HomeMy Public PortalAbout535 Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Signs and Exterior LightingCITY OF MEDINA
ORDINANCE NO.535
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 of the Code of Ordinances
Regarding Signs and Exterior Lighting
The city council of the city of Medina ordains as follows:
SECTION I: Medina Code Section 815 is amended by adding the underlined material and deleting
the stricken material as follows:
Section 815.01. Purpose. It is hereby declared by the city council that the aesthetic and safety
interests of the city are reasonably promoted by the provisions of this ordinance. Accordingly, it
is the intent and purpose of this ordinance to provide for the orderly and harmonious display of
signs within the city; to aid in the identification of properties and enterprises for the convenience
of the public; to avoid the erection of displays which produce deleterious and injurious effects to
adjacent properties and to the natural beauty of the environment; to provide for the safety of the
traveling public by limiting the distractions, hazards, and obstructions; to minimize visual clutter
and encourage a positive visual environment; and to promote the mental and physical health,
safety and welfare of the public. It is not the intent of this ordinance to regulate signage on the
basis of content.
815.03. Definitions. The following words and terms, wherever they occur in this ordinance, are
defined as follows:
Subd. 1. "Abandoned Sign" is a sign located on a property which is vacant and/or
unoccupied for a period of thriety-{90-) days; or a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or
vandalized and not repaired within ftifiety{90)days.
Subd. 2. "Address Sign" is a sign which indicates the address, number and/or the name of
occupants of the premises. An Address Sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in area
per side for a residential single family property, eight (8-) square feet for a multi -family
dwelling building and twelve- (12) square feet for a commercial unit building, and shall
not include any other messages.
Subd. 3. "Billboard" is any structure or portion thereof on which lettered, figured, or
pictorial matter is displayed that has an area of efte-littnEk-e4E1-(100-)3 square feet or more.
Subd. 3.1. "Clear Vision Triangle" is the area to be left clear of signs and other
obstructions so as not to interfere with sightlines at intersections. The Clear Vision
Triangle is created by measuring 50 linear feet along the edge of each street or access
drive as depicted below.
50'
Ordinance No. 535
September 4, 2012
1
Subd. 4. "Directional Sign" is a sign which is erected for the purpose of guiding vehicles
and pedestrian traffic in finding locations on the property where the sign is located, such
as the shipping/receiving area, and is intended to be viewed from the right-of-way. The
Directional Sign shall be less than four (4) square feet in surface area, consist of only two
surfaces and contain no illumination or additional messages.
Subd. 5. "Dynamic Display" is any characteristic of a Sign that appears to have movement
or that appears to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and
replacing the Sign or its components, whether the apparent movement or change is in the
display, the Sign structure itself, or any other component of the Sign. This includes a
display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the Sign face to change the
image without having to physically or mechanically replace the Sign face or its
components. This also includes any rotating, revolving, moving, flashing, blinking, or
animated display or structural element and any display that incorporates rotating panels,
LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink" or any other method of
technology that allows the Sign face to present a series of images or displays.
Subd. 5.1. "Event Sign" is a Sign posted on a temporary basis meant to inform the public
of or guide the public to short term events such as garage/rummage sales or real estate
open houses.
Subd. 5.2. "Freestanding Sign" is a Monument Sign or Pylon Sign as defined herein.
Subd. 6. "Historic Sign" is a sign that memorializes an important historic place, event or
person and that is recognized by a governmental entity.
Subd. 7. "Illuminated Sign" is a sign which is illuminated by an artificial light source.
Subd. 8. "Incidental Sign" is a small sign, emblem or decal informing the public of goods,
facilities or services available on the premises (e.g. a credit card sign or a sign indicating
hours of business) and that does not exceed two (2) square feet.
Subd. 8.1. "Internal Site Sign" is a sign which is not intended to be viewed from
neighboring property or the right-of-way and which does not exceed two square feet.
This include signs which guide internal site navigation and which identify handicap
parking areas, fire lanes, upland buffer zones, and similar site features.
Subd. 9. "Monument Sign" is a freestanding sign that is attached to the ground by means
of a freestanding support structure, solid from grade to the top of the sign structure and is
typically encased or supported by masonry materials.
Subd. 10. "Off -premises Sign" is a commercial speech sign which directs the attention of
the public to a business that is not on the same premises where such business sign is
located.
Ordinance No. 535 2
September 4, 2012
Subd. 11. "Portable Sign" is a sign so designed as to be movable from one location to
another and which is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure, including
those on wheels. Portable Signs shall not include any flashing lights.
Subd. 12. "Projecting Sign" is a sign in which all or any part of it extends perpendicular to
and projects from a building face, wall or structure and which its primary purpose is other
than the support of the sign.
Subd. 13. "Pylon Sign" is a sign erected on a post or posts, or freestanding shafts, walls or
piers which is solidly affixed to the ground and not attached to a building.
Subd. 14. "Roof Sign" is a sign erected upon the roof of a structure to which it is affixed or
a sign painted on the roof of a structure. A sign located on a canopy, awning, or porch
shall not be considered a Roof Sign if the top of such sign does not exceed the height of
the adjacent wall of the structure to which the canopy, awning, or porch is attached.
Subd. 15. "Sign" is any letter, word, symbol, device, poster, picture, statuary, reading
matter, or representation in the nature of an advertisement, announcement, message, or
visual communication, whether painted, posted, printed, affixed, or constructed which is
displayed outdoors for informational or communicative purposes.
Subd. 16. "Sign Area is that area within the marginal lines of the sign surface which
bears the announcement, name, advertisement or other message, or, in the case of letters,
figures, or symbols attached directly to any part of a building or wall, that area which is
included in the smallest rectangle which can be made to circumscribe all letters, the
figures, or symbols displayed thereon. The maximum Sign Area for a free standing sign
refers to a single surface. For a two-sided freestanding sign, only a single surface shall be
counted when measuring the total and maximum Sign Area.
Subd. 16.1. "Sign Surface Area" is the total surface area of a Rylen Sign, calculated by
multiplying the vertical width of the surface of the Sign times the horizontal height of the
surface of the Sign. Sign Surface Area shall not include the area of the post(s), shaft(s),
or pier(s) on which the Pylon Sign is erected.
Ordinance No. 535
September 4, 2012
3
Subd. 17. "Temporary Sign" is a sign which is erected or displayed for a limited period of
time, is not illuminated and not of a permanent nature, including banners, inflatable
devices or sandwich boards.
Subd. 17.1. "Temporary Sign, Attached" is a Temporary Sign which is either attached to
a building or is located within the dimensional extent of an existing Freestanding Sign as
displayed below:
s»e_■•.r,n.e..ae+., r • • r. ace
SHOPPINCa
CENTER
Ima e Credit- City of Minnetonka MN City Code
Subd. 18. "Vehicle Sign" is any sign that is attached, painted on or placed onto or inside a
parked vehicle that is used primarily for any purpose other than the sale or rental of the
vehicle itself. Vehicle Signs shall not include signs on trailers, buses, trucks, taxis or
other vehicles parked on the vehicle owner's own premise while in the course of business
provided that the primary use of the vehicle is not for purposes outside of the premise's
business.
Subd. 19. "Wall Sign" is a sign affixed to the exterior wall, awning or canopy of a building
or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the face
of said wall, not to project more than e-023 inches from the surface to which it is
attached.
Subd. 20. "Window Sign" is a sign that is affixed to abet or painted on the interior or
exterior of a window or glass door or otherwise displayed inside a building within three
(3 feet back from the building's window or glass door with its message intended to be
visible from rights -of -way or neighboring properties to and read" b e by the public.
Subd. 21. "Zoning Administrator" is the officer or other person at the city charged with
the administration and enforcement of this ordinance, or his or her duly authorized
deputy.
815.05. Sign Permit Required; Exemptions; Sign Prohibitions Prohi i i • s i • ns.
Subd. 1. Permit Required. It is unlawful to install, construct, erect, alter, revise,
reconstruct or relocate any Sign as defined in this ordinance in the city without first
obtaining a permit therefore as required by this ordinance, except as provided in
subdivision 2 of this Section.
