A.   The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment, and the community's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to eliminate physical and visual clutter; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations. It is not the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent of this chapter to regulate any building design or any display not defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from outside a building. (Ord. 2007-25, 10-1-2007)

For the purposes of this chapter the following terms shall apply:

ABANDONED SIGN: Any sign and/or its supporting sign structure which remains without a message or whose display surface remains blank for a period of one year or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Signs applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change in ownership or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains vacant for a period of one year or more. Any sign remaining after demolition of a principal structure shall be deemed to be abandoned.

AWNING: A rooflike cover, often of fabric, plastic, metal or glass designed and intended for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment, and which projects from a wall or roof of a structure primarily over a window, walk, or door.

AWNING SIGN: A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning.

BANNER: A flexible material on which copy or graphic may be displayed.

CABINET SIGN: Any wall sign that is not of channel or individually mounted letter construction.

CANOPY: A rooflike cover, often of fabric, plastic, metal, or glass on a support, which provides shelter over a driveway.

CANOPY SIGN: A sign affixed to the visible surface(s) of an attached or freestanding canopy.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual input.

COMMERCIAL SPEECH: Speech advertising a business, profession, commodity, service or entertainment.

DISPLAY SURFACE: Unless otherwise defined in this chapter, the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the sign face, including any material forming an integral part of the background of the display used to differentiate the sign from the background structure. It does not include any structural elements, such as the base, framing, or decorative roofing, provided there is no advertising copy on such features. For signs consisting of individual letters, figures, or symbols, the sign area shall be that area enclosed with the smallest rectangle needed to completely encompass all letters, figures or symbols. Only one side of a double face or V-type sign structure shall be used in computing total surface area, provided the maximum angle between faces of double faced or V-type signs is forty five degrees (45°).

DYNAMIC DISPLAY SIGN: Any characteristics of a sign that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the display, the sign structure, or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or animated display and any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, “digital ink” or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays.

FRAME: A complete, static display screen on a dynamic display sign.

FREESTANDING SIGN: A sign principally supported by a structure affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including signs supported by a solid base (monument sign), one or more columns, poles, or braces placed in or upon the ground.

ILLUMINATED SIGN: A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either projecting through its surface(s), internally illuminated, reflecting off its surface(s), or externally illuminated.

MANSARD ROOF: A type of roof that has two (2) slopes on each of the four (4) sides of a building.

MARQUEE SIGN: See definition of canopy sign.

MONUMENT SIGN: A sign placed on a solid base where the entire bottom of the sign is affixed to the ground and extends a minimum of one foot (1') above the ground.

MULTIPLE-TENANT SIGN: A freestanding sign identifying a multiple occupancy development.

MULTIPLE-TENANT SITE: Any property or business site that contains more than one business.

NEW DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT SIGN: A temporary sign that identifies the name and/or design of a new development, subdivision, business or professional firm involved with the financing or construction of a project and may or may not display contact information.

NONCOMMERCIAL SPEECH: Dissemination of messages not classified as commercial speech which include, but are not limited to, messages concerning political, religious, social, ideological, opinion, public service and informational topics.

NONCONFORMING SIGN: Any sign which exists prior to the adoption of this section and does not conform to the requirements herein.

OFF PREMISES SIGN: Any sign that presents a message or displays products that are unrelated to the site upon which the sign is located.

ON PREMISES SIGN: A sign erected, maintained, or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of displaying messages relating to the use of the property, the products sold on the property, or the sale or lease of the property on which it is displayed, including a shared sign for properties within a development that is located on any lot within the development. This does not exclude noncommercial messages.

PARAPET (WALL): That portion of building wall that rises above the roof level.

PORTABLE SIGN: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building or building surface. Portable signs shall include, but are not limited to: signs constructed so as to be movable, either by skids, wheels, truck, or other conveyance; any sign which does not have a permanent foundation or is otherwise permanently fastened to the ground or building; signs on vehicles and equipment with or without sound equipment, and cloth signs or banners. For a sign transported on a trailer, the removal of the wheels or undercarriage does not place the sign in another category, nor does the anchoring of the sign by means of concrete blocks, sandbags, or other types of temporary anchors.

PROJECTING SIGN: A sign other than a wall sign that is attached to or projects more than twelve inches (12") from a building face or wall or from a structure whose primary purpose is other than the support of a sign.

