A.   It is not the purpose or intent of this sign 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.

   B.   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.

      5.   Promote the economic development and welfare of the city and its residents by allowing for the temporary promotion of the sale and use of real estate.

      6.   Protect individual property rights consistent with constitutional guarantees.

      7.   Safeguard and enhance property values.

      8.   Encourage signs which by their design are integrated with and harmonious to the surrounding environment and the buildings and sites they occupy.

      9.   Control nuisances.

      10.   Eliminate or minimize hazards to motorists and pedestrians using the public streets, sidewalks, and rights-of-way.

      11.   Promote the use of new and changing technology to enhance variety and flexibility in signage, while maintaining certain restrictions to protect the public safety and welfare. (Ord. 2024-04, 6-4-2024)

   A.   Permit Required: Except as noted elsewhere in this chapter, no sign shall be erected, altered, improved, reconstructed, maintained, or moved in the city without first securing a permit from the city:

      1.   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.

      2.   Application for a permit shall be filed by the property owner or designated agent with the Zoning Administrator on forms provided by the city.

      3.   The application shall be accompanied by a fee as established by city council resolution.

      4.   The community development department designee shall notify the applicant, in writing, of an incomplete application within fifteen (15) business days of the date of submission.

      5.   The community development department designee shall 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 in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 15.99.

   B.   Nonconforming Signs And Uses:

      1.   Nonconforming Signs: A nonconforming sign lawfully existing upon the effective date of this chapter shall be regulated in accordance with section 11-1-8 of this title.

      2.   Nonconforming Uses: When the principal use of land is legally nonconforming under section 11-1-8 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.

   C.   Enforcement And Penalties:

      1.   Administration: This chapter shall be administered and enforced by the community development department designee. The Zoning Administrator may institute in the name of the city appropriate actions or proceedings against a violator.

      2.   Inspection: All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the community development department designee.

      3.   Removal At Owner's Expense: The city reserves the right to require the removal at the owner's expense of any sign when the requirements of this section 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.

      4.   Misdemeanor: 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. 2024-04, 6-4-2024; amd. Ord. 2025-02, 1-21-2025)

   A.   Construction And Placement:

      1.   No sign, except official signs, may be located within the public right-of-way, a corner sight triangle, or any easement.

      2.   Except in the MX-1 District and as otherwise regulated herein, all freestanding signs shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from any property line.

      3.   No sign shall be erected in or overhang upon a public right-of-way or otherwise interfere with safe pedestrian or vehicular movement, except official signs.

      4.   No sign or sign structure shall be permitted to interfere with the safe access to doors, windows or fire escapes. No sign or sign structure shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

      5.   Electrical signs shall be installed according to state electrical codes and shall require underground wiring.

      6.   No sign may contain more than two (2) sides.

      7.   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 designee.

      8.   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.

      9.   No sign shall be erected, placed, or located upon private property without the permission of the property owner. This includes obtaining permission of the adjacent property owner for any sign placed in the public right-of-way.

   B.   All signs shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, cleaning and other items required for maintenance of the sign.

   C.   Landscaping:

      1.   Subject to the standards of the individual zoning district in which the sign is placed, 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.

      2.   Vegetation around, in front of, behind, and underneath the base of ground signs for a distance of ten (10) feet shall be neatly trimmed and free of weeds, and no rubbish or debris that would constitute a fire or health hazard shall be permitted under or near the sign.

   D.   The Planning Commission and/or City Council may recognize separate sign plans for a project, site, or multi-building PUD which will supersede this chapter. The sign plans which have been approved by the city will have the effect of a sign ordinance for the specific project, site, or multi-building PUD. (Ord. 2024-04, 6-4-2024)

The following signs shall not be permitted, erected, or maintained on any property within the City:

   A.   Hazardous Sign: Any sign or sign structure which:

      1.   Is structurally unsafe;

      2.   Constitutes a hazard to safety or health by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment; or

      3.   Is not kept in good repair.

   B.   Traffic Hazard:

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

      2.   Any sign which contains colors, shapes, intermittent lighting or words such as "stop", "warning", "caution", etc., which may be confused with traffic signing or controls unless such signs are intended or approved for such use.

