8.6. SR 12-16-2013 City of
Elk Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.6
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business December 16, 2013 Zack Carlton,Planning Intern
Item Description Reviewed by
Sign Ordinance, City of Elk River Jere m Barnhart,Deputy Director, CODD
a. Ordinance Amendment: Signs, Case No. 13-02 Reviewed by
b. Resolution for Summary Publication of Peter Beck, City Attorney
Ordinance
Action Requested
• Adopt by motion Ordinance Amending Section 30-1, entitled "Definitions" and Chapter 30,Article
VI, Division II, entitled "Signs".
• Adopt by motion Resolution for Summary Publication of Ordinance.
Background/Discussion
On November 18, 2013, the City Council approved the draft language for the sign ordinance amendment
with a number of recommended changes.
Changes include:
• Limiting wall signage to 15% of facade area
• Permitting monument signs in the downtown district
• Limiting window signage to 50% of window area
• Increasing billboard height to 35 feet
• General formatting and layout changes
In addition to the above changes, Council directed staff to look at additional options for billboards on
Highway 169, considering both the I-2 and the Commercial Reserve Transition districts,with a potential
reduction in the minimum lot size for the I-2 district. Also, a member of the Council questioned what
could be done to allow monument signs in the downtown district to advertise off-site business.
Billboards in the I-2 District
Council discussed two primary options related to billboards in the I-2 zoning district. The first was to
remove the principle use language in the I-2 district and change billboards to an accessory use. The
second option included keeping the principle use language but reducing the minimum lot size to one-half
acre. Based on this discussion, staff researched both options and if Council wants to permit billboards
staff recommends reducing the minimum lot size in the I-2 district. The following table from Sec. 30-
1311 entitled "Principle structures"would be amended as shown,in a separate meeting, as an
amendment to Section 30-1311 has not been publically noticed.
P a w E A E U s r
NaA f RE]
Building Setbacks
Zoning Minimum Lot Lot Width Front Side Rear Maxi Maximum IN
District Requirements Setback Setback Setback Lot Height
1 (feet) (feet) (feet) I Coverage
F-7 1 acre 100 feet 30 25 I20 _[40% 45
1/2 acre 100 feet 30 25 �o 40%3 60
F_�1 acre 1 30 25 20 40%3 60
BP' 1 acre F__302 25 20 40% 50
Staff does not support either option for the following reasons. First, city ordinance defines an accessory
use, structure or building as "subordinate to and serving the principal use and structure on the same lot
and customarily incidental thereto."The concern here is that if billboards were listed as an accessory use
in the I-2 district,they would not fit the definition established in the ordinance as they are not serving the
principal use or structure on the same lot. Billboards by nature advertise off site goods and services and
do not serve the lot in which they are located. Merely amending the accessory structure definition has
ramifications throughout the entire zoning ordinance.
Second,reducing the minimum lot size in the I-2 district from one acre to one-half acre will affect all
future development in the district,not just billboards. A one acre minimum lot to house a billboard may
seem excessive,but the minimum lot size is developed to establish minimum standards for the desired
uses of a district;in the I-2,those uses are manufacturing and employment based. Manufacturing and
employment-based uses require buildings, outside storage,parking, circulation,greenspace, and storm
water treatment. In the most efficient, a 50% reduction in minimum lot size reduces the buildable area by
more than 50%, from approximately 25,281 SF for a square lot to 9,604 SF, a reduction of roughly 62%.
While properties can be larger than the minimum, developers may be enticed to subdivide into smaller
lots to sell more lots.Alternatively, smaller lots may require an additional number of services (water and
sewer connections),to serve each parcel,wasting initial investment dollars and possibly delaying
development.
Downtown Advertising Signs
City ordinance prohibits all signs, except for billboards, from advertising for a business or service not
located on the same premises as the sign, except in the case of a non-profit organization. A city may
regulate the time,place, and manner of speech,and via the ordinance,the city has chosen to allow
signage only on the lot where the service or good is offered,with the exception of billboards. The city
may change that geographical limit to advertise only those businesses located within a specific area, a
zoning district, for example. This is not recommended because the Council should expect to see this
same language desired by the other business districts,weakening the community image at key
intersections. If the council wishes to allow monument signs in the downtown district to display
advertising messages for any business in downtown,staff recommends changing Sec. 30-867 (b)(2) to
read as follows:
(2) One (1) Monument Sign is permitted for each Multi-Tenant Facility.
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a. Sign height shall be limited to one-half(1/2) the average height of the primary
structure,not to exceed 20 feet.
b. Sign Area, as measured in square feet, shall be limited to one-third (1/3) of primary
structure width,measured at the widest point parallel to the building address street,
and shall not exceed 80 square feet.
C. Monument Signs may advertise off site businesses located within the Downtown
Zoning district.
Staff does not support this change. Allowing monument signs in the downtown district to display off-
premises advertising messages the city is setting a precedent for future ordinance amendment requests. If
businesses in one zoning district are given special regulations,why should the same regulation not be
granted to a different zoning district?If that occurs,the Council should expect to see a large number of
freestanding signs at high volume intersections, similar to the temporary signs the city struggles with in
the summer months.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
• Ordinance (redline)
• Ordinance (clean)
• Summary Resolution
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City of Elk -m"' -�
River
Ordinance 13 -
An Ordinance Amending Section 30-01, entitled "Definitions" and
Chapter 30, Article VI, Division 5, Subdivision II, entitled "Signs", of the City of Elk
River, Minnesota, City Code
The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That section 30-01 of the City of Elk River city code shall be amended to add and/or
amend the following definitions:
§ 30-01, Definitions
Fafade means .that portion of any exterior elevation on
the building extending from grade to top of the parapet,wall, or eaves and the entire width of the
building elevation.
Multi-Tenant Facili0, means a commercial,industrial, or residential facility with multiple tenants
occupying a single structure
Si n,Abandoned si n,means a sig�Sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business,
lessor, service, owner,product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
Sign'Address�ign,means a sSign which identifies the numerical address of the premises on which
the signSignn is located.
Si n'Advertising�ign,means an sigr�Off-Premises Sign which is specifically allowed by this chapter.
sold,
produced,mafittfactured, or furt-tished at the propefty oti which the sig-ft is located.
Animated Sigti which Contains rotaftng, flashifig, or tintefffittteiA lights, antiffiaftion, 0
exhibits noticeable changes in color,intensi—ty-, texture, shape,patteffi, or light intensity.Any sign
flashes on or off-,winks or blinks with vafying light inteiasitr.
Sign,Alteration of, means any change,reconstruction,relocation, or enlargement/reduction of a Ssign,
or of any of its component parts. Routine maintenance and the repainting shall not be deemed to be
an alteration.
Sign Area.
(1) The area of any Ssign shall be the rectangular area of the largest face,including its border
area. For Ssigns that are composed of individual letters or symbols,have an irregular
shape,have open spaces or are composed of two or more individual cabinets,the Ssign
Aarea shall be the area of the smallest single rectangular figure that encloses it.
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(2) If a freestanding Freestanding-or mofiuffwm�-Monument Ssign is constructed so that the
faces are not back to back,the angles shall not exceed ten 10 degrees. If the angle is
greater than ten 10 degrees,the total area of both sides added together shall not exceed
the maximum allowable Ssign*-Area for that district.
Si n,Awning�ig�t,means a sigr�Si n painted on,printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an
awning.
Sign, Banner�ign,means a signSign made of fabric or any negidnon�rigid material with no
enclosing framework.
Si n, Boulevard siM means any stationary self-supported sigr�Sign fixed to a base flush to the ground
and not affixed to any other structure.
Bffsiness s�n atid bffsines-swalls�n mean a sigp which otily pertaitis to the ttse of the premises oti which
it is located,
Sign, Cabinets gn,means a sig�Sign or portion of a signSign constructed to be supported in
substantial part by means of a separate box-like structure,with each segment of the sigftSig-n
message attached to one or a group of supports.
Si n, Canopg,means any message or identification which is affixed to a projection or extension of
a building or structure, erected in such a manner as to provide a shelter or cover over the approach
to any entrance of a store,building or place of assembly.
Si n, Changeable Co , means a signSignn or portion thereof with characters,letters or
illusions that can be changed or rearranged mechanically without altering the face of the surface of
the s*7n-.Sign.
Si n, CbangeableignC (manual,means a signSign on which copy is changeable manually rather
than by automation.
Gearrana Sign. (clearance of a�ign)means the smallest vertical distance between the g e
adjacent s"eet or street curb atid lowest point of any signSig-n,including the framework and
embellishments, and the grade directly below it.
Sign, Constructions gn,means a temporary sigraSig-n erected on the premises on which construction is
taking place, during the period of such construction,indicating the names of the architects,
engineers,landscape architects, contractors or similar artisans, and the owners, financial supporters,
sponsors, and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to the situation or
project.
Sign, Digital Changeable Copy, includes, but is not limited to, any flashing, blinking, or animated
display, and any display that incorporates LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink,"
or any other method or technology that allows the Sign face to present a series of images or displays.
Si n, Directional�ign,means a signSign erected on private property for the purpose of directing
pedestrian or vehicular traffic onto or about the property upon which such signSig-n is located,
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including signsSigns marking entrances and exits, circulation direction,parking areas, and pickup and
delivery areas,which does not display advertising copy.
Sinn, Electazcal�ign,means a signSinn or signSinn structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or
fixtures are used.
Sinn• Face of�gn,means the area of a signSign on which the copy is placed.
Sign, Freestanding means any Ssign not attached to a principal or accessory building.
Si n, Government�gn,means any temporary or permanent signSinn erected and maintained by the city,
county, state or federal government for traffic direction or for identification of or direction to any
school,hospital, historical site, or public service,property, or facility.
Sinn Heigbt�e��,means the vertical distance measured perpendicularly from the highest point of
the signSinn to the grade of the adjacent street or to the surface grade beneath the signSinn,
whichever is the greater distance.
Th a Sig-ft whose copy is limited to the name atid address of a buMng,
Sign, Illegal, means a Sinn which has not received a permit to be installed or
does not meet the requirements of this Code and which has not received legal nonconforming
status.
Sinn, Illuminated siM means a signSinn with an artificial light source incorporated internally or
externally for the purpose of making the signSinn message visible at night.
Si n, Incidental�ign,means a small signSinn, emblem, or decal informing the public of facilities or
services available on the premises.
Sinn, Marquee Mn,means any signSinn attached to or supported by a marquee structure.
Sign, Monument, means a tWe of(Freestanding sSign supported by an internal structural framework
covered by solid structural feature such that the support structure is not visible. The solid structural
feature shall be at least 75 percent of the sSign width.
Sign, Moving means any sigfiSign or device which has any visible moving parts,visible revolving
parts, or visible mechanical movements.
Sign, Off-Premises, means any Sign advertising an establishment, entertainment,goods,products, or
services, not produced,manufactured,located or sold on the premises the Sign is located.
Sinn, Painted avail,sign means any signSinnn which is applied with paint or similar substance on the
face of a wall.
Si n, Political�ign,means a temporary sign used in connection with any local, state, or national
election or referendum.
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Poylable*n (see temporaty sign).
Sign, Portable, means atwo-sided Sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground (i.e.
A-frame or sandwich-board Signs)
Sisn, Private saleSale oreteent OEvent, means a temporary sign advertising private sales of personal
property such as house sales,garage sales, and the like or private not-for-profit events such as
picnics, carnivals, bazaars,game nights, art fairs, and craft shows.
Sisn, Projecting sign means a sig�Sisn, other than a Wall Sign,which is attached to and
projects perpendicular from a building wall more than six inch
Si n, Real estate sgnEstate, means a signSisn advertising the real estate upon which the signSSn is
located as being for rent,lease, or sale.
