)   One (1) sign with a maximum area of four hundred forty (440) square feet.

                  (ii)   One (1) sign with a maximum area of two hundred (200) square feet.

                  (iii)   All other signs shall be limited to a maximum area of seventy two (72) square feet.

         b.   Number. There is no limit as to the number of wall signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.F.2.a of this section.

         c.   Elevations. Wall signs may be located on any elevation of the principal structure except that facing a side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

      3.   Separate commercial uses on properties with a common lot line that abut a principal arterial roadway may each locate a sign on the allowed freestanding structure for each lot subject to approval by the Zoning Administrator; provided, that:

         a.   Location:

            (1)   One (1) of the allowed signs shall be located in a yard abutting the street to which at least one (1) of the lots have access.

            (2)   One (1) of the allowed signs shall be located in a yard abutting the principal arterial right-of-way.

         b.   The sign in the yard abutting the street to which the lot(s) have access may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet each side with a maximum height of twenty feet (20').

         c.   The sign in the yard abutting the principal arterial right-of-way shall comply with the following provisions:

            (1)   Area:

               (A)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area less than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, the area of a freestanding signs shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet for each face.

               (B)   For principal buildings with a gross floor area of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or greater, the area of a freestanding signs shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet for each face.

            (2)   Height:

               (A)   For, principal buildings with a gross floor area less than one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, the maximum height of the sign shall not exceed thirty feet (30')

               (B)   For, principal buildings with a gross floor area of one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or greater, the maximum height of the sign shall not exceed fifty feet (50').

               (C)   For convenience food, hotel, motor fuel and restaurant uses developed on properties with an elevation below that of the centerline of I-35, measured at the closest distance between the sign location and centerline of I-35, the height of a freestanding sign may increase to be not more than thirty feet (30') above the centerline elevation of I-35 with a total height not to exceed seventy feet (70').

         d.   An agreement addressing construction, maintenance, and repair responsibilities and access rights is established and filed with the Dakota County Recorder with the titles of the two (2) properties involved in the collocated freestanding sign(s) prior to issuance of a sign permit with amendment or cancellation of the agreement allowed only upon written approval by the Zoning Administrator.

   G.   Within the P-OS District the following additional regulations shall apply:

      1.   Freestanding Signs:

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

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

         c.   Monument Type; Height: The sign shall be monument type with a maximum height not to exceed ten feet (10').

         d.   Changeable Copy Signs:

            (1)   Within the allowed area of a freestanding sign, a maximum of forty (40) square feet of nonelectronic changeable copy shall be allowed per frontage to a major collector or arterial street.

            (2)   For city of Lakeville public administration, fire stations, police department buildings, ice arenas and public maintenance buildings and ISD 192, ISD 194, and ISD 196 school district uses only, as allowed by chapter 97 of this title, the changeable copy sign allowed by this section may utilize electronic graphic display provided that:

               (A)   An electronic graphic display sign shall be displayed only in a yard abutting a minor expander, minor connector or minor reliever street as defined by the comprehensive plan.

               (B)   The operation of the electronic sign shall require issuance of a license pursuant to section 3-22-3 of this code.

      2.   Wall Signs:

         a.   Area:

            (1)   The total area of all wall sigs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet for interior lots; for corner or through lots the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.

            (2)   The maximum area of any one (1) individual wall signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.G.2.a of this section.

         b.   Number. There is no limit as to the number of wall signs except as governed by the total area of all wall signs allowed by section 11-23-19.G.2.a of this section.

         c.   Elevations. Walls signs may be located on any elevation of the principal structure except that facing a side or rear lot line abutting a residential district.

         d.   Building Entrances. Notwithstanding section 11-23-19.G.2.a and b of this section, an additional sign(s) not to exceed forty eight (48) square feet shall be allowed for each building entrance.

   H.   Within PUD district, sign allowances shall be based upon the individual uses and structures contained in the development and the regulations of this section applied in the most restrictive zoning district in which the use is allowed, subject to modification by approval of a PUD development stage plan.

(Ord. 816, sec. 4, 2-5-2007; Ord. 867, secs. 70, 71, 73 through 76, 5-17-2010; Ord. 888, 2-21-2012; Ord. 897, 12-3-2012; Ord. 958, 3-21-2016; Ord. 976, 3-6-2017; Ord. 996, 5-7-2018; Ord. 1003, 9-17-2018; Ord. 1015, 8-5-2019; Ord. 1019, 11-18-2019; Ord. 1031, 6-1-2020; Ord. 1047, 6-7-2021; Ord. 1049, 8-2-2021; Ord. 1065, 4-4-2022; Ord. 1078, 6-5-2023; Ord. 1080, 6-5-2023; Ord. 1098, 1-21-2025; Ord. 1099, 3-17-2025)

Except as otherwise required by this chapter, all freestanding signs shall be set back fifteen feet (15') from any property line abutting a public right of way and five feet (5') from any side or rear property line. (Ord. 867, sec. 77, 5-17-2010)