The purpose of this chapter is as follows:

(a)

To regulate the time, place, and manner in which signs may be exhibited;

(b)

To protect the right of information transmittal;

(c)

To promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the community;

(d)

To encourage a concern for the visual environment which makes the city a more desirable place to live;

(e)

To identify and promote business and industry in the city;

(f)

To reduce hazards which may be caused by signs projecting over public rights-of-way;

(g)

To protect open space and areas characterized by unique environmental, historical and architectural resources;

(h)

Along advanced speed arteries, to promote the safety, convenience and enjoyment of public travel, to protect the public investment in highway beautification, and to preserve and enhance the natural scenic beauty or the aesthetic features and roadways in scenic and adjacent areas;

(i)

To reduce the number of nonconforming signs in the city, particularly billboards;

(j)

To control the quality of materials, construction, electrification and maintenances of all signs;

(k)

To promote traffic safety by reducing the distracting effect of signage on motorists and cyclists; and

(l)

To deter crime by improving visibility from a business into the street and from the street into a business; and

(m)

To provide for the administration of this chapter.

(C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11)

All words and terms not defined in this chapter which are defined in the Minnesota State Building Code or elsewhere in the zoning code of the City of Saint Paul shall be interpreted as therein defined. Otherwise, for the purposes of this chapter, terms and words not herein defined shall have the meaning customarily assigned to them. Certain words and terms shall be defined as follows.

Advanced speed arteries. A limited access freeway or other road upon portions of which speeds of forty-five (45) miles per hour or greater are permitted.

Advertising sign. A sign that directs attention to a business, profession, commodity, service or entertainment that is conducted, sold or manufactured elsewhere than on the premises upon which the sign is placed. It shall be considered as a nonaccessory sign except that an advertising sign on a professional sports facility with permanent seating for more than ten thousand (10,000) spectators shall be considered as accessory. Billboards are a form of advertising sign. Advertising signs located on transit stop stations, courtesy benches and newsracks are regulated under other chapters and are not subject to the requirements of this chapter. Sports facility sponsorship signs are a special type of off-premise sign and are subject to different regulations from advertising signs. A freestanding sign anywhere within a business park or industrial park that directs attention solely to businesses within the park is not considered to be an advertising sign.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 22-25, § 1, 6-1-22)

Editor's note— This section was amended at the direction of the city to include material adopted by C.F. No. 03-367, adopted June 4, 2003, but inadvertently omitted by C.F. No. 03-1028, adopted April 7, 2004, which amended this title in its entirety.

Billboard. Any advertising sign larger than fifty (50) square feet except an accessory advertising sign at a professional sports facility.

Bulletin board. A sign which permits the posting of announcements regarding religious, civic, philanthropic or neighborhood activities.

Business park sign. A freestanding business identification sign at a primary entrance to a business park or industrial park under single management that directs attention to businesses within the park.

Business sign. A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, commodity, service or entertainment which is conducted, offered, sold or manufactured on the premises upon which the sign is placed. It shall be considered as an accessory sign.

(C.F. No. 07-1106, § 1, 12-12-07; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 22-25, § 1, 6-1-22)

Canopy sign. A sign painted, stamped, perforated, stitched or otherwise applied either on an awning or canopy or its valance.

Combination sign. A sign incorporating any combination of the features of freestanding, projecting and roof signs.

Courtesy bench. Courtesy benches are regulated under chapter 127, courtesy benches, and are not subject to the requirements of this chapter.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

Directional sign. A sign which is used for the regulation of traffic flow into and within a parking lot.

Display surface. The area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the advertising message.

Electric sign. A sign containing electrical wiring, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source.

(C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09)

Flashing sign. An illuminated sign on which the illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity or color at all times when the sign is in use. Signs with dynamic display and time and/or temperature signs are not considered to be flashing signs.

Freestanding sign. A sign which is mounted into the ground or supported by one (1) or more upright poles, columns, or braces placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building.

(C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09)

Gross surface display area. The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of such sign, but in no case passing through or between any element of the sign. The background on which a sign is placed shall be enclosed within the perimeter when the background is an integral part of the sign display surface. When signs are painted on or applied directly to a building, the perimeter shall include all elements of the sign together with the background of a different color than the natural color of the building. The perimeter shall not, however, include supporting framework or bracing when not used as a sign display surface.

Identification sign. A sign stating the name of a person, firm or name or description of a use of the premises.

Illuminated sign. A sign upon which artificial light is directed or which has an interior light source.

(Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11)

Lot frontage. The width of a lot measured along the line separating the lot from any street, as defined in chapter 60. For a lot having frontage on more than one (1) street, the lot frontage for the purposes of this chapter may be determined by using the frontage having the least width plus one-half (½) of the additional lineal feet of lot frontage.

Marquee. A permanent, roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over a public right-of-way.

Newsrack. Newsracks are regulated under chapter 131 and are not subject to the requirements of this chapter.

Nonstructural trim. The molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, latticing, cutouts or letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

Park. Land owned and maintained by the city that is used primarily for recreational purposes.

Parkway. A street designated as a parkway by chapter 145 of this Code and also Interstate Highway I-35E between West Seventh Street and Interstate Highway I-94.

Political sign. A temporary sign which displays information pertaining to an upcoming governmental district, city, county, state or national election.

Portable display surface. A display surface temporarily fixed to a sign structure which is regularly moved from structure to structure at periodic intervals.

Portable sign. A sign attached to a chassis with wheels or skids or to a metal or wood frame, not permanently mounted into the ground, or a sidewalk sign placed pursuant to chapter 106 of this code.

Projecting sign. A sign, other than a wall or roof sign, that projects from and is supported by a wall or building.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 19-27, 4-24-19)

Real estate development sign. A business sign placed on the premises of a subdivision or other real estate development.

Real estate sign. A temporary sign placed upon a property advertising that particular property for sale, rent or lease, and excluding a cloth, vinyl or banner sign, which are regulated under section 64.419(d).

Right-of-way. The publicly owned land on which medians, roadways, shoulders, slopes, frontage roads, boulevards, sidewalks or on and off ramps are located.

Roof sign. A sign mounted on a roof.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 16-45, § 1, 12-14-16; Ord 23-43, § 5, 10-18-23)

Sign. The use of words, numerals, figures, devices, designs or trademarks the purpose of which is to show or advertise a person, firm, profession, business, product or message.

Sign structure. Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole; it may not be an integral part of a building.

Sign with dynamic display. Any sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images that can be electronically or mechanically moved or changed by remote, automatic, or electronic means, but not including merely the ability to turn the sign on and off. Signs providing only time and/or temperature information are not considered to be signs with dynamic display for regulatory purposes.

Sports facility sponsorship sign. An accessory sign that is located at a ballfield, soccer field, hockey rink, golf course or professional soccer stadium used by the public for athletic activities, and that identifies a sponsor in recognition of the sponsor's financial support for the sports facility and sports programs at the facility.

State building code. The Minnesota State Building Code, as may be amended from time to time, including all amendments thereto made from the date of enactment of the state building code.

Swinging sign. A sign that moves back and forth freely, or sways in the wind.

(C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 18-30, § 1, 8-22-18)

Editor's note— This section was amended at the direction of the city to include material adopted by C.F. No. 03-367, adopted June 4, 2003, but inadvertently omitted by C.F. No. 03-1028, adopted April 7, 2000, which amended this title in its entirety.

Temporary sign. A sign, flag, banner, pennant or valance constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames, which is not permanently secured, and is intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only. Temporary signs may remain in place during the time of the construction of a building, during the time a building is offered for sale, rent or lease, until the closing date of sale, or until such building is leased or rented, or as otherwise regulated herein. A portable sign shall not be deemed to be a temporary sign.

Transit stop station. Transit stop stations are not subject to the requirements of this chapter.

(C.F. No. 07-39, § 1, 2-21-07; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

Wall sign. A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building, with the sign face parallel to the wall.

Window sign, interior. A sign placed on or behind and within four (4) feet of a window or within the window display area that is oriented toward the street and plainly visible from an adjoining street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way, but excluding skyways. It does not include merchandise on display. Any sign on an opaque window, or any sign on or in a poster frame or poster case that offers no visibility to the interior of the building, shall be regulated as a wall sign.

Window sign area. The entire area of any window sign. For signs consisting of lettering or design on the window with no defined background and that allow visibility into the interior of the building through the spaces, the window sign area shall be the smallest area encompassing all of the words, numerals, figures, designs, or trademarks, as well as any ornamental strip, border, or design around the edges of the sign, and shall be reduced by fifty (50) percent in calculating the permitted window signage. Window signs less than one (1) foot apart shall be measured as one (1) sign. The window sign area shall not be counted as part of the gross surface display area of signage allowed on a zoning lot.

(Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 16-45, § 2, 12-14-16)

Zoning district. A district shown on the zoning map of the city which is incorporated into the zoning code.

(a)

The zoning administrator shall enforce the provisions of this chapter and any amendment thereto and shall have the power to certify zoning compliance and sign permits, and to make inspections of buildings or premises necessary to carry out his duties in the enforcement of this chapter.

(b)

Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this chapter, or whenever the zoning administrator or his authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists any sign or any condition which makes such sign unsafe or violative of this chapter, the zoning administrator or his authorized representative may enter the premises or building on which such sign is located, at all reasonable times, to inspect the sign or to perform any function or duty required of the zoning administrator by this chapter; provided, that if such a building or premises on which the sign is located is occupied, he shall first present proper credentials and demand entry; and if such building or premises is unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and demand entry. If such entry is refused, the zoning administrator or his authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry.

(c)

No owner or occupant or any other person having charge, care or control of any building or premises shall fail or neglect, after proper demand is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the zoning administrator or his authorized representative for the purpose of inspection of signs and those conditions rendering such signs unsafe pursuant to this chapter. Any person violating this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(d)

The zoning administrator shall not issue any sign permits that do not conform to this chapter.

(e)

The zoning administrator shall not grant any variances with respect to this chapter in carrying out his duties as zoning administrator. Variances may be granted by the board of zoning appeals. The zoning administrator shall grant a permit upon a finding of compliance with the conditions imposed by this chapter.

(C.F. No. 05-632, § 1, 3-22-06; C.F. No. 07-1106, § 3, 12-12-07; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

(a)

General. No person engaging in or seeking to engage in the business of erecting or installing, repairing, maintaining or constructing any sign or sign structure, or offering for rent any sign, within the limits of the city shall so operate without a sign contractor/operator license issued in accordance with the provisions of this section. If signs are offered for rent, the license application shall include the total number of sign(s) offered for rent in the city and, if any are attached to a stationary structure or object, a detailed list must be provided including the location, size, description and number of sign(s) at each location.

(b)

Procedure. The zoning administrator, upon a finding that the information on the application indicates that the applicant meets the minimum requirements of applicable laws, and attests to a general knowledge of the city's sign regulations, shall issue a license to the applicant. An applicant who believes he or she is wrongfully denied a license by the zoning administrator may appeal to the city council for a further determination of whether a license should be issued.

(c)

Place of business. No license shall be granted under the terms of this section to any person unless that person shall have and maintain a bona fide business address. The license certificate shall be kept at this address at all times, and the zoning administrator shall be notified of any change of business location to another address.