Si n' Roof-sgn,means a sigraSisn that is mounted on the roof of a building or which is wholly
dependent upon a building for support and which projects above the roofline of a building with a
flat,gambrel, or hip roof or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
Si n, Rotating�ign,means a signSisn in which the signSisn itself or any portion of the sig SSn moves
in a revolving or similar manner.
Tevooywg Sign, TeWorary means any Ssign designed to be movable from one location to another and
which is not permanently attached to the ground and/or structure.
Sin lYlall-jign,means a signs nn attached to and parallel to the wall of a building. This aec~ fi
incliddes itidividual letter and cabinet signs, and si;5-1
Sgn, i�indoav sign means a Sign posted,painted,placed, or affixed in or on a window exposed to
public view. An interior Sign that faces a window exposed to public view and located within three
feet of the window is considered a window Sign for the purpose of calculating the total area of all
Window Signs.
sha-R fiot iftelude holiday messages, murals or merchaftdise that is for sale or display, but sha4l iti6d
messages desigfted specifically for the pttTose of advertisitig or identifying any establishmeftt
products,goods, or •
Vision Clearance Triangle, The area of a corner lot bounded by the right-of-way lines and a line
connecting the two points on the property lines 30 feet from the intersection of the property lines.
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Section 2. That sections 30-852 through 30-880 of the City of Elk River city code shall be
amended read as follows:
§ 30-852 (a) — (c), Purpose, scope, and seepefindings of subdivision
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this subdivision shall be to coordinate the type,placement,
and physical dimensions of the signs Signs within the different zoning districts,to
recognize the commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business
community,to encourage the innovative use of design, to promote both renovation
and proper maintenance,to allow for special circumstances, and to guarantee equal
treatment under the law through accurate recordkeeping and consistent enforcement.
These shall be accompanied by regulation of the display, erection,use, and
maintenance of signs Signs.
(b) Scope. This subdivision shall not relate to building design,nor shall this subdivision
regulate official traffic or government signs Signs; the copy and message of signs
Signs;window displays;product dispensers and point of purchase displays;
scoreboards on athletic fields; flags of any nation,government, or noncommercial
organizations;gravestones; barber poles; religious symbols; commemorative plaques;
the display of street numbers; or any display or construction not defined as a signs
Signs in section 30-1.
(g) Findings
The City finds:
Exterior Signs have a substantial impact on the character and quality of the
environment.
Signs provide an important medium that may convey a variety of messages.
Signs can create traffic hazards and aesthetic concerns, thereby threatening
the public health, safety and welfare.
The City's zoning regulations include the regulation of Signs in an effort to
provide adequate means of expression and to promote the economic viability
of the business community;while protecting the City and its citizens from a
proliferation of Signs of a type, size,location,number and character that
would adversely pact upon the aesthetics of the community and threaten
the health, safety and welfare of the community. The regulation of the
physical characteristics of Signs within the City has a positive impact on
traffic safety and the appearance of the community
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§ 30-853, Compliance with applicable regulations:
All sign Signs hereafter erected or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this subdivision
and other ordinances and regulations of the city.
§ 30-854 (a) - (e), Nonconforming sign-,.Signs
(a) Eligibility for legal nonconforming status. Existing signsSigns which do not conform to the
specifiecurrent provisions of this subdivision n3ayshall be eligible for the designati
"legal nonconforming" Sies�provided that:
(4) The city adflqliflfis-�ator, or desigftee, determines that such signs are properly
the Sign was authorized by a valid permit,variance,or complied with all
then applicable laws pr4or to june 18, 1990,at the time the date of adoptioti of th
vditiatice from which this ,..,bdivi iot is de fi_,.a.Sign was installed.
(b) Loss of legal nonconforming status. A legal nonconforming signSignn twill lose this
designation if the Sign is removed,
abandoned, or its use discontinues for a period of 12 months or more thafr50
pereent, other thati for chafige of copy or normal maintenalle
(c) Maintenance and repair. A legal nonconforming signSien is subject to all requirements
of this subdivision regarding safety,maintenance, and repair.
(d) Relocation or alteration. The city council may,upon application of a property owner,
permit the alteration or relocation of a legal nonconforming signSien if, after a public
hearing by the planning commission and city council, the council determines that
total compliance with the current signSign regulations is not reasonable but the
alteration or relocation of the nonconforming signsSigns is in greater conformity
with the existing signSign regulations and is in the best interest of the community.
(e) No expansion. No legal non-conforming Sign shall be expanded or enlarged in any
respect.
§ 30-855, Appeals:
Any&Attre to respond to an application withiti 14 days of receipt Appeals from any decision
rendered under
this subdivision may be appeal ec made as provided in subdivision II of division 2 of this article.
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§ 30-856 (a) - (b), Notice of violation; order to repair or remove sign Sign
In addition to the remedies authorized in section 30-576, the city may cause the following action to
be taken:
(1a) When,in the opinion of the city administrator, or designee, a violation of the Code
exists, the city administrator, or designee, shall issue a written order to either the
owner of the signSign or the owner of the property on which the signSign is placed.
The order shall specify those sections of the Code involved, shall describe the
violation and shall direct that the violation be corrected within 30 days from the date
of the order;
(2b) If,upon inspection,the city administrator, or designee, finds that a signSi nn is
abandoned or is structurally or electrically defective, or in any way endangers the
public, the city administrator, or designee, shall issue a written order to the owner of
the sigraSign and occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and
requiring repair or removal of the signSign within 30 days of the date of the order.
§ 30-857 (b), Authority of city administrator, or designee:
(b) Inspections. The building official, city administrator, or designee,is empowered,upon
presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure, or
premises in the city for the purpose of inspection of a sigraSign and its structural and
electrical connections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency
exists.
§ 30-858 (a) — (d), Removal of ssSigns by city:
(a) The city administrator, or designee, may cause the removal of any illegal sign, any
"..'ait-Aing after a business closes, or afty stgzft tiot proper4y maitataitied ift cases o
a Sign after failure to timely comply with written orders for removal or
repair.-as provided in section 38-856. After removal or demolition of the signSign, a
notice shall be mailed to the sign owner and owner of the property where the
sigraSi�n was located stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was
performed and demanding payment of the costs as certified by the city administrator,
or designee, together with ati additional 50 ncluding costs for inspection and
incidental costs. If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within 30 days after
mailing of the notice,it shall become alien against the property where the signSign
was located and shall be certified as an assessment against the property together with
ten percent interest for collection in the same manner as the real estateReal Estate
taxes.
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(b) The owner of the property upon which the signSign is located shall be presumed to
be the owner of all sigffsSigns thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the
attention of the city administrator, or designee,as in the case of a leased signSign.
(c) For purposes of removal, a signSign shall be deemed to include all sign
embellishments and structures designed specifically to support the sigftSign.
(d) In case of emergency,the city administrator, or designee,may cause the immediate
removal of a dangerous or defective signSignn without notice. Signs removed in this
manner must present a hazard to the public safety as defined in section 1300.0180 of
the state buildifig co IeState Building Code.
§ 30-859 (a) — (n), Prohibited sSigns
The following types of Signs are prohibited in all districts:
(4a) Abandoned sigpisSigns which no longer identify or advertise a bona fide business,
service,product, or activity or for which no legal owner can be found.
( bl Pennants, festoons, inflatable
balloons/displays}; and searchlights; except as a permitted temporaty special event
sigtrTemporary Signs under subsection-30-M6-F-30-867(h).
(3c) Off-Premises sigsSigns, � anexcept for advertising sigftsAdvertising Signs
(billboards) specifically allowed by this Chapter.:
(4d) Signs imitating or resembling official Government Signs or signals.
(5e) Signs attached to trees,utility poles,public benches,or-streetlights, or placed on any
public property or public right-of-way.-, except Signs as permitted in section 30-873
M (4).
(( Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or placed for the primary
purpose of displaying the sigRSig-n, except for p lettering on buses,
taxis, or vehicles operating during the normal course of business.
(7g) Signs suspended beneath a canopy, overhang, roof,or marquee without a minimum
clearance from grade of eight afeet in either a vehicular way�or-4f-a pedestrian way.
(Rh) Any roof sigrtRoof Sign or sigriSig-n erected above the roofline of a building.
(9i) Any signSi placed within 30 feet of atiy fifftenee,.Of the Vision Clearance Triangle
that may obstruct motorist or pedestrian visibility.
(4-0j) Rotating;or --b b---Moving Signs.
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(1k) Unsafef or dangerous sigftsSigns as determined by the city administrator, or
designee.
(4721) Painted waH s ignsWall Signs.
(gym) Signs utilizing flashing and/or revolving beacon lights.
(n) Banner Signs, except as a permitted Temporary Signs under subsection 30-867 or
permitted Real Estate Signs under subsection 30-860 (b) (5).
§ 30-860 (a) - (e), (i), Permit:
(a) required. Unless otherwise provided by this subdivision,the erection, structural
alteration, or relocation of a sigzftSign shall require permits and payment of fees as
described in this section. No permit is required for the maintenance of a sigraSign.
(b) Exemptions. The following types of sigrasSigns are exempt from permit requirements
but must otherwise be in conformance with all requirements of this subdivision:
(1) On-premises Construction Signs that comply with
sub section-30-866�2 30-867 ).
(2) On-premises Signs,including but not limited
to Directional Signs, Informational Signs, Private Sale Signs and
f epla"Nameplates,having a sigfrareaSign Area of four 4 square feet or
less
(3) Portable Signs in the Ddowntown Ddistrict.
(4) Political 1.011,
sign signs.
(5) On-premises residential or commercial Real Estate Signs that
comply with subsection-30-866-(3-30-867(c).
(6) kMiadow sigfis,provided they do fiot cover more thafi5O percent of th
window
(c) Application. Application for a permit for the erection, structural alteration, change o
copy or relocation of a sigfiSig-n shall be made to the city administrator, or designee,
upon a form provided by the city and shall include the following information:
(1) The name and address of the owner of the sig=ftSig-n.
(2) The street address or location of the property on which the sigzaSig-n is to be
located, along with the name and address of the property owner.
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(3) The type of sigtaSiW or s Sign structure as defined in this chapter.
(4) A site plan showing the proposed location of the sigftSig-n along with the
locations and square footage areas of all existing slgrrsSigns on the same
premises.
(5) Structural details as required.
(6) The building official, at their discretion,may require plans prepared by a
structural engineer to verify structural and wind load requirements.
(d) Fee. All applications for permits filed with the city administrator, or designee, shall be
accompanied by a payment of the initial permit fee for each sigraSig-n in such amount
as determined by city couticil resolutiofiordinance.
(e) Issuance or denial. The city administrator, or designee, shall issue a permit for the
erection, alteration, change of copy or relocation of a sigraSign within 30 days of
receipt of the completed application and applicable fees,provided that the sigiaSig-n
complies with all applicable laws and regulations of the city. In all applications,where
a matter of interpretation arises, the more specific definition or higher standard shall
prevail. When a permit is denied by the city administrator, or designee,written notice
shall be provided to the applicant along with a brief statement of the reasons for
denial. The city administrator, or designee, may suspend or revoke an issued permit
for any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application.
(i) Failure to obtain permit. If any sigtaSgnn is installed or placed on any property prior to
receipt of a permit,the specified permit fee shall be doubled. However,payment of
the doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirement or penalties
prescribed in this subdivisionordinance.
§ 30-861 (a) —(b), Inspections:
(a) Any person performing the erection,alteration, or relocating a sigraSign for which a
permit has been issued shall notify the building official upon completion of the
work. The building official may require a final inspection,including an electrical
inspection and inspection of footings on freestatiding signis Freestanding Signs.
(b) The building official may require in writing,upon issuance of a permit,that he be
notified for inspection prior to the installation of certain sigrasSigns.