PUBLIC SIGN: A sign erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post a legal notice, identify public property, convey public information, and direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

ROOF: The exterior surface and its supporting structure on the top of a building or structure, the structural makeup of which conforms to the roof structures, roof construction and roof covering sections of the Uniform Building Code.

ROOF SIGN: A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs attached to the lower slope of a roof or attached to a parapet wall above a flat roof are considered wall signs. Signs on mansard or canopy roofs are considered wall signs.

SIGN: Any words, lettering, figures, numerals, emblems, devices, structures, designs, trade names, or trademarks which are used to designate an individual, a firm, an association, a corporation, a profession, a business, a commodity or product, or an announcement, message or visual communication that is legible to a person of ordinary eyesight (with vision adequate to pass a State driver's license exam) standing at ground level at a location on the public right-of-way or on other private property. This definition includes the structure or the face on which a sign message is displayed.

SIGN HEIGHT: Height measurements are taken from the average finish grade below the sign to the highest point.

SUSPENDED SIGN: A sign that is attached to the underside of a horizontal plane or arm that supports it.

TEMPORARY SIGN: A sign intended for a temporary use or which is not permanently mounted and is intended for a designated period of time. Unless otherwise defined as a "portable sign", any sign, banner, pendant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, and any wood or metal sign which does not have a permanent foundation and is not otherwise permanently fastened to the ground, and which is erected or displayed for a limited period of time shall be considered a temporary sign.

WALL SIGN: Any sign, other than a projecting sign, that is attached to or painted on any wall of a building and projects from the plane of the wall twelve inches (12") or less. This definition shall not include freestanding walls.

WINDOW SIGN: A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message intended to be visible to and readable from the public right-of-way or other private property. (Ord. 2007-25, 10-1-2007; amd. Ord. 2017-16, 11-27-2017; Ord. 2025-01, 2-24-2025)

   A.   The foundation base and posts of all signs may not be located upon City property or rights-of-way unless an encroachment in right-of-way permit has been granted as outlined in section 8-2-3 of this Code. (Ord. 2016-13, 7-25-2016)

   B.   No part of any sign or projection may protrude over the public right-of-way within six feet (6') of the actual or proposed curb line. Signs, marquees, awnings, and similar projections may project over the right-of-way a maximum of six feet (6'), provided no part is within six feet (6') of the curb line or less than eight feet (8') above the sidewalk or the average grade at property line where no sidewalk is in place. If the street is widened, the sign shall be moved back at the owner's expense to maintain the six foot (6') distance of the curb. (Ord. 2007-25, 10-1-2007)

   C.   Sign placement must meet traffic visibility standards outlined in section 10-19-16 of this title. No part of any sign or projection may be erected within ten feet (10') of a driveway. (Ord. 2018-13, 11-13-2018)

   D.   All sources of artificial light other than streetlights shall be fixed, directed or designed so as not to measurably increase the amount of light to any abutting residential lot per section 10-19-19 of this title.

   E.   All sign installations shall conform to Minnesota Department of Transportation and Federal aviation authorities wherever applicable.

   F.   It is the obligation of the installer to check for any or all underground utilities or services before excavating for sign foundations.

   G.   All signs and sign structures must be kept in good repair and in a proper state of maintenance, including, but not limited to, replacing lamps, replacing ballast in freestanding signs, replacing transformers in building identification signs, painting the pole of freestanding signs and the cabinet of freestanding or wall mounted signs, replacing or repairing the sign face, replacing trim, and replacement of sign fasteners. If the Zoning Administrator finds that a sign is not in a proper state of repair, the City may, after thirty (30) days' written notification, repair, modify, or remove the sign and specially assess the charges for said work against the property owner.

   H.   All signs must comply with State Building Code requirements.

   I.   Setback measurement is taken from the nearest edge of the sign standard to the nearest property line adjacent to a public street. Height measurements are taken from the average finish grade below the sign to the highest point. The height limitation does not apply to wall mounted signs, except that roof mounted or wall mounted signs extending beyond the roof of a structure must comply with the height requirement. (Ord. 2007-25, 10-1-2007)

   A.   Signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts without a permit, provided:

      1.   If illuminated, the sign must be lit so that the light source is directed away from adjoining residences and the sign does not measurably increase light on nearby properties or public right- of-way.