(d)

Bond requirements.

(1)

No license issued under the terms of this section shall become effective until the licensee shall have filed with the zoning administrator a surety bond in the sum of eight thousand dollars ($8,000.00) in favor of the city and conditioned that the city will be saved harmless from any loss, damage, costs or lawsuits by reason of improper or inadequate work performed by the holder of said license under the provisions of this chapter. Such bond shall be subject to approval as to form, execution and surety. Approved bonds shall remain in force for a period of time equivalent to the period of the license.

(2)

In lieu of the bond required in (1) above, the licensee may post a compliance bond with the state department of commerce, as set forth in Minn. Stat. 325E.58.

(e)

Fees. Any person fulfilling all qualifications and regulations stated herein and upon payment of a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) shall be issued a license under the provisions of this section.

(f)

Expiration and renewal of licenses:

(1)

All licenses shall expire on the first day of the last month of the calendar year of issuance unless sooner revoked or forfeited. If a license granted hereunder is not renewed previous to its expiration, then all rights granted by such after the expiration of the license shall be a violation of this chapter.

(2)

Renewal. Licenses may be renewed after the expiration date.

(g)

Revocation or suspension of licenses: The city council may suspend or revoke the license of any person licensed under this chapter through the adverse action process upon a finding of a violation of section 310.06, according to hearing procedures as defined in section 310.05.

(C.F. No. 04-743, § 1, 9-1-04; C.F. No. 05-632, § 2, 3-22-06)

A permit shall be required for all exterior signs visible from a public right-of-way.

(a)

Application. Applications for sign and/or sign structure permits shall be submitted to the zoning administrator. Each application shall contain the names and addresses of the owners of the display structure and property; the address at which any signs are to be erected; the lot, block and addition at which advertising signs are to be erected and the street on which they are to front; a complete set of plans showing the necessary elevations, distances, size and details to fully and clearly represent the construction and placing of the display structure; and a fee as required under chapter 33.04. Structural plans are required for all freestanding signs greater than fifty (50) square feet. Permit applications for advertising signs along state trunk highways and interstate highways shall be accompanied by proof that the applicant has obtained a permit from the state for the advertising sign.

(b)

Consent. Applications for signs and/or sign structures erected, maintained or used for the public display of posters, painted signs or reading material shall be accompanied by an affidavit of a lease in force or deed indicating the consent of the owners of the property on which the display structure is to be erected.

(c)

Advertising sign bond:

(1)

The owner or persons in control of each and every advertising sign maintained within the limits of the city shall file a bond in the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for each and every advertising sign. The bond shall be conditioned to indemnify and save the city harmless from all damages, costs and expenses, actions and causes of action that the city may incur or be liable to incur by reason of construction, maintenance or removal of any advertising sign.

(2)

In lieu of the two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) bond required above, the owner may provide a bond covering all advertising owned or in control of any person, firm or corporation which shall be in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) and shall be filed with the city. This bond shall be conditioned as stated above.

(3)

All bonds shall be kept in force as long as the advertising signs are maintained. If any of the bonds becomes discharged by reason of nonpayment, liability, lapse of time for any reason whatever, the same shall be renewed immediately. If the bonds are not renewed upon demand, the advertising signs for which said bonds were enacted may be summarily removed by the city.

(Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

(a)

Signs of the city, county, state, and federal government and subdivisions and agencies thereof which give orientation, direction or traffic-control information shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter.

(b)

The following signs shall not require a permit. These exemptions 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.

(1)

The changing of the message on the display surface of signs that are designed to have changeable copy.

(2)

Signs six (6) square feet or less in area.

(3)

Lettering on motor vehicles when not utilized as a parked or stationary outdoor display sign.

(4)

Political signs.

(5)

Sports facility sponsorship signs.

(6)

Sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106 of this code.

(C.F. No. 05-632, § 3, 3-22-06; Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 19-27, 4-24-19)

Any business sign which advertises, identifies or pertains to an activity no longer in existence shall be removed by the owner of the property within thirty (30) days from the time the activity ceases existence by removing the sign face, painting the sign face a neutral color or installing blank sign face panels. This provision does not apply to seasonal activities during the regular periods in which they are closed. If the sign face is not re-used within one (1) year, the remaining sign structure must be removed unless the zoning administrator grants an extension subject to the owner submitting a statement of intent and a reasonable time line for re-use of the sign structure.

(C.F. No. 05-632, § 4, 3-22-06)

(a)

All signs requiring a permit shall be inspected by the zoning administrator. The sign installer shall notify the zoning administrator at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the installation of the sign.

(b)

Footing inspections may be required by the zoning administrator for all signs having footings.

(c)

All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the electrical code, and the electrical components used shall bear the label of an approved testing agency.

(d)

The zoning administrator may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with provisions of this chapter, provided he has sent a letter specifying the grounds for removal to the permittee giving the latter ten (10) days in which to appear before the zoning administrator to show cause why the sign could not be removed.

(e)

All signs may be reinspected at the discretion of the zoning administrator.

Applications for variance from the strict enforcement of the provisions of this chapter shall be filed and reviewed according to the provisions in chapter 61, administration and enforcement. In addition to the requirements for variances in section 61.601, the applicant shall demonstrate that such variance is needed due to unusual conditions pertaining to sign needs for a specific building or lot, and that the sign would not create a hazard, would not be objectionable to adjacent property owners, would not adversely affect residential property through excessive glare and lighting, and would be in keeping with the general character of the surrounding area.

(a)

A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall not be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity, except for temporary extensions on billboards as permitted in paragraph (c) of this section, and shall not be moved except to bring it into conformance with the provisions of this code. Ordinary repair, restoration, maintenance and improvement work may be done on any legal nonconforming sign. Addition of illumination shall require that a sign be brought into conformance with all requirements of this chapter.

(b)

When a nonconforming sign or sign structure is removed or destroyed by any means, including by fire or other peril, to the extent of greater than fifty(50) percent of its estimated market value, as indicated in the records of the county assessor at the time of the removal or damage, and no building permit for its repair or replacement has been applied for within one hundred eighty (180) days of the removal or damage, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. When use of a nonconforming sign is discontinued (including the lack of copy) for a period of more than one (1) year, it shall not be reused except in conformance with the provisions of this code.

(c)

Any rectangular billboard may contain extensions, cutouts or top lettering which occupy a total area not in excess of fifteen (15) percent of the area of the basic advertising sign and form an integral part of the design thereof; and provided further, that no such extension, cutout or top lettering may project more than six (6) feet from the top, eighteen (18) inches from either side or fifteen (15) inches from the bottom of the basic rectangular advertising message. The area of an extension, cutout or top lettering shall be deemed to be the area of the smallest rectangle into which such extension, cutout or top lettering will fit. A sign permit is required for a temporary billboard extension. Temporary extensions shall be completely removed not later than ninety (90) days after installation and the total combined period of temporary extensions for a sign face shall not exceed one hundred eighty (180) days per year.

(C.F. No. 06-160, § 1, 3-8-06; Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. Studies show that there is a correlation between driver distraction and accidents. Signs with dynamic displays can be a cause of driver distraction. Along highways, signs with dynamic displays tend to distract drivers if they are waiting to see the next change, especially if it is a continuation of the message or if the transition uses special effects. Signs with lettering that is too small to read at a glance also cause driver distraction; whereas, typical time and temperature signs, which can be read at a glance, are not a significant distraction. This section allows for the conversion of illuminated billboards to billboards with dynamic displays subject to standards that maintain highway safety.

Dynamic display technologies can greatly expand the advertising capacity and graphic flexibility of billboards. However, section 64.420 prohibits any new advertising signs in the city in order to protect and improve views, aesthetics, community pride and investment, and the visibility of local businesses. One purpose of this chapter is to reduce the number of billboards in the city. The provisions of the present section seek to offer benefits both to the public and to billboard owners. This section allows increased advertising through the addition of dynamic display technologies on existing billboards along certain freeways in exchange for voluntary reductions in the number of billboards in the city.

(b)

Except in a B4 or B5 zoning district, a legally nonconforming, illuminated billboard may be converted to a billboard with a dynamic display if the following conditions are met:

(1)

The billboard is located within three hundred thirty (330) feet of I-94 or I-35E north of I-94 and is designed to be read from the highway.

(2)

The billboard is at least one (1) mile measured along the freeway from any other billboard with a dynamic display designed to be read by drivers heading in the same direction on the highway.

(3)

Only one (1) sign face on a billboard structure is converted.

(4)

The billboard is not in the visual field of any residence, regardless of municipal boundaries, that is in a residential or TN traditional neighborhood zoning district and has windows which are facing and from which the dynamic display is directly visible. "Visual field" means the cone-shaped area in front of a billboard, drawn on a map, that extends perpendicular from the center of the sign face for one thousand (1,000) feet with a vertex angle of seventy-five (75) degrees and also includes peripheral triangles on both sides of the cone, which are delineated by extending the line of the sign face two hundred (200) feet in each direction from its center, and from these two (2) points connecting to the two (2) outer points of the cone.

(5)

The owner of the billboard shall apply for and receive a sign permit for the conversion from the city.

(6)

As part of the permit application, the applicant shall agree in writing to remove permanently other existing billboards in the city; for each square foot of dynamic display space being created, six (6) square feet of illuminated billboard faces, or eight (8) square feet of non-illuminated faces shall be removed. Billboards that the applicant owns or controls in residential zoning districts or any other locations designated for billboard removal by resolution of the city council must be taken down before billboards taken down in other areas of the city will be counted toward this removal requirement. Billboards may be counted toward the removal if they have been or will be removed between one (1) year prior to the application and two (2) months following the issuance of the permit. The removals must include the complete removal of the billboard structures including the foundations of any freestanding billboards.

Prior to approval of the sign permit, the applicant must agree in writing that the city may remove the billboards if the applicant has not done so before the new electronic message sign is put into operation, and the applicant must submit a cash deposit or letter of credit acceptable to the city to pay the city's cost for that removal. The applicant must also agree in writing that the removal of the billboards is done voluntarily and the applicant has no right, under any law, to compensation from any governmental unit for the removed signs.

When a billboard is permanently removed (including the sign or display surface and all elements of the sign structure) for purposes of dynamic display conversion under this section or when a billboard is permanently removed for any other reason, and the owner of the removed billboard surrenders in writing any state and local permits previously issued for the removed billboard, no new sign and/or sign structure permit will be issued for the real property on which the removed billboard was located.

(7)

If the removed signs are ones for which a state permit is required, the applicant and owners must surrender such permits to the state. The billboard with a dynamic display may not be put into operation until proof is provided to the city that such state permits have been surrendered.

(c)

In addition to the other regulations in this chapter, a billboard with a dynamic display shall conform to the following operational standards:

(1)

All alpha-numeric copy must be at least fifteen (15) inches high.

(2)

The images and messages displayed must be static, and the transition from one static display to another must be direct and immediate without any special effects. Each image and message displayed must be complete in itself, and may not continue on the subsequent one. Each image and message must remain constant for at least twelve (12) seconds before changing to the next one.