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§ 30-862, Maintenance:
All signsSigns shall be properly maintained,including the ground around the sign. Exposed surfaces
Sic. Defective parts shall be replaced on eonformin
signs.Signs. The building official shall have the right under sections 30-856 and 30-858 to order the
repair or removal of any signSio which is defective,damaged, or substantially deteriorated.
§ 30-863, Illumination:
Unless otherwise specified by this subdivision, all signsSigns may be illuminated.
§ 30-864 (a) — (e), Changeable eopy.Copy Signs
(a) Unless otherwise specified by this subdivision, a changeable copy sigft or animate
sign any Changeable Copy Sign larger than 30 square feet;will require a cot"tioti1
Conditional Use
Permit.
(b) Changeable Copy Signs may display advertising information for on-site
businesses,public service announcements, or non-commercial copy.
�(c) Motor Vehicle Service Stations. Signs for Motor Vehicle Service Stations shall be
regulated by the provisions for the zoning district in which the facility is located,
except that within a Freestanding Sign, an area not to exceed 16 square feet shall be
allowed for continuous display(no flashing, scrolling or other animation) of digital or
non-digital Changeable Copy identif�g current fuel prices,in accordance with
Minnesota state statutes section 239.751.
(d) Time and TeVerature Signs. Within all commercial and industrial zoning districts, an
area not to exceed 16 square feet within a Freestanding or Wall Sign shall be allowed
for display of an electronic time and temperature Sign subject to the Sign provisions
for the zoning district in which the Sign is located.
(e) Digital Changeable Copy Signs
(1) In addition to subsections (a) and (�b ,the display must be static, and the
transition from one static display to another must be no more than two (21
seconds. The images and messages displayed must be complete in
themselves and without continuation in content to the next image, message,
or any other Sign.
(2) May not change more often than once every eight seconds.
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Underlines to be added
(3) Digital displays must be equipped with automatic dimming technology or
other mechanisms that automatically adjust the Signs illumination level based
on ambient light conditions.
( No Sign maybe of such intensity or brilliance as to impair the vision of a
motor vehicle driver with average eight or to otherwise interfere with the
driver's operation of a motor vehicle.
(5) The display 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 must immediately stop a digital display when notified by the city that it
is not complying with the standards of this ordinance.
§ 30-865, Area Identification Signs
Area Identification Signs are intended to provide additional navigation and identification
opportunities for residential, commercial, and industrial developments meeting the following criteria.
(a) Area Identification signs shall be Monument Signs in design, and are permitted as
follows:
(1) Residential subdivisions of at least 20 acres
a. Shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height.
b. One Sign permitted at each entrance from an arterial or collector
roadway.
(21 Condominium or apartment complex of at least 12 units
a. Shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height.
b. One (1) Sign permitted at each entrance from an arterial or collector
roadway.
(3) Commercial or industrial complex
a. Must consist of three (3) or more platted lots, and as a planned unit
development
b. One (1) Sign not to exceed 80 square feet in area
a. c. Maximum height as follows:
Max ZONING DISTRICT
Height C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 I1 I2 I3 BP
7 ft X X
loft X
20 ft X X X x
30 ft X
12
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(b) Shall identify an area or complex,not individual businesses.
(c) Area Identification Signs must be located on the same premises as the Development
which it identifies, as required by the development agreement, or as part of a CUP.
§ 30-865 30-866, Indemnification of city:
All persons involved in the erection, alteration, change of copy or relocation of sigtasSigns near or
upon any public right-of-way or public property which requires the use of public property shall, as a
condition of the use of such public property for sigaSign work, agree to hold harmless and
indemnify the city and its officers, agents, and employees against any and all claims of negligence
resulting from such work insofar as this subdivision has not specifically directed the placement of a
sigrtSignn.
§ 30-866 30-867, District regulations:
The following signsSigns are allowed in all districts:
(1a) All slgnsSigns not requiring permits as set forth in subsection 30-860(b).
(2) Construction Signs. One Mon-premises,
non-illuminated Construction Sign not to exceed 64 square feet in siga area of Sign
Area and 15 feet in height. Signs may be erected 30 days prior to the beginning
of construction, and sImUmust be removed ten-(LO days following issuance of a
certificate of occupancy. Such signs shaR tiot be iUutnitiated.
( )—(c) Real Estate Sign. One Mon-premises, i non-
illuminated Real Estate Sign per lot or premises not to exceed six square feet in
Sign Area and six (6) feet in height for residential lots, and one Mon-
premises non-illuminated Real Estate Sign per lot or
premises not to exceed 64 square feet in Sign Area and 15 feet in height
for commercial lots. Such a signSign must be removed ten 10 days following
closing, rental, or lease.
(4) —(d) Nameplate. One Mon-prenaii-e remises attached nameplate per occupancy,
not to exceed four square feet in sigma areaSign Area.
(5e) Political sigptry-Signs. As permitted by State Statute 21113.045. Political slgnsSigns are
permitted in all zones. . Political
sigrrsSigns may be placed only on private property and only with the permission of
the property owner. Such sigt=�sSigns shall not be illuminated.
13
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(6) Directional Signs. On-premises Directional
Signs shall not to-exceed four square feet per--sigtrin si Sign Area. Logos and
advertisements are not permitted on Directional Signs.
Window Signs. Provided they do not cover more than 50 percent of an individual
window area.
/7 (1) Vacant commercial spaces may cover 100% of a window,provided
no advertising message is displayed.
(h) Tem�iorary Signs. One Mon-premises or portable i
{Temporary Sign per property}may be installed, as allowed by the city administrator
or their designee. Temporary or portable Signs are also subject to the following:
Signs may not be displayed for more than a total of 90 days per calendar year,
per property. A single permit shall not exceed 30 consecutive days.
b Signs may not be displayed without a permit. sha-R be affixed to
the sign and be-,�:isible. Each permit must indicate the number of days and
the dates the sigftSig-n is to be displayed. A fee and deposit at a level
established by ordinance adopted by the Elk River City Council is required.
The city wiU release deposits following removal of the sign The
deposit shall be forfeited if the Sign is placed on an unapproved surface
and/or was erected past the date removed, as indicated on the permit
receipt of a wTitteti requ to do so.
Maximum sign sizeSign Area shall be limited to 4856 square feet and Signs
shall not exceed nine afeet in height. Lettering shall not extend beyond the
edges of the Sign.
eL�Q Signs must be located on the property of the business and the advertising
message must only relate to business conducted on that premises, except that
nonprofit or charitable organizations as defined by Internal Revenue Code
section 501(C)(3) may have off-premises sigffsSigns for their fundraising
activities,provided they obtain written permission from the property owner.
Nonprofit organizations shall be limited to three sign-,43)_Si s per event and
the sigrrsSigns shall not exceed the number of days allowed in subsection
(7-*.h� 1 of this section. If an event is advertised for more than 30 days,it
shall count toward that property's 90-day limit for tempora
sigma eTemporary Signage.
e(5) Temporary Signs may not be placed in any right-of-way, and must be
located on an approved surface;not including fire lanes and/or circulation
drive lanes. Approved surfaces include: asphalt, concrete, and class 5; or
crushed concrete compacted to a dust free surface.
f-.�o Only signsSigns for the community events listed in subsection 38-383(6) may
be placed on city property.
14
to be removed
Underlines to be added
g For purposes of this section, City of Elk River property leased to other
entities shall not be considered city property.
h-..� Signs must not be unsafe or dangerous and must be securely anchored.
synagogues,(8) No move than one permanent area identification sign shaR be a4owed-pef
neighborhood, subdivision, or development. However, if the neighboi�hood,
subdivision, or development has entrances on aftefW and/or col4ector roads, then
single area identification sign may be Aowed at each of these entrances. Each sfPn
shaR not exceed 4 6 square feet in sign area and shaR not exceed eight feet-in.'-Wi6pht.
The area identification sign sha14 be placed on the saffie premises as the developmen
which it identifies.
complex, not to exceed 16 square feet in sign area and sha14 not exceed ei...t feet in.
(40) For pefnaitted nonresidential uses, such as churches, and schools, on
on premises ffeestanding sign and one wa14 business sign, not to exceed 96 square
feet in total sign area. INIhere a zoning lot has in excess of 4,000 linear fe
combined street frontage, the total signage area shaR not exceed 4 92 square feet with
no more than 96 square feet per sign. Freestanding signage shaR not exceed 20 fee
in height.
(44) Any combination of on premises ffeestand4ng and waR mounted real estate sign
model homes having a combined total sign area not to exceed 32 square
Freestanding signs for model homes shaR have a maximum height of five feet.
(42) R�ura4 based businesses shaR be aRowed up to four off premises direetiona4 signs
subject to the fol4owing reS'LffC'.'Ofts7.t
a. ln&v�idttal direefiona4 signs shaR not exceed six square feet.
b. Such signs shaR be located on pfivate p roperfy which is adj acent
road, provided that the property owner's. p_-_—.,ssf-n is obtained in
C. Such signs sha14 only contain the name of the rural based businesses and th-e
d. Except as othefwise provided, A fteestanding signs in residential zones s
have a maximum height of eight feet.
e. Signing for s"aight ahead movements shaR not be allowed.
15
to be removed
Underlines to be added
§ 30-W 868 (a) — (f), (i), Construction and Location Standards
(a) Cot*liance wab building code. All s sSigns shall be constructed in accordance with the
requirements of the state building code.
(b) Setback. Except as otherwise provided, Freestanding Signs shall
have a setback of ten 10 feet from any property line to any portion of the sigraSign.
When a property line is located within the street,the setback shall be 25 feet from
the edge of the road.
(c) Ancboring.
(1) No sigraSign shall be suspended so that the sigraSign will swing in athe wind.
(2) All portable signsTemporary and Portable Signs on display shall be braced or
secured to prevent motion.
(d) mind resistance. All sigtasSigns shall comply with the wind load requirements of the
state building code.
(e) Obstruction of exits. No sigiaSign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to
obstruct any fire escape,required exit,window or door opening used as a means of
egress.
(f) Interference witb ventilation. No sigHSig-n shall be attached in any form, shape, or manner
which will interfere with any opening required for ventilation, except that sigi-tsSigns
may be erected in front of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of
the provisions of the current building or fire code.
(il Substitution. 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. 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 more specific provision to the contrary.
§ 30-868 869 (a) — (c), C-1 central business district:
(a) Temporary signsSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent sign-sSignns.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
16
to be removed
Underlines to be added
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
per neighborhood, sttb&vision, or development
(2� One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 64 square feet with a maxi-1-1.1
1-6-1- feet. 4-he area identification sign shall be located on the same
the developmetit it identifies.
ling sign
not to exceed 64 square in Sign Area with a
maximum height of 20 feet.
(3) The sign area of area idetitification signs atid freestatidifig sigzasArea
Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(4) The Sign Area of Freestanding Signs may be increased by percent if the
sig_,,Si is constructed as a .Monument Sign.
(5) One Mon-premises menu board per drive-up or walk-up lane of a drive-in
restaurant or carwash up to a maximum of 32 square feet each. Menu boards
are allowed to have a message on one side only and may not contain an
advertising message.
(6) Canopy Signs on Motor Vehicle Service Stations
a. In addition to Wall Signs,Motor Vehicle Service Stations shall be
allowed two (2) Canopy Signs.
b. The total area of each Canopy Sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
§ 30-869 870 (a) - (c), C-2 office district:
(a) Temporary sigfisSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent sign-,Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(21 One (1) Monument Sign,not to exceed 40 square feet with a maximum
height of seven (7) feet.