   C.   Content classified as "obscene" as defined by Minn. Stat. § 617.241.

   D.   All signs over two hundred fifty (250) square feet in area.

   E.   Audio speakers or any form of pyrotechnics in association with any sign.

   F.   Inflatable signs.

   G.   Off premises signs except those specifically allowed by this chapter.

   H.   Permanent freestanding or wall mounted signs supported by guywires.

   I.   Portable signs except as allowed by this chapter.

   J.   Roof signs.

   K.   Rotating signs.

   L.   Shimmering signs.

   M.   Signs which contain intermittent, flashing, or any other type of lighting which changes in intensity or color when artificially illuminated.

   N.   Signs painted directly on the exterior surface of any building except within the MX-1 District.

   O.   Signs painted, attached or in any other manner affixed to trees or similar natural surfaces, or attached to utility poles, bridges, towers, transit shelters, benches or similar public structures except official signs.

   P.   Signs which pivot, move, rotate, or display any moving parts. (Ord. 2024-04, 6-4-2024)

The following signs shall not require a permit and are allowed in addition to those signs allowed by section 12-8-6 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.   Painted Or Printed Signs: 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.   Property address information visible from the street or road fronting the property for public safety purposes:

      1.   Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals which contrast with their background.

      2.   Numbers shall be a minimum of four inches high with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch.

      3.   These numbers shall be affixed to the principal structure, except in non-sewered areas where address numbers shall be affixed to mailboxes or a separate structure plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the access to the property.

   C.   Official signs.

   D.   Flags:

      1.   Flags displayed in commercial and industrial districts shall not exceed in surface area the maximum permitted for freestanding signs.

      2.   The display of more than three (3) flags shall be debited against the total freestanding signage area permitted.

   E.   Warning and restrictive signs, such as "No Trespassing" and "No Hunting" signs placed upon private property by the owner, not to exceed one (1) square foot in area. (Ord. 2024-04, 6-4-2024)

Temporary signs are exempt from permit requirements unless otherwise specified, but shall otherwise conform to the requirements of this chapter and all other applicable zoning and building code standards:

   A.   On Premises Temporary Signs:

      1.   Signs specified in M.S. Ch. 211B.045 are allowed in all districts.

      2.   Signs in the MX-1, MX-2, B-1, B-2, I-1, I-2, or PI districts:

         a.   Each property may have one (1) temporary sign with the issuance of a temporary sign permit.

         (1)   Each property may have one (1) temporary sign permit at any given time.

         (2)   Permits for temporary signs may be issued a maximum of six (6) times within a twelve (12)-month period for a maximum of fourteen (14) days per permit.

            (a)   Permits shall not be issued for consecutive fourteen (14)-day periods. There shall be a period of at least one (1) week between the expiration of one permit and the beginning of another.

            (b)   Businesses only open to customers on an intermittent basis may assign the fourteen (14)-day permit to the days they are actually open to customers.

         (3)   Permits for searchlight signs may be issued a maximum of three (3) times per year for a maximum of three (3) days per permit.

         b.   Portable changeable copy signs are prohibited in the MX-1 District.

         c.   Temporary signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area or the maximum height of a permanent freestanding ground sign in the given district.

         d.   Temporary signs shall be set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from any property line and shall not encroach upon any right of way, easement, or sight triangle.

      3.   Noncommercial signs in the A-1, A-2, RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 districts:

         a.   Each lot may contain one noncommercial sign, subject to the following:

         (1)   Such signs may not exceed six (6) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height.

         (2)   Such signs shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from any property line and shall not be located within the twenty-five (25)-foot sight triangle of an intersection.

         (3)   Illumination: Such signs shall not be illuminated.