      2.   Unless otherwise indicated or required by government bodies, no more than one exempt sign is allowed per street frontage of a property.

Exception: All noncommercial signs of any size and of any number may be posted in any manner on private property during regular and special Citywide elections and State primary and State general elections, from forty six (46) days before the election until ten (10) days following the election. For purposes of this section, the terms "regular and special Citywide elections" are defined as those elections provided for in chapter 4 of the Moorhead City Charter.

      3.   The sign does not exceed sixteen (16) square feet.

Exception: All noncommercial signs of any size and of any number may be posted in any manner on private property during regular and special Citywide elections and State primary and State general elections, from forty six (46) days before the election until ten (10) days following the election. For purposes of this section, the terms "regular and special Citywide elections" are defined as those elections provided for in chapter 4 of the Moorhead City Charter.

Exception: A residential subdivision may have a noncommercial, informational identification sign at each entrance that does not exceed thirty two (32) square feet in display surface area. (Ord. 2012-2, 2-27-2012)

      4.   The changing of the display surface only of an existing sign, provided there are no changes to the size, frame or support.

      5.   Any sign not legible to a person of ordinary eyesight (with vision adequate to pass a State driver's license exam) standing at ground level at a location on the public right-of-way or on other private property.

      6.   Public signs, including signs on mass transit vehicles.

   B.   Exemption from the permit process shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any other law or ordinance regulating the same. (Ord. 2007-25, 10-1-2007)

   A.   The following signs shall be prohibited, and may neither be erected nor maintained:

      1.   Signs that have broken supports or are overgrown with vegetation.

      2.   All signs, including supports, frames, and embellishments, that are located within a public right-of-way if they do not meet the regulations in subsection 10-22-3B of this chapter, and signs that are located on public property other than right-of-way and/or are attached, affixed, or painted on any utility pole, light standard, utility box or pedestal, tree, rock, or other natural object located within the public right-of-way or on public property, unless approved by the City Council in accordance with section 8-1-3 of this Code. The City may at any time and without notice impound unauthorized signs that have been installed on public property or within public right-of-way or easement.

      3.   Any sign which constitutes a hazard to traffic including, but not limited to, signs located within thirty feet (30') of the intersection of curb lines of an intersection, if it would impede vision between a height of two feet (2') and eight feet (8').

      4.   Signs that block entrances or exits to buildings.

      5.   Any sign, signal, marking or device that purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signal, or that attempts to direct the movement of traffic or that obscures or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal.

      6.   Any sign that creates or causes interference with the operations of radio or electronic facilities at the airport or with radio or electronic communications between the airport and aircraft, makes it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and other lights, results in glare in the eyes of pilots using the airport, impairs visibility in the vicinity of the airport, or otherwise endangers the landing, taking off, or maneuvering of aircraft.

      7.   All other signs, as defined in section 10-22-2 of this chapter, that are not expressly exempt or expressly permitted under this chapter. (Ord. 2007-25, 10-1-2007)

   A.   Application: Signs other than those listed in section 10-22-4 of this chapter must have a City permit prior to being erected, altered, reconstructed, maintained or moved in the City. The content of the sign shall not be reviewed or considered in determining whether to approve or deny a sign permit. Applications for signs shall be submitted on forms provided by the City, be accompanied by the specified fee and shall be addressed to the issuing authority.

   B.   Permit Requirements: A permanent sign permit must be obtained from the City of Moorhead Planning Division prior to placement, in accordance with provisions in section 10-22-11 of this chapter. (Ord. 2007-25, 10-1-2007)

 

 

 

 

 

This section pertains to signs specifically defined as portable in section 10-22-2 of this chapter, and is not meant to include signs described in section 10-22-4 of this chapter that are allowed without a permit. Portable signs require permits and are allowed only in Downtown, Corridor and Commercial Mixed Use (MU-1, MU-2 or MU-3), Commercial (NC, CC or RC), Public Facilities (P), Industrial (LI or HI), and Institutional (INS) Zoning Districts, and are subject to the following:

   A.   Permit For Portable Signs: Anyone displaying a portable sign shall have a current permit (see subsection 10-22-11B1 of this chapter). Use of the sign shall be regulated as follows:

      1.   Portable sign permits shall be limited to a period not to exceed days specified in the table below at a time at a specified location and upon expiration shall not be renewed for at least fourteen (14) days. The total number of days in a calendar year that a portable sign may be at the specified location is specified in the table below:

 

 

         a.   Vehicles and equipment that display signage, with or without sound equipment, may be granted a permit for a specified location for a period not to exceed three (3) consecutive days, and not to exceed fourteen (14) days per calendar year per business.