17
to be removed
Underlines to be added
development,not to exceed 64 sqttare feet with a ffiaximum height of seven
feet. 4-he area identification sigp shaR be located on the same prefnises as the
development it identifies.-(3)
One peifnanent area identification sign per neighbofhood, subdivision, o
Area Identification Signs as permitted in section
30-865
(2) One freestanding sign,not to exceed 32 sqttare feet with a maximum heigh
of seven feet
(3) The sigft area of area identification signs and freestanding signs may be
increased 25 percei-A if the stign iis constructed as a monument sign-.
L Lo exceed 64 total square feet per occupancr.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-864
§ 30-8-70 871 (a) —(c), C-3 highway commercial district:
(a) Temporary sSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent signsSigns.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
per neighborhood, subdivision, or development, to exceed 64-sqttare feet
with a maximum height of 30 feet. The area identification sign sha4l b
located on the same pretnises as the development it identifies.
(2) One Freestanding sigzaSig-n, not to exceed 150 square feet
with a maximum height of 30 feet. One Freestanding sigma
Sign may be permitted for every 300 feet of street frontage measured along a
single street. The frontage shall only include the property in which the
principahPrincipal Use is located on,which the sigtrSign is advertising.
The additional sigzftSig-n(s) shall be subject to the size and height limitations
of the first allowed freestandifig Freestanding or Monument sign
Sit and may be placed no closer than 150 feet to any other fr-eestandig
Freestanding or Monument sig�Sicn.
(3) The sigrrSi i are*-Area of _reestanding sigmas
Signs may be increased 25 percent if the sign,-Sign sign,—Sign is constructed as a
-A-Monument sigfiSicn.
18
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(4) Area
Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(5) One Mon-premises menu board per drive-up or walk-up lane of a drive-in
restaurant or carwash up to a maximum of 32 square feet each. Menu boards
are allowed to have a message on one side only and may not contain an
advertising message.
(6) Canopy Signs on Motor Vehicle Service Stations
a. In addition to Wall Signs,Motor Vehicle Service Stations shall be
allowed two (2) Canopy Signs.
b. The total area of each Canopy Sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(7e) Advertising s Signs (billboards), subject to the following:-.
{�}a. Prohibited within 100 feet of the intersection of the highway right-of-
way and any other right-of-way or driveway.
{�}b. Prohibited within 1,200 feet of another adver isingAdvertising sign
Sign—on the same side of the right-of-way.
{ }c. Shall be erected with a single pole or mono-pole structural standard
and shall have underground wiring.
{4}d. The base of any adver ising-Advertisings*ff-Siga must be landscaped
to prevent erosion and noxious weeds and must be properly
maintained.
{ }e. Shall not exceed 400 square feet in area wand 35 feet in height, as
measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
structure to the nearest road grade.25 feet in height as measu
peTendieulafly ffom the height of the highest point 04:A, .
structure to the grade level directly below the sign. The existing gr-ade
may not be altered for the pttTose of ligft height.
{6}f. Shall be considered a principal use of the property. Existing
adver sign-,Signs must be removed when the parcel
upon which they are situated is devoted to another prinei 3ftl- ncipal
usel se.
(7) The city shall perform a yeaAy inspection of the advertisi.',, L-
ensur conipliance of said structure with the p ro6s;Otis of
and other provisions of this afticle. The fee for s
—ot—tion shaI4 be set by the city council by resolution from ftme to
19
to be removed
Underlines to be added
77g. Shall only be allowed in C-3 zoned property adjacent to rights-of-way
for state highways numbers 10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-864
§ 30-8-74 872 (a) — (c), C-4 community commercial district:
(a) Temporary slgt-,sSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent sign-sSigns.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
per neighborhood, subdivisioti, or development,not to exceed 64 sqttare
with a maximum height of teti feet. The area identification sign shaR be
located on the same premises as the developmetit it identifies.
(2) One freestanding (1) Monument Sign,not to exceed 490125 square feet.
The maximum height shall be ten 10 feet along collector streets,and the
maximum height shall be 20 feet along arterial streets.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(3) The sigti area of area identification sigtis atid freestanding sigfts may he
L Lo exceed 200 total sqttare feet per occupaftey,
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
§ 30-8-72 873 (a) — (d), DD downtown district:
(a) Temporary sigasSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent sigfrsSigns. Signs should be designed to fit with the character,
proportions and scale of the individual building and should complement,rather than
compete with,the character of downtown.
20
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(1) Prohibited sigfis: back lit signs (excluding individual letters),molded plastic
cabinet signs, smooth/flat plastic signs and signs with s"obe lights, flashing
elements or distracting ae
(2) One wall mounted sign and ml� Wall Sign shall be allowed
on each primary€aeadeFa�ade and on one secondary facade,w_ -his does no
extend above the rooffine of an adjoining buMng.
Facade. One (1) square foot of waR mounted Wall Sign
per one alinear foot of Unit Width
shall be allowed.
and shall not project out
more than eight cinches ftom facade..
_
{ }a. Wall Signs shall not extend above the roofline of an
adjoining building or be higher than the bottom of the stringcourse.
(2) One (1) Monument Sign is permitted for each Multi-Tenant Facility
a. Sign height shall be limited to one-half(1/2) the average height of
the primary structure,not to exceed 20 feet.
b. Sign Area, as measured in square feet, shall be limited to one-third
(1/3) of primary structure width,measured at the widest point
parallel to the building address street,and shall not exceed 80 square
feet.
(3) One (1) Projecting Sign shall be allowed on each primary Facade, provided
that:
a. The Sign does not exceed six (6) square feet in area, shall not project
perpendicularly-more than four Meet from€acad Facade and shall
not be thicker than six inches.
b. The Projecting Sign projects
out perpendicular from€aealeFa�ade.
{- c. Projecting signSi nn and structural elements sIWAare not dower than
eight{afeet} from the sidewalk,norbe higher than the bottom
of the sill of the second floor windows.
(9) Signage sha4l be constfucted of ffietal,wood, stone,plastic (with three
dimetisional reliefs) atid/or cloth.
The brackets and structure for Projecting Signs shall
be ornamentally designed.
21
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(11) W4th the exception of in&vidttal letters, only externafly illutninated sigas ar-e
^lam
(12) Monument signs sha4l not be Alowed. Existing mo--l—A erected pr4of
to the date of the adoption of this section can be rebttAt to the saffl
the same location.
(13) Aside from a date and name stone not exceeding tl-&ee square feet,tio
sigtiage shall be placed within the parapet patiel area.
(14) kMndow signs and signs attached to or painted on
window may not cover pereent of the witidow sttrface area.
{+54 One l Portable signs sha4l be limited to ttfi4t A frame signs with
maximutn height of three feet and a total area of six square Sit is
permitted per public entrance,and only one (1 Sign may be
displayed per Facade.
a. Two-sided Portable Signs (sandwich boards) may not exceed five (5)
feet in height, and six (6) square feet in area. Such Signs are only
permitted during business hours, must be located in front of the
business it identifies, and shall not obstruct pedestrian traffic nor
impede vehicular traffic.
b. Portable Signs (sandwich boards) shall be set back a minimum of two
(2) feet from the back of curb of parking areas, public streets, or
private drive aisles.
(5) With the exception of individual letters and Digital Changeable Copy Signs,
only externally illuminated Signs are allowed.
(6) Aside from a date and name stone not exceeding three (3) square feet,no
signage shall be placed within the parapet panel area.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
(dl Prohibited Signs: Back-lit Signs (excluding individual letters.),molded plastic Cabinet
Signs, smooth/flat plastic Signs and Signs with strobe lights, flashing elements or
distracting actions.
(16) OPAy one portable sign may be displayed directly iti front of a bttli—ll -1
91 ..-1 shall be displayed opAy dttfing bttsiness hours.
(17) Street nttmbers must be protninefitly displayed at the main entfance to eve
business and be-,�:isible from the stfeet,
22
to be removed
Underlines to be added
§ 30-8-3 874 (a) — (c), I-1 light industrial district:
(a) Temporary sigasSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent signsSigns.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
per neighbofhood, sub&6sioti, or developmetit,not to exceed 64 sqttare
with a maximum height of 20 feet. The area identificatiota sign sha-4 b
located oia the same pretnises as the developmew it identifies.
(2) One freestandifig � Freestanding Sign, not to exceed 150 square feet
with a maximum height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of
street frontage, one additional Freestanding or Monument Sign will be
Allowed. This Sign shall be subject to the size and height limitations of the
first allowed Freestanding or Monument Sign and may be placed no closer
than 150 feet to any other Freestanding or Monument Sign on the same
premises.
(3) The Sign Area of Freestanding Signs may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constructed as a Monument Sign.
(4) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
{0 �5 Advertising sigr�Signs (billboards), subject to the following_.-
{Ia) Prohibited within 100 feet of the intersection of the highway right-of-
way and any other right-of-way or driveway.
{2b} Prohibited within 1,200 feet of another isifig-Advertising-sigft
Simon on the same side of the right-of-way.
{30 Shall be erected with a single pole or monopole structural standard
and shall have underground wiring.
{4d} The base of any adver is Advertising sigtrSign must be landscaped
to prevent erosion and noxious weeds and must be properly
maintained.
(-5e) Shall not exceed 400 square feet in area wand 35 feet in height, as
measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
structure to the nearest road grade.
peTendiettlaAy from the height of the highest point 04: 1-
23
to be removed
Underlines to be added
structure to the grade level directly below the sigft. The existing gfade
may not be altered for the pttTose of lign height.
{6f} Shall be considered a principal use of the property. Existing
adver Advertising slgti-,Signs must be removed when the parcel
upon which they are situated is devoted to another principal use.
(7) The city shall perform a yeaAy inspection of the advertising devices
to ensure compliance of said advertisitig strdeture with the pro I-i-i--
of this sectioti and other pro-,�:isiofis of this article. The fee for s
..".—tion sha4l be set by the city couticil by resol�dtioia from ftme to
{fig} Shall only be allowed in I-1 zoned property adjacent to right-of-way
for state highways X10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
§ 30-8-4 87571-2 medium industrial district-
(a) Temporary sSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent sigfisSigns.
(11 1Yall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 150 square feet with a maximum
height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of street frontage, one
additional freestaffdifTFreestanding or Monument Sign will
be allowed. This sig-fiSio shall be subject to the size and height limitations of
the first allowed freesta-"tigFreestanding or IMRMonument Sign
and may be placed no closer than 150 feet to any other
freest Freestandin or Monument Sign on the same
premises.
(3) The Sign Area of area identific-6
signsFreestanding Signs may be increased 25 percent if the sigftSicn is
constructed as a onument Sign.
(4) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(4) Ofte wall sig.., exceed 120 square feet per oce-upancy.
24
to be removed
Underlines to be added
-{cj—�� Advertising sigftsSigns (billboards.�l, subject to the following_
{�}a. Prohibited within 100 feet of the intersection of the highway right-of-
way and any other right-of-way or driveway.
f2}b. Prohibited within 1,200 feet of another advertising sigftAdvertising
Sign on the same side of the right-of-way.
{�c. Shall be erected with a single pole or monopole structural standard
and shall have underground wiring.
{�}d. The base of any advertising sign must be landscaped to prevent
erosion and noxious weeds and must be properly maintained.
{ }e. Shall not exceed 400 square feet in area wand 35 feet in height, as
measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
structure to the nearest road grade.25 feet in height as meastt
strdeture to the grade level directly below the sign. The existitag gfade
ma-y not be altered for the pttTose of lign height.
{6)L Shall be considered a principal use of the property. Existing
advertising signs must be removed when the parcel upon which they
are situated is devoted to another principal use.