      4.   Properties for sale or lease:

         a.   In the A-1 and A-2 districts, each property shall be allowed one sign per frontage on a public street limited to thirty-two (32) square feet and six (6) feet in height.

         b.   In the RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-3 districts, each property shall be allowed one sign per site.

         (1)   Sites with multiple frontages along a public right-of-way will be allowed one additional sign per right-of-way frontage provided that the frontage faces another commercial or industrial use or a collector, minor arterial, or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         (2)   Each sign is limited to eight (8) square feet and eight (8) feet in height.

         c.   Institutional uses or residential subdivisions containing five (5) or more lots are allowed one sign per frontage on a public street of the subdivision.

         (1)   Each sign is limited to thirty-two (32) square feet and six (6) feet in height.

         (2)   These signs shall be removed once ninety percent (90%) of the lots are sold.

         (3)   These signs shall be located on private property and shall not be located within any sight triangle.

         (4)   Such signs, if illuminated, shall use only indirect light with the light source fully diffused and aimed toward the ground.

         d.   In the MX-1, MX-2, B-1, B-2, I-1, and I-2 districts, each property shall be allowed one sign per frontage on a public street limited to thirty- two (32) square feet in area and six (6) feet in height.

   B.   Sidewalk Signs: Sidewalk signs are allowed in the MX-1 District, subject to the following standards:

      1.   Signs shall be limited to two feet (2') in width and three and one-half feet (3.5') in height, including support members.

      2.   Signs shall not limit the normal pedestrian use of the sidewalk, and a minimum passable contiguous space of three feet (3') shall be maintained at all times.

      3.   One sign is permitted for each building adjacent to the public right- of-way, unless multiple businesses within one building allow separate business signs to be spaced no closer than thirty (30) feet from another sidewalk sign.

      4.   A business or building with two (2) right-of-way frontages may display a sidewalk sign on either frontage.

      5.   All signs must be removed from the sidewalk at the end of each business day.

      6.   No sidewalk sign shall be lighted by attached external or individual internal lights.

   C.   Off-Premises Temporary Signs subject to the following:

      1.   These signs are limited to four (4) square feet in size and three (3) feet in height.

      2.   These signs are allowed to be displayed from 4:30 P.M. on Thursdays to 8:00 A.M. on Mondays.

      3.   Placement:

         a.   These signs shall not be placed farther than six (6) blocks or a one and one-half (1.5) mile radius, whichever is greater, from the subject property.

         b.   These signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the street surface and shall not be located within the twenty-five (25)-foot sight triangle of an intersection.

      4.   Number And Spacing:

         a.   These signs are limited to two (2) signs per property for sale or lease per intersection.

         b.   These signs shall not be located closer than one block from another sign containing information about the same property for sale or lease except that these signs may be located on the opposite corners of the same intersection.

      5.   These signs shall conform to all other applicable zoning and building code standards. (Ord. 2024-04, 6-4-2024)

The following signs are allowed by specific zoning district subject to the site and building standards of the applicable district:

   A.   Signs Allowed By Permit In Agricultural Districts:

      1.   Two (2) signs per farm.

      2.   Each sign is limited to thirty-two (32) square feet.

   B.   Signs Allowed By Permit In Residential Districts:

      1.   Residential subdivisions having five (5) or more lots are allowed up to two (2) freestanding monument signs per principal entrance to the subdivision.

         a.   Each sign is limited to thirty-two (32) square feet and six (6) feet in height.

         b.   These signs shall be located on private property and shall not be located within any sight triangle.

         c.   Such signs, if illuminated, shall use only indirect light with the light source fully diffused and aimed toward the ground.

      2.   Multi-unit buildings are allowed one freestanding monument sign per site. Sites with multiple frontages along a public right-of-way will be allowed one additional sign per right-of-way frontage provided that the frontage faces a nonresidential use or a collector or arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         a.   Each sign is limited to thirty-two (32) square feet and six (6) feet in height.

         b.   These signs shall have a base made of decorative materials compatible with the exterior materials of the principal structure on site. At a minimum, the base width dimension shall be larger than fifty percent (50%) of the greatest width of the sign.

         c.   These signs shall be located on private property and shall not be located within any sight triangle.

         d.   Such signs, if illuminated, shall use only indirect light with the light source fully diffused and aimed toward the ground.

