HomeMy WebLinkAbout9C Sign Ordinance Amendment Report4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
PRESENTED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
DECEMBER 12, 2016
9C
CASEY MCCABE, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
CASEY MCCABE
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1107 OF
THE PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO SIGNAGE
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to consider approval of an ordinance amend-
ing Section 1107, General Performance Standards, of the City of Prior Lake Zon-
ing Ordinance relating to signage. The proposed amendments would allow sign-
age which identifies the location of a business or industrial park along a desig-
nated county or state highway and may also include identification of individual
businesses located within said business or industrial park.
The Zoning Ordinance amendments proposed as part of this report include Sub-
sections 1107.500 (Sign Definitions) and 1107.800 (Permitted Signs; Sign Permit
Required) which are attached.
History
The City of Prior Lake Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) pre-
viously held a ‘Business Mixer’ event with the primary purpose of providing an
open forum for business leaders, property owners and developers to gather with
local elected and appointed officials to share opportunities, express concerns or
offer ideas to make Prior Lake a stronger business community. One of the com-
ments received at this event, and during subsequent discussions between City
staff and business owners, was the desire for businesses in the Deerfield Busi-
ness Park and Welcome Avenue Industrial Park to have signage along CH21.
Current Circumstances
The business owners requesting signage along CH21 do not have frontage on
the county highway and the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance does not currently allow
for off-premises commercial signage. City staff, with the assistance of the City
Attorney, has drafted a proposed ordinance amendment that would allow busi-
nesses within the Deerfield Business Park and Welcome Avenue Industrial Park
to have more visible signage.
The proposed ordinance amendments would allow property owners in Deerfield
Business Park and Welcome Avenue Industrial Park to add business identifica-
tion signage through a new sign-type, referred to as ‘Off-Premises Identification
Sign’ and defined as, ‘A permanent identification sign used to identify the location
of a business or industrial park along a designated county or state highway and
may also include identification of individual businesses located within said busi-
ness or industrial park. Off-Premises Identification Signs shall not be included
with on-premises signs in determining the total number or size of signs permitted
on any site.’
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If approved, Off-Premises Identification Signs would be permitted in the C-3,
Business Park and I-1, General Industrial Use Districts. The signs would be lo-
cated only on a property which is part of the business or industrial park with writ-
ten permission of the Property owner. The signs would be constructed as a
ground monument sign, not pylon sign, and a minimum of 30 percent of the mon-
ument sign area shall be dedicated to identifying a business or industrial park; no
more than seventy 70 percent of the monument sign area shall be dedicated to
identification of businesses located within the business or industrial park. A sign-
age plan and agreement shall be recorded, which details; 1) how the monument
sign area will be allocated to all property owners within the business or industrial
park; and 2) how the monument sign area will be maintained.
Off-Premises Identification Signs shall not exceed 150 square feet in total area
and signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height. Freestanding Signs on the same
side of the highway shall have a minimum separation of 200 lineal feet. No more
than two (2) off-premises identification signs shall be permitted for each business
or industrial park and a minimum separation of five-hundred (500) lineal feet shall
be provided from any other off-premises identification sign on the same side of
the highway. Signs shall be set back from all street right-of-way lines a minimum
of 20 feet and shall be set back from all property lines a minimum of 10 feet.
Conclusion
The purposes of the sign regulations are to further promote and protect the fol-
lowing substantial government interests: 1) the effective use of signs as a means
of promotion and communication in Prior Lake; 2) the aesthetic environment and
the City's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; 3) pe-
destrian and traffic safety; 4) potential for the adverse effect of signs on nearby
public and private property; 5) fair and consistent means to enforce these sign
restrictions; 6) the number, location, size, type, illumination and other physical
characteristics of signs within the City in order to promote the public health,
safety, general welfare, and property values; and 7) assuring that the public is
not endangered, annoyed, or distracted by the unsafe, disorderly, indiscriminate
or unnecessary use of exterior signs.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing to review the proposed ordi-
nance amendments during their November 21, 2016 meeting and unanimously
approved a motion to recommend the City Council approve the proposed amend-
ments to Section 1107 of the Zoning Ordinance.
When the proposed ordinance amendments were presented to the Planning
Commission, the ordinance stated, ‘Only one off-premises identification sign shall
be permitted for each business or industrial park.’ Following the public hearing,
Councilor Morton, who was in attendance as the City Council liaison to the Plan-
ning Commission, recommended the proposed ordinance be revised to allow for
two off-premises identification signs. City staff supported that recommendation
and the attached ordinance has been revised to eliminate the one off-premises
identification sign limitation. The proposed ordinance now allows for no more
than two (2) off-premises identification signs for each business or industrial park
and requires a minimum separation of five-hundred (500) lineal feet from any
other off-premises identification sign on the same side of the highway.
3
ISSUES: This ordinance applies only to certain commercial and industrial areas, which may
lead to considering it in other districts or locations such as the South Lake Village
area (C-2). The ordinance was amended to allow two such signs, which has yet
to be tested in relationship to its visual impact. While communication is improved
by this ordinance, city responsibilities are increased to assure that current busi-
nesses are included and closed businesses are removed, as well as overall
maintenance and consistency of the signage lettering
Despite these issues, the proposed amendments comply with the purposes of
the sign regulations and staff is requesting the City Council approve the amend-
ments as proposed or as may be further amended by the Council.