(C.F. No. 07-1106, § 2, 12-12-07; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09)

(a)

Intent and purpose. Minnesota Statutes § 462.357, Subd. 1e. provides that a municipality may, by ordinance, impose upon nonconformities reasonable regulations to prevent and abate nuisances and to protect the public health, welfare, or safety. The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program of the U.S. Department of Justice advises local jurisdictions that improving visibility from a business into the street and from the street into a business significantly reduces crime. This section imposes reasonable regulations on nonconforming window signs to protect the public health, welfare and safety to deter and prevent crime through improved visibility into and out of businesses.

(b)

Nonconforming temporary window signs shall be located no later than six (6) months after the effective date of section in such a manner that they do not block the view from a public right of way into the clerk or cashier area of the business, and from the clerk or cashier area out to the public right of way.

(Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11)

No person shall place, erect or maintain a sign, nor shall a lessee or owner permit property under his control to be used for such a sign, which does not conform to the following requirements and without first obtaining the requisite permit for such sign. The following provisions shall apply in all zoning districts, to all exterior signs visible from a public right-of-way, and to all interior window signs with dynamic display that are within three (3) feet of a window and oriented toward and visible from a public right-of-way.

(a)

No sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained at any location where, by reason of its position, size, shape, content, color or illumination, it may obstruct, impair, obscure, interfere with the view of, or be confused with any traffic-control sign, signal or device, or where it may interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.

(b)

No sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit or standpipe.

(c)

All signs which are unsafe and/or unsightly shall be repaired or removed. Unsafe signs must be repaired or removed within twenty-four (24) hours after notification. Unsightly signs must be repaired or removed within fifteen (15) days of notification. The term "unsightly" shall mean a condition in which the sign has deteriorated to the point where at least one-fourth (¼) of the surface area of the name, identification, description, display, illustration or other symbol is no longer clearly recognizable at a distance of twenty (20) feet; or where paint is peeling, chipping or flaking from the structure surface; or where the sign has developed significant rust, corrosion, rotting or other deterioration in the physical appearance, or is so faded that it is not clearly recognizable at a distance of twenty (20) feet; or where an illuminated electrical sign is no longer in proper working order. Removal, in the case of painted wall signs, shall mean a complete repainting of the background on which the sign was painted, or a sandblasting of the surface to reveal an exterior finish compatible with surrounding surfaces, so that no part of the sign is any longer recognizable.

(d)

No sign shall be painted directly on or affixed to any tree, rock or utility pole.

(e)

Lots on which signs are located shall be kept neat, orderly and free of debris.

(f)

All signs with the display surfaces back-to-back and parallel shall have no more than an eight-foot distance between each surface. All signs with the display surfaces at an angle to one another shall have the angle no greater than thirty-five (35) degrees. Display surfaces shall face in opposite directions and shall be owned by the same permittee.

(g)

All signs which have their backs visible to public view shall have such backs painted in a neutral color compatible with the background against which they are set.

(h)

No swinging sign shall be erected freestanding, or shall be hung or attached to any building or structure.

(i)

No signs shall be located in, project into or overhang a public right-of-way, except those projecting business signs permitted in business and industrial districts that do not violate Minn. Stats., Section 160.27, sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106 of this code, and signs established by the city, county, state or federal governments.

(j)

For parking lot areas, one identification sign not to exceed a total of fifteen (15) square feet in area is permitted per parking lot entrance. An identification sign up to twenty-five (25) square feet in area, however, may be permitted if such sign incorporates the following uniform parking symbol: fifty (50) percent of the total sign area of the parking identification sign must bear thereon a blue rectangle with a white letter "P" in Gothic type face with the letter "P" being not less than fifty (50) percent of the area of the blue rectangle. The remaining portion of the sign incorporating such a parking symbol may be used for other pertinent information. In addition to the one (1) identification sign per parking lot entrance, however, one (1) directional sign not to exceed a total of four (4) square feet is permitted per entrance or exit. Such directional signs may be up to ten (10) square feet in area if they also incorporate the above-prescribed parking symbol. These parking identification and directional signs are in addition to other signs permitted in each zoning district. No sign shall project higher than fifteen (15) feet above grade. For community centers and religious, civic and educational institutions, a maximum of two (2) directional signs may be placed on private property along two (2) different arterial or collector streets within two thousand five hundred (2,500) feet of the community center or institution, providing a valid lease indicating the consent of the owners of the property where the signs are to be located is on file with the city, that the gross surface display area does not exceed five (5) square feet per sign on residential property or fifteen (15) square feet per sign on nonresidential property and that the height does not exceed seven and one-half (7½) feet.

(k)

Illumination. Flashing signs are prohibited. In residential districts, no sign may exceed a maximum illumination of 0.5 footcandle above ambient light level as measured fifty (50) feet from the sign's face.

(l)

Only one side of a double-faced sign or V-shaped sign shall be used to compute the gross surface display area, display surface area or sign area of a sign.

(m)

Canopy signs that are parallel to the street shall be regulated as wall signs. Canopy signs that are perpendicular to the street shall be regulated as projecting signs.

(n)

Multiple tenant buildings. Any application for a sign permit for a multiple tenant building shall include a master sign plan for the building, drawn to scale and fully dimensioned, showing any exterior signage to be provided. The property owner or the property owner's designee shall be responsible for allocating the allowable sign area among the tenants of the building.

(o)

Signs attached to buildings shall be positioned so that they are an integral design feature of the building, and to complement and enhance the building's architectural features. Signs shall not obscure or destroy architectural details such as stone arches, glass transom panels, or decorative brickwork.

(p)

Business park signs. One business park sign is permitted per primary entrance to a business park or industrial park, not exceeding one hundred fifty (150) square feet in area and a height of fifteen (15) feet above ground level. This sign area is excluded from the maximum gross surface display area per lot.

(C.F. No. 05-633, § 1, 12-7-05; Ord. No. 11-27, § 1, 4-20-11; Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 19-27, 4-24-19; Ord 22-25, § 1, 6-1-22)

(a)

Building code. Signs in all zoning districts shall conform to the structural design standards of the state building code.

(b)

Supports. The supports for all signs except signs established by the city, county, state or federal governments, and subdivisions and agencies thereof, shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, constructed and erected in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.

(c)

Restrictions on combustible materials. All signs and sign structures, except freestanding signs, shall have structural members of noncombustible materials.

Combination signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, canopy signs and signs on marquees shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, except as provided in this subdivision. No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of electric signs.

(1)

Nonstructural trim: Nonstructural trim and portable display surfaces may be of wood, metal, approved plastics or any combination thereof.

(2)

Display surfaces: Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of wood, metal, plastics or approved materials.

Any section of approved plastics on wall signs shall not exceed a total of two hundred fifty (250) square feet in area.

(a)

Clearance from high voltage power lines: No sign or part of a sign support structure may interfere with any electric light, power, telephone or telegraph wires or the supports thereof. All signs must be sufficiently clear of high voltage power lines so that signs can be safely erected and maintained. Signs shall be located not less than six (6) feet horizontally or twelve (12) feet vertically from overhead electrical conductors which are energized in excess of seven hundred fifty (750) volts. The term "overhead conductors," as used in this section, means any electrical conductor, either bare or insulated, installed above the ground, except such conductors as are enclosed in iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength.

(b)

Obstruction of openings: No sign shall obstruct any openings to such an extent that light or ventilation is reduced to a point below that required by the state building code.

Signs erected within five (5) feet of an opening in an exterior wall in which there are openings within the wall shall be constructed of noncombustible material or approved plastics.

(a)

Code requirements: All electric signs shall meet the requirements set forth in the National Electric Code and the state building code.

(b)

Face retainers, etc.: All face retainers shall be of thickness design and construction as to properly support the plastic panels of the sign faces. Frames and retainers shall structurally be continuous around the entire panel or group of panels of the sign face, supporting such plastic panels independently. Panels larger than thirty-two (32) square feet must be either hinged or provided with another suitable access method.

(c)

Accessibility:

(1)

If doors for access are not locked they shall be fastened by means of screws, bolts, or similar means.

(2)

Ballasts, transformers, lamp, neon tubing, sockets and splices in wireways shall be made accessible in a manner approved by the state building code, through hinged faces or panels designed to slide or raintight doors, without the dismantling of the sign.

(3)

Whenever hinged faces are used, an approved mechanical method shall be provided to hold such face in an open locked position while servicing. All framing and molding for such faces shall be of adequate strength and durability to safely support such face when in either the open or closed position. Accessibility to the interior of the sign shall be made possible without requiring the removal of any of the sign supports after erection.

(4)

All framing and hinging shall be structurally designed and constructed to adequately support each panel or face when such face is used for access. Hinges shall be of nonferrous metal or rust-resistant type.

(d)

Ventilation: Plastic electric signs shall be vented with either screened or insect-proof louvered vents to prevent the entrance of insects and moisture. The vents shall be placed at the top and bottom of the vertical portions of the exterior sign, and arranged to provide adequate circulation of air over the ballasts. (Exception: Single-faced signs may have the vents located on the back of the sign where the structural design is such that venting on the end is difficult. In such cases, however, these vents shall be located to provide adequate circulation of air over the ballasts and signs vented on the back shall be held a minimum of one-half inch from the surface on which they are erected.)

(e)

Conductors: Electrical conductors, such as nonmetallic sheathed cable, BX, rubber cords and armoured cable, shall not be used for signs permanently wired. Conductors with a heat- and moisture-resistant quality of not less than ninety (90) degrees Centigrade, such as AWM type, shall be permitted for secondary connections to ballasts. All primary conductors, except those that are part of the ballast, connecting to and becoming part of a branch circuit shall be of the general purpose type and shall have a minimum moisture- and heat-resistant quality of seventy-five (75) degrees Centigrade, such as a RHW, THWN.

(f)

Wireway: Wireways shall be kept at least one-half inch from the bottom of a sign, except where the sign spreader is incorporated as a part of the wireway, in which case a method approved by the state building code shall be provided to keep all conductors, ballasts and transformers at least one-half inch from the bottom of the wireway. All conductors shall be protected from sharp edges of sheet metal enclosures. Wire gutters shall be assembled and jointed together in an approved manner. Where one gutter is joined to another creating one continuous wireway, the adjoining ends shall be rounded and connected together in an approved manner. Approved bushings shall be used where conductors pass through a sheet metal divider. Covers of the wireway shall be "broken" over the upper sides or tops of the wire gutters so as to prevent the entrance of moisture. All screws for such covers shall be accessible from the open face or access doors of the sign.

(g)

Ballast:

(1)

Ballasts or transformers shall be of the outdoor type and shall be mounted in such a manner as to be held rigid and at least one-half inch or more from the bottom of the sign or wireway. No ballasts shall be enclosed more than one half its height into a wireway. Adequate metal supports for ballasts shall be provided to ensure proper heat dissipation.

(2)

Ballasts, transformers, sockets, lamp-holders and any other electrical equipment where there is a possibility of an excessive rise above their rated temperature shall be kept a minimum of two (2) inches from all plastics.

(3)

Fluorescent lamps placed in a vertical position shall be provided with a moisture deflection washer at the lower lamp socket.

(h)

Face limitation:

(1)

Single-faced flat wall signs. Unless the plastic faces are hinged, access to the interior of the sign shall be provided for in a manner without dismantling any major portion of the sign as stated above. Where the plastic panel removal is required for access, no panel to be removed shall be more than thirty-two (32) square feet in area. Moulding shall be of such lengths as to provide for the removal of each panel independently.