      3.   Public and institutional uses may have signs subject to the standards in subsection E below of this section.

   C.   Signs Allowed By Permit In MX-1, MX-2, And B-1 Districts: Signs should be architecturally compatible with the style, composition, materials, colors and details of the building which it identifies while differing from signs on surrounding sites and providing a unique identity.

      1.   MX-1 and B-1 districts as follows:

         a.   Wall Signs:

         (1)   Permanent wall signs shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the total area of the wall on which the signs are affixed.

         (2)   Wall signage may be affixed to windows but shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the window on which it is placed and is counted toward the overall fifteen percent (15%) maximum wall signage.

         (3)   Wall signs may be located on any side of a commercial building that faces another commercial or industrial use, a collector, minor arterial, or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan, or a parking area.

         (4)   Signage placed on a wall facing a parking area and abutting a residential use shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total area of the wall on which it is placed and shall not be illuminated past 9:00 P.M. nor before 6:00 A.M.

         (5)   All permanent wall signs shall be individual channel letters mounted flush with the building or on a raceway. Channel letters shall have a minimum depth of at least three (3) inches.

         (6)   Box or panel signs are prohibited.

         (7)   Wall signs constructed on structures with more than one sign shall be designed according to an approved sign concept plan in which all signs have complementary designs, similar shapes and sign areas. Consideration may be made by PUD to permit variation in size and design of signs for major tenants or anchor businesses in larger complexes.

         b.   Projecting Signs:

         (1)   In the MX-1 District only, properties may have a sign that projects from the side of the building in addition to the maximum fifteen percent (15%) wall sign standard.

         (2)   This sign may not exceed twelve (12) square feet in size or three (3) feet in width.

         (3)   The maximum distance between sign and building face is one (1) foot; however, at no time shall any projecting sign encroach the public right-of-way.

         (4)   No portion of a projecting sign may extend beyond the second floor of the building.

         (5)   No less than seven and one-half feet (7.5') of clearance shall be provided between the sidewalk elevation and the lowest point of the projecting sign.

         (6)   Signs shall not block or diminish design details, windows, or cornices of the building upon which they are placed.

         c.   Freestanding Signs:

         (1)   One permanent freestanding sign is allowed per site.

         (2)   Sites with multiple frontages along a public right-of-way will be allowed one additional sign per right-of-way frontage provided that the frontage faces another commercial or industrial use or a collector, minor arterial, or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         (3)   Each sign is limited to forty (40) square feet and ten (10) feet in height.

         (4)   Such signs, if illuminated, shall use only indirect light with the light source fully diffused and aimed toward the ground.

         (5)   All permanent freestanding signs shall have a base made of decorative materials compatible with the exterior materials of the principal structure on site. At a minimum, the base width dimension shall be larger than fifty percent (50%) of the greatest width of the sign.

         d.   Changeable Copy Signs:

         (1)   One changeable copy sign (but not including dynamic signs) shall be allowed per site provided that the area of the sign does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the allowable sign area or fifty (50) square feet, whichever is less, for a freestanding or wall sign.

         (2)   On properties used for automobile fuel stations in the B-1 District, an area not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet within a freestanding sign shall be allowed for continuous display (no flashing, scrolling or other animation) of electronic or non-electronic changeable copy in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 239.751.

         e.   Dynamic Signs in the MX-1 District in accordance with section 11-8-8.

      2.   MX-2 District as follows:

         a.   Wall Signs:

         (1)   Permanent wall signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the wall on which the signs are affixed.

         (2)   Wall signs may be affixed to windows but shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the window on which it is placed and is counted toward the overall twenty percent (20%) maximum wall signage.