ALTERNATIVES: 1. Motion and a second to approve an Ordinance amending Section 1107, Gen-
eral Performance Standards, of the City of Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance re-
lating to signage, as proposed or as may be further amended by the City
Council.
2. Motion and Second to approve a Resolution adopting the Summary of Ordi-
nance and ordering the publication of said summary.
3. Motion and a second to deny the proposed amendments to Section 1107 of
the Zoning Ordinance.
4. Motion and a second to table discussion of the item to a future specific meet-
ing date and provide staff with direction.
RECOMMENDED
MOTIONS:
Alternatives #1 and #2.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Proposed amendments to Section 1107 of the Zoning Ordinance
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO. 116-xx
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1107, GENERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, OF
THE PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO SIGNAGE
AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE SECTION 104,
WHICH AMONG OTHER THINGS CONTAINS PENALTY PROVISIONS
The City Council of the City of Prior Lake, Minnesota, does hereby ordain that:
1. Subsection 1107.501, Sign Definitions, of Section 1107, General Performance Standards, of
the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by inserting the following definitions in
alphabetical order:
Off-Premises, Identification Sign. A permanent identification sign used to identify the location
of a business or industrial park along a designated county or state highway and may also
include identification of individual businesses located within said business or industrial park.
Off-Premises Identification Signs shall not be included with on-premises signs in determining
the total number or size of signs permitted on any site.
Pylon Sign. A freestanding sign with visible supporting posts or other foundational structure.
2. Subsection 1107.800, Permitted Signs; Sign Permit Required, of Section 1107, General
Performance Standards, of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by adding
“Off-Premises, Identification Signs” to Table 2, Signs That Require A Sign Permit.
3. Subsection 1107.800, Permitted Signs; Sign Permit Required, of Section 1107, General
Performance Standards, of the Prior Lake Zoning Ordinance is hereby amended by inserting
Subsection 1107.822, Off-Premises Identification Signs, as follows:
1107.822 Off-Premises Identification Signs: Off-premises identification signs shall be
permitted in the C-3, Business Park and I-1, General Industrial Use Districts
provided the requirements set out in this subsection are met.
1) No more than two off-premises identification sign shall be permitted for each
business or industrial park. Business and industrial parks are those properties
that have been platted and developed as a business or industrial park as
determined by the Zoning Administrator.
2) The sign shall be located only on a Property which is part of the business or
industrial park with written permission of the Property owner. The sign may be
located on a Property abutting the business or industrial park only with written
permission of the Property owner and written approval of the Zoning
Administrator.
3) The sign shall be allowed only on Property abutting county or state highways.
2
4) The sign shall be constructed as a Ground Monument Sign; Pylon Signs shall not
be permitted.
5) The sign may only contain identification of the business or industrial park and/or
identification of the businesses located within the business or industrial park. A
minimum of thirty (30) percent of the monument sign area shall be dedicated to
identifying the business or industrial park. No more than seventy (70) percent of
the monument sign area shall be dedicated to identification of businesses located
within the business or industrial park. A signage plan and agreement, subject to
the approval of the City of Prior Lake, shall be entered into and recorded against
the Property on which the sign will be located in the business or industrial park.
The agreement shall detail: 1) how the monument sign area will be allocated to
all property owners within the business or industrial park; and 2) how the
monument sign area will be maintained.
6) The sign shall not exceed one-hundred fifty (150) square feet in total area.
Maximum allowable signage shall be computed on the basis of one side of any
double-faced sign. The sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. Sign
height shall be measured from ground grade elevation to the highest point of said
sign. The sign shall have a minimum separation of two-hundred (200) lineal feet
from any Freestanding Signs on the same side of the highway. The sign shall be
set back from all street right-of-way lines a minimum of twenty (20) feet and shall
be set back from all property lines a minimum of ten (10) feet.
4. Section 104 entitled “General Penalty” is adopted in its entirety by reference, as though
repeated verbatim.
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 12th day of December, 2016.
ATTEST:
Frank Boyles, City Manager Kenneth L. Hedberg, Mayor
A summary of this ordinance will be published in the Prior Lake American on the 17th day of
December, 2016.
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
RESOLUTION 16-xxx
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 116-_____ AND
ORDERING THE PUBLICATION OF SAID SUMMARY
Motion By: Second By:
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
WHEREAS,
In accordance with Minnesota Statute, the Planning Commission held a public
hearing regarding amendments to Section 1107, General Performance Standards,
of the Prior Lake City Code on November 21, 2016; and
The City Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the Planning
Commission, staff reports and others pertaining to the City Code amendments; and
On December 12, 2016, the City Council adopted Ordinance 116-____ amending
Section 1107 of the Prior Lake City Code relating to signage; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes requires publication of an Ordinance in the official newspaper
before it becomes effective; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes allows the publication of a summary of an ordinance if the City
Council finds that the summary is an accurate representation of the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, The City Council desires to publish a summary of the amendments to Section 1107
of the Prior Lake City Code related to signage and has determined the publication of
a summary of this ordinance will meet the intent of the statute.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE,
MINNESOTA as follows:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. Ordinance No. 116-____ is lengthy.