(2)

Double-faced and extended signs. Where the access to the interior of the sign is required through the face, such face shall be hinged or designed to slide as stated above, for panels that exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area. All moulding and retainers for sign faces shall be constructed so as to be structurally able to properly support each plastic panel as provided above.

The following provisions shall apply to exterior signs with dynamic display visible from a public right-of-way, and to interior window signs with dynamic display that are within three (3) feet of a window and are oriented toward and visible from a public right-of-way.

(a)

Location and orientation. Business signs with dynamic display shall be at least seventy-five (75) feet, as measured along the road, from a residential district, and shall be at least fifty (50) feet from a residential district, measured radially. Signs with dynamic display intended to be read from a freeway shall be at least six hundred sixty (660) feet as measured along the freeway from any other sign with dynamic display designed to be read by drivers heading in the same direction. Signs with dynamic display shall not interfere with traffic and road safety due to placement and orientation as determined by the city traffic engineer.

(b)

Sign area. For business and identification signs, the area of dynamic displays on an individual sign face shall be no more than two hundred (200) square feet, and dynamic displays shall occupy no more than twenty (20) percent of the total allowable signage of the property. The remaining eighty (80) percent of the total allowable signage of the property shall not have the capability to have dynamic displays even if not used. For multi-tenant buildings, the area of allowable dynamic displays for an individual tenant shall be prorated upon the percentage of gross floor area used by the individual tenant.

(c)

Illumination and brightness. No sign with dynamic display may exceed a maximum illumination of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light level as measured from fifty (50) feet from the sign's face. All signs with dynamic display having illumination by means other than natural light must be equipped with an automatic dimmer control or other mechanism that automatically controls the sign's brightness to comply with this requirement. No sign with dynamic display may be of such intensity or brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, signal or the safety of the public, or located where it would do so as determined by the city traffic engineer. If there is a violation of the brightness standards, the adjustment must be made within one (1) business day upon notice of non-compliance from the city.

(d)

Malfunction. Signs with dynamic display must be designed and equipped to freeze the sign face in one position if a malfunction occurs. Signs with dynamic display must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and the sign owner or operator must immediately turn off the display when notified by the city that it is not complying with the standards of this ordinance.

(e)

Image characteristics, duration, and transition. The following standards shall apply to image duration, transition, and other characteristics of signs with dynamic display. Additional district-specific restrictions are contained in Sec. 64.502, 64.503 and 64.504.

(1)

Except at professional sport facilities, signs with dynamic display that are oriented towards the public right of way shall not include moving video images.

(2)

Business and identification signs with dynamic display may either have stable text and/or stable images, or they may have scrolling text and/or scrolling images. Signs with dynamic display which contain stable text and/or stable images may not change their text or image more than once every twelve (12) seconds. Signs with dynamic display which contain scrolling text and/or scrolling images may not scroll at a rate faster than one (1) word per second, where words contain an average of five (5) characters each.

(3)

Dynamic displays on business and identification signs within one hundred (100) feet of a residential use, measured from the sign to the nearest residential property line, shall not scroll and shall be turned off between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM or after business hours, whichever is later.

(4)

For stable text and/or stable images, the transition from one static display to another must be direct and immediate without any special effects except for fading and dissolving that takes less than one (1) second;

(5)

Dynamic display text on business and identification signs shall be monochromatic. Dynamic display images may be full color.

(6)

Signs with dynamic display shall not emit sound except for those at drive-through sales and services as allowed under section 65.513.

(7)

Other modes of displaying messages are prohibited. Modes which cause the message to flash are prohibited.

(C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11)

(a)

Revolving freestanding signs are permitted but may not be illuminated with flashing lights or exceed six (6) revolutions per minute.

(b)

When specifically permitted in a zoning district, a freestanding sign may extend into a public right-of-way up to four (4) feet, but in no case may come closer than two (2) feet from the curbline and ten (10) feet above the ground level, and provided such sign does not violate Minnesota Statutes, section 160.27.

(a)

Projecting signs shall be supported in a stationary position by a cantilevered structure without the use of any guy wires, cables, angle irons or turnbuckles.

(b)

When specifically permitted in a zoning district, signs projecting over a public right-of-way may project up to four (4) feet from the property line, but in no case may come closer than two (2) feet from the curbline and ten (10) feet above ground level, and provided such signs do not violate Minnesota Statutes, section 160.27.

(a)

Roof signs prohibited. No roof signs are permitted in any zoning district in the city.

(b)

Professional sports facility. At a professional sports facility with permanent seating for more than six thousand (6,000) spectators and located in B5 central business-service district, one (1) or two (2) roof signs are permitted as an accessory use subject to the following standards:

(1)

For roof signs consisting of lettering with no defined background and that allow visibility through the sign through the spaces, the roof sign area shall be the smallest area encompassing all of the words, numerals, figures, designs, or trademarks, as well as any ornamental strip, border, or design around the edges of the sign, and shall be reduced by fifty (50) percent in calculating the permitted roof signage.

(2)

If the zoning administrator determines that the sign lighting affects neighboring properties, roof signs shall not be illuminated overnight, either from midnight or from one (1) hour after the end of any facility event, whichever is later, until 6:00 a.m.

(3)

Roof signs with dynamic display are prohibited.

(C.F. No. 07-1026, § 1, 12-26-07; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

(a)

A wall sign shall not project above the top of the wall to which it is attached, with the following exception. Above the third story of a building of more than four (4) stories, except for the top story, a wall sign bearing only the name of the building or logo of a building tenant may project up to five (5) feet above the building wall to which it is attached.

(b)

Wall signs that are business signs may project into a public right-of-way or beyond a legal setback line up to twelve (12) inches, provided such signs do not violate Minnesota Statutes, section 160.27.

(Ord 16-45, § 3, 12-14-16)

In the case of combination signs which are composed of any combination of roof, projecting or freestanding signs, the individual requirements as set out in this section for roof, projecting or freestanding signs shall apply. If there are conflicts between provisions, the more stringent shall apply.

Signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee. Such signs shall, for the purpose of determining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of and shall meet the requirements for a marquee as specified in section 3106 of the state building code. No such sign shall project above or beyond the physical dimensions of the marquee, except that one (1) sign less than four (4) square feet in size may be attached underneath for each entrance located under the marquee, provided the sign does not project lower than eight (8) feet above the sidewalk.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

(a)

Dimensions: No temporary sign shall exceed a total of one hundred (100) feet in area or six (6) feet in height except as otherwise provided herein.

(b)

Clearance: Temporary signs, other than cloth, eight (8) feet or more above the ground, may project not more than six (6) inches over public property.

(c)

Permit required.

(1)

A sign permit shall be required for all temporary and portable signs, except that temporary signs concerning a commodity, service or entertainment conducted, offered, sold, or manufactured on the premises, placed inside a window, shall not require a sign permit.

(2)

A sign permit is not required for a sidewalk sign placed pursuant to chapter 106 of this code.

(d)

Cloth signs and banners: In all zoning districts unless otherwise provided:

(1)

It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to suspend or project any cloth or banner sign of any type whatever over a street, alley or other public property for the purpose of business advertisement.

(2)

Temporary permission shall be allowed for an organization or business to have a cloth or banner sign for a period of not more than ninety (90) days per year, unless otherwise provided in section 64.419(d)(6) or section 64.500.

(3)

No cloth or banner sign shall exceed a total of one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area, and there shall be no more than one (1) such sign for any twenty (20) feet of frontage of any building fronting on public property.

(4)

Support. Temporary cloth and banner signs shall be supported and attached with wire rope or equivalent with a minimum diameter of three-eighths (⅜) inch. No strings, fiber ropes or wood slats shall be permitted for support or anchorage purposes. Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated over at least ten (10) percent of the area to reduce wind resistance.

Signs that span a public roadway cannot be attached to city light poles or traffic signal poles. Written permission to attach a banner to a building must be obtained from the building owner. The city forester must approve a banner before it may be attached to any tree on public property.

Exception: Temporary signs over private property not exceeding sixty (60) square feet shall be supported and attached with wire rope and shall meet the requirements of paragraph (2) through (4) of this section.

(5)

Projection. Cloth signs and banners may extend over public property and shall maintain a minimum clearance of twenty (20) feet, provided permission has been granted by the zoning administrator.

(6)

Banners may be placed on light poles or bridge spires along collector streets and major thoroughfares as defined in Sections 60.220 and 60.221 provided the following standards are met:

a.

The banners serve a legitimate public purpose, including decorative (no text or logo), neighborhood identification, business district identification, civic events/neighborhood celebrations. Banners that promote a specific institution or business are not permitted. Decorative, neighborhood identification, and business district identification banners are not limited to 90 days per year and may stay in place until ordered to be replaced by the department of public works.

b.

A permit for the banners is obtained through the department of public works.

c.

Banners are attached and removed only by the department of public works;

d.

Banner design and construction must meet the written requirements of the department of public works.

e.

Event banners are not to be in place earlier than two (2) weeks before the event and removal will follow the event as soon as is practical;

f.

No advertising other than that for the specific event is permitted. Sponsorship information is limited to no more than fifteen (15) per cent of the total banner area; and

g.

Banner sponsor organization(s) are responsible for paying the cost of installation and removal.

(C.F. No. 05-632, § 5, 3-22-06; C.F. No. 07-39, § 2, 2-21-07; Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 19-27, 4-24-19)

(a)

Advertising signs prohibited. No advertising signs are permitted in any zoning district in the city. The purposes of this prohibition are to enhance views of the natural and built environments of the city, to improve aesthetically the fusion of residential and commercial areas, to promote community pride on the part of property owners, to encourage beautification and investment in the city, to protect property values, and to reduce cluttered and chaotic signage, which draws attention away from the identification signs of businesses and institutions located in the city. Existing legal nonconforming advertising signs that are not electrified, or illuminated by any means, as of October 26, 2005, may not be wired for electrification or illumination.

(b)

Professional sports facility. At a professional sports facility with permanent seating for more than ten thousand 10,000 spectators and located in a B4-B5 Business zone, one (1) or two (2) advertising signs are permitted as an accessory use subject to the following standards:

(1)

Advertising signs shall face and be designed to be read by traffic on arterial streets as designated in the comprehensive plan. A facility fronting on one (1) arterial street is permitted to have one (1) advertising sign; a facility fronting on two (2) or more arterial streets is permitted to have two (2) advertising signs.

(2)

No advertising sign shall be located within three hundred (300) feet of a residential zoning use, house of worship, or school offering general education courses at the elementary, junior high or high school level.

(3)

No advertising sign shall exceed seven hundred (700) square feet in size.

(4)

Advertising signs shall be attached to exterior walls of the sports facility structure and shall not project above the wall.

(5)

If the zoning administrator determines that the sign lighting affects neighboring properties, advertising signs shall not be illuminated overnight, either from midnight or from one (1) hour after the end of any facility event, whichever is later, until 6:00 a.m.

(6)

For signs with dynamic display, the modes of display of messages shall conform to the requirements in section 64.405.