Subd. 2. Exemptions. A Sign permit need not be obtained for the following Signs,
provided that all other applicable requirements of this ordinance are met:
Ordinance No. 535 4
September 4, 2012
(a) One Sign smaller than five square feet in area (excluding temporary signs) may be
posted on any parcel of land, except that such Sign may not be an Off -Premise
Sign;
(b) Signs posted by authorized government officials on public land or right-of-way;
(c) Signs within a business, office, mall or other enclosed area that cannot be seen from
the outside;
(d) Up to two Address Signs per property;
(e) Incidental Signs;
(f) Flags. No flag on a flagpole shall exceed fery-(40) square feet in area. No single
property shall fly more than three (-3) flags at one time. Flagpoles shall not
exceed forty (10) feet in height. If the total area of the flags exceeds sevene
(72) square feet, the excess area shall be included in any Sign Area calculations
for the property. Wall -mounted flags shall be limited to one flag per property and
shall not exceed twenty-(20) square feet in area; and
(g)
Internal Site Signs Handicapped parking Signs.}
(h) Window Signs;
(i) Attached Temporary Signs posted consistent with Section 815.07 Subd. 3 below;
(j) Event Signs posted consistent with Section 815.07 Subd. 4 below; and
(k) Noncommercial speech signs exempted by Minnesota Statute 211 B.045.
Subd. 3. Prohibited Signs. The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
(a) Abandoned Signs;
(b) Billboards;
(c) Roof Signs;
(d) Off premises SignJMylar or metallic balloons displayed or flown outside;
(e) Vehicle Signs; and
(g) Signs posted within the public right-of-ways and public property, excluding
Directional Signs and Signs expressly allowed herein and by other governmental
agencies.
Section 815.07. Permitted Signs in all Zoning Districts. The following Signs are permitted in
all zoning districts. A Sign permit is required for each Sign.
Subd. 1. Signs on Construction Sites. Two Signs shall be permitted upon a construction
site in any zoning district. Each Sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area per surface;
shall be limited to a single surface; shall be located upon the subject construction site;
Ordinance No. 535 5
September 4, 2012
shall be set back ten (10) feet from the right-of-way; and shall be removed upon
completion of the construction site improvements and release of the financial guarantee.
No permit shall be required for these si ens if s osted consistent with the ref uirements of
this section.
Subd. 2. Temporary Signs and Portable Signs.
(a) Duration of permits. No Sign permit shall be issued by the city for a Temporary or
Portable Sign for a duration of more than twenty one (21) 14 days at onetime, of
(b) Permits per year. Sign permits for a Temporary or Portable Sign shall not be issued
for more than three (3) six periods in any calendar year. Permit
periods may run consecutively without interruption if approved by the city.
(c) Number of signs per lot. Only one (-) Temporary or Portable Sign shall be allowed
on a property at one time. In cases of properties with multiple tenants, one (4-)
Temporary Sign per tenant shall be allowed at one time, but only one Portable Sign
shall be allowed on a property at one time.
Maximum size. Temporary and Portable Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in
Sign Area.
(e) Setbacks. Temporary and Portable Signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet
from all property lines and shall not be located within a Clear Vision Triangle of an
intersection.
(f) Illumination. Portable Signs may be illuminated, provided Freestanding Signs are
permitted to be illuminated in the zoning district in which the Portable Sign is
located and provided said illumination is not a nuisance to motorists or to adjoining
properties. Flashing lights, strobe lights, or lights which could be confused with an
emergency vehicle are prohibited.
(g) Inflatable Signs shall be considered Temporary Signs, shall not exceed the height of
the structure on the property, and shall be securely tethered and attached to the
ground or building.
(h) No Mylar or metallic balloons shall be permitted to be displayed or flown outside.
c ba v + h� S• N Sign permit shall be ' by the 'ty f r
, 6na. -vcrriuc�v7-cric cicTrvris-rvrrcrvr ...b......
7 t' F th f rt (14) .aays at o e time .,nd «, a than o
quarter of a calendar year.
Subd. 3. Attached Temporary Signs
(a) No permit required. Attached Temporary Signs posted consistent with this section
shall not require a sign permit.
(b) Duration of posting. Attached Temporary Signs shall only be posted during the
timeframe when the message is pertinent.
(c) Maximum size. No Attached Temporary Sign shall exceed 32 square feet in Sign
Area.
(d) Location. Attached Temporary Signs shall be attached to a building or within the
dimensional extent of an existin . Frees andin . si . n on the o ro , ert as described in
Subd. 17.1 of Section 815.03 above.
Subd. 4. Event Signs.
Ordinance No. 535 6
September 4, 2012
(a) No permit required. Event Signs posted consistent with this section may be posted
without obtaining a sign permit.
(b) Duration of posting. Event Signs shall not be posted more than two days prior to an
event and shall be removed no more than one day following an event, but in no case
shall an Event Sign be posted for more than five days.
(c) Location. Event Signs may be posted within the right-of-way, but shall not be
located in a way which may interfere with traffic visibility or pedestrian circulation.
(d) Maximum size. Event Signs shall not exceed four square feet in Sign Area.
(e) Maximum height. Event Signs shall not exceed three feet in height.
(f) Required Information. The Event Sign shall state the day(s) of the event and also the
location of the event.
(g) Limit of one sign per intersection. No more than one Event Sign per event shall be
posted at a single intersection and no Event Sign shall be identical to another at a
single intersection.
(h) Responsibility for removal. The person posting the Event Sign shall ensure it is
removed within the timeframe described by this section. An Event Sign which
violates any provision of this ordinance may be removed and disposed of at any time
and without notice
Section 815.09. Residential District Signs.
Subd. 1. General Provisions. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07, the
following Signs are permitted in Residential Districts. A Sign permit is required for each
Sign. No Sign in a Residential District shall exceed six (§) feet in height. If illuminated,
the Sign shall meet the applicable luminary requirements set forth in Section 829 of the
city's ordinances.
Subd. 2. Permitted Signs. The following additional types of Signs are permitted in
Residential Districts:
(a) Directional Signs. One (-1-) Directional Sign is permitted for each property;
(b) Monument Signs. Monument Signs are permitted at the entrances of a residential
subdivision, institutional use or park, but shall be no greater than thift-y{30)
square feet in Sign Area and be landscaped around the perimeter of the base of the
Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2) times the total area of the
Monument Sign base. The Monument Sign shall be set back at least ten-(10) feet
from the curb or right-of-way;
(c) Home Occupation Signs. Home occupation Signs shah may be approved by the city
council in conjunction with a conditional use permit for the home occupation.
The home occupation Sign shall be no greater than eight (8) square feet, have
only one (-1-) side, be set back at least te(10) feet from the right-of-way. The
home occupation Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter of the base of the
Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2) times the total area of the home
occupation Sign base; and
Ordinance No. 535 7
September 4, 2012
(d) Pylon Signs. Pylon Signs are permitted at the entrance(s) of a residential
subdivision, institutional use or park, but shall not exceed 15 square feet in Sign
Area nor exceed 20 square feet in Sign Surface Area. The Pylon Sign shall be
landscaped around the perimeter of the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall
cover an area equivalent to the width of the sign surface multiplied by two. The
Pylon Sign shall be set back at least ten feet from the curb or right-of-way. The
Pylon Sign shall be designed to have a natural appearance, and the post(s),
shaft(s) or pier(s) on which the sign is erected shall have a combined width which
is at least 10 percent of the width of the Sign.
Subd. 1. General Provisions. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07, the
following Signs are permitted in Urban and Rural CommercialDistricts. A Sign permit is
rcetu-red-f6r-eael S n t t c igns : ,, r r,. a ,,o v , ,,-a t room, -c-; nt Dist iets shall be
integrated with the design and architecture of any buildings or structures on the property
the applicable luminary requirements set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.
Cu'rSi�Area:-the Signs on an Urban and Rural Commercial District
Signs shall not exceed -the -following total Sign Area:
Lot Size (Acres) Maximum Total Sign Area
< 1 Acre 100 Square Feet
1.1 5 Acres 150 Square Feet
5.1 20 Acres 200 Square Feet
The maximum total sign area may be increased by 25 percent in the case of buildings
sides or provide customer access from opposite sides. Buildings on typical corner lots or
which admit customers on two adjacent sides do not qualify for additional signage absent
additional unique site characteristics. Four sided architecture means architecture of the
Additional signage under this provision is allowable only upon submission of a master
signage plan for the site and approval by the cit ^a F be iost llee enl -so a to -be
facing the other street front.