3. The text of summary of Ordinance No. 116-____, attached hereto as Exhibit A, conforms to
M.S. § 331A.01, Subd. 10, and is approved, and publication of the title and summary of the
Ordinance will clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of the Ordinance.
4. The title and summary shall be published once in the Prior Lake American in a body type no
smaller than brevier or eight-point type.
5. A complete text of the newly amended City Code will be available for inspection at City Hall
or in the Document Center on the City of Prior Lake Website after December 12, 2016.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 12th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2016.
VOTE Hedberg Keeney McGuire Morton Thompson
Aye ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Nay ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Abstain ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
Absent ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
______________________________
Frank Boyles, City Manager
2
Exhibit A
SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 116-xx
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1107, GENERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS,
OF THE PRIOR LAKE ZONING ORDINANCE RELATING TO SIGNAGE
AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE CITY CODE SECTION 104,
WHICH AMONG OTHER THINGS CONTAINS PENALTY PROVISIONS
The following is only a summary of Ordinance No. 116-____. The full text will available for public
inspection after December 12, 2016 by any person during regular office hours at City Hall or in
the Document Center on the City of Prior Lake Website.
SUMMARY: The Ordinance adds two sign definitions to Subsection 1107.501, Sign Definitions
and adds Off-Premises Identification Signs to Subsection 1107.800, Permitted Signs; Sign Permit
Required.
This ordinance shall become effective from and after its passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 12th Day of December, 2016.
ATTEST:
_________________________ __________________________
Frank Boyles, City Manager Kenneth L. Hedberg, Mayor
Summary Ordinance to be published in the Prior Lake American on the 17th day of December,
2016.
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p1
SECTION 1107
GENERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
SUBSECTIONS
1107.100: Purpose and Intent
1107.200: Off-Street Parking Areas, Paved Areas and Loading Spaces
1107.300: Number of Required Off-Street Parking Space
1107.400: Signage
1107.500: Interpretation
1107.600: Exempt Signs
1107.700: Permitted Signs; No Sign Permit Required
1107.800: Permitted Signs; Sign Permit Required
1107.900: Permitted Sign Area; Business and Industrial Districts
1107.1000: Calculating Sign Area
1107.1100: Prohibited Signs
1107.1200: Sign Plan Requirements
1107.1300: Sign Permit Requirements
1107.1400: Maintenance
1107.1500: Lapse of Sign Permit
1107.1600: Removal of Signs
1107.1700: Remedies for Violation of the Sign Ordinance
1107.1800: Lighting
1107.1900: Landscaping and Screening
1107.2000: Bufferyards
1107.2100: Tree Preservation and Restoration
1107.2200: Architectural Design
1107.2300: Non-Conformities
(Subsections 1107.100 – 1107.400, 1107.600, 1107.700 and 1107.900 – 1107.2300
were removed for purpose of this Zoning Ordinance review only)
1107.500: INTERPRETATION: Section 1101.300 of this Zoning Ordinance addresses
statutory construction and interpretation principles applicable to this and all
Sections of the Zoning Ordinance. The definition of sign types in Section 1107.501
is integral to the interpretation of all subsections of the Sign Ordinance, regardless
of the use of capital.
1107.501. Sign Definitions:
Address Sign. An on-premises sign giving the name and/or address of the
building or premises which is compliant with City Code addressing
requirements.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Advertising Sign. Any permanent non-governmental sign and sign
structure, advertising products, services, commodities, entertainment or other
activity.
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p2
Athletic Field Sign. Any advertising sign located on the interior-facing of
athletic field fences or scoreboard of a City athletic field in accordance with
City policy.
Awning. A non-rigid hood or cover projecting from a building, which may
be folded, collapsed, or retracted against the building.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Balloon Sign. A temporary sign which is printed, painted or attached to a
balloon which is secured to a permanent structure or the ground in a manner
that does not allow it to move about within the atmosphere.
Balloon Sign, Tethered. A temporary sign which is printed, painted, or
secured to a balloon which is attached to a rope, chain, string or other device,
allowing it to move about within the atmosphere.
Banner Sign. Any temporary on-premises, sign possessing characters,
letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic, or
lightweight fabric of any kind to advertise products, goods and/or services
sold or provided on the property or a special event, which is hung either
with or without frames. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official
flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Beacon. Any light with one or more beams, that is capable of revolving
automatically or being directed into the atmosphere or at one or more points
not on the same lot as the light source.
Bench Sign. A sign attached to or painted on a bench for seating.
Billboard Sign. An off-premises poster panel board, painted bulletin board
or other communicative device which is used to advertise products, goods
and/or services, any part of which are not sold, produced, assembled,
manufactured, furnished or otherwise related to activities conducted on the
property where the sign is located.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Building Marker. A sign carrying the name of a building, its date of erection,
monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like when carved into
stone, concrete, or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum or other
permanent type of construction and made an integral part of the structure.
Business Sign. A sign that advertises or describes products, goods,
services or activities sold, produced, assembled, manufactured, furnished or
otherwise available at or located on the premises.