(C.F. No. 06-161, § 1, 3-8-06; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

Sports facility sponsorship signs are permitted in all zoning districts as accessory uses at the following places: golf courses; hockey rinks at McMurray Field; city-owned soccer fields, the municipal ballpark; baseball fields owned or operated under a long-term agreement by an established youth baseball organization such as the Little League, Babe Ruth, VFW, or American Legion Baseball; and baseball and softball fields at Dunning Field, Rice-Arlington Field, Arlington-Arkwright Field, and the professional soccer stadium. Sports facility sponsorship signs are subject to the following required standards:

(a)

Signs at golf courses shall be integrated with the hole identification signs located at tee boxes and the sponsorship component of such signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet.

(b)

Signs at hockey rinks shall be on the interior sides of the hockey boards.

(c)

Signs at baseball, softball and soccer fields shall be oriented toward the field of play. Such signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet per sign face, except at the municipal ballpark where larger signs are permitted because it is an enclosed facility.

(d)

Signs at the professional soccer stadium shall be at the main spectator gate entrances, the premium gate entry and on wayfinding kiosks. Northeast and northwest gate entrance signs shall not exceed ninety (90) square feet per sign face; southeast and southwest gate entrance signs shall not exceed one hundred thirty (130) square feet per sign face; premium gate entrance signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet per sign face. Signs on wayfinding kiosks shall not exceed five (5) square feet per sign face on each side of two-sided kiosks.

(e)

Each sign shall primarily provide identifying information for a sponsor such as name, address, telephone number, or logo; any product advertising shall be incidental and secondary to sponsor identification. However, at the municipal ballpark, product advertising signs are permitted.

(f)

Signs shall not be illuminated except by the regular sports facility lighting during hours of use, except that sponsorship signs at the professional soccer stadium may be illuminated.

(g)

Signs shall be maintained in good condition.

(h)

Signs at facilities owned and managed by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation shall also be subject to general standards for regulating sports facility sponsorship signs.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 18-30, § 2, 8-22-18)

Editor's note— This section was added at the direction of the city to include material adopted by C.F. No. 03-367, adopted June 4, 2003, but inadvertently omitted by C.F. No. 03-1028, adopted April 7, 2000, which amended this title in its entirety.

Bicycle sharing facility sponsorship signs are permitted in all zoning districts subject to the following required standards:

(a)

One (1) sponsorship sign, no more than fifteen (15) square feet in area, is permitted per bicycle sharing facility. The sponsorship sign shall be an integral part of the bicycle sharing facility rack.

(b)

The sponsorship sign shall primarily provide identifying information for a sponsor such as name, address, telephone number, or logo; any product advertising shall be incidental and secondary to sponsor identification.

(c)

Signs shall not be externally illuminated.

(d)

Signs shall be maintained in good condition.

(e)

Signs within the public right of way are subject to, and must first have and maintain, a permit from the designated road authority.

(Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

The class, size and location of signs shall be only as permitted and regulated in the zoning districts authorized or permitted in this chapter.

(a)

Identification signs:

(1)

For one- and two-family structures and bed and breakfast residences, one identification sign not exceeding a total of two (2) square feet in area.

(2)

For multiple-family structures on parcels twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet or smaller, one (1) identification sign for each street frontage is allowed. No sign shall exceed six (6) square feet in size. For multiple-family structures on parcels larger than twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet, one (1) or two (2) identification sign(s) on each street frontage is/are allowed. The total amount of signage on each frontage shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in size.

(3)

For structures other than residential uses, one identification sign for each street frontage not exceeding a total of thirty (30) square feet in area.

(4)

For parks, community centers, and religious, civic, educational or philanthropic institutions, one (1) identification sign, not exceeding a total of thirty (30) square feet in area for each street frontage, and one (1) bulletin board not exceeding a total of thirty (30) square feet in area. Such bulletin board signs may be signs with dynamic display, which shall be monochromatic, shall not scroll or change their displays faster than every twenty (20) minutes, and shall be turned off between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

(5)

No sign shall project higher than thirty (30) feet above grade.

(6)

If located within a required yard, a freestanding sign may not exceed four (4) feet in height plus two (2) inches for each foot set back from the property line.

(7)

Signs with dynamic display are not permitted in residential zoning districts except as provided in section 64.502(a)(4).

(b)

Temporary signs:

(1)

For new subdivisions or new multiple-family developments, one (1) real estate development sign not exceeding a total of fifty (50) square feet in area within the subdivision or on the multiple-family lot, per three hundred (300) feet or less of lot frontage. No such sign shall be located in any required yard.

(2)

For all uses, one (1) real estate sign not exceeding a total of six (6) square feet in area.

(3)

For all uses, two (2) signs not exceeding a total of fifty (50) square feet in area identifying an engineer, architect or contractor engaged in, or product used in, the construction of a building.

(4)

For parks, community centers, and religious, educational, civic or philanthropic institutions, portable signs and temporary signs are permitted for special events under the following conditions:

a.

Portable signs:

1.

On zoning lots with a street frontage of three hundred thirty (330) feet or less, the gross surface display area of the signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet. On zoning lots with a street frontage of over three hundred thirty (330) feet, the gross surface display area of the signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet;

2.

The signs shall be permitted two (2) nonconsecutive times per calendar year for a period of not more than fourteen (14) days per time. Sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106 are exempt from this requirement;

3.

The signs shall not be flashing signs or located in a required yard, required off-street parking space or maneuvering area, or public right-of-way. Sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106 are permitted in the public right-of-way.

b.

Temporary signs.

1.

The gross surface display area of the signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet;

2.

The signs shall be permitted three (3) nonconsecutive times per calendar year for periods of not more than thirty (30) days per time;

3.

The signs shall not be flashing signs or located in a required off-street parking space or maneuvering area, or public right-of-way

(5)

No sign shall project higher than thirty (30) feet above grade.

(C.F. No. 07-39, § 3, 2-21-07; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord. No. 11-27, § 1, 4-20-11; Ord 18-30, § 3, 8-22-18; Ord 19-27, 4-24-19; Ord 20-17, § 1, 5-13-20)

(a)

Business and identification signs:

(1)

The sum of the gross surface display area in square feet of all business and identification signs on a lot shall not exceed one and one-half (1½) times the lineal feet of lot frontage, or seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is greater.

(2)

No business or identification sign shall be located in a required yard except for one freestanding sign. Freestanding signs may project into the public right-of-way up to eighteen (18) inches.

(3)

One (1) projecting sign per entrance on a street frontage is permitted, except in the BC community business (converted) district where they are not permitted. There shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet of lot frontage per projecting sign, and a projecting sign shall be a minimum distance of twenty (20) feet from any other projecting sign. Signs may project into a public right-of-way up to three (3) feet. The maximum display area shall be sixteen (16) square feet per side. The highest point on a projecting sign shall be no more than thirty (30) feet above grade.

(4)

No sign shall project higher than thirty-seven and one-half (37½) feet above grade, except wall signs and freestanding signs on zoning lots abutting principal and intermediate arterials. Wall signs may project to the height allowed by the height restriction in the zoning code. On zoning lots which abut a principal or intermediate arterial, one (1) freestanding sign may project to thirty-seven and one-half (37½) feet above the surface of the arterial.

(5)

Illumination of signs shall conform to the provisions of section 63.116, exterior lighting, and shall not exceed one (1) footcandle four (4) feet from the sign. Signs should have light letters on a dark background; indirect and subdued lighting is preferred; and except for neon, internally lit electric signs are discouraged.

(6)

Dynamic displays shall be monochromatic, shall not scroll or change their displays faster than every twenty (20) minutes, and shall be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or after business hours, whichever is later, except that interior window signs six (6) square feet or less in area with only text providing only open/closed information may have more than one (1) color.

(b)

Temporary signs:

(1)

For new developments, one (1) real estate development sign not exceeding a total of fifty (50) square feet in area on the lot of the new development, per three hundred (300) feet or less of lot frontage of the development. Such sign shall not be located within any required yard.

(2)

For all uses, one (1) real estate sign not exceeding a total of six (6) square feet in area.

(3)

For all uses, two (2) signs not exceeding a total of fifty (50) square feet in area identifying an engineer, architect or contractor engaged in, or product used in, the construction of a building.

(4)

Temporary signs shall be permitted as follows:

a.

Banners, pennants and stringers.

b.

Freestanding and wall signs, the total area not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.

c.

Such signs shall be permitted three (3) nonconsecutive times per calendar year for a period of not more than thirty (30) days per time or once per year for ninety (90) days.

(5)

Temporary window signs, shall cover no more than thirty (30) percent of the store window area, including windows in doors, between four (4) and seven (7) feet above grade and shall not block the view from a public right-of-way into the clerk or cashier station.

(c)

Portable signs. Portable signs are permitted under the following conditions:

(1)

On zoning lots with a street frontage of three hundred thirty (330) feet or less, the gross surface display area of the signs shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet. On zoning lots with a street frontage of over three hundred thirty (330) feet, the gross surface display area of the signs shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet;

(2)

The signs shall be permitted on a zoning lot four (4) nonconsecutive times per calendar year and for a period of not more than fourteen (14) days per time. Sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106 are exempt from this requirement;

(3)

The signs shall not be flashing signs or located in a required yard, required off-street parking space or maneuvering area, or public right-of-way. Sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106 are permitted in the public right-of-way.

(C.F. No. 07-39, § 3, 2-21-07; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord. No. 11-27, § 1, 4-20-11; Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 18-30, § 4, 8-22-18; Ord 19-27, 4-24-19; Ord 19-54, § 1, 9-11-19)

(a)

Business and identification signs:

(1)

The sum of the gross surface display area in square feet of all business signs on a lot shall not exceed two (2) times the lineal feet of lot frontage or seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is greater.

(2)

Only one (1) freestanding sign per lot is permitted in a required yard. A freestanding sign projecting into a public right-of-way beyond eighteen (18) inches may not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in display area.

(3)

One (1) projecting sign per entrance on a street frontage is permitted. Any sign which projects into a public right-of-way beyond eighteen (18) inches shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in display area.

(4)

The height of signs shall be subject to the conditions specified in section 64.503(a)(4).

(5)

In the B2 district, dynamic displays shall be monochromatic if located within one hundred (100) feet of a residential use, measured from the sign to the nearest residential property line, shall not scroll or change their displays faster than every twenty (20) minutes, and shall be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or after business hours, whichever is later, except that interior window signs six (6) square feet or less in area with only text providing only open/closed information may have more than one (1) color.

(b)

Temporary signs:

(1)

For new developments, one (1) real estate development sign not exceeding a total of one hundred (100) square feet in area on the lot of the new development. Such signs shall not be located within any required yard.

(2)

For all uses, real estate signs not exceeding at total of twelve (12) square feet in area.

(3)

For all uses, one (1) sign not exceeding a total of one hundred (100) square feet in area identifying an engineer, architect or contractor engaged in, or product used in, the construction of a building.

(4)

Temporary signs shall be permitted as follows:

a.

Banners, pennants and stringers.

b.

Freestanding and wall signs, the total area not to exceed a total of thirty-two (32) square feet.

c.

Such signs shall be permitted three (3) nonconsecutive times per calendar year for a period of not more than thirty (30) days per time or once per year for ninety (90) days.

