HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd. 406 - Amendment Signs
CITY OF ANDOVER
COUNTY OF ANOKA
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 406
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE TO CLARIFY THE EXEMPTIONS OF SIGN
REGULATIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ANDOVER DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
CHAPTER 15: SIGNS
SECTIONS:
12-15-1: Purpose
12-15-2: Scope
12-15-3: Permit Required
12-15-4: Exemptions
12-15-5: Signs Prohibited in All Districts
12-15-6: Real Estate Signs
12-15-7: Performance Standards
12-15-8: Permitted Signs and Standards by Zoning District
12-15-9: Signs Allowed by Conditional Use Permit
12-15-10: Temporary and Promotional Signs
12-15-11: Inspections
12-15-1: Purpose: The purpose of this section is to allow effective signage appropriate to the
planned character of each zoning district and to provide minimum standards for the safeguard of
life, health, safety, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, quality of
materials, construction, type, size, location, and maintenance of all signs and sign structures not
located within a building.
12-15-2: Scope: The sign regulations set forth in this chapter shall apply to all structures and
all land uses, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. All signs allowed by this chapter shall
be limited to on-premise signs, except where otherwise specifically noted.
12-15-3: Permit Required: A permit is required for the installation of any sign in the City
except for those exempted in section 12-15-4. A permit application shall be submitted and a fee
established by the City Council shall be paid before a permit is issued. There shall be no fee for
governmental units or nonprofit organizations.
12-15-4: Exemptions: The following signs shall be allowed without not require a sign
permit, provided that the general sign regl:llations established i}i this code are met the sign
conforms to City Code 12-15-5 and the requirements for each type of sign shown below:
A. Election Signs: Election signs are permitted on any private property. Such signs may be
displayed from }\l:lgust 1 90 days prior until ten (10) days after the general any election.
B. Temporary Governmental Signs: fJl temporary gO'lernmental signs
used to eomrol traffie during road or utility eonstruetion aetivities and
provide inf-ennation or ,yarning to the publie. Anv sign that is erected bv a
governmental unit or public utility for the purpose of public information,
warning or directing traffic.
BC. Private Traffic Circulation Signs: Private traffic circulation signs in parking
lots, and pedestrian circulation signs, and traffic warning signs in alleys or other hazardous
situations are permitted, provided~ the sign conforms to the Minnesota Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD), as amended.
1. Iadividual signs do not exceed three (3) square fcct.
2. The minimum Fftlmber necessary for purposes iRtended is utilized.
3. Such signs are utilized exclusively for purposes iRtcRded and permitted. (l.mended
Ord. 8, 1021 1970)
GD. Normal sign alteration and maintenance shall not require a sign permit, including:
1. The changing of the copy or message on a reader board
sign, or changing a message on theater marquees.
2. Maintenance, painting, repainting or cleaning of a sign
unless a structural change is made.
12-15-5: Signs Prohibited in All Districts: The following signs shall not be erected within
the city:
A. Any sign that, by reason of position, shape, movement or color, interferes with the proper
functioning of a traffic sign or signal or which constitutes a traffic hazard.
B. There shall be no flashing or revolving sign in the front setback area within one hundred
twenty five feet (125') of a street intersection (as measured from intersecting right of way
lines) or within one hundred twenty five feet (125') of a residential district, except where
such sign in no way constitutes a traffic hazard.
C. Signs painted directly on a stone.2.,er-etl: the outside wall of a building or fence and any sign
affixed to a feRee, tree, or utility pole.
D. Roof signs, roof advertising symbols, roof logos, roof statues, or roof sculptures. No sign
shall extend above the roofline.
J+.. E.Signs within the public right of way or easements, except as authorized by the governing
body.
:g, F. Audible signs.
}l.;- G. Billboard signs.
fh H. Signs displayed on parked semi-trailers used primarily for advertising purposes.
H, 1. Any sign which contains information, whether written or graphic, that is obscene in nature.
h J. All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under this chapter.
12-15-6: Real Estate Signs: Signs advertising the availability of property for sale, lease, or
rent shall be allowed in all districts, subject to the following provisions:
A. All real estate signs shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, except herein provided.
B. All signs shall be removed within seven (7) days after the completion of the advertised sale
or lease.
C. Signs advertising new residential or commercial developments are permitted, provided that:
1. Such signs do not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size.
2. There shall be no more than one such sign per street frontage of the development.
D. Signs offering individual properties, either land and/or buildings, for sale, lease or rent
shall be limited to six square feet in size. One such sign shall be permitted per lot. A sign
permit is not required for the placement ofthese signs.
12-15-7: Performance Standards:
A. Construction Requirements: All signs shall be in compliance with applicable provisions
of the Andover Building Code. Every person engaged in the business of erecting signs in
the city is required to have a valid contractors license issued by the Building Department.