(7) The city sha4l perform a yeaAy inspection of the advertising de-6ces
to ensure compliance of said advertisitig structure with the pro ili--
of this section atid other provisions of this article. 4-he fee for s
..".--tioti sha4l be set by the city couticA by reso�dtioti from ftme to
{�}g Shall only be allowed in I-2 zoned property adjacent to right-of-way
for state highways-ftuffA)es 10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
§ 30-876 (a) – (c), I-3 general industrial district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(11 mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
25
to be removed
Underlines to be added
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones. not to exceed
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign not to exceed 150 square feet,with a maximum
height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of street frontage, one
(1) additional Freestanding or Monument Sign will be allowed. This sign shall
be subject to the size and height limitations of the first allowed Freestanding
or Monument Sign and shall be no closer than 150 feet to any other
Freestanding or Monument Sign on the same premises.
(3) The Sign Area of a Freestanding Sign may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constructed as a Monument Sign.
(4) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
§ 30-87-5 877 (a) — (c), BP business park district,
(a) Temporary signsSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent signsSigns.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential use
or zone. Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their
proportionate share of permitted Wall Sign Area.
(2) One freestandifig � Monument Sign,not to exceed 64 square feet with
a maximum height of eight afeet.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
§ 30-8-76 878 (a) — (d), CRT commercial reserve transitional district:
(a) Temporary signsSigns as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent signsSigns.
(1) Three (3) Wall Signs, not to exceed 300 square feet per occupancy.
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(2� One freestanding (11 Freestanding Sign, not to exceed 150 square feet
with a maximum height of 30 feet.
L Lo exceed 300 square feet per oce"ancy.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-864.
�ed�_Event sponsor sigxsSins, a sigfiSign subordinate to a pr4ficipal tisePrincipal Use
intended for the display of information for onsite patrons, shall be allowed i€+h-ey
fneetprovide the following criteria are met:
(1) An approvediterifn ttselnterim Use permit has been obtained for the
property;
(2) A sign plan shall be approved by city staff;
(3) Property shall be larger than 20 acres;
(4) Not- ch sign shall not to exceed 32 square feet;
(5) Must be one-sided only;
(6) Shall be setback ten 10 feet from property line,
(7) Sha4l be setback- or 25 feet from rights-of-way;,whichever is further.
(87) Shall face away from rights-of-way; or be setback at least 500 feet from the
right-of-way.
(98) Shall not exceed six Meet in height;
(109) Shall not be illuminated.
§ 30-880 (a) — $ Residential districts
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs
(1) One (1) Wall Sign, not to exceed four (4) square feet in area.
(21 One (1) Freestanding Sign not to exceed square feet in area.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
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(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
(dl For permitted nonresidential uses, such as churches, synagogues, and schools,in
residentially zoned areas, one (1 on-premises Freestanding Sign and one Wall Sign,
not to exceed 96 square feet in total Sign Area.Where a zoning lot has in excess of
1,000 linear feet of combined street frontage, the total Sign Area shall not exceed 192
square feet with no more than 96 square feet per Sign. Freestanding Signage shall not
exceed 20 feet in height.
(e) Any combination of on-premises Freestanding and wall-mounted Real Estate Signs
for model homes having a combined total Sign Area not to exceed 32 square feet.
Freestanding Signs for model homes shall have a maximum height of five (5) feet.
(f1 Rural-Based Businesses shall be allowed up to four (4) off-premises Directional Signs
subject to the following restrictions.
(1) Individual Directional Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
(2) Such Signs shall be located on private property adjacent to an arterial road,
provided that the property owner's permission is obtained in writing.
(3) Such Signs shall only contain the name of the Rural-Based Business, and the
direction and distance to the facility.
(4) Except as otherwise provided, all Freestanding Signs in residential zones shall
have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
(5) Signing for straight-ahead movements shall not be allowed.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect upon adoption and be published as provided by
law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 16`''day of December,2013.
John J. Dietz,Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
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City of Elk -m"' -�
River
Ordinance 13 -
An Ordinance Amending Section 30-01, entitled "Definitions" and
Chapter 30, Article VI, Division 5, Subdivision II, entitled "Signs", of the City of Elk
River, Minnesota, City Code
The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. That section 30-01 of the City of Elk River city code shall be amended to add and/or
amend the following definitions:
§ 30-01, Definitions
Fafade means that portion of any exterior elevation on the building extending from grade to top of
the parapet,wall, or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation.
Multi-Tenant Facility, means a commercial,industrial, or residential facility with multiple tenants
occupying a single structure
Sign,Abandoned, means a Sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business,lessor,
service, owner,product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
Sign,Address, means a Sign which identifies the numerical address of the premises on which the Sign
is located.
Sign,Advertising, means an Off-Premises Sign which is specifically allowed by this chapter.
Sign,Alteration of, means any change,reconstruction,relocation, or enlargement/reduction of a Sign,
or of any of its component parts. Routine maintenance and the repainting shall not be deemed to be
an alteration.
Sign Area.
(1) The area of any Sign shall be the rectangular area of the largest face,including its border
area. For Signs that are composed of individual letters or symbols,have an irregular
shape,have open spaces or are composed of two or more individual cabinets,the Sign
Area shall be the area of the smallest single rectangular figure that encloses it.
(2) If a Freestanding or Monument Sign is constructed so that the faces are not back to
back, the angles shall not exceed ten (10) degrees. If the angle is greater than ten (10)
degrees, the total area of both sides added together shall not exceed the maximum
allowable Sign Area for that district.
Sign,Aavning, means a Sign painted on,printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.
Sign, Banner, means a Sign made of fabric or any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.
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Sign, Boulevard, means any stationary self-supported Sign fixed to a base flush to the ground and not
affixed to any other structure.
Sign, Cabinet, means a Sign or portion of a Sign constructed to be supported in substantial part by
means of a separate box-like structure,with each segment of the Sign message attached to one or a
group of supports.
Sign, Canopy, means any message or identification which is affixed to a projection or extension of a
building or structure, erected in such a manner as to provide a shelter or cover over the approach to
any entrance of a store,building or place of assembly.
Sign, Changeable Copy, means a Sign or portion thereof with characters,letters or illusions that can be
changed or rearranged mechanically without altering the face of the surface of the Sign.
Sign, Cbangeable Copy (manual, means a Sign on which copy is changeable manually rather than by
automation.
Sign, (clearance of a)means the smallest vertical distance between the lowest point of any Sign,
including the framework and embellishments, and the grade directly below it.
Sign, Construction, means a temporary Sign erected on the premises on which construction is taking
place, during the period of such construction,indicating the names of the architects, engineers,
landscape architects, contractors or similar artisans,and the owners, financial supporters, sponsors,
and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to the situation or project.
Sign, Digital Cbangeable Copy, includes, but is not limited to, any flashing, blinking, or animated
display, and any display that incorporates LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink,"
or any other method or technology that allows the Sign face to present a series of images or displays.
Sign, Directional, means a Sign erected on private property for the purpose of directing pedestrian or
vehicular traffic onto or about the property upon which such Sign is located,including Signs
marking entrances and exits, circulation direction,parking areas, and pickup and delivery areas,
which does not display advertising copy.
Sign, Electrical, means a Sign or Sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are
used.
Sign, Face of, means the area of a Sign on which the copy is placed.
Sign, Freestanding means any Sign not attached to a principal or accessory building.
Sign, Government, means any temporary or permanent Sign erected and maintained by the city, county,
state or federal government for traffic direction or for identification of or direction to any school,
hospital,historical site, or public service,property, or facility.
Sign Height, means the vertical distance measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
to the grade of the adjacent street or to the surface grade beneath the Sign,whichever is the greater
distance.
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Sign, Illegal, means a Sign which has not received a permit to be installed or does not meet the
requirements of this Code and which has not received legal nonconforming status.
Sign, Illuminated, means a Sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for
the purpose of making the Sign message visible at night.
Sign, Incidental, means a small Sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of facilities or services
available on the premises.
Sign,Marquee, means any Sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure.
Sign, Monument, means a type of Freestanding Sign supported by an internal structural framework
covered by solid structural feature such that the support structure is not visible. The solid structural
feature shall be at least 75 percent of the Sign width.
Sign,Moving means any Sign or device which has any visible moving parts,visible revolving parts, or
visible mechanical movements.
Sign, Off-Premises, means any Sign advertising an establishment, entertainment,goods,products, or
services, not produced,manufactured,located or sold on the premises the Sign is located.
Sign, Painted wall, means any Sign which is applied with paint or similar substance on the face of a
wall.
Sign, Political, means a temporary sign used in connection with any local, state, or national election or
referendum.
Sign, Portable, means a two-sided Sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground (i.e.
A-frame or sandwich-board Signs)
Sign, Private Sale or Event, means a temporary sign advertising private sales of personal property such
as house sales,garage sales, and the like or private not-for-profit events such as picnics, carnivals,
bazaars,game nights, art fairs, and craft shows.
Sign, Projecting means a Sign, other than a Wall Sign,which is attached to and projects perpendicular
from a building wall.
Sign, Real Estate, means a Sign advertising the real estate upon which the Sign is located as being for
rent,lease, or sale.
Sign, Roof, means a Sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or which is wholly dependent
upon a building for support and which projects above the roofline of a building with a flat,gambrel,
or hip roof or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
Sign, Rotating means a Sign in which the Sign itself or any portion of the Sign moves in a revolving
or similar manner.
Sign, Temporagg, means any Sign designed to be movable from one location to another and which is
not permanently attached to the ground and/or structure.
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Sign, mall, means a Sign attached to and parallel to the wall of a building.
Sign, i�indoav means a Sign posted,painted,placed, or affixed in or on a window exposed to public
view. An interior Sign that faces a window exposed to public view and located within three feet of
the window is considered a window Sign for the purpose of calculating the total area of all Window
Signs.
Vision Clearance Triangle, The area of a corner lot bounded by the right-of-way lines and a line
connecting the two points on the property lines 30 feet from the intersection of the property lines.
Section 2. That sections 30-852 through 30-880 of the City of Elk River city code shall be
amended read as follows:
§ 30-852 (a) — (c), Purpose, scope, and findings of subdivision
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this subdivision shall be to coordinate the type,placement,
and physical dimensions of Signs within the different zoning districts,to recognize
the commercial communication requirements of all sectors of the business
community,to encourage the innovative use of design, to promote both renovation
and proper maintenance,to allow for special circumstances, and to guarantee equal
treatment under the law through accurate recordkeeping and consistent enforcement.
These shall be accompanied by regulation of the display, erection,use, and
maintenance of Signs.
(b) Scope. This subdivision shall not relate to building design,nor shall this subdivision
regulate official traffic or government Signs; the copy and message of Signs;window
displays;product dispensers and point of purchase displays; scoreboards on athletic
fields; flags of any nation,government, or noncommercial organizations;
gravestones;barber poles; religious symbols; commemorative plaques; the display of
street numbers; or any display or construction not defined as a Signs in section 30-1.
(c) Findings
The City finds:
(1) Exterior Signs have a substantial impact on the character and quality of the
environment.
(2) Signs provide an important medium that may convey a variety of messages.
(3) Signs can create traffic hazards and aesthetic concerns, thereby threatening
the public health, safety and welfare.
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(4) The City's zoning regulations include the regulation of Signs in an effort to
provide adequate means of expression and to promote the economic viability
of the business community,while protecting the City and its citizens from a
proliferation of Signs of a type, size,location,number and character that
would adversely impact upon the aesthetics of the community and threaten
the health, safety and welfare of the community. The regulation of the
physical characteristics of Signs within the City has a positive impact on
traffic safety and the appearance of the community.
§ 30-853, Compliance with applicable regulations:
All Signs hereafter erected or maintained shall conform with the provisions of this subdivision and
other ordinances and regulations of the city.
§ 30-854 (a) — (e), Nonconforming Signs
(a) Eligibility for legal nonconforming status. Existing Signs which do not conform to the
current provisions of this subdivision shall be "legal nonconforming" Signs,provided
that the Sign was authorized by a valid permit,variance, or complied with all then
applicable laws at the time the Sign was installed.