Changeable Copy Sign. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters,
or illustrations that are manually changed or rearranged without altering the
face or the surface of the sign.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Community Park Event Sign. A temporary sign related to an activity or
event permitted in a “Community Park,” as defined in the City’s
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p3
Comprehensive Plan. The temporary sign may only be displayed in the
specific Community Park for fourteen (14) days prior to, and the duration
of a specific event.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Construction Sign. A sign giving the project name, name(s) of principal
contractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for construction
on the property where the sign is placed, together with other sales related
information included thereon.
Directional Sign. A sign erected on private property for the purpose of
directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic to public facilities or functions; a sign
on which the names and/or locations of occupants or the use of a building is
given, including office buildings and church directories.
Election Sign. A temporary sign promoting the candidacy of a person
running for a governmental office, or promoting an issue to be voted on at a
governmental election.
Electronic Message Sign. Also referred to as a Dynamic Display Sign, an
Electronic Message sign is a sign which shows messages and graphics
that are changed by electrical pulsations, other than public service signs.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Employment Opportunity Sign. A temporary sign indicating employment
opportunities.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Flashing Sign. An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not
maintained constant in intensity and color at all times in which such sign is in
use or any sign which by mechanical means appears to simulate a flashing
sign.
Freestanding Sign. An on-premise sign supported by structures or supports
that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from
any building or other structure.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Ground Monument Sign. A freestanding block-type sign structure in which
the base of the sign structure is in contact with the ground, or a maximum
of 12 inches above the ground adjacent to the sign, where the width of the
base of the sign shall be at least eighty (80) percent of the width of the sign.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Home Occupation Sign. A sign that advertises or describes products, goods
or services at a private residential location.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Illuminated Sign. Any sign which has characters, letters, design or outlines
illuminated by artificial light directed to or from the interior of the sign.
Incidental Sign. A sign having a face which meets Department of
Transportation standards and which is located on private property. An
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p4
incidental sign has a purpose secondary to the primary use of the property on
which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only,"
"telephone," and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message
shall be considered incidental.
Institutional Sign. An on-premise sign which identifies the name and other
characteristics of a public or semi-public institution.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Lake Service Sign. An on-premises sign which identifies the name and
other characteristics of a public or semi-public institution.
Legal Non-Conforming Sign. Any sign that lawfully existed on or before
August 21, 2010, the effective date of this Ordinance, and any amendments
thereto, but that fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions
of this Ordinance.
Marquee Sign. Any sign attached to or made a part of a marquee. A
marquee is defined as a permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a
building wall at an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting
beyond the building's wall and generally designed and constructed to provide
protection against the weather.
Menu Board. A sign that indicates selections available at businesses that
serve customers via automobiles, such as a fast food establishment with a
drive-thru facility.
Non-Commercial On-Premises Sign. A sign displayed by the owner of
property or tenant used to communicate, express, convey or depict a
message or viewpoint held by the owner of the property or a tenant.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
No Trespass Sign. A sign which is intended to notify the public that entry
onto a person’s private land or property is prohibited without the property
owner’s permission.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Off-Premises, Advertising Sign. Any non-governmental sign and sign
structure, advertising products, services, commodities, entertainment or
other activity not offered at the location of the sign or not exclusively related
to the premises on which the sign is located.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Off-Premises, Identification Sign. A permanent identification sign used
to identify the location of a business or industrial park along a designated
county or state highway and may also include identification of individual
businesses located within said business or industrial park. Off-Premises
Identification Signs shall not be included with on-premises signs in
determining the total number or size of signs permitted on any site.
Off-Premises Temporary Directional Sign. A temporary sign that
provides direction to a new residential development or a new facility
housing a public or nonprofit organization.
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p5
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Painted Wall Sign. A sign which has been painted directly onto a building
wall, using the wall material as a base of the sign.
Portable Sign. Any temporary sign not permanently attached to the ground
or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including
but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels,
including signs attached to or painted on vehicles, unless the vehicle is used
for the day to day operations of the business. A sandwich board sign is not
a “portable sign” for the purpose of this Ordinance.
Projecting Sign. A sign other than a wall sign affixed to any building or wall
where the leading edge extends beyond the building or wall.
Public Service Sign. A sign that displays time, weather, stock market data
or public information and does not advertise any product or service.
Public Sign. A sign that has been erected on behalf of a governmental body
for the purpose of posting legal notices, identifying public property and
conveying public information; including but not limited to directional signs,
regulatory signs, warning signs, and informational signs.
Pylon Sign. A freestanding sign with visible supporting posts or other
foundational structure.
Real Estate Sign. A temporary sign erected on private property for
purposes of advertising the sale or lease of a particular building and/or
property.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Residential Name Plate Sign. A sign located on a residential premises,
giving only the name or address, or both of the premises.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Roof Sign. A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or
above the eaves in the case of a hip, gable or mansard roof where the plane
of the roof is less than 60 degrees from the horizontal.
Rotating Sign. A sign which revolves or rotates on its axis by mechanical
means.
Sandwich Board Sign. A sandwich board sign, sometimes referred to as a
sidewalk sign, is a freestanding, two-sided “A” frame type sign or a sign
placed on an easel, that does not require staking into the ground, placed near
the entrance of a commercial building to direct pedestrians to that business
and/or to advertise events, services, and goods provided by the business
where the sign is located.
