Planning Commission Agenda 11-05-2008AGENDA
MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008
6:00 PM
Commissioners: Rod Dragsten, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, William Spartz, and
Barry Voight
Council Liaison: Susie Wojchouski
Staff: Angela Schumann, Gary Anderson, Steve Grittman - NAC
•
1. Call to order.
2. Consideration to approve the Planning Commission minutes of October 7th, 2008.
3. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
4. Public Hearing -Consideration to review a request for Amendment to Conditional Use Permit for
Planned Unit Development to allow Conditional Use Permits for Auto Repair Major and Minor and
Open and Outdoor Sales & Display.
Applicant: Sisu AutcSmotive
5. Consideration to review for discussion and direction the first draft of an amendment to
Chapter 3 of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance regulating Signs.
6. Adjourn.
~J
Coxnxnissioners:
Council Liaison:
Staff:
1. Call to order.
MINUTES
MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
6:00 PM
Rod Dragster, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, William Spartz, and
Barry Voight
Susie Wojchouski
Angela Schumann, Gary Anderson, Steve Grittman - NAC
Chairman Dragster called the meeting to order a declared a quorum, noting the absence of
Comrissioner Spartz.
2. Consideration to approve the Planning Commission minutes of September 2nd, 2008.
Motion by Commissioner Voight to approve the minutes of September 2°d, 2008.
Motion seconded by Commissioner Hilgart. Motion carried, 4-0.
3. Consideration of addinc items to the a eg nda.
Chairman Dragster requested an update on the following items:
Natural Resource Inventory & Assessment
Transportation Plan
Commercial Vehicle Amendment
Zoning Ordinance Update
4. Consideration to review for discussion and decision sign ordinance policy statements for the
purpose of developing an amended sign ordinance.
Planner Grittman presented a set of policy questions for the Commissioners to discuss in
relationship to development of draft sign ordinance language.
1. What will the City's policy be toward electronic and digital displays?
a. Allowed as Principal Sign Display, or as accessory message board only?
The Commissioners agreed that it should be accessory, and that the electronic display
should represent approximately 35% of the entire sign area.
b. Limited to static messages only, or allow motion, scrolling, graphics?
The Commissioners indicated that it was reasonable to allow some movement, but they
would discourage flashing or rapid movement.
c. Limited to specific locations (major thoroughfares, or any
commercial/industrial/public district?
This item was not addressed in detail.
2. How will the City address temporary (portable) signs?
a. Limit display based on building size, or
b. Limit display based on number of tenants, or
c. Limit display based on street frontage, or
d. Limit display based on one per building?
e. Any other differentiation for multiple tenant buildings?
f. Provide an incentive to utilize permanent message display (such as exempt
a message board from the property's signage allowance maximum)?
On this item, the Commissioners came to a general consensus that tenants in multi-unit
buildings should each be allotted a separate number of days, that message boards should
be encouraged over temporary signs and that an incentive program allowing for more
square footage on wall signage or free-standing signage could be used to discourage
temporary sign use. It was also agreed that a clause should be added allowing new
business entities more initial temporary sign days. Staff indicated that it may also be
possible to designate funds from temporary sign permits, or other sign permits, toward a
fund dedicated for the construction and maintenance of public information message
boards. This is in response to the volume ofnon-profit use of temporary signs.
3. How should the City address the size of freestanding signs?
a. Size/Height based on street classification (as now), or
b. Size Height based on zoning district?
The Commissioners determined that the base measure for sign height should be at
centerline of the street frontage. The Commission also directed that sign size/height be
regulated by the type of land use district versus zoning district, and that the CCD should
remain as a separate sign class.
4. How should the City address the policy of preference for Wall v.
Freestanding signs, and Monument v. Pylon signs?
a. Require a specific formula which codifies those preferences, or
b. Develop an incentive -style ordinance which provides choice, but
rewards choices consistent with the preference, or
c. Develop an ordinance that states the preference, but leaves the choice to
the property owner?
Commissioners re-stated that the focus should be to provide incentives for wall-signs and
emphasize that free-standing sign materials be consistent with building materials,
- . eliminating the "lollipop" pylon design.
5. How should the City address off-premise signage such as billboards?
a. Write new regulations that allow, but limit them, or
b. Maintain the current prohibition and non-conforming status?
The Commissioners and staff discussed this item in detail in terms of easing restrictions.