         (3)   Wall signs may be located on any side of a commercial building that faces another commercial or industrial use or a collector, minor arterial, or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         (4)   All permanent wall signs shall be individual channel letters mounted flush with the building or on a raceway. Channel letters shall have a minimum depth of at least three (3) inches.

         (5)   Box or panel signs are prohibited.

         (6)   Wall signs constructed on structures with more than one sign shall be designed according to an approved sign concept plan in which all signs have complementary designs, similar shapes and sign areas. Consideration may be made by PUD to permit variation in size and design of signs for major tenants or anchor businesses in larger complexes.

         b.   Freestanding Signs:

         (1)   One (1) permanent freestanding sign is allowed per site.

         (2)   Sites with multiple frontages along a public right-of-way will be allowed one additional sign per right-of-way frontage provided that the frontage faces another commercial or industrial use or a collector, minor arterial, or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         (3)   Each sign is limited to one hundred (100) square feet and twenty (20) feet in height.

         (4)   Such signs, if illuminated, shall use only indirect light with the light source fully diffused and aimed toward the ground.

         (5)   All permanent freestanding signs shall have a base made of decorative materials compatible with the exterior materials of the principal structure on site. At a minimum, the base width dimension shall be larger than fifty percent (50%) of the greatest width of the sign.

         (6)   Common Freestanding Sign Bonus:

            (a)   The city may approve up to a twenty-five percent (25%) size bonus for adjoining properties with a common lot line that construct a common freestanding ground sign.

            (b)   No property shall be part of more than one common freestanding sign bonus, and the sign bonus is limited to one twenty-five percent (25%) increase regardless of the number of participating properties.

            (c)   Properties eligible to participate in the common freestanding sign bonus must directly adjoin the site on which the common freestanding sign is constructed.

            (d)   The sign shall conform to all applicable performance standards for the zoning district in which it is located, except that the size of the sign may be up to one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the maximum permanent freestanding ground sign size standard.

            (e)   The bonus sign area shall not increase the sign height.

            (f)   Should the sign include a dynamic sign, the dynamic portion of the sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) square feet, regardless of the total area of the sign.

            (g)   All parties to the common freestanding sign shall enter into an agreement addressing construction, maintenance and repair responsibilities, and trespass rights. This agreement shall be filed with the Dakota County recorder against the title of all properties involved. Amendment or cancellation of the agreement shall be allowed only upon written approval by the community development director or their designee.

         (7)   In addition to other freestanding signs allowed by this chapter, one freestanding sign shall be allowed per subdivision or development:

            (a)   This sign shall be limited to one hundred (100) square feet and ten (10) feet in height.

            (b)   This sign shall only be permitted on property within the subdivision or development which is situated on a principal or minor arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

            (c)   Furthermore, this sign shall not be situated closer than one hundred (100) feet to any other permitted freestanding sign.

         c.   Changeable Copy Signs:

         (1)   One changeable copy sign (but not including dynamic signs) shall be allowed per site provided that the area of the sign does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the allowable sign area or fifty (50) square feet, whichever is less, for a freestanding or wall sign.

         (2)   On properties used for automobile fuel stations, an area not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet within a freestanding sign shall be allowed for continuous display (no flashing, scrolling or other animation) of electronic or non-electronic changeable copy in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 239.751.

         d.   Dynamic signs in accordance with section 11-8-8.

      3.   Marquee Signs: Movie theaters are allowed chasing and running lights on marquees subject to the requirements for wall signs in commercial districts and the following standards:

         a.   Running and chasing lights are only allowed in the MX-1 and B-1 districts;

         b.   Signs with running and chasing lights are not permitted on walls that are within two hundred fifty (250) feet of residential districts or uses from which the sign is visible, and the lights shall not exceed an illumination intensity of 0.5 lumens at the property line;

         c.   No signs with running and chasing lights are allowed in a front yard setback;

         d.   Signs with running and chasing lights shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet above the adjacent grade elevation and street grade elevation;

         e.   The power of illumination of running and chasing lights shall be limited to fifteen (15) watts per bulb;

         f.   Running and chasing lights shall not be located near intersections nor within the sight triangle adjacent to an intersection;

         g.   Only permanent wall signs shall be allowed running and chasing lights; and

         h.   Hours of illumination shall be limited to between the hours of 11:30 A.M. and 11:00 P.M.