Seasonal Sign. A temporary on-premises sign limited in duration of time
and placed on a premises for a specific purpose that is not part of a
business’ ongoing activity. Seasonal signs include, but are not limited to
Christmas tree and wreath “For Sale” signs, farmers’ market signs, similar
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p6
seasonally oriented sales, and signs advertising temporary agricultural
commodity sales and transient merchants.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Semi-Public Use. A use owned or operated by a non-profit, religious or
charity dependent institution and providing educational, cultural, recreational,
religious or similar types of public programs and activities.
Shopping Center Sign. A freestanding on-premises sign identifying a
shopping complex that contains at least one major tenant (such as a
grocery or department store) and secondary tenants. A lineal strip center
is not considered a shopping complex for the purpose of this Ordinance.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Snipe Sign. Sign(s) of any material whatsoever that are painted on or
attached to, in any manner, a utility pole, tree, rock or any object located or
situated on public or private property.
Special Event Sign. A temporary sign, such as a banner, sandwich board
sign, or window sign, erected by a civic organization, nonprofit organization,
governmental entity or semi-public organization used to promote or identify a
local fundraiser, festival, bazaar, tournament or similar event.
Streamer, Pennant Sign. Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material,
suspended from a rope, wire, or string, or other material, usually in series,
designed to move in the wind.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Street Banner. Any temporary banner sign which is stretched across and
hung over a public right-of-way which advertises public entertainment or a
public event.
Strings of Lights. Lights strung by wire, cord or similar means.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Subdivision Identification Sign (SIS). An on-premises freestanding sign
used to identify a residential subdivision, a Planned Unit Development, a
commercial development, business center, or industrial park.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Temporary Sign. A sign erected or displayed for a specified period of time
and not permanently mounted.
Traffic Interference Sign. Any sign erected that, by reason of position,
shape, size, or color would interfere in any way with the proper functioning
or purpose of a traffic sign or signal or may affect pedestrian or vehicular
traffic visibility.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Video Display Sign. A sign capable of displaying full-motion imagery of
television quality or higher. Video display signs shall include images or
messages projected onto buildings or other objects.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p7
Wall Sign. Any sign attached parallel to a wall, or which projects less than
15 inches from the surface at all points of the building or structure, and which
displays only one sign surface.
Wetland Bufferyard Sign. A City-approved sign that establishes the buffer
area boundary of a delineated wetland.
Window Sign. Any sign, picture, symbol, or combination thereof, affixed to
the inside of a window and visible from the outside of the premises directed
to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. A window sign is used to communicate
information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service.
Works of Art. Artistic expressions, aesthetic treatments, and designs that
do not include a commercial message such as the City logo, "Centennial"
emblem, holiday lights, and decorations with no commercial message.
Yard Sale Sign. A temporary sign display advertising the on-premises
sale, by an occupant, of his or her personal property, including general
household rummage, used clothing and appliances, provided the exchange
or sale of merchandise is conducted on the property or within the residence
or an accessory structure on the property.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14)
1107.800: PERMITTED SIGNS; SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED: The signs identified in Table 2
are permitted, provided a sign permit is obtained from the City and it complies with
the size, area, and number as regulated by the provisions of Subsections 1107.801
through 1107.1004. A brief description of the signs and display guidelines follow
Table 2.
TABLE 2
SIGNS THAT REQUIRE A SIGN PERMIT
Awning signs Menu board signs
Balloon signs Off -Premises, Identification Signs
Banner signs Portable signs
Business signs Projecting signs
Changeable copy signs Public service signs
Directional signs Sandwich board signs
Electronic message signs Shopping center signs
Freestanding signs Streamer, Pennant signs (noncommercial)
Illuminated signs Street banner signs
Institutional signs Subdivision identification signs
Lake service signs Wall signs
Marquee signs
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City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p8
1107.801 Awning Signs: In the “TC”, and "C" or "I" Use Districts, signs consisting of letters and/or
an identification emblem, insignia, initial, or other similar design may be painted or imprinted
on an awning, provided the total sign area does not exceed 30% of the awning surface.
Awning signs shall be considered as part of the total wall sign square footage allotted to the
building.
1107.802 Balloon Sign: One temporary balloon sign per lot not exceeding 35 feet in height may be
erected for a period of not more than 14 consecutive days in a the “TC”, and "C" or "I" Use
Districts. In no case shall more than three (3) permits per property be granted during any
calendar year. The signs shall be set back no less than 10 feet from the property line or
right-of-way line, whichever is greater, and cannot be placed in a location that obstructs the
view of motorists. In no case shall balloon signs take up required off-street parking spaces.
1107.803.1 Banner Signs:
Banner signs as defined in Section 1107.501 are allowed by permit in the “TC”,
and "C" or "I" Use Districts subject to the regulations, conditions and limitations of
this subsection, churches, schools, and marinas located in an “R” Use District may
obtain a banner permit subject to the requirements and conditions in this
Subsection.
1) One banner sign may be displayed per property.
2) The total area of the banner sign shall not exceed 32 square feet,
regardless of the size of the building.