(b) Loss of legal nonconforming status. A legal nonconforming Sign will lose this designation
if the Sign is removed, abandoned, or its use discontinues for a period of 12 months
or more
(c) Maintenance and repair. A legal nonconforming Sign is subject to all requirements of
this subdivision regarding safety, maintenance, and repair.
(d) Relocation or alteration. The city council may,upon application of a property owner,
permit the alteration or relocation of a legal nonconforming Sign if, after a public
hearing by the planning commission and city council, the council determines that
total compliance with the current Sign regulations is not reasonable but the alteration
or relocation of the nonconforming Signs is in greater conformity with the existing
Sign regulations and is in the best interest of the community.
(e) No expansion. No legal non-conforming Sign shall be expanded or enlarged in any
respect.
§ 30-855, Appeals
Appeals from any decision rendered under this subdivision may be made as provided in subdivision
II of division 2 of this article.
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§ 30-856 (a) - (b), Notice of violation; order to repair or remove Sign
In addition to the remedies authorized in section 30-576, the city may cause the following action to
be taken:
(a) When,in the opinion of the city administrator, or designee, a violation of the Code
exists, the city administrator, or designee, shall issue a written order to either the
owner of the Sign or the owner of the property on which the Sign is placed. The
order shall specify those sections of the Code involved, shall describe the violation
and shall direct that the violation be corrected within 30 days from the date of the
order;
(b) If,upon inspection,the city administrator, or designee, finds that a Sign is
abandoned or is structurally or electrically defective, or in any way endangers the
public, the city administrator, or designee, shall issue a written order to the owner of
the Sign and occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and
requiring repair or removal of the Sign within 30 days of the date of the order.
§ 30-857 (b), Authority of city administrator, or designee
(b) Inspections. The building official, city administrator, or designee,is empowered,upon
presentation of proper credentials, to enter or inspect any building, structure, or
premises in the city for the purpose of inspection of a Sign and its structural and
electrical connections to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
Such inspections shall be carried out during business hours unless an emergency
exists.
§ 30-858 (a) — (d), Removal of Signs by city
(a) The city administrator, or designee, may cause the removal of a Sign after failure to
timely comply with written orders for removal or repair as provided in section 38-
856. After removal or demolition of the Sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign
owner and owner of the property where the Sign was located stating the nature of
the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the
costs as certified by the city administrator, or designee,including costs for inspection
and incidental costs. If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within 30 days
after mailing of the notice,it shall become alien against the property where the Sign
was located and shall be certified as an assessment against the property together with
ten percent interest for collection in the same manner as the Real Estate taxes.
(b) The owner of the property upon which the Sign is located shall be presumed to be
the owner of all Signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the
attention of the city administrator, or designee,as in the case of a leased Sign.
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(c) For purposes of removal, a Sign shall be deemed to include all sign embellishments
and structures designed specifically to support the Sign.
(d) In case of emergency,the city administrator, or designee,may cause the immediate
removal of a dangerous or defective Sign without notice. Signs removed in this
manner must present a hazard to the public safety as defined in section 1300.0180 of
the State Building Code.
§ 30-859 (a) — (n), Prohibited Signs
The following types of Signs are prohibited in all districts:
(a) Abandoned Signs which no longer identify or advertise a bona fide business, service,
product, or activity or for which no legal owner can be found.
(b) Pennants, festoons,inflatable balloons/displays, and searchlights; except as a
permitted Temporary Signs under subsection 30-867(h).
(c) Off-Premises Signs, except for Advertising Signs (billboards) specifically allowed by
this Chapter.
(d) Signs imitating or resembling official Government Signs or signals.
(e) Signs attached to trees, utility poles,public benches,streetlights, or placed on any
public property or public right-of-way, except Signs as permitted in section 30-873
(b) (4)
(� Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or placed for the primary
purpose of displaying the Sign, except for lettering on buses,taxis, or vehicles
operating during the normal course of business.
(g) Signs suspended beneath a canopy, overhang, roof,or marquee without a minimum
clearance from grade of eight (8) feet in either a vehicular or pedestrian way.
(h) Any Roof Sign or Sign erected above the roofline of a building.
(i) Any Sign placed within the Vision Clearance Triangle that may obstruct motorist or
pedestrian visibility.
(j) Rotating or Moving Signs.
(k) Unsafe or dangerous Signs as determined by the city administrator, or designee.
(1) Painted Wall Signs.
(m) Signs utilizing flashing and/or revolving beacon lights.
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(n) Banner Signs, except as a permitted Temporary Signs under subsection 30-867(h) or
permitted Real Estate Signs under subsection 30-860 (b) (5).
§ 30-860 (a) — (e), (i), Permit
(a) Required. Unless otherwise provided by this subdivision,the erection, structural
alteration, or relocation of a Sign shall require permits and payment of fees as
described in this section. No permit is required for the maintenance of a Sign.
(b) Exemptions. The following types of Signs are exempt from permit requirements but
must otherwise be in conformance with all requirements of this subdivision:
(1) On-premises Construction Signs that comply with subsection 30-867(b).
(2) On-premises Signs,including but not limited to Directional Signs,
Informational Signs, Private Sale Signs and Nameplates, having a Sign Area
of four (4) square feet or less
(3) Portable Signs in the Downtown District.
(4) Political Signs.
(5) On-premises residential or commercial Real Estate Signs that comply with
subsection 30-867(c).
(c) Application. Application for a permit for the erection, structural alteration, or
relocation of a Sign shall be made to the city administrator, or designee,upon a form
provided by the city and shall include the following information:
(1) The name and address of the owner of the Sign.
(2) The street address or location of the property on which the Sign is to be
located, along with the name and address of the property owner.
(3) The type of Sign or Sign structure as defined in this chapter.
(4) A site plan showing the proposed location of the Sign along with the
locations and square footage areas of all existing Signs on the same premises.
(5) Structural details as required.
(6) The building official, at their discretion,may require plans prepared by a
structural engineer to verify structural and wind load requirements.
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(d) Fee. All applications for permits filed with the city administrator, or designee, shall be
accompanied by a payment of the initial permit fee for each Sign in such amount as
determined by city ordinance.
(e) Issuance or denial. The city administrator, or designee, shall issue a permit for the
erection, alteration, change of copy or relocation of a Sign within 30 days of receipt
of the completed application and applicable fees,provided that the Sign complies
with all applicable laws and regulations of the city. In all applications,where a matter
of interpretation arises,the more specific definition or higher standard shall prevail.
When a permit is denied by the city administrator, or designee,written notice shall be
provided to the applicant along with a brief statement of the reasons for denial. The
city administrator, or designee,may suspend or revoke an issued permit for any false
statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application.
(i) Failure to obtain permit. If any Sign is installed or placed on any property prior to
receipt of a permit,the specified permit fee shall be doubled. However,payment of
the doubled fee shall not relieve any person of any other requirement or penalties
prescribed in this ordinance.
§ 30-861 (a) — (b), Inspections
(a) Any person performing the erection,alteration, or relocating a Sign for which a
permit has been issued shall notify the building official upon completion of the
work. The building official may require a final inspection,including an electrical
inspection and inspection of footings on Freestanding Signs.
(b) The building official may require in writing,upon issuance of a permit,that he be
notified for inspection prior to the installation of certain Signs.
§ 30-862, Maintenance
All Signs shall be properly maintained,including the ground around the Sign. Defective parts shall
be replaced on Signs. The building official shall have the right under sections 30-856 and 30-858 to
order the repair or removal of any Sign which is defective, damaged, or substantially deteriorated.
§ 30-863, Illumination
Unless otherwise specified by this subdivision, all Signs may be illuminated.
§ 30-864 (a) — (e), Changeable Copy Signs
(a) Unless otherwise specified by this subdivision, any Changeable Copy Sign larger than
30 square feet will require a Conditional Use Permit.
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(b) Changeable Copy Signs may only display advertising information for on-site
businesses,public service announcements, or non-commercial copy.
(c) Motor Vehicle Service Stations. Signs for Motor Vehicle Service Stations shall be
regulated by the provisions for the zoning district in which the facility is located,
except that within a Freestanding Sign, an area not to exceed 16 square feet shall be
allowed for continuous display (no flashing, scrolling or other animation) of digital or
non-digital Changeable Copy identifying current fuel prices,in accordance with
Minnesota state statutes section 239.751.
(d) Time and Temperature Signs. Within all commercial and industrial zoning districts, an
area not to exceed 16 square feet within a Freestanding or Wall Sign shall be allowed
for display of an electronic time and temperature Sign subject to the Sign provisions
for the zoning district in which the Sign is located.
(e) Digital Changeable Copy Signs
(1) In addition to subsections (a) and (b),the display must be static, and the
transition from one static display to another must be no more than two (2)
seconds. The images and messages displayed must be complete in
themselves and without continuation in content to the next image, message,
or any other Sign.
(2) May not change more often than once every eight (8) seconds.
(3) Digital displays must be equipped with automatic dimming technology or
other mechanisms that automatically adjust the Signs illumination level based
on ambient light conditions.
(4) No Sign may be of such intensity or brilliance as to impair the vision of a
motor vehicle driver with average eyesight or to otherwise interfere with the
driver's operation of a motor vehicle.
(5) The display 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 must immediately stop a digital display when notified by the city that it
is not complying with the standards of this ordinance.
§ 30-865, Area Identification Signs
Area Identification Signs are intended to provide additional navigation and identification
opportunities for residential, commercial, and industrial developments meeting the following criteria.
(a) Area Identification signs shall be Monument Signs in design, and are permitted as
follows:
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(1) Residential subdivisions of at least 20 acres
a. Shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height.
b. One (1) Sign permitted at each entrance from an arterial or collector
roadway.
(2) Condominium or apartment complex of at least 12 units
a. Shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and eight (8) feet in height.
b. One (1) Sign permitted at each entrance from an arterial or collector
roadway.
(3) Commercial or industrial complex
a. Must consist of three (3) or more platted lots, and as a planned unit
development
b. One (1) Sign not to exceed 80 square feet in area
c. Maximum height as follows:
Max ZONING DISTRICT
Height C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 I-1 I-2 I-3 BP
7 ft X X
loft X
20 ft X X X X
30 ft X
(b) Shall identify an area or complex, not individual businesses.
(c) Area Identification Signs must be located on the same premises as the Development
which it identifies, as required by the development agreement, or as part of a CUP.
§ 30-866, Indemnification of city
All persons involved in the erection, alteration, change of copy or relocation of Signs near or upon
any public right-of-way or public property which requires the use of public property shall, as a
condition of the use of such public property for Sign work, agree to hold harmless and indemnify
the city and its officers, agents, and employees against any and all claims of negligence resulting from
such work insofar as this subdivision has not specifically directed the placement of a Sign.
§ 30-867, District regulations
The following Signs are allowed in all districts:
(a) All Signs not requiring permits as set forth in subsection 30-860(b).
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(b) Construction Signs. One (1) on-premises, non-illuminated Construction Sign not to
exceed 64 square feet in Sign Area and 15 feet in height. Signs may be erected 30
days prior to the beginning of construction,and must be removed ten (10) days
following issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(c) Real Estate Sign. One (1) on-premises, non-illuminated Real Estate Sign per lot or
premises not to exceed six (6) square feet in Sign Area and six (6) feet in height for
residential lots, and one (1) on-premises non-illuminated Real Estate Sign per lot or
premises not to exceed 64 square feet in Sign Area and 15 feet in height for
commercial lots. Such a Sign must be removed ten (10) days following closing,
rental, or lease.
(d) Nameplate. One (1) on-premises attached nameplate per occupancy,not to exceed
four (4) square feet in Sign Area.