Subd. 3. Permitted Signs. The following additional types of Signs are permitted in Urban
and Rural Commercial Districts:
(o)--Difeeti tiol-Sign . D v t: t c: slid t be „t. itte r^ oFtie „tiliz ,,
LIVJ \.III IILIIIL., LI
crncrnoTe-rvcccriir6-vr-sccgiir6-ccr-cas. r'vi'v-(-z)-D ifeetiooal-S.gos....,
permitted for each property. The Directional Signs shall be set back at list five
(5) feet from the curb or right of way;
(b) Monument Signs. A Monument Sign shall not be greater than ten (10) feet in height.
Ordinance No. 535 8
September 4, 2012
of the final grade in elevation around the perimeter of the bottom of the Sign to
the top of the Sign, with measurements in at least four (1) different places around
the Sign required. The Monument Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter
of the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at 1 ast two (2) times the
total area of the Monument Sign base. A Monument Sign shall be set back at
least twenty (20) feet from all lot lines of the property, with the exception that the
may be set bac t lot line of the
Monument Sign includes a Dynamic Display, it shall meet the applicable
Dynamic Display requirements as set forth in Section 815.21 of the city's
ordinance;
(c) Multi Tenant Wall Signs. A Multi Tenant Wall Sign shall not be larger than eight.
(8) percent of the area of th
specified above, whichever is less. The Sign shall be centered on the wall;
(d) Projecting Signs. A Projecting Sign shall not extend any more than twelve (12)
inches away from the surface of a building face, wall or surface. All Projecting
Sign surfaces shall count toward the total Sign Area allowed by this Section. No
Projecting Signs shall exceed three (3) feet in height;
{e)
Pylon Signs. No Pylon Sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. The Pylon
Sign's height shall be calculated by averaging the measurements of the final grade
in elevation around the perimeter of the bottom of the Sign to the top of the Sign,
with measurements in at least four different places around the Sign required. The
Pylon Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter of the base of the Sign. The
landscaping shall cover at least two (2) times the total area of the Pylon Sign base.
A Pylon Sign shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from all lot lines of the
property, with the exception that the Pylon Sign may be set back only ten (10) feet
from the front lot line of the property if it is located at least twenty five (25) feet
from the side lot lines. If the Pylon Sign includes a Dynamic Display, it shall
meet the applicable Dynamic Display requirements as set forth in Section 815.21
of the city's ordinances;
said Sign does not exceed thirty (30) feet in height, is no more than sixty four
(61) square feet in Sign Area and maintains a minimum setback of ten (10) feet
€reft-any-publ}e t-ePhzay Said-gaselifte-sefviee-statiefi-P-ylefi-gfgn-sh-all-be
allowed in addition to all other permitted Signs. As an alternative, the gasoline
service station may have up to three (3) Signs totaling eighty (80) square feet of
Sign Area if one surface is used and one hundred and sixty (160) square feet if
or other structure, provided however, that such Signs shall not be internally
be placed at a zero (0) foot setback;
Ordinance No. 535 9
September 4, 2012
(f) Wall Signs. No Wall Sign shall exceed sixty four (61) square feet in total Sign
A T W- It c kal be ,. „tofe tt,oie :t ; .,tt..,.t,o,l..,n
(g)--Winizlev�� a.,... Qigns shall be lint ted t., e o per pfep Ft a o.,ta lishf ent
�A]1�1—��7U�' ,a C' h ll net o ee€ #45, (50) p nt of the ...;...1,.... ,. ..1,: h-it ;
Section 815.11. Commercial Highway (CH), Commercial Highway -Railroad (CH -RR), and
Business (B) District Signs.
Subd. 1. Permitted Signs. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07; the
following Si¢rls arepermitted in Commercial Highway (CH), Commercial Highwav-
Railroad (CH -RR) and Business (B) Districts. All Signs shall be inte • ated with the
desi�rt and architecture of any buildings or structures on the property in terms of
materials, style, color and placement.
(a) Freestanding Signs.
(1) Maximum number. One freestanding sim is permitted per lot, except a second
sign shall be permitted if the lot has frontage on more than one street. The
second freestanding sign may not be located alon • the same street fronta • e as
the first freestanding sign.
(21 Maximum size. No freestandinu sign shall exceed 80 sauare feet of Sim Area.
Maximum height. No freestandin_ silnn shall exceed 20 feet in height.
(4) Setbacks. Freestanding Signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all
roperty lines and shall not encroach within a Clear Vision Triangle of an
intersection.
(5 Landscaping, The Freestanding Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter
of the base of the Sim. The landscapinu shall cover at least two (21 times the
total area of the Sign base.
(b) Wall Signs.
(1) Maximum size. The maximum total Sig Area of Wall Sig s shall be based
upon the area of the wall on which they are attached as described in the table
below. Additionally, no individual Wall Sign shall exceed 200 square feet of
Sim Area For the purposes of a multi -tenant building, the maximum Sim Area
for Wall Signs shall be based on the frontage of the space leased or owned.
Area of Wall
Maximum Total Sign Area on Wall
1000 square feet or less
8% of the area of the wall
Greater than 1000 square feet and less
80 square feet + 4% of the area of the
than 5000 square feet
wall in excess of 1000 square feet
5000 square feet or greater
240 square feet + 2% of the area of the
wall in excess of 5000 square feet
(2) Projecting Signs prohibited. No Wall Sign shall extend more than 12 inches
from the surface of a building face, wall, or surface.
Ordinance No. 535
September 4, 2012
10
(c) Window Signs.
(1) Maximum number. Only one Window Sign shall be permitted per structure,
except for multi -tenant buildings where one Window Sign shall be permitted per
tenant space.
(2) Maximum size. The Window Sign shall be limited to 50 percent of the window
in which it is located.
(3) No permit required. No permit shall be required for a Window Sign, but such
Sign shall meet relevant requirements of this ordinance.
(d) Directional Signs.
(1) Directional Signs shall be only permitted forp_roperties utilizing a drive-thru or
that have loading or staging areas.
(2) Maximum number. Two Directional Signs are permitted for each property.
(3) Location. The Directional Signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the
curb or right-of-way.
Subd. 2. Illumination. If the Sign is illuminated, it shall meet the applicable luminary
requirements set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.
Section 815.13.Commercial General (CG). Business Park and Industrial Park District
Signs.
Subd. 1. Permitted Signs. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07, the
following Signs are permitted in Commercial General (CG) District. All Signs shall be
integrated with the design and architecture of any buildings or structures on the property
in terms of materials, style, color and placement.
(a) Freestanding Signs.
(1) Maximum number. One freestanding sign is permitted per lot, except a second
sign shall be permitted if the lot has frontage on more than one street. The
second freestanding sign may not be located along the same street frontage as
the first freestanding sign.
(2) Maximum size. No freestanding sign shall exceed 64 square feet of Sign Area.
(3) Maximum height. No freestanding sign shall exceed 10 feet in height.
(4) Setbacks. Freestanding Signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all
property lines and shall not encroach within a Clear Vision Triangle of an
intersection.
(5) Limitation on internal illumination. freestanding Signs shall not be internally
illuminated unless they are located along the frontage of a state highway.
External illumination shall conform with Section 829 of the City Code.
(6) Landscaping, The Freestanding Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter
of the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2) times the
total area of the Sign base.
(b) Wall Signs.
(1) Maximum size. The maximum total Sign Area of Wall Signs shall be based
upon the area of the wall on which they are attached as described in the table
Ordinance No. 535 11
September 4, 2012
below. Additionally, no individual Wall Sign shall exceed 200 square feet of
Sign Area. For the purposes of a multi -tenant building, the maximum Sign Area
for Wall Signs shall be based on the frontage of the space leased or owned.
Area of Wall
Maximum Total Sign Area on Wall
1000 se uare feet or less
8% of the area of the wall
Greater than 1000 square feet and less
80 square feet + 4% of the area of the
than 5000 s uare feet
wall in excess of 1000 square feet
5000 square feet or greater
240 square feet + 2% of the area of the
wall in excess of 5000 sguare feet
(2) Wall Signs limited to one wall per street frontage. Wall signs shall only be
located on one building wall, except lots with frontage on two or more streets
may have Wall Signs on one wall per street frontage.
(3) Pro'ectin. Si a s .rohibited. No Wall Si. shall extend more than 12 inches
from the surface of a building face, wall, or surface.
(c) Window Signs.
(1) Maximum number. Only one Window Sign shall be permitted alon . each
frontage of a structure, except for multi -tenant buildings where one Window
Sign shall be permitted per tenant space.