3) An annual banner sign permit shall be issued for one specified location on
the exterior of the principal building, which shall be designated at the time
of sign permit issuance.
4) Banner signs may be used for advertising an occasion relating to the goods
or services sold or provided on the property or to inform the public of an
upcoming special event. Banner signs may be used for grand openings,
short term specials, sales events, or special events that are limited in
duration or similar event approved by the Zoning Administrator.
5) Banner signs shall not be used in place of permanent signage.
6) The owner of a building occupied by multiple tenants is responsible for
designating the manner in which the tenants will rotate use of the banner.
7) All banners shall be securely affixed to the wall of the designated principal
building.
8) Marinas, churches, and schools may display a banner in the “R” Use
District subject to the conditions set out in this subsection. The Zoning
Administrator shall have full discretion to permit the banner to be firmly
affixed to a permanent structure that is not classified as the principal
structure, particularly in cases where the alternative location assists in
limiting the banner from the view of adjacent residential properties.
9) The owner or tenant of a building with a sign permit may allow an
organization or entity to use the banner location to promote a special event.
A banner for a special event sign cannot be displayed for more than 30
days prior to the first day of the event. The banner shall be removed at the
conclusion of the event.
1107.804 Business Signs: In a “TC”, and “C” or “I” Use Districts, a wall or freestanding sign
that identifies or advertises a business, person, activity, goods, products, or
services located "on-premises" is permitted as otherwise provided by this Section.
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City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p9
1107.805 Changeable Copy Signs: In the “TC,” “C,” or “I” Use Districts, this applies t o
permanent wall or freestanding signs and does not include portable signs.
Changeable copy signs will be considered as part of the total wall or freestanding
sign area allotted to a property.
1107.806 Directional Signs: An off-premises temporary directional sign may be permitted
for the purpose of providing direction to a new residential project. The off-premises
temporary directional sign may identify a residential development and
development company but shall not include sale, lease or contact information.
Such signs shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet per sign face with a maximum
height of six (6) feet and a maximum of two (2) sign faces per sign. The signs shall
be set back no less than ten (10) feet from the property line or right-of-way line,
whichever is greater, and cannot be placed in a location that obstructs the view of
motorists. Such signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after completion of
construction or the sale, lease or development of 90% of the property. No more than
three such signs per residential project shall be allowed at one time.
An on-premises directional sign may be permitted where one-way access and
egress drives are approved, a sign indicating traffic direction with a maximum area
of six (6) square feet may be placed at a driveway within five (5) feet of the street
right of way. Such signs shall be no higher than four (4) feet above the center line
of the adjacent street. A directional sign indicating the entrance to a two-way
driveway may be approved or required where the Zoning Administrator or designee
deems it is necessary to safely direct drivers.
1107.807 Electronic Message Signs (Dynamic Display Sign): In the “TC,” “C,” and “I”
Use Districts, one (1) electronic message sign may be permitted per property
subject to the size and area requirements identified in Subsection 1107.902 for
freestanding signs. An electronic message sign is a sign that displays messages
and graphics that are changed by electrical pulsations.
The following standards shall apply to image duration, transition, and other
characteristics of signs with dynamic display.
1) Business and Public signs with dynamic display may either have stable text
and/or stable images, or they may have scrolling text and/or scrolling
images. Signs with dynamic display which contain stable text and/or stable
images may not change their text or image more than once every ten (10)
seconds. Signs with dynamic display which contain scrolling text and/or
scrolling images may not scroll at a rate faster than one (1) word per
second, where words contain an average of five (5) characters each.
2) For stable text and/or stable images, the transition from one static display
to another must be direct and immediate without any special effects except
for fading and dissolving that takes less than one (1) second.
3) Electronic message signs shall not emit sound.
4) Modes which cause the message or images to flash are prohibited.
5) Illumination and brightness. Signs with dynamic display shall be limited to
500 NITS from sunset to sunrise. These signs shall be limited to 7500
NITS from sunrise to sunset. Additionally, the sign shall not exceed a
maximum illumination of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light level as
measured from one hundred (100) feet from the sign’s face. All signs with
dynamic display having illumination by means other than natural light must
be equipped with an automatic dimmer control or other mechanism that
automatically controls the sign’s brightness to comply with this requirement.
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June 1, 2009 1107/p10
6) No sign with dynamic display may be of such intensity or brilliance that it
interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, signal or
the safety of the public, or located where it would do so as determined by
the City Engineer. If there is a violation of the brightness standards, the
adjustment must be made within one (1) business day upon notice of non-
compliance from the city.
7) Malfunction. Signs with dynamic display must be designed and equipped
to freeze the sign face in one position if a malfunction occurs. Signs with
dynamic display must also be equipped with a means to immediately
discontinue the display if the sign malfunctions. The sign owner or operator
must immediately turn off the display when notified by the city that it is not
complying with the standards of this ordinance or when owner or operator
has notice of the malfunction.
1107.808 Freestanding Signs: Freestanding signs are allowed, by permit, as regulated in
Section 1107.902 of this Ordinance.
1107.809 Illuminated Signs: Illuminated signs are permitted in the “TC” “C” and “I” Use
Districts. The signs shall be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light
sources that are either directed solely at the sign, or are internal to them, without
causing glare for motorists, pedestrians, or neighboring property.