While no clear direction emerged, the Commissioners did ask staff to research options
and other restrictions within other communities.
6. How should the City address off-premise signage such as real estate, garage
sale, and similar signage?
a. Write regulations that allow, but limit them, acknowledging issues related
to right of way, content neutrality, and concerns over proliferation, or
b. Prohibit such signs due to unmanageable sign clutter?
The Commissioners came to a general agreement. that one sign per property be allowed
on private property, with specific size regulations. In terms of off-site signage, the
general direction was to continue to prohibit off-premise signage, with the exception of
pulling out real estate signage as a separate class and regulating with special guidelines
for timelines and location.
7. Other questions
While there were no other questions, Planner Grittman noted that it is staff s recommendation
that the sign ordinance be pulled out from Chapter 3 of the Zoning Ordinance (General
Provisions) and become its own chapter of the code. Schumann noted that it would have its own
set of defmitions. The Commission consented to that concept. Grittman stated that he would
have the first draft of ordinance language prepared for the Commission's November meeting.
• 5. Update Items
NRUA: Schumann explained that the field research portion of the inventory was almost complete.
Staff would be working with WSB to arrange a second public meeting early in November, with the
project wrapping up at the end of November.
Transportation Plan: Schumann reported that staff is still working with Council to determine a firm
direction for the plan in terms of the level of detail. A thorough public workshop is expected to occur
in November.
Commercial Vehicles: Schumann indicated that when Council denied the proposed amendment, it had
requested that staff track the number of complaints on this item. Through the Citizen Service Desk,
only a handful of complaints has been received. Schumann stated that the City should still strive to
enforce the ordinance already on the books.
Zoning Ordinance: Schumann explained that she is reviewing formats and concepts in ordinance
development and is hoping to have an RFP drafted for the Commission's review by their December
meeting.
6. Adjourn
MOTION BY COMMISSIOENR VOIGHT TO ADJOURN.
MOTION SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GABLER. MOTION CARRIED, 4-0..
i
Planning Commission Agenda -11/05/08
5. Public Hearin: Consideration of a request for a Conditional Use Permit for
Auto Repair Maior/Minor and Open and Outdoor Sales & Display in an I-2
District. Applicant: Sisu Automotive. (NAC)
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
The applicant is seeking the Conditional Use Permits for Auto Repair and Open &
Outdoor Sales & Display to validate the existing Auto Repair activity on the site,
and to provide for future auto sales as an accessory activity.
Automobile Repair - Major/Minor is allowed by Conditional Use Permit
according to the following conditions of the Zoning Ordinance:
1. The entire site other than that taken up by a building, structure, or
plantings shall be surfaced with a material to control dust and
drainage which is subject to the approval of the City Engineer.
Condition met.
2. A drainage system subject to the approval of the City Engineer
shall be installed.
Condition met.
3. The lighting shall be accomplished in such a way as to have no
direct source of light visible from adjacent land in residential use
• or from the public right-of--way and shall be in compliance with
Chapter 3, Section 2 [H], of this ordinance.
No lighting proposed at this time.
4. At the boundaries of a residential district, a strip of not less than
five (5) feet shall be landscaped and screened in compliance with
Chapter 3, Section 7 [G], of this ordinance. 5. Parking or car
magazine storage space shall be screened from view of abutting
residential districts in compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [G], of
this ordinance.
Landscape buffer in place per original approval.
5. All signing and informational or visual communication devices
shall be minimized and shall be in compliance with Chapter 3,
Section 9, of this ordinance.
Subject to an overall sign plan for the PUD.
6. Provisions are made to control and reduce noise.
Condition met.
7. No outside storage except as allowed in compliance with Chapter
13, Section 4, of this ordinance.
Condition relates to outdoor storage CUP request.
8. All conditions pertaining to a specific site are subject to change
when the Council, upon investigation in relation to a formal
request, finds that the general welfare and public betterment can be
served as well or better by modifying the conditions.
Not applicable at this time.
Planning Commission Agenda -11/05/08
9. The provisions of Chapter 22 of this ordinance are considered and
satisfactorily met.
Condition met.
The applicant is an existing business in an existing building which has had
previous site plan and building approval. As such, there would not appear to be
any site planning issues related to the occupancy of the property. Specifically, the
previous approval for Planned Unit Development included a detailed review of
buffer yard requirements required between residential and industrial properties. A
buffer yard landscaping plan was required for the site at that time and has been
implemented as required.