(5)

Temporary window signs shall cover no more than thirty (30) percent of the window area, including windows in doors, between four (4) and seven (7) feet above grade and shall not block the view from a public right-of-way into the clerk or cashier station.

(6)

No sign shall project higher than thirty-seven and one-half (37½) feet above grade.

(c)

Portable signs. Portable signs are permitted and subject to the conditions specified in section 64.503(c).

(C.F. No. 07-39, § 3, 2-21-07; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord. No. 11-32, § 1, 12-14-11; Ord 13-22, § 4, 8-21-13; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

(a)

Business and identification signs:

(1)

The sum of the gross surface display area in square feet of all business signs on a lot shall not exceed four (4) times the lineal feet of lot frontage of a lot.

(2)

One (1) projecting sign per entrance on a street frontage is permitted. Any sign which projects into a public right-of-way beyond eighteen (18) inches shall not exceed twenty five (25) square feet in display area.

(3)

The height of signs shall be subject to the conditions specified in section 64.503(a)(4).

(b)

Temporary signs. Except for skyway banners and light pole banners, temporary signs shall be permitted as required in section 64.504(b).

(1)

Skyway banners. Banners or signs may be affixed to the exterior of skyway bridges provided the following standards are met:

a.

The banners serve to promote a legitimate public purpose as established in the written guidelines of the city. These guidelines are developed and updated by a team of city staff from the department of safety and inspections, the department of public works, the city marketing director, and the city planning commission. The guidelines address appropriate banner purposes, sponsors, and applicants.

b.

A permit for the banner(s) shall be obtained from the department of public works.

c.

The banners meet the size standards of section 64.419(d)(3) and also are not more than three (3) feet (thirty-six (36) inches) in height. Sponsorship identification may occupy up to fifteen (15) per cent of the banner face for any number of sponsors. For events with a business name in the title, the sign area taken up by the business name shall not be included as part of the allowed sponsorship area.

d.

Banners shall be installed and removed by the department of public works. Banners may be affixed to skyways no more than two (2) weeks prior to the event they promote and shall be removed within three (3) days after the event. However, no banner shall remain on a skyway for longer than sixty (60) days.

e.

Banner design and construction must meet the written requirements of the department of public works.

f.

Banner sponsor organization(s) are responsible for the cost of installation and removal.

(2)

Light pole banners. Light pole banners are permitted as regulated in section 64.505(b)(1)a. and section 64.419(d)(6)b.—g.

(c)

Portable signs. Portable signs are permitted and subject to the conditions specified in section 64.503(c).

(C.F. No. 07-39, § 3, 2-21-07; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14; Ord 18-30, § 5, 8-22-18)

(a)

Business and identification signs:

(1)

The sum of the gross surface display area in square feet of all business signs on a lot shall not exceed two (2) times the lineal feet of lot frontage in the I1 district, three (3) times the lineal feet of lot frontage in the I2 district, and one (1) times the lineal feet of lot frontage in the I3 district.

(2)

No business sign shall be located in a required yard except one (1) freestanding sign. A freestanding sign projecting into a public right-of-way beyond eighteen (18) inches may not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in display area.

(3)

One (1) projecting sign per entrance on a street frontage is permitted. Any such sign projecting into a public right-of-way beyond eighteen (18) inches may not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in display area.

(4)

The height of signs shall be subject to the conditions specified in section 64.503(a)(4).

(b)

Temporary signs. Temporary signs shall be permitted as regulated in section 64.504(b).

(c)

Portable signs. Portable signs are permitted and subject to the conditions specified in section 64.503(c).

(C.F. No. 07-39, § 3, 2-21-07; C.F. No. 09-1015, § 1, 12-9-09; Ord 14-37, § 1, 11-12-14)

No sign, except those permitted on parking lots as described in section 64.401(j) shall be permitted.

Signs shall be as permitted and regulated in each planned development in accordance with the provisions of sections 66.800 to 66.807, provided such regulations are consistent with the intent of this chapter.

(a)

A comprehensive sign plan may be provided for business or industrial premises which are not part of a new planned development district as provided in section 64.508 above, but which occupy the entire frontage on two (2) or more adjacent block fronts. The intent behind this provision is to allow and even encourage entertainment centers, shopping centers, historic districts and other comprehensive developments to build upon unique characteristics of certain sections of the city so long as the visual landscape created by the plan is in keeping with the general intent of this chapter. Such a plan shall be submitted to the planning commission and shall include the location, size, height, color, lighting orientation, overall design justification, and other information which may be reasonably required for the proper consideration of the matter.

(b)

Except for advertising signs for which the restrictions of this chapter shall not be weakened, less restrictive as well as more restrictive provisions than specified in this chapter may be permitted if the sign areas and densities for the plan as a whole are in conformity with the intent of this chapter and if such exception results in an improved relationship between the various parts of the plan.

(c)

Application shall be made to the city council for consideration under this provision. Approval may be granted by city council resolution, after review and recommendation is made by the planning commission, and only after a public hearing before the planning commission and the city council.

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, in order to provide sign controls in the Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council neighborhood, is intended to protect property values, to maintain and enhance the visibility of unique architectural and natural features, and to encourage investment and beautification in residential and commercial areas by reducing the visual clutter of advertising signs which impair the effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs and otherwise detract from the appearance, perception and safety of Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council neighborhoods and commercial districts.

(b)

Area description. The Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council special sign district plan shall apply to the area described as follows: Minnehaha Avenue on the north, McKnight Road on the east and the city-county line on the south. The western boundary follows this line from north to south Birmingham Avenue South to East 6th Street, East 3rd Street west to Bloomington Avenue, Birmingham Avenue south to Interstate 94, Interstate 94 west to Highway 61, Highway 61 south to Warner Road, Warner Road west to Mississippi River, Mississippi River south to the city-county line, all in the city.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede provisions in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall continue to apply to signs in the Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 64.

(d)

General sign restrictions. Signs within the Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council special sign district shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo, and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

(3)

Business signs are not affected by this sign plan.

(e)

Sign permits; administration. Whenever a permit for a sign in the Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, a permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the Sunray-Battlecreek-Highwood, district one community council special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All applications submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the application within thirty (30) days and notify the applicant of any decision to approve or disapprove the application. Written reasons, prepared by the zoning administrator, shall accompany all application decisions.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Greater Eastside Area special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, in order to provide sign controls within the Greater Eastside Area neighborhood, is intended to protect property values, to maintain and enhance the visibility of unique architectural and natural features, and to encourage investment and beautification in residential and commercial areas by reducing the visual clutter of advertising signs which impair the effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs and otherwise detract from the appearance, perception and safety of Greater Eastside Area neighborhoods and commercial districts.

(b)

Area description. The Greater Eastside Area special sign district plan shall consist of the following four (4) areas:

(1)

White Bear Avenue Subarea: The entire length of White Bear Avenue beginning on the south at its junction with Interstate 94 and proceeding north along the avenue to its junction with Larpenteur Avenue. The width of this subarea shall extend one-half block on either side of the avenue.

(2)

Payne Avenue Subarea: The entire length of Payne Avenue beginning on the south at its junction with East Seventh Street and proceeding north along the avenue to its junction with Wheelock Parkway. The width of this subarea shall extend one-half block on either side of the avenue.

(3)

Phalen Boulevard/Phalen Village: This subarea shall consist of that area defined in the Phalen Village Small Area Plan as the Phalen Boulevard/Phalen Village as adopted by the city in 1994 and the planned road known as Phalen Blvd. from I-35E on the west to Maryland Avenue on the east. The width of the subarea shall extend six hundred sixty (660) feet on either side of the right of way.

(4)

Arcade Street Subarea: The entire length of Arcade Street beginning on the south at its junction with East Seventh Street and proceeding north along the avenue to its junction with Larpenteur Avenue. The width of this subarea shall extend one-half (½) block on either side of the avenue.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede provisions in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall continue to apply to signs in the Greater Eastside Area special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 64.

(d)

General sign restrictions. Signs within the Greater Eastside Area special sign district shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo, and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

(3)

Business signs are not affected by this sign plan.

(e)

Sign permits; administration. Whenever a permit for a sign in the Greater Eastside Area special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, a permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the Greater Eastside Area special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All applications submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the application within thirty (30) days and notify the applicant of any decision to approve or disapprove the application. Written reasons, prepared by the zoning administrator, shall accompany all application decisions.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The White Bear Avenue special district sign plan, as provided in section 64.601, is intended to provide sign controls for the White Bear Avenue corridor. These controls will enhance the unique character and identity of White Bear Avenue, reduce sign clutter, and provide strong, clear identification of businesses. They recognize the need of businesses to be visible to the high volume of traffic that uses White Bear Avenue. The sign plan provides a unified framework for the sign systems of the various commercial nodes (e.g. Minnehaha, 7th Street, Hillcrest, etc.), which will fit the architecture of the buildings, clearly identify businesses, and enhance the image of the business districts and foster pride in the adjacent neighborhoods.

(b)

Area description. The area covered by this plan includes commercial property along White Bear Avenue from Larpenteur to I-94. The area generally extends one-half (½) block east and west of White Bear Avenue, but extends as needed to encompass commercial nodes.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this special district sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. The provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede the provisions of chapter 64. All words and terms shall be defined as in chapter 64. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "should" is advisory.

(d)

Advertising signs. Advertising signs shall be regulated through the Greater Eastside Area special district sign plan.

(e)

Business signs. Business signs are necessary for the viability of the commercial areas on White Bear Avenue. They inform customers about the type of business and its location. The name of the business should be highlighted. In general, words and symbols should take no more than forty (40) percent of the total area of a sign. Signs with light letters on a dark background are easier to spot on a busy street. Sign colors and materials should be compatible with the building and surrounding environment. To maximize the effect of the graphics, the number of colors should be minimal. Lighting of signs should be carefully considered; internally lit electric signs are discouraged.

(1)

Business signs shall be used to identify the business, not to advertise products. Signs that advertise a product and include the name of the business on the premises where the sign is placed are prohibited. These signs, which are often provided by product suppliers, fail to highlight the important information (the business name) and clutter the appearance of the street.

(2)

Wall signs shall cover neither windows nor architectural trim and detail. Wall signs should be located on the bands of building facades: over the entry, over windows, or between windows. Because wall signs are almost always seen from an angle, extended typefaces should be used. Viewing from an angle diminishes the apparent width and spacing of the letters.

Signs painted directly on the wall of a building shall not be permitted. Signs painted directly on the wall of a building defaces the building. Tenants may move and the painted wall sign may be left to mis-identify a new tenant or to peel and become unsightly.

(3)

Freestanding signs are recommended for institutional, professional and industrial buildings. Freestanding signs for individual establishments should be used only when a building is set back fifteen (15) feet or more from the street right-of-way. Freestanding signs for individual establishments shall be placed parallel to the street and shall be no higher than twenty (20) feet above grade at the highest point. Structural elements of the sign should be painted black or another dark color.

(4)

Grouped signs are used to identify multiple businesses in a larger building or adjacent buildings. They are recommended when individual projecting signs would block each other. Grouped signs may be used for businesses that are not directly accessible from the public sidewalk. They shall be placed within a common framework and may be placed perpendicular to the street.