(2) Maximum size. The Window Sign shall be limited to 50 percent of the window
in which it is located.
(3) No permit required. No permit shall be required for a Window Sign, but such
Sign shall meet relevant requirements of this ordinance.
(d) Directional Signs.
(1) Directional Signs shall be only permitted for properties utilizing a drive-thru or
that have loading or staging areas.
2 Maximum number. Two Directional Sims are permitted for each propertv
(3) Location. The Directional Signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the
curb or right-of-way.
Subd. 2. Illumination. If the Sign is illuminated, it shall meet the applicable luminary
requirements set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.Freestanding Si . s shall not
be internally illuminated unless they are located along the frontage of a state hiuhway.
Section 815.15.Commercial Neighborhood (CN) District Signs.
Subd. 1. Permitted Signs. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07, the
followin . Si • ns are permitted in Commercial Neighborhood (CN) District. All Signs
shall be integrated with the design and architecture of any buildings or structures on the
property in terms of materials, style, color and placement.
(a) Freestanding Signs.
(1) Maximum number. One freestanding sign is permitted per lot, except a second
sign shall be permitted if the lot has frontage on more than one street.
(2) Maximum size. No freestanding si _n shall exceed 40 se uare feet of Si Area.
Ordinance No. 535 12
September 4, 2012
(3) Maximum height. No freestanding sign shall exceed 10 feet in height.
(4) Setbacks. Freestanding Signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all
property lines and shall not encroach within a Clear Vision Triangle of an
intersection.
(5) Limitation on internal illumination. Freestanding Signs shall not be internally
illuminated unless they are located along the frontage of a state highway.
External illumination shall conform with Section 829 of the City Code.
(5) Landscaping, The Freestanding Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter
of the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2) times the
total area of the Sign base.
(b) Wall Signs.
(1) Maximum size. The total Sign Area of Wall Signs shall not exceed eight
percent of the area of the wall to which they are attached. For the purposes of a
multi -tenant building, the maximum Sign Area for Wall Signs shall be based on
the frontage of the space leased or owned. Additionally, no individual Wall
Sign shall exceed 64 square feet of Sign Area.
(2) Wall Signs limited to one wall per street frontage. Wall signs shall only be
located on one building wall, except lots with frontage on two or more streets
may have Wall Signs on one wall per street frontage
(3) Projecting Signs prohibited. No Wall Sign shall extend more than 12 inches
from the surface of a building face, wall, or surface.
(c) Window Signs.
(1) Maximum number. Only one Window Sign shall be permitted along each
frontage of a structure, except for multi -tenant buildings where one Window
Sign shall be permitted per tenant space.
(2) Maximum size. The Window Sign shall be limited to 50 percent of the window
in which it is located.
(3) No permit required. No permit shall be required for a Window Sign, but such
Sign shall meet relevant requirements of this ordinance.
(d) Directional Signs.
(1) Directional Signs shall be only permitted for properties utilizing a drive-thru or
that have loading or staging areas.
(2) Maximum number. Two Directional Signs are permitted for each property.
(3) Location. The Directional Signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the
curb or right-of-way.
Subd. 2. Illumination. If the Sign is illuminated, it shall meet the applicable luminary
requirements set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.Freestanding Signs shall not
be internally illuminated unless they are located along the frontage of a state highway.
Ordinance No. 535 13
September 4, 2012
fel-le e-petTitteE14*-BuSifteS it : r-ed f r
c\q.ch Sign. All Signs in Busifiesr P ' r� t + l ll b toa tl, the ,lo l
,, eerie-arrcrrcrr�rrcm-oc-izrccgnrcccr=dvTnr-cxr�a �'c- b.. :':
b � �
color, and placement and the requirements set forth in Section 832 of the city's
set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.
Subd. 2. Maximum Sign Area. The Signs on a Business Park District property may
consist of any of the types of Signs permitted by this ordinance, but the Signs shall not
exceed the following total Sign Area:
Lot Size (Acres) Maximum Total Sign Area
5.1 10 Acres 175 Square Feet
10.1 15 Acres 250 Square Feet
15.1 Acres 275 Square Feet
��� � n •++ a c• rrt, � ll V ^a,a;+;,, .yl +; „�c;✓ o o :+toil ,., +t,o
scu
a
Business Park District:
iT i44-z-a-shafeal-pigvote-€14-y "o�tty-9�-pFiyate-fee Tl„ e !2 \ Difeetietia C` ign
permitted for each propertT4 Dt' ^' e igEts sh l l be set baek ^+ l o. s+ five
(5) feet from the curb or right of way;
(b) Monument Signs. A Monument Sign shall not be greater than ten (10) feet in height.
The Monument Sign's height shall be calculated by averaging the measurements
of the final grade in elevation around the perimeter of the bottom of the Sign to
the top of the Sign, with measurements in at least four (1) different places around
the Sign required. The Monument Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter
of the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at 1 ast two (2) times the
total area of the Monument Sign base. A Monument Sign shall be set back at
least twenty (20) feet from all lot lines of the property, with the exception that the
M t C b + lyaek- ,,illy, to., (4-03 f ar f em the f ent l t l: o f the
property if it is located at least twenty five feet from the side lot lines. If the
Monument Sign includes a Dynamic Display, it shall meet the applicable
ordinances;
(c) Multi Tenant Wall Sign. A Multi Tenant Wall Sign shall not be larger than eight (8)
percent of th rea f tl, -1 l - -- >, _ 1, • t : s tee tea the ^ 1 0 f et ^ c_ ed
above, whichever is less. The Sign shall be centered on the wall;
(e)
Pylon Sign. No Pylon Sign shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. The Pylon
Sign's height shall be calculated by averaging the measurements of the final grade
Pylon Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter of the base of the Sign. The
landscaping shall cover at lwst two (2) times the total area of the Pylon Sign base.
Ordinance No. 535 14
September 4, 2012
n D..1, ., cig sha4i be sot baek at l ast t,,,o.,ty (on)feet fFem a1 i t 44ies ftt,o
from the front lot line of the property if it is located at least twenty five (25) feet
from the side lot lines. If the Pylon Sign includes a Dynamic Display, it shall
meet the applicable Dynamic Display requirements as set forth in Section 815.21
of the city's ordinances;
One (1) Pylon Sig„ : offn ttoa f o elg is o se o st t:,,., :aoa th t
said Sign does not exceed thirty (30) feet in height, is no more than sixty four
(61) square feet in Sign Area and maintains a minimum setback of ten (10) feet
from any public right of way. Said gasoline service station Pylon Sign shall be
allowed in addition to all other permitted Signs. As an alternative, the gasoline
Sign Area if one surface is used and one hundred and sixty (160) square feet if
or other structure, provided however, that such Signs shall not be internally
13e eed-at-a-zer-e-V4)-feet-setlihael wand
(f) Wall Signs. No Wall Sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in total Sign
Area. The Wall Sign shall be centered on the wall to which it is attached.
following Signs are permitted in Industrial Park Districts. A Sign permit is required for
each Sign. All Signs in the Industrial Park District shall be integrated with the design and
architecture of any ,
color, and placement and the requirements set forth in Section 833 of the city's
ordinances. If the Sign is illuminated, it shall meet the applicable luminary requirements
set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.
Subd,I,Ma-x Sign-Afea,-The-Sig is ., Indnstfia D 1 r,' tri,.t�� ---n� cr-n.crl-csr'ii�-rrcz-rc, ert
consist of any of the types of Signs permitted by this ordinance, but the Signs shall not
exceed the following total Sign Area:
Lot Size (Acres) Maximum Total Sign Area
5.1 10 Acres 175 Square Feet
10.1 15 Acres 250 Square Feet
> 15.1 Acres 275 Square Feet
ist, ,.tT �
(a) Directional Signs. Directional Signs shall only be permitted for properties that
reach—Tli -ee-(-3}13ir-ectie igns-afe-pe ined er--eac'�pertT-T-he
Directional Signs shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the curb or right of
�vay;
Ordinance No. 535 15
September 4, 2012
(b) Monument Signs. A Moment Si e gmater than ten (10) feet in
height. The Monument Sign's height shall be calculated by averaging the
measurements of the final grade in elevation around the perimeter of the bottom
'�Ees-afeuncl-41ae-S eq�rire�' rr o IVIe ,,,.., nt Sign shal be t.,ndseape€1 and
the perimeter of the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2)
times the total area of the :Tes t-gign base. ^ 14en meat gig shall- e Pet
h 1 t 1 t+ 11 1 4 roes F the i fl, ♦lie o rft4
aucn-ac-rccrJc-rncnr��z�7-rccc-nvm-crrrzac-rr�s��-rcn�. t...,l,..,.�. .................�1,...,..
that the Monument Sign may be set back only ten (10) feet from the front lot line
vrrrreeft-53rrcTsIvcucccrcct-lcasrtwcrrc�-zrvcTcel-�i enirttte-sifie4et-tineS .
the Monument Sign includes a Dynamic Display, it shall meet the applicable
Dynamic Display requirements as set forth in Section 815.21 of the city's
ordinances;
(c) Multi Tenant Wall Sign. A Multi Tenant Wall Sign shall not be larger than eight
(8) percent of the area of the wall on which it is located or the square feet
specified above, whichever is less. The sign shall be centered on the wall; and
(d) Wall Sign. No Wall Sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in total Sign
Area. The Wall Sign shall be centered on the wall to which it is attached.