1107.810 Institutional Signs: Freestanding or wall institutional signs are permitted in any
Use District provided that the total sign area does not exceed 75 square feet.
Internally or externally illuminated signs are permitted if the sign is located so it
faces an arterial road or collector street as identified in the Comprehensive Land
Use Plan. Reflected glare or spill light from the sign shall not exceed 0.5 footcandle
when the source abuts any residential parcel or 1.0 footcandle at any public right-
of-way measured at one (1) foot above the ground. Freestanding signs located in
an “R” Use District may be no higher than ten (10) feet above the adjacent grade
or center line grade of the adjacent street, whichever is higher.
1107.811 Lake Service Signs: Any business which provides a service related to permitted
uses of a lake and is located within 200 feet of a lake may apply for a sign permit
to erect a lake service sign. Signs may be placed, when necessary, within the
Shoreland Overlay District. Lake service signs shall be no higher than 10 feet
above the natural grade level and the maximum size of such a sign is limited to 32
square feet in area. If illuminated by artificial lights, the lights must be shielded or
directed to prevent illumination of or over public waters or adjacent residential or
commercial properties.
1107.812 Marquee Signs: In the “TC,” “C,” or “I” Use Districts, signs may be placed on the
vertical face of a marquee and may project from the lower edge of the marquee
not more than 24 inches, but the bottom of a sign placed on a marquee shall be
no less than 8 feet above the sidewalk or above the center line grade of the
adjacent street, whichever is higher, at any point. No part of the sign shall extend
above the top of the roof line for a covered walk or above the top of the vertical
face of the marquee, whichever is more restrictive. Signs shall not be permitted
on a marquee which projects over any public right of way, with the exception of
"TC" Town Center Use District.
1107.813 Menu Board Signs: In the “TC” and “C” Use Districts, two (2) signs per drive-thru
lane, equaling 32 square feet or smaller, may be permitted for businesses that
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p11
serve customers via automobiles. The menu board sign area may be in addition
to the permitted walls and freestanding sign area of the business. The applicant
shall demonstrate that the proposed sign location will not obstruct pedestrian or
vehicular movement.
1107.814 Portable Signs: A portable sign permit period shall not exceed 30 consecutive
days. In no case shall more than three (3) permits per property be granted during
any calendar year. The maximum area shall be 32 square feet, and the maximum
height shall be six (6) feet. No sign shall be located within a traffic visibility area
as defined in Subsection 1101.506. Portable signs shall be located on private
property and shall not be displayed off the premises of the business that the sign
is intended to advertise, with the exception of signs advertising public and
charitable functions approved by the City.
1107.815 Projecting Signs: Projecting signs are only permitted in the “TC”, “C” and “I” Use
Districts. Projecting signs located over public right of way shall be located a
minimum of seven (7) feet above the natural grade level. The maximum size of a
projecting sign is limited to twenty (20) square feet in area. Projecting signs and
any support mechanism of the sign shall not project more than 60 inches out from
the face of the building.
1107.816 Public Service Signs: Public service signs shall only be allowed in "TC” and “C"
Use Districts and the sign area and height must conform to all the requirements of
this subsection.
1107.817 Sandwich Board Signs:
A. Sandwich board signs (“Sandwich Boards”) are allowed in the “TC”, “C”, and
“I” Use Districts for permitted businesses provided the requirements set out in
this subsection are met.
1. Unless otherwise provided for herein, only a business/entity in the “TC”,
“C”, and “I” Use Districts is allowed to display a Sandwich Board sign in
front of their business, subject to the conditions set out in this subsection.
2. Only one (1) sandwich board is allowed for each business/entity.
3. Sandwich boards shall not exceed eight (8) square feet per sign face.
4. Sandwich boards require an annual sign permit. All permit applications
shall contain a sketch of the sandwich board, which includes the sign’s
dimensions, color, and design, and the placement location, including an
accurate to-scale depiction of the sidewalk adjacent to the premises.
5. Sandwich board permits shall not be transferable.
6. In determining whether to issue a permit, the Zoning Administrator shall
consider the impact on adjacent buildings and pedestrians.
7. Sandwich boards can be displayed only during the times the entity is open.
No sandwich board shall be displayed overnight or when there has been
any snow accumulation.
8. Sandwich boards may only be located on the sidewalk adjacent and near
to the entity’s front entrance to the premises.
9. In no case shall sandwich boards occupy off-street parking space.
10. In no case shall sandwich boards be used in conjunction with portable
signs, as provided in this Section.
11. Sandwich boards may be placed on a public sidewalk provided that the
property owner consents to the terms of a Public Property Use Permit
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City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p12
(“PPUP”) which requires the owner and tenant to assume liability for any
damage to property or injury to persons related to the sandwich board sign.
12. Sandwich boards shall not take up more than three (3) feet of sidewalk
width and cannot interfere with pedestrian traffic. A sandwich board shall
be located with a minimum of three (3) feet of unobstructed clearance on
all sides to allow for accessibility along the sidewalk for pedestrians.
13. A sandwich board sign may not be used instead of permanent building
signage.
14. A sandwich board may be removed by the City if it interferes with any City
activities or public safety (for instance, but not limited to, such things as
snow removal activities and sidewalk maintenance).