   D.   Signs Allowed by Permit in the B-2, I-1, and I-2 districts:

      1.   Wall Signs:

         a.   Permanent wall signs shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total area of the wall on which the signs are affixed.

         b.   Wall signs may be located on any side of a commercial building that faces another commercial or industrial use or a collector, minor arterial or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         c.   All permanent wall signs shall be individual channel letters mounted flush with the building or on a raceway.

         d.   Box or panel signs are prohibited.

         e.   Wall signs constructed on structures with more than one sign shall be designed according to an approved sign concept plan in which all signs have complementary designs, similar shapes and sign areas. Consideration may be made by PUD to permit variation in size and design of signs for major tenants or anchor businesses in larger complexes.

         f.   In the B-2 and I-1 districts, the following standards shall apply:

         (1)   Wall signs shall consist of permanent high quality materials with finished edges.

         (2)   No wood signs shall be permitted.

         (3)   Where more than one wall sign is requested per building frontage (i.e., a multi-tenant center), a uniform sign criteria shall be prescribed by the building owner, subject to review and approval by the city. The sign criteria shall, among other things, describe the uniform type of sign to be allowed, limitations of placement on the building, the method of fastening, and the procedure for tenant sign approval.

      2.   Freestanding Signs:

         a.   One permanent freestanding sign per site.

         b.   Sites with multiple frontages along a public right-of-way will be allowed one additional sign per right-of-way frontage provided that the frontage faces another commercial or industrial use or a collector, minor arterial or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         c.   Each sign is limited to one hundred (100) square feet and ten (10) feet in height.

         d.   Such signs, if illuminated, shall use only indirect light with the light source fully diffused and aimed toward the ground.

         e.   All permanent freestanding signs shall have a base made of decorative materials compatible with the exterior materials of the principal structure on site. At a minimum, the base width dimension shall be larger than fifty percent (50%) of the greatest width of the sign.

         f.   In addition to other freestanding signs allowed by this chapter, one freestanding sign shall be allowed per subdivision or development:

         (1)   This sign shall be limited to one hundred (100) square feet and ten (10) feet in height.

         (2)   This sign shall only be permitted on property within the subdivision or development which is situated on a principal or minor arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan.

         (3)   Furthermore, this sign shall not be situated closer than one hundred (100) feet to any other permitted freestanding sign.

         g.   In the B-2 and I-1 districts, any freestanding ground monument signs shall be appropriately landscaped and subject to the same requirements for all landscaping on the property.

   E.   Signs Allowed by Permit in the PI District and for Public and Institutional Uses in Residential Districts:

      1.   Wall Signs:

         a.   Permanent wall signs shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the total area of the wall on which the signs are affixed.

         b.   Wall signage may be affixed to windows but shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the window on which it is placed and is counted toward the overall fifteen percent (15%) maximum wall signage.

         c.   Wall signs may be located on any side of a commercial building that faces another commercial or industrial use, a collector, minor arterial, or principal arterial road as identified in the comprehensive plan, or a parking area.

         d.   All permanent wall signs shall be individual channel letters mounted flush with the building or on a raceway. Channel letters shall have a minimum depth of at least three (3) inches.

         e.   Box or panel signs are prohibited.

         f.   Wall signs constructed on structures with more than one sign shall be designed according to an approved sign concept plan in which all signs have complementary designs, similar shapes and sign areas. Consideration may be made by PUD to permit variation in size and design of signs for major tenants or anchor businesses in larger complexes.