B. Maintenance And Repair: All signs shall be maintained so as not to be unsightly or
create hazards to the public health, safety, or general welfare. All signs, together with their
supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and in a proper state of
preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all
times. The City may order the removal of any sign that is not properly maintained.
C. Obsolete Signs: Any sign that no longer advertises or identifies a bona fide business
conducted or product sold on the premises shall be removed by the property owner within
thirty (30) days after written notification from the Zoning Administrator. Support posts and
frames that no longer contain signage must be removed by the property owner within six (6)
months after written notification from the Zoning Administrator.
G: D.Size and Placement Standards:
1. Illuminated signs located within fifty feet (50') of a residential district lot line shall
be diffused or indirect so as not to reflect direct light into adjacent residences.
2. In all districts, any portion of any sign exceeding four (4) square feet shall be set
back a minimum often feet (10') from any street right of way line and five feet
(5') from any residentially zoned property line.
3. Projection: Signs may project a maximum 2 feet into a required building setback area.
4. Automobile service stations may erect one pylon or pedestal sign not to exceed twenty
five feet (25') in height in a setback area, provided no part of any such sign shall be
closer to the side lot lines than the required side yard setback, nor within five feet (5') of
the rear lot line or any street right of way.
5. Multi-faced signs shall be permitted, with the maximum square footage on each side.
Multi-faced signs shall not exceed two (2) times the area of single faced signs.
6. All comer and double frontage lots shall be considered as having two (2) front lot lines
for application of regulations pertaining to signs.
~ E. Area Identification Signs: Area identification signs, including off site signs,
shall be permitted in all districts subject to the provisions of this chapter and
with the following conditions:
1. The sign shall not be separated from the area or project it identifies by an arterial
roadway.
2. The sign shall be within 500 feet of the project it is identifYing.
3. The sign shall not be included in the total signage permitted for the property on
which it is located.
4. The owner of the property where the sign is to be placed shall give written
permission for the sign to be placed on their property.
5. All area identification signs shall be identified on the plat or commercial site plan.
!h F. Ball Field and Scoreboard Advertising Signs: Ball field advertising and scoreboard
advertising signs shall be permitted in all districts subject to the provisions of this chapter
and with the following conditions:
1. Ball field advertising signs shall not be visible from adjacent residential
properties when viewed at ground level.
2. Ball field advertising signs in City parks shall be subject to the City of Andover
Park Advertising Policy.
3. Scoreboard advertising signs shall be placed in such a way so as to minimize to
the greatest possible extent the exposure to adjacent residential properties.
4. Ball field and scoreboard advertising signs shall not be illuminated when not in
use for ball games.
12-15-8: Permitted Signs and Standards by Zoning Districts: Signs shall be permitted by
zoning district in accordance with the following standards:
A. Residential Districts:
1. Type: Area identification, ball field advertising, institutional, residential identification,
scoreboard advertising, temporary, any sign exempted in section 12-15-4.
a. Portable, trailer based temporary signs shall be permitted for governmental or
institutional uses only.
2. Style: Combination, freestanding, wall.
3. Number: One per lot frontage.
4. Height: Not over ten feet (10') above grade except as otherwise provided herein.
5. Illumination: Indirect or diffused lighting of signs is permitted.
6. Size:
a. Residential identification and temporary, as follows:
Parcels (Land) Size Maximum Square Feet Per Dwelling
On parcels less than 5 4
acres
On parcels of 5 acres but 16*
less than 20
On parcels of 20 acres or 20*
greater
*Signs greater than four (4) square feet on parcels ofland five (5) acres or more in
size shall only identify agricultural related uses.
b. Institutional Signs: Institutional signs up to thirty-two (32) square feet shall be
permitted. Sixty-four (64) square feet of signage is permitted for multiple
frontage lots.
c. Area Identification Signs: One freestanding sign shall be allowed at each street
entrance to a subdivision provided:
(1) The area for development is larger than five (5) acres;
(2) All signs shall be identified on the preliminary plat.
(3) The maximum square footage of the sign is thirty-two (32) square
feet.
(4) The sign is located ten feet (10') from any property line.
B. General Recreation (GR) and Limited Business (LB) Districts:
1. Type: Area identification, ball field advertising, business identification, institutional,
scoreboard advertising, temporary, any sign exempted in section 12-15-4.
2. Style: Combination, freestanding, illuminated, wall.
3. Height: No taller than the highest outside wall of building, or twenty-five feet (25'),
whichever is less.
4. Size:
a. The aggregate square footage of sign space per lot shall not exceed the sum oftwo (2)
square feet per front foot of building.
b. No single sign shall exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
c. No individual business signs shall be arranged so as to create one integrated sign that
exceeds two hundred (200) square feet in size.