Section 815.16.Mixed Use District Signs.
Signs within the Mixed Use zoning district shall be regulated based on the land use of the
pro ertv on which they are located Signs which are part of Commercial development within the
Mixed Use district shall meet the requirements of the Commercial Highway zoning district.
Signs which are part of Residential development within the Mixed Use district shall meet the
requirements of Residential districts.
Subd. 1. General Provisions. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07, the
following signs are permitted in the Uptown Hamel District. A Sign permit is required
for each Sign. All Signs in the Uptown Hamel Districtshall be integrated with the design
color, and placement and the requirements set forth in Section 83'1 of the city's
ordinances. If the Sign is illuminated, it shall meet the applicable luminary requirements
yet forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.
Subd. 2. Maximum Sign Area. The Signs on an Uptown Hamel District Property may
exceed the following total Sign Area:
Ordinance No. 535 16
September 4, 2012
Size
Maximum Size of Sign Face
(Sq. Feet)
Maxm_
Ground Sign
Height
Wall Signs
Historic
Ma m-
Size for Real
Porch
Total Sign
,_ot
Area Allowed
�
Estate signs
Sign
{Max.
10 Ft.)
{acres)
Feet)
(-S-c—Feet-)
{Sq.
<
4,0-0
3
64
5 32 2
.1
to
1-80
32
80
.11 .5
51 to 1
1-00
32
110
—4
40
-100
Subd. 3. Permitted Signs. The following additional types of Signs arc permitted in the
Uptown Hamel District:
(a) Porch Signs. No more than one (1) porch Sign shall be permitted for each property.
Porch signs shall include signs within or on overhangs, canopies or arcades. All
porch Signs larger than two (2) square feet in Sign Area shall be located on the
outside portion of the porch;
(b) Monument Signs. The Monument Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter of
the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2) times the total
area of the Monument Sign base;
(c) Wall Signs. No Wall Sign shall be greater than ten (10) percent of the area of the
wall on which it is located. A Wall Sign shall be centered on the wall to which it
is attached;
(d) Multi Tenant Wall Sign. A Multi Tenant Wall Sign shall not be greeter than eight
OH which it is located er the square feet
specified above, whichever is less. The Sign shall be centered on the wall;
(e) Historic Signs. Historic Signs shall not be counted in the total Sign Aroa for the
property if the Historic Sign is less than five (5) square feet in Sign Area;
(f) Projecting Signs. A Projecting Sign shall not extend any more than twelve (12)
Sign extends more than six (6) inches back from the building face, wall or
surface, the Sign shall provide a height clearance underneath it of at least seven
and one half (7.5) feet.. No Projecting Sign shall exceed three (3) feet in height;
and
than be subject to the same restrictions as Temporary Signs.
Ordinance No. 535 17
September 4, 2012
Section 815.17. Uptown Hamel (UH-1 and UH-2) District Signs.
Subd. 1. Permitted Signs. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07, the
following Signs are permitted in Uptown Hame1-1 and Uptown Hame1-2 Districts. All
Signs shall be integrated with the design and architecture of any buildings or structures
on the property in terms of materials, style, color and placement.
(a) Monument Signs.
(1) Maximum number. One Monument Sign is permitted per lot.
(2) Maximum size. No Monument Sign shall exceed 40 square feet of Sign Area.
(3) Maximum height. No Monument Sign shall exceed 10 feet in height.
(4) Setbacks. Monument Signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all
property lines and shall not encroach within a Clear Vision Triangle of an
intersection.
(5) Limitation on internal illumination. Monument Signs shall not be internally
illuminated unless they are located along the frontage of a state highway.
External illumination shall conform with Section 829 of the City Code.
(5) Landscaping, The Monument Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter of
the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two times the total
area of the Sign base.
(b) Wall Signs.
(1) Maximum size. The total Sim Area of Wall Si. s shall not exceed ei • t
percent of the area of the wall to which they are attached. For the purposes of a
multi -tenant building, the maximum Sign Area for Wall Signs shall be based on
the frontage of the space leased or owned. Additionally, no individual Wall
Sign shall exceed 64 square feet of Sign Area.
(2) Wall Signs limited to one wall per street frontage. Wall signs shall only be
located on one building wall, except lots with frontage on two or more streets
may have Wall Signs on one wall per street frontage
(3) Clearance; Projecting Signs prohibited. If the Wall Sign extends more than six
inches back from the building face, wall or surface, the Sign shall provide a
height clearance underneath it of at least seven and one-half feet. No Wall Si •
shall extend any more than 12 inches back from the surface of a building face,
wall or surface.
(c) Window Signs.
(11 Maximum number. Only one Window Sign shall be permitted along each
frontage of a structure, except for multi -tenant buildings where one Window
Sign shall be permitted per tenant space.
(2) Maximum size. The Window Sign shall be limited to 50 percent of the window
in which it is located.
(31 No permit required No permit shall be required for a Window Sign, but such
Sign shall meet relevant requirements of this ordinance.
(d) Directional Signs.
1 Directional Si ns shall be onl ermitted for ro erties utilizin a drive-thru or
Ordinance No. 535 18
September 4, 2012
that have loading or staging areas.
(2) Maximum number. Two Directional Signs are permitted for each property.
(3) Location. The Directional Signs shall be set back at least five feet from the curb
or right-of-way.
(e) Historic Signs. Historic Signs shall not be counted in the total Sign Area for the
property if the Historic Sign is less than five square feet in Sign Area.
(f) Porch Signs. No more than one porch Sign shall be permitted for each property.
Porch signs shall include signs within or on overhangs, canopies or arcades. All
porch Signs larger than two square feet in Sign Area shall be located on the
outside portion of the porch.
Subd. 2. Illumination. If the Sign is illuminated, it shall meet the applicable luminary
requirements set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances. Freestanding Signs shall
not be internally illuminated unless they are located along the frontage of a state
highway.
Section 815.19. Public Semi Public/Semi-Public and Rural Public/Semi-Public Districts
Signs.
Subd. 1. General Provisions. In addition to the Signs allowed in Section 815.07, the
following Signs are permitted in Public Semi Public/Semi-Public and Rural Public/Semi-
Public Districts. A Sign permit is required for each Sign. All Signs shall be integrated
with the design and architecture of any buildings or structures on the property in terms of
materials, style, color, and placement. If the Sign is illuminated, it shall meet the
applicable luminary requirements set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances.
Subd. 2. Maximum Sign Arca. The Signs on a Public Semi Public or Rural Public/Semi
Public District property may consist of any of the types of Signs permitted by this
Ordinance, but the Sigis-shall not exceed the following total Sign Area:
Lot Size (Acres)
1 Acre
1.1 5 Acres
5.1 20 Acres
Maximum Total Sign Area
50 Square Feet
75 Square Feet
100 Square Feet
Subd. 3 2. Permitted Signs. The following additional types of Signs are permitted in
Public Semi Public/Semi-Public and Rural Public/Semi-Public Districts:
(a) —#le ent Signs. Meni.n a t-Siga-shel4-net-Eensist-e re- -50)-set
feet of Sign Area. A Monument Sign shall not be greater than ten (10) feet in
height. The Monument Sign's height shall be calculated by averaging the
measurements of the final grade in elevation around the perimeter of the bottom
of the Sign to the top of the Sign, with measurements in at least four (1) different
plac-es-arettnd the-Siyi-r-egetreil, fie-N4e ent-Sim be4andseapEl-afe iad
the perimeter of the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2)
times the total area of the Monument Sign base. A Monument Sign shall be set
r, o
Ptien
Ordinance No. 535 19
September 4, 2012
that the Monument Sign may be set back only ten (10) feet from the front lot line
of the property i���loeated at least twenty €rite feet from the side lot lines;
(a) Monument Signs.