      2.   Freestanding Signs:

         a.   One freestanding monument sign per site.

         b.   Sites with multiple frontages along a public right-of-way will be allowed one additional sign per right-of-way frontage provided that the frontage faces another commercial or industrial use or collector or arterial road as identified in the Comprehensive Plan.

         c.   Each sign is limited to fifty (50) square feet and six (6) feet in height.

         d.   These signs shall be located on private property and shall not be located within any sight triangle.

         e.   All permanent freestanding signs shall have a base made of decorative materials compatible with the exterior materials of the principal structure on site. At a minimum, the base width dimension shall be larger than fifty percent (50%) of the greatest width of the sign.

      3.   Changeable Copy Signs:

         a.   One changeable copy sign (but not including dynamic signs) shall be allowed per site provided that the area of the sign does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the allowable sign area or fifty (50) square feet, whichever is less, for a freestanding or wall sign.

         b.   On properties used for automobile fuel stations in the I-1 District, an area not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet within a freestanding sign shall be allowed for continuous display (no flashing, scrolling or other animation) of electronic or non-electronic changeable copy in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 239.751.

      4.   Dynamic signs in accordance with section 11-8-8. (Ord. 2024-04, 6-4-2024)

   A.   On-premise dynamic signs are allowed subject to the following standards:

      1.   Districts Allowed:

         a.   Dynamic signs may be located on properties within the B-1 and MX-2 Districts.

         b.   Dynamic signs are also permitted in the PI and MX-1 districts, so long as the property has frontage along an arterial road or major collector as designated in the Comprehensive Plan.

         c.   Dynamic signs may also be located on public and institutional uses within a residential district, provided that the site:

         (1)   Has an approved conditional use permit (CUP);

         (2)   Is located on a designated arterial or major collector road; and

         (3)   Complies with all other sign standards.

      2.   Number Of Signs: Each site can have only one dynamic sign and that sign can have only one dynamic display.

      3.   When located within one hundred fifty (150) feet of a residential use or zone, dynamic signs shall be oriented so that no portion of the sign face is visible from the residential use or zoning district.

      4.   Mode: Dynamic signs shall only be allowed to operate in a static mode. Animation, motion or video displays are prohibited. Any change from one static display to another must be instantaneous and shall not include any distracting effects, such as dissolving, spinning or fading. The images and messages displayed must be complete in themselves, without continuation in content to the next image or message or to any other sign.

      5.   Size Of Dynamic Display:

         a.   The dynamic display portion of any sign shall not exceed thirty five percent (35%) of the total allowable area of the sign, except for the Public and Institutional District and public and institutional uses within residential districts where the maximum percentage shall be fifty percent (50%). Within the MX-1 district, the dynamic portion of signs is thirty-five percent (35%) or fourteen (14) square feet, whichever is less.

         b.   The remaining percentage of the allowable sign area cannot have dynamic display capabilities even if it is not used.

      6.   Minimum Display Time: The minimum display time shall be thirty (30) seconds.

      7.   Brightness: Dynamic signs shall not exceed a maximum illumination of five thousand (5,000) nits during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of five hundred (500) nits between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness. All dynamic sign applications shall include certification from the sign's manufacturer that the sign has been preset to conform to the luminance levels noted above and these settings are protected from end users' manipulation by password protected software.

      8.   Color: The use of color shall not create distraction or a hazard to the public health, safety or welfare.

      9.   Operation: Dynamic signs shall be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions. The owner of a dynamic sign must immediately cease operation of their sign when notified by the city that it fails to comply with the standards of this chapter. The dynamic sign shall remain inoperable until such time that the owner demonstrates to the city that the device is in satisfactory working condition and conforms to the standards of this chapter. Appeals of the city's direction regarding the operation of a dynamic sign shall follow the appeals process outlined in section 11-9-7, "Appeals", of this title.

   B.   Application To Existing Signs: The dynamic sign standards shall apply to all existing and future dynamic signs, unless otherwise determined by the city that an existing sign qualifies as a nonconforming use under State statute or this Code. Any existing dynamic sign that cannot meet the minimum text size as required by the speed limit must use the largest size possible for one line of copy to fit in the available display space. (Ord. 2024-04, 6-4-2024)