15. The owner of a building or business who has a valid temporary permit for
a sandwich board may allow the sponsor of a “Special Event” to utilize their
sandwich board location for a Special Event Sign.
16. A Special Event Sign may be displayed for 30 days prior to the Special
Event. The permit holder must have the Special Event Sign removed at the
conclusion of the event.
1107.818 Streamers, Pennants (noncommercial): Temporary streamers and pennants for
noncommercial, public and semi-public uses may be erected for a period of not
more than 14 consecutive days. A maximum of three (3) permits per property may
be granted per calendar year.
1107.819 Street Banner: Street banners are permitted in the Town Center, and Commercial
or Industrial Use Districts for locations authorized by the City Engineer. Such signs
may be displayed 14 days prior to and three (3) days after the public entertainment
or event.
1107.820 Subdivision Identification Signs: Subdivision identification signs are
freestanding, on-premises, permanent signs permitted in the “TC”, “C”, “I”, and “R”
Use Districts and used to identify a residential subdivision, a Planned Unit
Development, a commercial development, business center, or industrial park.
1) Residential Districts. Freestanding signs indicating the name of a residential
subdivision, or PUD neighborhood with a residential component are permitted
for the purpose of permanent identification. At each principal entrance to such
an area, a maximum of two (2) signs, not to exceed 50 square feet of sign area
per side with a maximum of 2 sides, excluding decorative landscaping and sign
base, will be permitted on private property. The maximum height of such signs
shall be 10 feet above the natural grade.
2) Commercial and Industrial Districts: Freestanding signs indicating the name
of a business center shall be permitted for the purpose of permanent
identification. At each principal entrance to such an area, a maximum of two
(2) signs, not to exceed 50 square feet of sign area per side with a maximum
of two (2) sides, excluding decorative landscaping and sign base, will be
permitted on private property. The maximum height of such signs shall be 10
feet above the natural grade.
In the Town Center, and Commercial and Industrial subdivisions with frontage
along TH13, CSAH 42 and CSAH 21, one (1) freestanding subdivision sign
may be located along the frontage of TH13, CSAH 42, or CSAH 21. In the TC,
TC-T, C-1, C-2, and I-1 districts, the maximum height of the sign shall be 20
Zoning Ordinance
City of Prior Lake
June 1, 2009 1107/p13
feet above the natural grade. In the C-3 district, the maximum height of the sign
shall be 10 feet above the natural grade. In the TC, TC-T, C-1, C-2, and I-1
districts, this sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area per side with a
maximum of two (2) sides. In the C-3 district, the sign shall not exceed 80
square feet per side, with a maximum of two (2) sides. Freestanding
subdivision signs permitted under this subsection must also be located at least
40 feet from any other freestanding sign.
3) Setbacks. Subdivision identification signs must be located at least 10 feet
from any property line, regardless of the Use District. The sign may not be
located within a traffic visibility area as defined in subsection 1101.506.
1107.821 Wall Signs: Wall signs are allowed, by permit, as regulated in Section 1107.901
of this Ordinance.
(Amd. Ord. 114-13, publ. 8/2/14, 1107.800-1107.821 in its entirety)
1107.822 Off-Premises Identification Signs: Off-premises identification signs shall be
permitted in the C-3, Business Park and I-1, General Industrial Use Districts
provided the requirements set out in this subsection are met.
1) No more than two (2) off-premises identification signs shall be permitted for
each business or industrial park. Business and industrial parks are those
properties that have been platted and developed as a business or industrial
park as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Off-premises identification
signs shall have a minimum separation of five-hundred (500) lineal feet from
any other off-premises identification sign on the same side of the highway.
2) The sign shall be located only on a Property which is part of the business or
industrial park with written permission of the Property owner. The sign may be
located on a Property abutting the business or industrial park only with written
permission of the Property owner and written approval of the Zoning
Administrator.
3) The sign shall be allowed only on Property abutting county or state highways.
4) The sign shall be constructed as a Ground Monument Sign; Pylon Signs shall
not be permitted.
5) The sign may only contain identification of the business or industrial park
and/or identification of the businesses located within the business or industrial
park. A minimum of thirty (30) percent of the monument sign area shall be
dedicated to identifying the business or industrial park. No more than seventy
(70) percent of the monument sign area shall be dedicated to identification of
businesses located within the business or industrial park. A signage plan and
agreement, subject to the approval of the City of Prior Lake, shall be entered
into and recorded against the Property on which the sign will be located in the
business or industrial park. The agreement shall detail: 1) how the monument
sign area will be allocated to all property owners within t he business or
industrial park; and 2) how the monument sign area will be maintained.
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June 1, 2009 1107/p14
6) The sign shall not exceed one-hundred fifty (150) square feet in total area.
Maximum allowable signage shall be computed on the basis of one side of any
double-faced sign. The sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. Sign
height shall be measured from ground grade elevation to the highest point of
said sign. The sign shall have a minimum separation of two-hundred (200)
lineal feet from any Freestanding Signs on the same side of the highway. The
sign shall be set back from all street right-of-way lines a minimum of twenty
(20) feet and shall be set back from all property lines a minimum of ten (10)
feet.