(e) Political Signs. As permitted by State Statute 21113.045. Political Signs are permitted in
all zones. Political Signs may be placed only on private property and only with the
permission of the property owner. Such Signs shall not be illuminated.
(f) Directional Signs. On-premises Directional Signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet
in Sign Area. Logos and advertisements are not permitted on Directional Signs.
(g) Wlindoav Signs. Provided they do not cover more than 50 percent of an individual
window area.
(1) Vacant commercial spaces may cover 100% of a window,provided no
advertising message is displayed.
(h) Temporary Signs. One (1) on-premises Temporary Sign per property may be installed,
as allowed by the city administrator or their designee. Temporary Signs are also
subject to the following:
(1) Signs may not be displayed for more than a total of 90 days per calendar year,
per property. A single permit shall not exceed 30 consecutive days.
(2) Signs may not be displayed without a permit. Each permit must indicate the
number of days and the dates the Sign is to be displayed. A fee and deposit at
a level established by ordinance adopted by the City Council is required. The
deposit shall be forfeited if the Sign is placed on an unapproved surface
and/or was erected past the date removed, as indicated on the permit.
(3) Maximum Sign Area shall be limited to 56 square feet and Signs shall not
exceed nine (9) feet in height. Lettering shall not extend beyond the edges of
the Sign.
(4) Signs must be located on the property of the business and the advertising
message must only relate to business conducted on that premises, except that
nonprofit or charitable organizations as defined by Internal Revenue Code
12
to be removed
Underlines to be added
section 501(C)(3) may have off-premises Signs for their fundraising activities,
provided they obtain written permission from the property owner. Nonprofit
organizations shall be limited to three (3) Signs per event and the Signs shall
not exceed the number of days allowed in subsection (h)(1) of this section. If
an event is advertised for more than 30 days,it shall count toward that
property's 90-day limit for Temporary Signage.
(5) Temporary Signs may not be placed in any right-of-way, and must be located
on an approved surface; not including fire lanes and/or circulation drive
lanes. Approved surfaces include: asphalt, concrete,and class 5 or crushed
concrete compacted to a dust free surface.
(6) Only Signs for the community events listed in subsection 38-383(6) may be
placed on city property.
(7) For purposes of this section, City of Elk River property leased to other
entities shall not be considered city property.
(8) Signs must not be unsafe or dangerous and must be securely anchored.
§ 30-868 (a) — (f), (i), Construction and Location Standards
(a) Compliance with building code. All Signs shall be constructed in accordance with the
requirements of the state building code.
(b) Setback. Except as otherwise provided, Freestanding Signs shall have a setback of ten
(10) feet from any property line to any portion of the Sign. When a property line is
located within the street,the setback shall be 25 feet from the edge of the road.
(c) Ancboring.
(1) No Sign shall be suspended so that the Sign will swing in the wind.
(2) All Temporary and Portable Signs on display shall be braced or secured to
prevent motion.
(d) mind resistance. All Signs shall comply with the wind load requirements of the state
building code.
(e) Obstruction of exits. No Sign shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to
obstruct any fire escape,required exit,window or door opening used as a means of
egress.
(f) Interference witb ventilation. No Sign shall be attached in any form, shape, or manner
which will interfere with any opening required for ventilation, except that Signs may
be erected in front of and may cover transom windows when not in violation of the
provisions of the current building or fire code.
13
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(i) Substitution. 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. 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 more specific provision to the contrary.
§ 30- 869 (a) — (c), C-1 central business district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 64 square feet in Sign Area with a
maximum height of 20 feet.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(4) The Sign Area of Freestanding Signs may be increased by 25 percent if the
Sign is constructed as a Monument Sign.
(5) One (1) on-premises menu board per drive-up or walk-up lane of a drive-in
restaurant or carwash up to a maximum of 32 square feet each. Menu boards
are allowed to have a message on one side only and may not contain an
advertising message.
(6) Canopy Signs on Motor Vehicle Service Stations
a. In addition to Wall Signs,Motor Vehicle Service Stations shall be
allowed two (2) Canopy Signs.
b. The total area of each Canopy Sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
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to be removed
Underlines to be added
§ 30-870 (a) — (c), C-2 office district:
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(2) One (1) Monument Sign,not to exceed 40 square feet with a maximum
height of seven (7) feet.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-864
§ 30- 871 (a) — (c), C-3 highway commercial district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 150 square feet with a maximum
height of 30 feet. One (1) Freestanding Sign may be permitted for every 300
feet of street frontage measured along a single street. The frontage shall only
include the property in which the Principal Use is located on,which the Sign
is advertising. The additional Sign(s) shall be subject to the size and height
limitations of the first allowed Freestanding or Monument Sign and may be
placed no closer than 150 feet to any other Freestanding or Monument Sign.
(3) The Sign Area of Freestanding Signs may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constructed as a Monument Sign.
(4) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(5) One (1) on-premises menu board per drive-up or walk-up lane of a drive-in
restaurant or carwash up to a maximum of 32 square feet each. Menu boards
15
to be removed
Underlines to be added
are allowed to have a message on one side only and may not contain an
advertising message.
(6) Canopy Signs on Motor Vehicle Service Stations
a. In addition to Wall Signs,Motor Vehicle Service Stations shall be
allowed two (2) Canopy Signs.
b. The total area of each Canopy Sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(7) Advertising Signs (billboards), subject to the following:
a. Prohibited within 100 feet of the intersection of the highway right-of-
way and any other right-of-way or driveway.
b. Prohibited within 1,200 feet of another Advertising Sign on the same
side of the right-of-way.
C. Shall be erected with a single pole or mono-pole structural standard
and shall have underground wiring.
d. The base of any Advertising Sign must be landscaped to prevent
erosion and noxious weeds and must be properly maintained.
e. Shall not exceed 400 square feet in area and 35 feet in height, as
measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
structure to the nearest road grade.
f. Shall be considered a principal use of the property. Existing
Advertising Signs must be removed when the parcel upon which they
are situated is devoted to another Principal Use.
g. Shall only be allowed in C-3 zoned property adjacent to rights-of-way
for state highways 10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-864
§ 30-872 (a) — (c), C-4 community commercial district:
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
16
to be removed
Underlines to be added
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(2) One (1) Monument Sign,not to exceed 125 square feet. The maximum
height shall be ten (10) feet along collector streets, and the maximum height
shall be 20 feet along arterial streets.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
§ 30- 873 (a) — (d), DD downtown district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs. Signs should be designed to fit with the character,proportions and
scale of the individual building and should complement,rather than compete with,
the character of downtown.
(1) One (1) Wall Sign shall be allowed on each primary Facade and on one
secondary Facade. One (1) square foot of Wall Sign per one (1) linear foot of
Unit Width shall be allowed, and shall not project out more than eight (8)
inches.
a. Wall Signs shall not extend above the roofline of an adjoining
building or be higher than the bottom of the stringcourse.
(2) One (1) Monument Sign is permitted for each Multi-Tenant Facility.
a. Sign height shall be limited to one-half(1/2) the average height of
the primary structure,not to exceed 20 feet.
b. Sign Area, as measured in square feet, shall be limited to one-third
(1/3) of primary structure width,measured at the widest point
parallel to the building address street,and shall not exceed 80 square
feet.
(3) One (1) Projecting Sign shall be allowed on each primary Facade,provided
that:
a. The Sign does not exceed six (6) square feet in area, shall not project
perpendicularly more than four (4) feet from Facade and shall not be
thicker than six (6) inches.
b. The Projecting Sign projects out perpendicular from Facade.
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to be removed
Underlines to be added
C. Projecting Sign and structural elements are not lower than eight (8)
feet from the sidewalk, nor higher than the bottom of the sill of the
second floor windows.
d. The brackets and structure for Projecting Signs shall be ornamentally
designed.
(4) One (1) Portable Sign is permitted per public entrance, and only one (1) Sign
may be displayed per Facade.
a. Two-sided Portable Signs (sandwich boards) may not exceed five (5)
feet in height, and six (6) square feet in area. Such Signs are only
permitted during business hours, must be located in front of the
business it identifies, and shall not obstruct pedestrian traffic nor
impede vehicular traffic.
b. Portable Signs (sandwich boards) shall be set back a minimum of two
(2) feet from the back of curb of parking areas,public streets, or
private drive aisles.
(5) With the exception of individual letters and Digital Changeable Copy Signs,
only externally illuminated Signs are allowed.
(6) Aside from a date and name stone not exceeding three (3) square feet,no
signage shall be placed within the parapet panel area.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
(d) Prohibited Signs: Back-lit Signs (excluding individual letters),molded plastic Cabinet
Signs, smooth/flat plastic Signs and Signs with strobe lights, flashing elements or
distracting actions.
§ 30-874 (a) — (c), I-1 light industrial district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
18
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 150 square feet with a maximum
height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of street frontage, one
additional Freestanding or Monument Sign will be allowed. This Sign shall be
subject to the size and height limitations of the first allowed Freestanding or
Monument Sign and may be placed no closer than 150 feet to any other
Freestanding or Monument Sign on the same premises.
(3) The Sign Area of Freestanding Signs may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constructed as a Monument Sign.
(4) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(5) Advertising Signs (billboards), subject to the following:
a Prohibited within 100 feet of the intersection of the highway right-of-
way and any other right-of-way or driveway.
b Prohibited within 1,200 feet of another Advertising Sign on the same
side of the right-of-way.
c Shall be erected with a single pole or monopole structural standard
and shall have underground wiring.
d The base of any Advertising Sign must be landscaped to prevent
erosion and noxious weeds and must be properly maintained.
e Shall not exceed 400 square feet in area and 35 feet in height, as
measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
structure to the nearest road grade.
f Shall be considered a principal use of the property. Existing
Advertising Signs must be removed when the parcel upon which they
are situated is devoted to another principal use.
g Shall only be allowed on I-1 zoned property adjacent to right-of-way
for state highways 10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
§ 30-875, I-2 medium industrial district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
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to be removed
Underlines to be added
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 150 square feet with a maximum
height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of street frontage, one
additional Freestanding or Monument Sign will be allowed. This Sign shall be
subject to the size and height limitations of the first allowed Freestanding or
Monument Sign and may be placed no closer than 150 feet to any other
Freestanding or Monument Sign on the same premises.
(3) The Sign Area of Freestanding Signs may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constructed as a Monument Sign.
(4) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(5) Advertising Signs (billboards), subject to the following:
a. Prohibited within 100 feet of the intersection of the highway right-of-
way and any other right-of-way or driveway.
b. Prohibited within 1,200 feet of another Advertising Sign on the same
side of the right-of-way.
C. Shall be erected with a single pole or monopole structural standard
and shall have underground wiring.
d. The base of any Advertising Sign must be landscaped to prevent
erosion and noxious weeds and must be properly maintained.
e. Shall not exceed 400 square feet in area and 35 feet in height, as
measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
structure to the nearest road grade.
f. Shall be considered a Principal Use of the property. Existing
Advertising Signs must be removed when the parcel upon which they
are situated is devoted to another Principal Use.
g. Shall only be allowed on I-2 zoned property adjacent to right-of-way
for state highways 10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
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to be removed
Underlines to be added
§ 30-876 (a) — (c), I-3 general industrial district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential zone.
Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate
share of permitted Wall Sign Area. For the purposes of this section a road
shall constitute a separation of zones.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign not to exceed 150 square feet with a maximum
height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of street frontage, one
(1) additional Freestanding or Monument Sign will be allowed. This sign shall
be subject to the size and height limitations of the first allowed Freestanding
or Monument Sign and shall be no closer than 150 feet to any other
Freestanding or Monument Sign on the same premises.
(3) The Sign Area of a Freestanding Sign may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constructed as a Monument Sign.
(4) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
§ 30-877 (a) — (c), BP business park district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) mall Signs. Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 15% of Facade area. Wall Signs
are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent to a residential use
or zone. Businesses in Multi-Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their
proportionate share of permitted Wall Sign Area.