      2.   The portable sign shall be located upon the same parcel for which the advertisement/notice is intended.

      3.   Portable signs shall be sixty (60) square feet or less in area. The sign face shall not exceed six feet (6') in height or ten feet (10') in width. Overall height shall not exceed eight feet (8').

      4.   No portable sign may be placed upon public right-of-way without consent of the City Council in accordance with section 8-1-3 of this Code.

      5.   No portable sign placed within one hundred fifty feet (150') of an area zoned for residential use may have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing intensity, brightness, or color.

      6.   Portable signs must meet the visibility standards in section 10-22-3 of this chapter.

      7.   Only one on-premises portable sign may be placed upon a property at any given time, except in the case of multiple-tenant sites consisting of six (6) or more businesses, where two (2) on- premises portable signs will be allowed on the parcel at any given time.

      8.   Only one off-premises portable sign may be placed upon a property at any given time but may be collocated with an on- premises portable sign display period. (Ord. 2018-13, 11-13-2018)

   A.   Signs that were lawful before this chapter was enacted, which would be prohibited, regulated or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments are considered legal, nonconforming signs.

   B.   Nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged upon, expanded or extended, nor be used as grounds for adding other signs or uses prohibited elsewhere in the zoning district.

   C.   Legal nonconforming signs existing on the effective date hereof, or amendments thereto, may remain, provided such signs are safe and are maintained so as not to be unsightly and have not been abandoned.

   D.   Nonconforming signs are subject to the following provisions:

      1.   If a legal, nonconforming sign or sign structure is destroyed to an extent greater than fifty percent (50%) of its replacement cost as determined by the City, the owner may, within one hundred eighty (180) days, apply to repair or reconstruct the sign as existed previously. If no application permit has been made within one hundred eighty (180) days, the sign shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

      2.   Should a nonconforming sign or sign structure be moved for any reason for any distance whatsoever, it shall thereafter conform to the regulations for the zoning district in which it is located.

      3.   All dynamic display signs, including those that predate this chapter, shall conform to section 10-22-7 of this chapter. (Ord. 2017-16, 11-27-2017)

   A.   Permanent Signs:

      1.   Applications For Sign Permits: Applications for permanent signs shall be submitted on forms provided by the City. Completed applications shall be accompanied by the specified fee and the following information:

         a.   Address of property where sign will be located.

         b.   Names and addresses of the property owner, sign owner and the sign installer.

         c.   Drawings showing the design, location, and dimensions of the sign and sign supports.

         d.   The location, size, and number of all existing signs on the property, showing which signs will be removed, altered, or relocated.

      2.   Revocation Of Permits: Sign permits shall be revoked if a sign is found to be in violation of this chapter.

      3.   Common Signage Plan: Prior to issuance of a permanent sign permit on a new lot or in a new development containing several buildings or businesses, a common signage plan for the development shall be submitted for approval. Drawings, sketches, and/or photographs shall be submitted and kept on file to demonstrate the common signage plan. The common signage plan shall consist of the following elements:

         a.   Location: Identification of sign locations on buildings and property.

         b.   Materials: Description of the type of sign and sign materials including construction materials and proposed lighting, if any.

         c.   Size: Itemization of sign sizes and land area at identified locations.

         d.   Letter Style: Description of dominant letter style and height to be used on the signs.

   B.   Portable Signs:

      1.   Permits For Portable Signs: Applications for the placement of portable signs shall be submitted on City approved forms. The completed application shall be accompanied by the specified fee and contain the following information:

         a.   Name and address of the sign owner and sign installer.

         b.   Name and address of the business/activity being advertised.

         c.   Address of the property on which the portable sign is being placed. (Ord. 2017-16, 11-27-2017)

The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this chapter may substitute noncommercial copy in lieu of any commercial or other 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. 2017-16, 11-27-2017)

 

(Ord. 2025-01, 2-24-2025)