(1) Maximum number. One Monument Sign is permitted per lot.
(2) Maximum size. No Monument Sign shall exceed 50 square feet of Sign Area.
(3) Maximum height. No Monument Sign shall exceed 10 feet in height.
(4) Setbacks. Monument Signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from all
property lines and shall not encroach within a Clear Vision Triangle of an
intersection.
(5) Limitation on internal illumination. Monument Signs shall not be internally
illuminated unless they are located alon • the fronta . e of a state hi shwa .
External illumination shall conform with Section 829 of the City Code.
(5) Landscaping, The Monument Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter of
the base of the Sign. The landscaping shall cover at least two (2) times the total
area of the Sign base.
(b) (e) Pylon Signs. No Pylon Sign shall be greater than 15 square feet in Sign Area nor
exceed 20 square feet in Sign Surface Area. No Pylon Sign shall exceed eight feet in
height. The Pylon Sign shall be landscaped around the perimeter of the base of the
Sign. The landscaping shall cover an area equivalent to the width of the sign surface
multiplied by two. A Pylon Sign shall be set back at least 20 feet from all lot lines of
the property, with the exception that the Sign may be set back only ten feet from the
front lot line of the property if it is located at least 25 feet from the side lot lines.
The Pylon Sign shall be designed to have a natural appearance, and the post(s),
shaft(s) or pier(s) on which the sign is erected shall have a combined width which is
at least 10 percent of the width of the Sign.
(b) Wall Sign. No wall sign shall exceed thirty two (32) square feet in total Sign Area.
The sign shall be centered on the -wall to which it is attached; and
(c) Wall Signs.
(1) Maximum size. The total Sign Area of Wall Signs shall not exceed eight
percent of the area of the wall to which they are attached. For the purposes of a
multi -tenant building, the maximum Sign Area for Wall Signs shall be based on
the frontage of the space leased or owned. Additionally, no individual Wall
Sign shall exceed 64 square feet of Sign Area.
(2) Wall Signs limited to one wall per street frontage. Wall signs shall only be
located on one building wall, except lots with frontage on two or more streets
may have Wall Signs on one wall per street frontage.
Section 815.21.General Sign Location, Design and Construction Requirements.
Subd. 1. General Requirements. All Signs shall conform to the requirements of this
Section whether or not a Sign permit is required. All Signs shall be constructed in such a
manner and of such material that they shall be safe and substantial. All Signs shall be
properly secured, supported and braced and shall be kept in good repair so that public
safety and traffic safety are not compromised. Signs visible from a street shall be
Ordinance No. 535 20
September 4, 2012
designed to be highly legible so as not to distract drivers. Attention should be paid to font
type, font size, and contrasts between the message and background.
Subd. 2. Maintenance. The area on the property around the Sign, including required
landscaping areas, shall be properly maintained and clear of brush, weeds, debris, rubbish
and other obstacles. All burned -out light bulbs or damaged panels on a Sign shall be
immediately replaced.
Subd. 3. Sign Copy. All Sign copy shall be fastened securely to the Sign face and
maintained on a regular basis. Any missing Sign copy shall be replaced immediately.
Any Sign copy that is outdated must be removed within thirty (30) days.
Subd. 4. Location. No Sign shall be located so as to obscure any existing Sign. No sign
other than a governmental sign shall be erected or temporarily placed within any street
right-of-way or upon any public easement. ex cent as explicitly permitted herein. No Sign
shall be attached or placed upon any building in such a manner as to obstruct any window
or door or fire escape or be attached to any fire escape. The minimum clearance of any
Sign from unprotected electrical conductors shall be not less than thirty-six (36) inches
for conductors carrying not over six hundred (600) volts and forty-eight (48) inches for
conductors carrying more than six hundred (600) volts.
Subd.5. Reserved.
Subd. 6. Interference with Traffic. A Sign shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of
any street, traffic sign or signal, intersection, driveway or crosswalk. A Sign may be
located closer than fifty (50) feet if it can be shown that the Sign will not interfere with
the ability of drivers and pedestrians to see the traffic sign or signal, intersection,
driveway or crosswalk, and the Sign will not distract drivers nor cause any interference
with such traffic sign or signal.
Subd. 7. Illumination. Illuminated signs shall be subject to the electrical requirements of
the electrical code of the State of Minnesota. Illuminated signs shall also be subject to
the requirements of Section 829 of the city's ordinances.
Subd. 8. Dynamic Displays. Dynamic Displays on Signs are allowed subject to the
following conditions:
(a) Dynamic Displays are allowed only on Monument and Pylon Signs. No Dynamic
Display shall be permitted on a parcel with less than 400 feet of frontage upon a
public right-of-way. For the purpose of this requirement, the aggregate of all
frontages shall be calculated, including frontages on which the Dynamic Display
is not located. Dynamic t34-s p ,., o tlaa thi ft.. fwe «c)
peFeeFfta€-the-aetxal-eep d hie-ar-eo-e€-the-Sign,-The-r-ernaifkler--ef-the
being used. Only one (1) contiguous Dynamic Display area is allowed on a Sign
face;
Ordinance No. 535 21
September 4, 2012
bl No more than one contieuous Dynamic Display shall be located uuon a single parcel
except as described in clause (e) below. A two-sided Dynamic Dis Oa shall be
considered a single Dynamic Display for the purposes of this section.
(c) No D namic Dis slay may exceed 32 square feet in area on a single Si . n face and
shall not occupy more than 50 percent of the actual copy and araehic area of the
Sign face.
(d) No portion of the Dynamic Display shall be located more than 10 feet from the
ground, except as described in clause (e) below
1e Notwithstandin¢ the limitations in an additional alpha-
numeric monochrome Dmay be included on a Sign face
provided that it can display no more than four characters and is no more than 16
square feet in area. This Dynamic Display element may be located hi. er than 10
feet above the ground.
(3) f_A Dynamic Display must not change or move more often than once every five (5)
minutes 60 seconds, except for changes that are necessary to correct hour and
minute, date, time or temperature information. Time, date or temperature
information is considered to be one (1) Dynamic Display and may not be included
as component of any other Dynamic Display. A display of time, date or
temperature must remain for at least five (5) minutes before changing to a
no more often than once every three seconds;
(c-) (g) The images and messages displayed on a Dynamic Display must be static, and the
transition from one static display to another must be instantaneous and without
any special effects;
(4) (h) The images and messages displayed on a Dynamic Display must be complete in
themselves, without continuation in content to the next image or message or to
any other Sign;
(e) (i)
Every line of copy and graphics on a Dynamic Sign visible from a road must be at
least seven (7) inches in height if the road has a speed limit of 25 to 31 miles per
hour, nine (9) inches if the road has a speed limit of 35 to 11 miles per hour,
twelve (12) inches if the road has a speed limit of 15 to 51 miles per hour, and
fifteen (15) inches if the road has a speed limit of 55 miles per hour or more. If
there is insufficient room for copy and graphics meeting these requirements, then
no Dynamic Display is permitted;
(4) (j) Dynamic Displays must be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one
position if a malfunction occurs. The display must also be equipped with a means
to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and the Sign owner
Ordinance No. 535 22
September 4, 2012
must immediately stop the Dynamic Display when notified by the city that it is
not complying with the standards of this ordinance;
kg -MD( Dynamic Displays must comply with the brightness standards contained in this,
ordinance Dynamic Display Brightness Standards.
(1) The illumination from a Dynamic Sign shall not exceed 0.3
footcandles above the ambient light level when measured at the
closest of the following points: i) a distance equal to
=VArea ofSign Sq. Ft. x 100 ; or ii) the property line parallel with the
sign face. The Dynamic Display shall be equipped so that it can be
extinguished immediately at any time during operation upon the
request of the City to measure ambient light levels in order to
verify compliance.
(2) In no case shall the luminance from a Dynamic Display exceed 500
NITS between sunset and sunrise and 5,000 NITS between sunrise
and sunset.