C. Shopping Center (SC) and Neighborhood Business (NB) Districts:
1. Type: Area identification, ball field advertising, business identification, institutional,
scoreboard advertising, temporary, any sign exempted in section 12-16-4.
2. Style: Combination, flashing, freestanding, illuminated, wall.
3. Size:
a. The aggregate square footage of sign space per lot shall not exceed the sum ofthree
(3) square feet per front foot of building.
b. No single sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet except area identification
signs, which shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.
4. Height: No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or twenty-five feet (25'),
whichever is less.
D. General Business (GB) Districts:
1. Type: Area identification, ball field advertising, business identification, institutional,
scoreboard advertising, temporary, any sign exempted in section 12-16-4.
2. Style: Combination, flashing, freestanding, illuminated, wall.
3. Size:
a. The aggregate square footage of sign space per lot shall not exceed the sum of
four (4) square feet per front foot of building.
b. No sign shall exceed two hundred fifty (250) square feet, except area
identification signs, which shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.
4. Height: No sign shall be more than twenty five feet (25') above grade.
E. Industrial (I) Districts:
1. Type: Area identification, ball field advertising, business identification, scoreboard
advertising, temporary, any sign exempted in section 12-16-4.
2. Style: Combination, flashing, freestanding, illuminated, wall.
3. Size:
a. The aggregate square footage of sign space per lot shall not exceed the sum of four
(4) square feet per front foot of building.
b. No sign shall exceed three hundred (300) square feet.
4. Height: No sign shall be more than twenty-five feet (25') above grade.
12-15-9: Signs Allowed By Conditional Use Permit:
A. Permitted Signs: The following signs shall be allowed by conditional use permit:
1. Marquees of any type, with or without signs.
2. Signs on benches (not in city parks), newsstands, cabstand signs, bus stop shelters and
similar places.
3. Real estate signs over thirty-two (32) square feet per lot frontage and exceeding other
sign area limits in business and industrial areas.
4. Institutional signs in residential districts with an aggregate square footage exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet and/or more than one sign per lot frontage, provided:
a. The sign is located ten feet (10') from any property line.
b. The aggregate square footage of sign space shall not exceed one hundred (100)
square feet.
c. The sign shall be of the following styles: combination, freestanding, or wall.
d. The sign shall be located at least one hundred thirty feet (130') from any
residential structure.
12-15-10: Temporary and Promotional Signs: The following signs are permitted, subject to
the provisions of this chapter:
A. Temporary Signs: Temporary signs shall be permitted in any district in any yard area except,
that:
1. Such sign shall not be within ten feet (10') of any street right-of- way or within five feet
(5') of any other lot line.
2. There shall be no more than one (1) such sign per business.
3. The total area of such signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. Non-institutional
signs in residential districts shall be limited in size as outlined in section 12-16-8-A-6 of this
code.
4. A maximum ofW 60days oftemporary signage is permitted per business per year.
B. Promotional Signs: The City Administrator or designee may approve signs or other devices that
do not comply with the standards of this title when they are found to be in conformance with public
health, safety, and welfare. Such signs or devices may be used to attract attention, special
promotional events (grand openings, carnivals, craft shows, flea markets and other similar events).
Such events shall not exceed ten (10) calendar days per year. Examples of the signage and devices
that may be approved in this manner are spotlights, skytrackers, balloons, and similar devices. Such
signage shall not be counted against the permitted 30 days of temporary signage. (Amended Ord. 8,
10-21-1970; amd. 2003 Code)
C. Temporary Real Estate Signs- The City Administrator or designee may approve temporary, off-
site real estate signs.
12-15-11: Inspections: Upon proper presentation of credentials, the Building Official or his
duly authorized representatives may enter at reasonable times any building, land or
structure in the city to inspect or re-inspect any signs. (Amended Ord. 8, 10-21-1970)
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Andover on this 19th day of April, 2011.
ATTEST: CITY OF ANDOVER
.
CITY OF ANDOVER
COUNTY OF ANOKA
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 406 SUMMARY
AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE 12-15 SIGNS
STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION AND POLICY
Statutory Authorization
This ordinance amendment is adopted pursuant to the authorization and policies contained in
Minnesota Statute 462,
Policy
The purpose of these regulations is to protect the public health, safety and welfare and to clarify the
exemptions from sign regulations, the location of signs and the duration of temporary signs.
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Jurisdiction
The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to the City of Andover.
Enforcement
The City Administrator or his/her designee shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this
ordinance.
Interpretation
Interpretation of the provisions of this ordinance shall be held to be the minimum requirements and
shall be liberally construed in the favor of the governing body.
A printed copy ofthis ordinance is available for inspection by any person during regular hours of
the City Clerk.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Andover on this 19th day of April, 2011.
ATTEST: CITY OF ANDOVER
~Al PlPi1fVl~
Mi helle Hartner, Deputy CIty Clerk