(2) One (1) Monument Sign,not to exceed 64 square feet with a maximum
height of eight (8) feet.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
21
Stfikethfoughs to be removed
Underlines to be added
§ 30-878 (a) — (d), CRT commercial reserve transitional district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) Three (3) Wall Signs, not to exceed 300 square feet per occupancy.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 150 square feet with a maximum
height of 30 feet.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-864.
(d) Event sponsor Signs, a Sign subordinate to a Principal Use intended for the display
of information for onsite patrons, shall be allowed provided the following criteria are
met:
(1) An approved Interim Use permit has been obtained for the property;
(2) A sign plan shall be approved by city staff;
(3) Property shall be larger than 20 acres;
(4) Each sign shall not to exceed 32 square feet;
(5) Must be one-sided only;
(6) Shall be setback ten (10) feet from property line, or 25 feet from rights-of-
way,whichever is further.
(7) Shall face away from rights-of-way, or be setback at least 500 feet from the
right-of-way.
(8) Shall not exceed six (6) feet in height;
(9) Shall not be illuminated.
§ 30-880 (a) — (f), Residential districts
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in Sec. 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs
(1) One (1) Wall Sign, not to exceed four (4) square feet in area.
22
to be removed
Underlines to be added
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign not to exceed (4) square feet in area.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
(d) For permitted nonresidential uses, such as churches, synagogues, and schools,in
residentially zoned areas, one (1) on-premises Freestanding Sign and one Wall Sign,
not to exceed 96 square feet in total Sign Area.Where a zoning lot has in excess of
1,000 linear feet of combined street frontage, the total Sign Area shall not exceed 192
square feet with no more than 96 square feet per Sign. Freestanding Signage shall not
exceed 20 feet in height.
(e) Any combination of on-premises Freestanding and wall-mounted Real Estate Signs
for model homes having a combined total Sign Area not to exceed 32 square feet.
Freestanding Signs for model homes shall have a maximum height of five (5) feet.
(f) Rural-Based Businesses shall be allowed up to four (4) off-premises Directional Signs
subject to the following restrictions:
(1) Individual Directional Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
(2) Such Signs shall be located on private property adjacent to an arterial road,
provided that the property owner's permission is obtained in writing.
(3) Such Signs shall only contain the name of the Rural-Based Business, and the
direction and distance to the facility.
(4) Except as otherwise provided, all Freestanding Signs in residential zones shall
have a maximum height of eight (8) feet.
(5) Signing for straight-ahead movements shall not be allowed.
23
to be removed
Underlines to be added
Section 3. That this ordinance shall take effect upon adoption and be published as provided by
law.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 16`b day of December,2013.
John J. Dietz,Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
24
City of
Elk
River
Resolution 13-
A Resolution of the City of Elk River Approving Notice of Summary
Publication of Ordinance No. 13- , an Ordinance Amending Section 30-01,
Entitled "Definitions" and Chapter 30, Article VI, Division 5, Subdivision 11,
Entitled "Signs", of the City of Elk River Minnesota, City Code
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2013, the Elk River City Council adopted Ordinance No.
13- amending certain sections of Chapter 30 of the City of Elk River
Code of Ordinances pertaining to signs; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.191, Subd. 4 allows publication by title and
summary in the case of lengthy ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the following summary will clearly inform the
public on the intent and effect of Ordinance No. 13- ; and
WHEREAS, a copy of the full text of Ordinance No. 13- is available for inspection by
any person at the office of the Elk River City Clerk, 13065 Orono Parkway,
during regular business hours — 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,Monday through
Friday.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk
River,Minnesota, as follows: That the City Council,by at least four-fifths votes, authorizes
publication of the title and the following summary of Ordinance No. 13- .
Public Notice
During their December 16, 2013, meeting, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 13-_,
an ordinance amending Section 30-01, entitled "Definitions" and Chapter 30,Article VI,
Division 5, Subdivision II, entitled "Signs".
In summary, Ordinance No. 13- makes the following seven (7) changes to chapter 30 of
the city code:
1. Permits monument signs in the Downtown Zoning District having a height and size
relating to building size and a maximum height of 20 feet and sign area of 80 square
feet.
2. Regulates wall sign size at 15% of building facade area, and permits wall signs on any
facade not directly adjacent a residential use or zone.
3. Increases the size of temporary signs from 48 to 56 square feet and removes the
requirement to display the permit on the sign.
row € R10 8
NATUREI
4. Increases the maximum height of advertising signs (billboards) from 25 to 35 feet
and uses the adjacent roadway as the basis for measuring height.
5. Expands regulations for digital changeable copy signs.
6. Adds additional area identification sign regulations,including permitted locations and
sizes.
7. Makes general amendments and changes to improve consistency, clarity, and
readability.
Passed and adopted this 16th day of December 2013.
John J. Dietz,Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
POWERED 0Y
1`4 U
® 20092 Edison Circle East Clearwater,WIN 55320
320.558.3000 a 800,221,4144®fax 320.558.3004
"Outdoor Advertising SELLS for you all day,every day."
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING
December 16„ 2013
To: Elk River City Council
RE: Sign ordinance.
Greetings Councilors,
I appreciate staffs efforts to review the options to allow billboards along the Hwy 169 corridor.
However,they only provide options which they will not support.
As a billboard company we have requests for signage along the Hwy 169 corridor. Current regulations
discourage any possibility of expansion of billboards.
The suggestion stated below will allow billboards as a permitted use in the I-2 district only. There is no
need to have a billboard as a principle use of a parcel. Nor does a billboard need to be an accessory use.
Simply, billboards as a permitted use or a Conditional Use in the I-2 district would allow signs in a
controlled and regulated mamler,within a small geographical area within the city.
Attached is a copy of sign regulations in the I-2 zoning district, taken from the draft ordinance.
I ask that you consider deleting paragraph f of section 30-875 (4) f from the ordinance. This would
eliminate the principle use language from the I-2 district only. Other zones would not be affected.
There are only two I-2 districts within the city. This would allow limited opportunity for advertising
signs in areas of need without the risk of an over population of signs.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to further discussion.
Respectfully,
Steven L. Anderson
Lease Manager
g. Shall only be allowed on properties adjacent to the light-of-way for
state highways 10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
(Ord. No. 09-06, 5 2, 7-20-2009)
Sec. 30-575. I-2 medium industrial district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 10% of Facade area. Businesses in Multi-
Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate share of permitted Wall
Sign area.Wall.Signs are permitted on.any Facade that is not directly adjacent
to a residential use or zone.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign,not to exceed 150 square feet with a maximum
height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of street frontage, one
additional Freestanding or Monument Sign will be allowed.This Sign shall be
subject to the size and height limitations of the first allowed Freestanding or
Monument Sign and.may be placed no closer than 150 feet to any other
Freestanding or Monument Sign on the same premises.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(3) The Sign Area of Freestanding Signs may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constricted as a Monument Sign.
(4) Advertising Signs (billboards), subject to the following:
a. Prohibited tivitbin 100 feet of the intersection of the highway,right-of-
way and any other right-of-way or driveway.
b. Prohibited within 1,200 feet of another Advertising Sign on the same
side of the right-ofv7ay.
C. Shall be erected with a single pole or mono-pole structural standard.
and shall have underground wiring.
d. The base of any Advertising Sign must be landscaped to prevent
erosion and noxious weeds and must be properly maintained.
e. Shall not exceed 400 square feet in area and 35 feet in height, as
measured perpendicularly from the highest point of the Sign
structure to the nearest road.grade.
f. Shall.be considered a Principal Use of the property. Existing
Advertising Signs must be removed when the parcel upon which they
are situated is devoted to another Principal Use.
17
g. Shall only be allowed on properties adjacent to the right-of-way for
state highways 10 and 169.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864
(Ord. No. 09-06, 5 2,7-20-2009)
Sec. 30-876. BP business park district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section.30-851 et seq.
(b) Permanent.Signs.
(1) Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 10% of Facade area. Businesses in Multi-
Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate share of permitted Wall
Sign area.Wall Signs are permitted on any Facade that is not directly adjacent
to a residential use or zone.
(2) One (1)]Monument Sign,not to exceed 64 square feet with a naaximutn
height of eight (8) feet.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(c) Changeable Copy Signs as permitted in section 30-864.
(Oral. No. 09-06, § 2, 7-20-2009)
Sec.30-878. I-3 general industrial district
(a) Temporary Signs as permitted in section 30-851_et seq.
(b) Permanent Signs.
(1) Total Wall Sign area not to exceed 101/0 of Facade area.Businesses in Multi-
Tenant Facilities shall be allowed their proportionate share of permitted Wall
Sign area.Wall Signs are permitted on any,Facade that is not directly adjacent
to a residential use or zone.
(2) One (1) Freestanding Sign not to exceed 150 square feet,with a maximum
height of 30 feet.Where a lot has in excess of 300 feet of street frontage, one
(1) additional Freestanding or Monument Sign will be allowed.'Phis sib shall
be subject to the size and height limitations of the first allowed Freestanding
or Monument Sign and shall be no closer than 150 feet to any other
Freestanding or Monument Sign on the same premises.
(3) Area Identification Signs as permitted in section 30-865.
(4) The Sign Area of a Freestanding Sign may be increased 25 percent if the Sign
is constructed as a Monument Sign.
18
Elk River permits billboards in three zoning districts, the I-1, I-2, and C-3, and classifies all
billboards as a principle use. The principle use designation limits a billboard as the only use on that
property and the billboard will be removed when the market decides a different use would be more
valuable. Staff requests that the Council consider the following information when deciding whether
or not to permit additional billboards in Ella River.
• Ramsey—Prohibits billboards in all zoning districts (sec. 117-464 (1))
• Otsego—Prohibits billboards in all zoning districts (sec. 20-37-4 (B) (3))
• Rogers—Prohibits billboards in all but one district (sec 113-6)
o Conditional use in Special Industry zone with 20.5 year time limit
• Anoka—Permits billboards in one zoning district at 300 sf
• Monticello—Prohibits billboards in all zoning districts, and existing billboards listed as
principle use (sec. 4.5)
• Big Lake—Prohibits billboards in all zoning districts (sec. 1300.11)
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02/11/2014
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River
City of
Elk
RiVear
Elk -
• November 18, 2013, Council accepted: River
• Wall sign area at 15% fagade area
• Monument signs in downtown
• Window signs at 50% window area
• Billboards up to 35' tall
• Temporary signs up to 56 sf
• General and formatting changes
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02/11/2014
AwL
Elk
• Already permitted in I-2 as primary use Rrver
• Two options discussed
• Change to accessory use
• Reduce lot size to 1/2 acre
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02/11/2014
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• Billboards as an accessory use River
• Accessory use, structure or building m e a n
a use, structure or building or portion of a
structure subordinate to and serving the
principal use and structure on the same lot
and customarily incidental thereto.
• Not accessory to primary use
•. 1 ® . � ® - Elk � -
• Reduce lot size to 1/2 acre River
• Lot size tied to permitted uses
• Manufacturing and employment based
businesses require larger lots
• Reduces useable space by more than half
• Additional services required for smaller lots
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y.I,
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02/11/2014
Elk
• Permit monument signs in DD to advertise River
off-site businesses
• Current allowed to advertise on-site, non-
profits, community events
• Ordinance only permits off-site advertising
for billboards
• Advertising could be limited to only DD
businesses
• Establishes a precedent that should expect
to be repeated in other districts f
Elk
• Staff recommends the City Council River
r
approve the ordinance and summary
publication.
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02/11/2014
a�
Elk
River
Questions
Elk
River
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City of
Elk
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1
5
02/11/2014
Multi-Tenant
IF
Alze—41
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