(3) All signs with Dynamic Displays shall be equipped with an ambient
light sensor and an automatic dimmer control that automatically
controls the brightness to comply with these requirements.
(4) In addition to these requirements, all lighting on the property shall
abide by maximum illumination requirements at property line as
described in Section 829. However, Dynamic Displays which
meet the standards of this section shall be exempt from the light
output and shielding requirements of Section 829; and
(#) (1) Dynamic Displays existing on the effective date of this ordinance that do not meet
the structural requirements or operational standards above may continue as a Non -
Conforming Sign subject to Section 815.29. An existing Dynamic Display that
cannot meet minimum font size requirements as stated in subdivision 5 S.(1) above
must use the largest size possible for one line of copy to fit in the available space.
Subd. 9. Brightness Standards.
(a) All Signs that include Dynamic Displays must shall meet the applicable luminary
requirements set forth in Section 829 of the city's ordinances, unless otherwise
exempted by this section.
(b)
The person owning or controlling the Sign must adjust the Sign to meet the
brightness standards in accordance with the city's instructions. The adjustment
must be made immediately upon notice of non-compliance from the city. The
person owning or controlling the Sign may appeal the city's determination
through the appeal procedure as set forth in Section 815.27 of this code.
(c) All Signs installed after the effective date of this ordinance that will havo
Ordinance No. 535 23
September 4, 2012
conditions. These Signs must also be equipped with a means to immediately turn
off the display or lighting if it malfunctions; and the Sign owner or operator must
immediately turn off the Sign or lighting when notified by the city that it is not
complying with the standards of this section.
Subd. 10. Reserved.Tcmporary Signs. Temporary Signs shall be designed so that they
are not readily overturned. Temporary Signs shall not be hung or installed so as to cover,
They shall be repaired or removed as soon as they are damaged or torn.
(b) Changeable copy Signs shall not obscure motorist or pedestria^ visi , ^^€' shal ^^t
block or otherwise interfere with a public or private sidewalk or trail. Such Signs
may be illuminated provided said illumination is not a nuisance to motorists or to
adjoining properties. Flashing lights, strobe lights or lights which could be
confused with eehie es iall-beelzib t®d,
(49 7 fl + bl n l 11 tie se , ol., tothe fe attaelie l te11e ., a, nc 1.,,:1.1;.,a.T
N A T 1 t ll b 11 sl at benl-ay rl fl.,...,, ettsikle
Subd. 11. Non -Commercial Speech Signs. The owner of any Sign which is otherwise
allowed by this ordinance may substitute non-commercial copy in lieu of any other
commercial or non-commercial copy. This substitution of copy may be made without
any additional approval or permitting by the city. The purpose of this provision is to
prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech, or
favoring of any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial
message. This provision prevails over any other more specific provision to the contrary.
Section 815.23. Sign Permit Applications. The owner or occupant of the property on which a
Sign is to be erected, or the owner or installer of such Sign, shall file an application with the city
Zoning Administrator for a Sign permit. Sign permits must be acquired for all new, relocated,
modified, or redesigned Signs except those specifically excepted in this ordinance.
Subd. 1. Required Information. An application for a Sign permit shall include the
following information:
(a) The name, address and telephone number of the applicant;
(b) The legal description and address of the property to which the Sign is to be placed;
(c) A site plan complete with the description of the Sign, a scaled drawing showing the
Sign's size, location, manner of construction, landscaping, color, construction
materials and lighting details;
(d) A blueprint or ink drawing of the plans and specifications and the method of
construction and attachment of the Sign;
Ordinance No. 535 24
September 4, 2012
(e) A certified survey with the existing and proposed grading of the site location for
which the Sign will be placed if the Sign construction will disturb more than
(50) cubic yards of earth. The certified survey shall show the existing and
proposed site elevations in two{2}foot contours, drainage patterns and silt fence
location for erosion control for the proposed site;
(f) The name of the person or entity erecting the Sign, if not the applicant, or the name
of the person on whose property the Sign is to be located, if not the applicant;
The written consent of the owner of the property, if not the applicant;
A statement as to whether the Sign will be illuminated or not;
A statement as to whether the Sign will contain any type of Dynamic Display;
A statement as to whether the Sign will be single faced, double-faced or multi -faced;
(g)
(h)
(i)
0)
and
(k) Such other information as shall be required by the Building Inspestsf Official and/or
the Zoning Administrator.
Subd. 2. Permit Fees. The application for a Sign permit shall be accompanied by the
required Sign permit fee and any applicable building permit fee. The Sign permit and
building permit fees shall be established by fesaletien ordinance of the city council.
Subd. 3. Master Signage Plan. A master signage plan shall be included for any Sign
permit applications that involve any residential, mixed -use, commercial, business park
and industrial planned unit developments that include multiple structures and/or
substantial site area and/or mixed uses. The master signage plan must address the
visibility needs of the entire development area, while remaining consistent with the intent
of this ordinance to require high quality signage. The master signage plan shall also
include permanent Sign covenants which can be enforced by the city.
Subd. 4. Sign Permit Issuance/Denial. Provided that the Sign permit application is
complete and approved by the Zoning Administrator, all fees have been paid, and the
proposed Sign and the property upon which the Sign is to be placed are within the
requirements of the ordinance and all other ordinances, statutes and regulations, the
Zoning Administrator shall then issue the Sign permit. In the event that the Zoning
Administrator determines that all requirements for approval have not been met, he or she
shall promptly notify the applicant of such fact and shall automatically deny the Sign
permit. Notice shall be made in writing and sent to the applicant's address listed on the
Sign permit application.
Subd. 5. Inspection. The Zoning Administrator or Building Ifispester Official shall inspect
the property for which a Sign permit is issued on or before six (63 months from the date
Ordinance No. 535 25
September 4, 2012
of issuance of the Sign permit. If the Sign construction is not substantially complete
within six (63 months from the date of issuance, the Sign permit shall be revoked. If the
construction is substantially complete, but not in full compliance with this ordinance,
other ordinances and applicable codes, the Zoning Administrator shall give the applicant
notice of the deficiencies and shall allow an additional thirty (30) days from the date of
the inspection for the deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies are not corrected by
such date, the Sign permit shall be revoked.
Subd. 6. Sign Permit Expiration. A Sign permit shall become null and void if the Sign
for which the Sign permit was issued has not been completed and installed within six (6}
months after the date of issuance. No refunds shall be made for permit fees paid for Sign
permits that expired due to failure to erect a permitted Sign. If later an individual decides
to erect a Sign at the same location, a new Sign permit application must be processed and
another permit fee shall be paid in accordance with the fee schedule applicable at such
time.
Subd. 7. Revocation. Should it be determined by the city that a Sign permit was issued
pursuant to an incomplete application or an application containing a false material
statement, or that the Sign permit has been erroneously issued in violation of this
ordinance, the Zoning Administrator shall revoke the Sign permit.
Section 815.25. Enforcement.
Subd. 1. Notice. Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance shall receive a
notice of the violation by hand delivery or mail indicating that he or she must correct the
violation within seven (7) days of the date of the notice. Si 14 s • osted within the ri t-of-
wav or on public property which violate any_provision of this ordinance may be removed
and disposed of at any time and without notice.
Subd. 2. Penalties. Any person convicted of violating this ordinance shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine or imprisonment as specified by state statute.
Each day in which the violation continues to occur shall constitute a separate offense.
Violation of any provision of this ordinance shall also be grounds for revocation of a Sign
permit by the city.
Section 815.27. Appeal. An applicant whose Sign permit has been denied or a permitee whose
Sign permit has been revoked may appeal the decision of the Zoning Administrator to the city
council provided he or she files written notice of an appeal with the Zoning Administrator within
fifteen (154 business days of notice of the Zoning Administrator's decision. Such appeal shall be
considered by the city council at its next regularly scheduled meeting held after the city's receipt
of the written notice of appeal, provided that the notice of appeal is received by the city a
minimum of five (3} full business days before the meeting. The city council shall conduct an
appeal hearing and allow the applicant and any of his or her witnesses to address the council and
to submit additional information. The city council shall make its final determination on the
appeal no more than thifty{30-) business days after the appeal hearing. The city council shall
notify the applicant of its decision and provide reasons for that decision.