(5)

Projecting signs are effective for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but they also tend to obstruct the view of other signs and are a major source of sign clutter. Projecting signs that display a symbolic or business name are permitted. No more than one (1) projecting sign per forty (40) feet shall be permitted. Multiple businesses closer to one (1) another than forty (40) feet shall not use projecting signs.

(6)

Permanent window signs are permitted and shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the store window glass area.

(7)

Portable signs shall not be permitted in the White Bear Avenue sign district.

(8)

Banners identifying White Bear Avenue business districts attached to street lights are permitted. They shall be designed with a common shape within the sign district, while patterns may reflect the neighborhood designation.

(Ord 18-30, § 1, 8-22-18)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The West Side special district sign plan, created as provided in section 64.601 of this code, is adopted to provide sign controls that build upon, preserve and enhance the unique character of the West Side neighborhood. The sign plan is intended to protect property values, to preserve and protect the neighborhood viewscape, especially those of the Mississippi river and its bluffs, the Capitol, Cathedral, and downtown skyline and other features uniquely visible from West Side neighborhoods and to enhance the overall effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs.

(b)

Area description. The West Side special district sign plan shall apply to the area of the city bordered generally by the Mississippi River on the northwest, north and northeast and by Annapolis Street defining the city limits with West Saint Paul and South Saint Paul on the south. Excepted from this plan is that area covered by the Smith Avenue special district sign plan as set forth in section 64.635.

(c)

Advertising sign restrictions. Advertising signs shall not be permitted within the sign plan district except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city.

(d)

Administration and enforcement. Whenever a permit for a sign in this special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, such permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator as in conformance with this plan. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive that the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede the provision in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall apply to this sign plan district.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

The Smith Avenue special district sign plan, created as provided in section 64.601, applies to the area defined by Cherokee Avenue on the north, Annapolis Street on the south, Manomin Avenue on the east, and Ottawa Avenue on the west. The provisions of this plan are supplementary to those of this chapter; the most restrictive provision shall apply. Within the Smith Avenue special sign district signs shall be subject to the following provisions:

(a)

Advertising signs shall not be permitted.

(b)

Business signs which advertise a product in addition to the business on the premises shall not be permitted.

(c)

No more than one (1) projecting or freestanding sign per forty-foot lot shall be permitted.

(d)

The highest point on business signs shall be no more than twenty (20) feet above ground.

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Dayton's Bluff special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, in order to provide sign controls in the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood, is intended to protect property values, to maintain and enhance the visibility of unique architectural and natural features, and to encourage investment and beautification in residential and commercial areas by reducing the visual clutter of advertising signs which impair the effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs and otherwise detract from the appearance, perception and safety of Dayton's Bluff neighborhoods and commercial districts.

(b)

Area description. The Dayton's Bluff special sign district plan shall apply to the area described area is as follows: Warner Road and the Mississippi River on the South, Lafayette Road and Interstate Highway 94 to Interstate Highway 35E interchange ramp on the West, Grove Street and Chicago Northwestern Railroad on the North and Johnson Parkway, Birmingham Ave. South to East 6th Street East to a NS line cutting through the center of Harding High School to East 3rd Street, East 3rd Street West to Birmingham South to Interstate Highway 94, Interstate Highway 94 West to Highway 61, Highway 61 South to Warner Road, Warner Road West to the Mississippi River, Mississippi River to Lafayette Road, all in the city of St. Paul, Minnesota.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede provisions in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall continue to apply to signs in the Dayton's Bluff special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 64.

(d)

General sign restrictions. Signs within the Dayton's Bluff special sign district shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo, and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

(3)

Business signs are not affected by this sign plan.

(e)

Sign permits; administration. Whenever a permit for a sign in the Dayton's Bluff special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, a permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the Dayton's Bluff special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All applications submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this plan. The zoning administrator shall review the application within thirty (30) days and notify the applicant of any decision to approve or disapprove the application. Written reasons, prepared by the zoning administrator, shall accompany all application decisions.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The North End/South Como special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, in order to provide sign controls in the North End/South Como neighborhood, is intended to protect property values, to maintain and enhance the visibility of unique architectural and natural features, and to encourage investment and beautification in residential and commercial areas by reducing the visual clutter of advertising signs which impair the effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs and otherwise detract from the appearance, perception and safety of North End/South Como neighborhoods and commercial districts.

(b)

Area description. The North End/South Como special sign district plan shall apply to the area described area is as follows: Commencing at the center of the intersection of Dale Street North and Larpenteur Avenue; proceeding east along the center-line of Larpenteur to Freeway I-35E; south along the median of I-35E to the Burlington Northern Railroad right-of-way; thence following the right-of-way west to Lexington Parkway; north along centerline of Lexington Parkway to Horton Avenue; east along centerline of Horton Avenue to Churchill Street; north along centerline of Churchill Street to West Como Blvd,; south and east along centerline of West Como Boulevard To East Como Boulevard; north along centerline of East Como Boulevard to Maryland Avenue; east along centerline of Maryland Avenue to Dale Street North; and north along centerline of Dale Street North to the point of beginning.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede provisions in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall continue to apply to signs in the North End/South Como special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 64.

(d)

General sign restrictions. Signs within the North End/South Como special sign district shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo, and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

(3)

Business signs are not affected by this sign plan.

(e)

Sign permits; administration. Whenever a permit for a sign in the North End/South Como special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, a permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the North End/South Como special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All applications submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the application within thirty (30) days and notify the applicant of any decision to approve or disapprove the application. Written reasons, prepared by the zoning administrator, shall accompany all application decisions.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Thomas/Dale district 7 special sign district Plan, as provided in section 64.601, is intended to provide advertising sign controls in the Thomas/Dale district 7 neighborhood. In keeping with the Thomas/Dale district 7 community plan, this special sign district plan is intended to reduce visual clutter and enhance the neighborhood feel of commercial districts in the Thomas/Dale district 7 neighborhood. Neighborhood efforts are currently underway to redesign Dale Street to reduce the negative impacts of high traffic, noise and poor appearance and to improve and enhance University Avenue.

Adding signs to the existing visual landscape detracts from the pedestrian and neighborhood friendliness of the commercial environment. Residents and other consumers often complain that University and Dale feel more like highways than city streets. Advertising signs clearly play a large role in this perception. Adding to the existing density of signs will only exacerbate this problem. Furthermore, additional signs will work against current efforts to improve the appearance and economic vitality of University Avenue and Dale Street.

The purpose of advertising signs is to attract peoples' attention long enough to read the message of the sign. Drivers whose attention is on advertising signs rather than the road can cause collisions. Dale Street is a busy street with more than twenty-two thousand (22,000) cars per day passing through the neighborhood. Likewise, University Avenue is even busier, carrying more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) cars per day. Because of these large traffic volumes, advertising signs distract driver attention and are a traffic safety hazard.

(b)

Area description. The Thomas/Dale district 7 special sign district plan shall apply to the following designated area as follows: Beginning at the intersections of the centerlines of University Avenue and Lexington Parkway thence north along the centerline of Lexington Parkway to its intersection with the centerline of the railroad tracks north of Pierce Butler Route; then east along the centerline of the railroad tracks north of Pierce Butler Route to its intersection with the centerline of Interstate 35E; then south along the centerline of Interstate 35E to its intersection with the centerline of University Avenue; then west along the centerline of University Avenue to its intersection with the centerline of Lexington Parkway, but excepting the capital area bounded by Marion Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Jackson Street;

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. All words and terms shall be defined as in sections 64.103—64.128. The provisions of this special sign plan that are more restrictive than provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede the provisions of chapter 64.

(d)

Advertising signs. No advertising signs shall be permitted within the Thomas/Dale district 7 special sign district except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city. Existing advertising signs shall be allowed to stay, provided they meet all provisions of chapter 64, signs.

(e)

Business signs. The regulation of business signs in the Thomas/Dale district 7 special sign district shall be pursuant to chapter 64.

(f)

Administration and enforcement. The zoning administrator shall enforce the provisions of this plan as a supplement to chapter 64, signs. Whenever a permit request for an advertising sign in the Thomas/Dale district 7 special sign district is requested, such permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the advertising sign have been approved by the zoning administrator as in compliance with this supplement and other provisions of chapter 64, signs.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Hamline Midway special sign district plan, as provided in section 64.601, is intended to provide advertising sign controls in the Hamline Midway neighborhood. In keeping with the Hamline Midway community plan, this special sign district plan is intended to reduce visual clutter on those streets and enhance the neighborhood feel of commercial districts in the Hamline Midway neighborhood. Neighborhood efforts are currently underway to redesign Snelling Avenue to reduce the negative impacts of high traffic, noise and poor appearance.

Adding signs to the existing visual landscape detracts from the pedestrian and neighborhood friendliness of the commercial environmental. Residents and other consumers often complain that University and Snelling feel more like a highway than a city street. Advertising signs clearly play a large role in this perception. Adding to the existing density of signs will only exacerbate this problem. Furthermore, additional signs will work against current efforts to improve the appearance and economic vitality of Snelling and University Avenues.

The purpose of advertising signs is to attract peoples' attention long enough to read the message of the sign. Drivers whose attention is on advertising signs rather than the road can cause collisions. Snelling Avenue is the busiest street in St. Paul with more than thirty-five thousand (35,000) cars per day passing through the neighborhood. Likewise, University Avenue is very busy, carrying more than twenty thousand (20,000) cars per day. Because of these large traffic volumes, advertising signs distract driver attention and are a traffic safety hazard.

(b)

Area description. The Hamline Midway special sign district plan shall apply to the area designated on the map "Hamline Midway Special Sign District," which is on file and available for inspection in the office of the city clerk. The described area is as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of University Avenue and Lexington Parkway thence traveling north along the centerline of Lexington Parkway to its intersection with the centerline of Pierce Butler Route; thence west along the centerline of Pierce Butler Route to its intersection with the centerline of Transfer Road; thence south along the centerline of Transfer Road to its intersection with the centerline of University Avenue; thence east along the centerline of University Avenue to its intersection with the centerline of Lexington Parkway.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. All words and terms shall be defined as in §§ 64.103—64.128. The provisions of this special sign plan that are more restrictive than provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede the provisions of chapter 64.

(d)

Advertising signs. No advertising sign shall be permitted within the Hamline Midway special sign district except on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city. Existing advertising signs shall be allowed to stay, provided they meet all provisions of chapter 64, signs.

(e)

Business signs. The regulation of business signs in the Hamline Midway special sign district shall be pursuant to chapter 64.

(f)

Administration and enforcement. Whenever a permit request for an advertising sign in the Hamline Midway special sign district is requested, such permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the advertising sign have been approved by the zoning administrator as in compliance with this supplement and other provisions of chapter 64, signs.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

The Saint Anthony Park special district sign plan, created as provided in section 64.601, pursuant to Council File No. 99-305 applies to the area defined as follows: commencing at the extreme northwest corner of the city, the boundary shall extend east along the city limit to Cleveland Avenue, south along the city limit to a point near Como Avenue, and east along the city limit to the centerline of vacated Aldine Street, thence continuing south along the centerline of vacated Aldine Street to the centerline of Wynne Avenue, east along the centerline of Wynne Avenue to the centerline of Snelling Avenue, south along the centerline of Snelling Avenue to the northerly right-of-way line of the Burlington Northern and Sante Fe Railway just south of Energy Park Drive, westerly along such northerly railway right-of-way line to the centerline of Cleveland Avenue extended north along the section line from University Avenue, south along the centerline of Cleveland Avenue extended and Cleveland Avenue to the centerline of Interstate Highway 94, westerly along the centerline of Interstate Highway 94 to the western city limit, and thence north along the city limit to the northwest corner of the city where the boundary line began.