Ordinance No. 535 26
September 4, 2012
Section 815.29. Nonconforming Signs. Any Sign legally existing at the time of the passage of
this ordinance that does not conform to the provisions of this ordinance shall be regulated by
relevant City Code and statutory provisions regarding nonconformities. considered a legal
Nonconforming Sign and may be continued through repair, replacement, restoration,
maintenance, or improvement but not including expansion. "Expansion" shall be defined as any
structural alteration, change or addition that is made outside of the original Sign structure, Sign
Area or design.
Subd. 1. Nothing in this ordinance shah o ent +lo +,,,.., to ^ of e .,a:.:^„ ^f
structure that has been declared unsafe by the Building Inspector.
Subd. 2. When any legal Nonconforming Sign is discontinued for a period of more than
one (1) year, or is changed to a conforming Sign, any future Sign shall be in conformity
with the provisions of this ordinance.
Subd. 3. Any legal Nonconforming Sign shall be removed and shall not be repaired,
replaced, or rebuilt if it is damaged by fire or other similar peril to the extent of greater
than fifty (50) percent of its market value at the time of destruction and no Sign permit or
building permit (if applicable) has been applied for within one hundred and eighty (180)
days of the date of destruction. The city's Building Inspector shall be responsible for
making the determination whether a Nonconforming Sign has been destroyed greater
than fifty (50) percent of its market value at the time of destruction. In making the
determination, the Building Inspector shall consider the market value of the entire Sign at
the time prior to the destruction and the replacement value of the existing Sign. In the
event a building permit is applied for within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the
date of destruction and the Sign did not withstand damage greater than fifty (50) percent
of its market value at the time of destruction, the city may impose reasonable conditions
upon the building permit in order to mitigate any newly created impact on adjacent
properties.
Sign or to a more restrictive Nonconforming Sign.
Section 815.31 Variances. Variances from the provisions of this ordinance shall be reviewed
by the provisions of the City Code related to zoning variances. T 1i3el apia e atie 135 he ftr-epe ty
owner, the planning commission may recommend and the city council may grant a variance from
the requirements of this ordinance in instances where the applicant for a variance has
demonstrated that all of the following standards have been met:
involved, a hardship to the applicant would result if the strict letter of the
ordinance was carried out;
Ordinance No. 535 27
September 4, 2012
(b) The conditions upon which the variance is based are unique to the applicant's
property and not generally applicable to the other property within the same zoning
(c) The hardship arises from the requirements of this ordinance and has not been created
by persons presently or formerly having any interest in the property;
(d) A granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public welfare or injurious,
to other property or improvements in the area in which the property is located;
imd
(e) The variance is not a request to permit a type of Sign which otherwise is prohibited
by this ordinance.
may impose conditions ana stfie4ions es `"+ anc i ten
ordinance or any other applicable ordinances. In all instances, the applicant shall be
solely responsible for any applicable costs and fees incurred by the city for review of the
variance request by the city staff and any consultants. A variance shall be granted or
denied by the city council in writing accompanied by specific findings of fact as to the
necessity for the granting or denial of the variance and any specific conditions and
restrictions.
Section 815.33.Severabilit_y and Conflict. This ordinance and its parts are declared to be
severable. If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, word, provision, or portion of this
ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, this
decision shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole. All parts of this ordinance not
declared invalid or unconstitutional shall remain in full force and effect as if such portion so
declared or adjudged unconstitutional or invalid were not originally part of this section, even if
the surviving parts of the ordinance result in greater restrictions after any unconstitutional or
invalid provisions are stricken. The city council declares that it would have enacted the
remaining parts of the section if it had known that such portion thereof would be declared or
adjudged unconstitutional or invalid. If any part of this ordinance is found to be in conflict with
any other ordinance or with any part of this ordinance, the most restrictive or highest standard
shall prevail. If any part of this ordinance is explicitly prohibited by federal or state statute, that
part shall not be enforced.
SECTION II: Medina Code Section 829.03 is amended by adding the underlined material and as
follows:
Section 829.03. Applicability.
Subd. 1. New Uses, Buildings and Major Additions or Modifications on Non -Residential
Property. For all proposed new land uses, developments, buildings, and structures on non-
residential property that require a permit, all outdoor lighting fixtures shall meet the
requirements of this ordinance. All building additions of 25 percent or more in terms of
additional dwelling units, gross floor area, or parking spaces, either with a single addition or
Ordinance No. 535 28
September 4, 2012
with cumulative additions subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance, shall invoke the
requirements of this ordinance for the entire property, including previously installed and any
new outdoor lighting. Cumulative modification or replacement of outdoor lighting
constituting 25 percent or more of the lighted area for the parcel, no matter the actual amount
of lighting alreadyy on a non -conforming site, shall constitute a major addition for purposes of
this section.
Subd. 2. Minor Additions on Non -Residential Property. Additions or modifications to
existing land uses, developments, buildings and structures on non-residential property of less
than 25 percent that require a permit shall require the submission of a complete inventory and
site plan detailing all existing and proposed new outdoor lighting. New lighting on the site
shall meet the requirements of this ordinance with regard to shielding and lamp type.
Subd. 3. Time For Compliance. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, all land uses,
developments, buildings and structures on non-residential properties must be brought into
compliance with this ordinance within two years of its effective date if adjacent to residential
property or within five years in all other cases.
Subd. 4. Resumption After Abandonment of Use. If a property or use with non -conforming
lighting is abandoned as defined in Section 829.02, subd.31, all outdoor lighting shall be
reviewed and brought into compliance with this ordinance before the use is resumed.
Subd. 5. Roadways. Lighting for public or private roadways shall meet the requirements of this
ordinance with regard to shielding and lamp type.
Subd. 6. Sign Lighting. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the regulations of
Section 829.05 related to Sign Lighting shall apply to all residential and Non -Residential
Property in the City.
SECTION III: Medina Code Section 829.05 is amended by adding the underlined material and
deleting the stricken -material as follows:
Section 829.05. Lighting f i r Signs.
Subd. 1. External illumination for signs shall conform to all provisions of this ordinance. In
particular, such lighting shall be treated as Class 1 lighting and shall conform to the lamp
source, shielding restrictions and light levels of Section 829.04. All upward -directed sign
lighting is prohibitea n ess .,hiek inn- ;aoa .,, elirr mate flight tree ass ,.Aiie emen s
Subd. 2. Internally illuminated afitl-xeeti signs.
(a) Portions of a Sign which do not include a logo or message shall be Qutd irite na14 .
opaque baslEgretint4-and
trait ue-ent text "'a "•" bels, or. i f li«hreci shall be constructed with a colored (not
white, off-white, light gray, cream or yellow) background and generally lighter text
and -symbols.
(b) Neon signs, Light Emitting Diode (LED) signs, and other similar devices shall be treated
as internally illuminated signs for the purposes of this ordinance and shall conform to
all provisions of this ordinance. In particular, such lighting shall be treated as Class 3
lighting, °°" ' '000 Lumens of Initial Light Output, and shall conform to
the light levels of Table 2.
Ordinance No. 535 29
September 4, 2012
(c) Other internally -illuminated panels or decorations not considered to be signs according
to the sign ordinance, such as illuminated canopy margins or building faces and
neon/LED banding, shall be considered Class 3 lighting, and shall be subject to the
standards applicable to such lighting, including but not limited to the lamp source,
shielding standards and light level requirements of Section 829.04.
Subd. 3. Curfews. Illumination for neon signs and; glass enclosed areas, externally and
shall be turned off at 10 PM or when the business
closes, whichever is later. Illumination for (Wert signs and; glass enclosed areas, ememally
shall not be turned on until 6 AM or when the
business opens, whichever is later. Signs subject to curfews are required to have functioning
and properly adjusted automatic shut-off timers. Light background (white, off-white, light
gray, cream or yellow) internally illuminated signs, installed legally before enactment of this
ordinance, shall be considered Type C non -conformities but may continue to be used and
illuminated so long as their use conforms to the curfews as indicated. Notwithstanding the
above, signs with light backgrounds must be brought into compliance with this ordinance
within the time periods specified in section 829.03, subd. 3 hereof.
Subd. 4. Internally illuminated Signs are not
permitted in E1 Lighting Zones.
SECTION IV: The ordinance shall be effective upon its adoption and publication.
Adopted by the city council of the city of Medina this 4th day of September, 2012.
T.M. Crosby, Jr., Mayo
Scott T. Johnson, City Administrator -Clerk
Published in the South Crow River News this 13`h day of September, 2012.
Ordinance No. 535 30
September 4, 2012