Within the Saint Anthony Park special sign district, signs shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

Whenever a permit for a sign in the Saint Anthony Park special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, signs, such permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator as in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the Saint Anthony Park special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All plans submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the plans within thirty (30) days and notify both the applicant and the department of safety and inspections of any decision to approve or disapprove the plans. Written reasons for denial shall be prepared by the zoning administrator and shall accompany any decision to disapprove the plans. Any decision by the zoning administrator may be appealed as provided in chapter 61, administration and enforcement.

(C.F. No. 07-149, § 36, 3-28-07; Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Merriam Park special sign district plan, as provided in section 64.601, is adopted to provide sign controls that build upon the unique character and identity of Merriam Park. This sign plan is intended to:

(1)

Maintain and enhance the scenic view of unique architectural and natural features visible from the residential and commercial areas of Merriam Park:

(2)

Protect and encourage investment and beautification in the University Avenue, Marshall Avenue, Snelling Avenue and Selby Avenue corridors;

(3)

Reduce the clutter and chaotic diversity of advertising signage that impairs the effectiveness of signs identifying businesses and institutions in Merriam Park;

(4)

Create a more aesthetically pleasing fusion of residential and commercial areas in Merriam Park; and

(5)

Protect property values in Merriam Park and reflect the pride its residents, businesses and institutions place in the community.

(b)

Definitions and interpretation. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. The provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede any conflicting provisions of chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall continue to apply to signage within the Merriam Park special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 64. Provisions that use the word "shall" are mandatory. Provisions that use the word "should" or "recommend" are advisory to carrying out the intent and purpose of this sign plan but are not mandatory.

(c)

Special sign district area. The Merriam Park special sign district plan shall apply to the area defined as follows: Commencing at the center of the intersection of Snelling Avenue and University Avenue, the boundary shall extend south along the centerline of Snelling Avenue to the centerline of Summit Avenue, then west along the centerline of Summit Avenue extending to the western city limit, then northerly along the western city limit to the median of Interstate Highway 94, easterly along the median of Interstate Highway 94 until the centerline of University Avenue, then easterly along the centerline of University Avenue until the centerline of Snelling Avenue.

(d)

Provisions.

(1)

No advertising sign shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city.

(2)

No free-standing or roof business sign shall be permitted, except business signs which identify the name, logo, and/or nature of the business or profession conducted on the premises.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Snelling-Hamline special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, to provide sign controls in the Snelling-Hamline neighborhood is intended to protect property values, to maintain and enhance the visibility of unique architectural and natural features, and to encourage investment and beautification in residential and commercial areas by reducing the visual clutter of advertising signs which impair the effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs and otherwise detract from the appearance, perception and safety of Snelling-Hamline's neighborhoods and commercial districts.

(b)

Area description. The Snelling-Hamline special sign district plan shall apply to the area described area is as follows: Commencing at the center of the intersection of Snelling Avenue and University Avenue, the boundary shall extend south along the centerline of Snelling Avenue to the centerline of Summit Avenue, then east along the centerline of Summit Avenue extending to the centerline of Ayd Mill Road, then running northwesterly along the centerline of Ayd Mill Road, then north on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad right-of-way to the centerline of Marshall Avenue, east to the centerline of Hamline Avenue, north to the centerline of University Avenue, then west to the point of beginning, all in the city.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede provisions in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall continue to apply to signs in the Snelling-Hamline special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 66.

(d)

General sign restrictions. Signs within the Snelling-Hamline special sign district shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo, and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

(3)

Business signs are not affected by this sign plan.

(e)

Sign permits; administration. Whenever a permit for a sign in the Snelling-Hamline special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, a permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the Snelling-Hamline special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All applications submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the application within thirty (30) days and notify the applicant of any decision to approve or disapprove the application. Written reasons, prepared by the zoning administrator, shall accompany all application decisions.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Macalester-Groveland special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, in order to provide sign controls in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, is intended to protect property values, to maintain and enhance the visibility of unique architectural and natural features, and to encourage investment and beautification in residential and commercial areas by reducing the visual clutter of advertising signs which impair the effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs and otherwise detract from the appearance, perception and safety of Macalester-Groveland neighborhoods and commercial districts.

(b)

Area description. The Macalester-Groveland special sign district plan shall apply to the area described area is as follows: Beginning at a point where Mississippi River Boulevard and Summit Avenue intersect, along Summit Avenue to Ayd Mill Road, Southeasterly along Ayd Mill Road to the 35E Corridor, then South along the 35E Corridor to Randolph Avenue, West along Randolph Avenue to Mississippi River Boulevard, then North along Mississippi River Boulevard to the point of the beginning except those areas presently controlled under the provisions of Legislative Code section 64.745.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede provisions in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 shall continue to apply to signs in the Macalester-Groveland special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 64.

(d)

General sign restrictions. Signs within the Macalester-Groveland special sign district shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo, and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

(3)

Business signs are not affected by this sign plan.

(e)

Sign permits; administration. Whenever a permit for a sign in the Macalester-Groveland special sign district is required under the provisions of chapter 64, a permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the Macalester-Groveland special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All applications submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the application within thirty (30) days and notify the applicant of any decision to approve or disapprove the application. Written reasons, prepared by the zoning administrator, shall accompany all application decisions.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

The Grand Avenue special district sign plan, created as provided in section 64.601 above, applies to the area defined by Oakland Avenue on the east, Cretin Avenue on the west and the parallel alleys north and south of Grand Avenue. The zoning administrator shall enforce the provisions of the Grand Avenue special district sign plan as a supplement to the zoning code. Whenever a permit for a sign within the Grand Avenue special sign district is required under the provisions of this chapter, such permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator as in conformance with the Grand Avenue special district sign plan. Building permit applications for signs in the Grand Avenue special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval.

The Highland Village special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, pursuant to city council resolution C.F. NO. 86-1451, applies to the area along Ford Parkway between Mississippi River Boulevard and Snelling Avenue, and along Cleveland Avenue between Randolph Avenue and Villard Avenue, as shown on the official zoning map of the Highland Village special sign district accompanying this Code. Within the Highland Village special district sign plan, signs shall be subject to the provisions as contained and set forth in city council resolution C. F. No. 86-1451 as amended. The zoning administrator shall enforce the provisions of the Highland Village special district sign plan as a supplement to this chapter of the zoning code, and the most restrictive provision shall apply. Whenever a permit for a sign within the Highland Village special sign district is required under the provisions of this chapter, such permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator as in conformance with the Highland Village special district sign plan.

(Ord 13-39, § 1, 12-4-13)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The Shepard Davern special sign district plan, created as provided in section 64.601, in order to provide sign controls in the Shepard Davern neighborhood, is intended to protect property values, to maintain and enhance the visibility of unique architectural and natural features, and to encourage investment and beautification in residential and commercial areas by reducing the visual clutter of advertising signs which impair the effectiveness of neighborhood business and institutional signs and otherwise detract from the appearance, perception and safety of Shepard Davern neighborhoods and commercial districts.

(b)

Area description. The Shepard Davern special sign district plan shall apply to the area described area is as follows: Beginning at a point where Shepard Road, Mississippi River Boulevard and West Seventh intersect, northeasterly along West Seventh Street to Edgecumbe Road, north on Edgecumbe Road to St. Paul Avenue, east along St. Paul Avenue to West Seventh Street, northeasterly along West Seventh Street to Homer Street, southeasterly along Homer Street to Shepard Road, southwesterly along Shepard Road to the point of the beginning.

(c)

Interpretation and definitions. The provisions of this sign plan are supplementary to the provisions of chapter 64, signs. Provisions of this sign plan that are more restrictive than the provisions of chapter 64 shall prevail and supersede provisions in chapter 64. All other provisions of chapter 64 of the zoning code shall continue to apply to signs in the Shepard Davern special sign district. All words and terms shall be defined as in this sign plan and in chapter 64.

(d)

General sign restrictions. Signs within the Shepard Davern special sign district shall be subject to the following restrictions:

(1)

No advertising signs shall be permitted, except signs on transit shelters and courtesy benches licensed or franchised by the city;

(2)

Roof signs which advertise a product, service or entertainment which is offered, sold or manufactured on the premises shall not be permitted, but a roof sign may identify the name, logo, and nature of the business carried on in the premises.

(3)

Business signs are not affected by this sign plan.

(e)

Sign permits; administration. Whenever a permit for a sign in the Shepard Davern special sign district is required under the provisions of the chapter 64, a permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for signs in the Shepard Davern special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All applications submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the application within thirty (30) days and notify the applicant of any decision to approve or disapprove the application. Written reasons, prepared by the zoning administrator, shall accompany all application decisions.

(Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12)

(a)

Intent and purpose. The downtown special sign district Plan, as provided in section 6.601, is adopted to provide advertising sign controls that build upon the unique character and identity of the city's downtown. This sign plan is intended to:

(1)

Maintain and enhance the scenic view of unique architectural and natural features visible from the residential and commercial areas of downtown;

(2)

Protect and encourage investment and beautification of downtown;

(3)

Reduce the clutter and chaotic diversity of advertising signage that impairs the effectiveness of signs identifying businesses and institutions in downtown;

(4)

Create a more aesthetically pleasing fusion of residential and commercial areas in downtown; and

(5)

Protect property values in downtown and reflect the pride its residents, businesses and institutions place in the community.

(b)

The provisions of the downtown special district sign plan apply within the boundaries of the district 17 neighborhood district council but excludes those areas of district 17 which are subject to the jurisdiction of the capital area architectural and planning board as provided by Minnesota Statute 15.50.

(c)

Within the downtown special sign district, no advertising signs shall be permitted except as permitted in section 64.420(b) for professional sports facilities.

(d)

Whenever a permit for an advertising sign in the downtown special sign district is required under provisions of chapter 64, such permit shall not be issued unless the plans for the sign have been approved by the zoning administrator as in conformance with this sign plan. All building permit applications for advertising signs in the special sign district shall be submitted to the zoning administrator for review and approval. A fee to cover the costs of the review shall be established by resolution of the city council. All plans submitted for zoning administrator approval shall be of sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed sign complies with the provision of this sign plan. The zoning administrator shall review the plans within thirty (30) days and notify both the applicant and the department of safety and inspections of any decision to approve or disapprove the plans. Written reasons for denial shall be prepared by the zoning administrator and shall accompany any decision to disapprove the plans. Any decision by the zoning administrator may be appealed as provided in chapter 61, administration and enforcement.

(C.F. No. 07-149, § 37, 3-28-07; Ord 12-77, § 1, 12-26-12; Ord 14-44, § 1, 12-3-14)