Planning staff is unaware of any separate code violations on the site at this time.
As such, the CUP for Auto Repair Major/Minor appears to be appropriate for the
site.
As noted in the applicant's application, a sign maybe proposed at a future date.
The specific sign suggested appears that it may not fit within the requirements of
the sign regulations, however, the property owner will need to obtain approval for
a Comprehensive Sign Plan that addresses signage for the entire building area -
no such Sign Plan has previously been approved according to City records. This
issue can be addressed at any time prior to when the property owner and the
tenant wish to proceed with a new sign. •
With regard to auto sales, the CUP language of the zoning ordinance makes the
following requirements:
1. Accessory outside service, sales, and equipment rental connected
with a principal use is limited to thirty (30) percent of the gross
floor area of the principal use.
Condition met.
2. Outside sales areas are fenced or screened from view of
neighboring residential uses or an abutting residential district in
compliance with Chapter 3, Section 2 [G], of this ordinance.
Condition met.
3. All lighting shall be hooded and so directed that the light source
shall not be visible from the public right-of--way or from
neighboring residences and shall be in compliance with Chapter 3,
Section 2 [H], of this ordinance.
No lighting proposed at this time.
4. Sales area is grassed or surfaced to control dust.
Condition met.
5. The provisions of Chapter 22 of this ordinance are considered and
satisfactorily met.
Condition met.
2
Planning Commission Agenda-11/05/08
The applicant proposes to reserve 5 of the existing parking spaces in the parking
area north of their tenant space for the storage/display of automobiles that they are
in the process of repairing and selling. The parking area is paved, and there are
no residential areas in proximity to this location. The applicants state that their
business practice is to acquire automobiles for buyers on an order basis, repair
them, then transfer them to the buyer. Thus, there should be only limited need for
the storage area.
While the auto sales area will consume parking space on the property, there
appears to be more than adequate parking supply in the development. In addition,
there is a large paved area to the south of the building that could be utilized for
additional parking if the need were identified. Thus, it does not appear that
parking should be impacted by the proposed sales/storage area. It should be noted
that for the most part, the building itself screens the outdoor storage area proposed
from the residential uses to the south.
Planning staff would note that, as an industrial area with only limited exposure,
this site is not well situated for a larger retail auto sales operation. The site is
intended to accommodate the limited flow of industrial traffic only, not retail
traffic, which is also the case for Dundas Road and the Industrial Park generally.
As such, the CUP considered as part of this application appears to be appropriate
based on the nature of the applicant's business -custom orders, rather than
general market sales and "browsing" by car buyers. The CUP should be limited
to this level to avoid conflicts created between retail and industrial traffic patterns.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Decision 1: Conditional Use Permit for Automobile Repair Major/Minor.
1. Motion to recommend approval of the CUP, based on a finding that the
use is consistent with the requirements of the zoning district, and the
applicant's operation appears to meet the standards as developed.
2. Motion to recommend denial of the CUP, based on a finding that the site
is not well-situated for retail repair traffic.
Decision 2: Conditional Use Permit for Open & Outdoor Service and Sale.
1. Motion to recommend approval of the CUP, based on a finding that the
nature of the applicant's business operation will not likely create
negative traffic or other impacts on the industrial area in which it is
located. A condition maybe considered relating to the business
operation as noted in Exhibit Z.
Planning Commission Agenda -11/05/08
2. Motion to recommend denial of the CUP, based on a finding that
storage/display use will interfere with industrial traffic and other
neighboring uses.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of both Conditional Use Permits for Auto Repair
Major/Minor and Open and Outdoor Sales, with the condition as listed in Exhibit Z,
based on findings as follows:
a. The proposed uses are allowed in the zoning district regulating the property.
b. The proposed uses are consistent with the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance
relating to the requested uses.
c. The site plan demonstrates consistency with the zoning requirements for such
uses in the I-2 District.
d. With adherence to the condition(s) in Exhibit Z, the uses will not create conflicts
with neighboring land uses in the area.
SUPPORTING DATA
A. Aerial Location Map
B. Applicant Narrative
C. Site Plan
D. Existing Buffer Yard Plan
Exhibit Z -Conditions of CUP Approval
Sisu Automotive - 210 Dundas Road
1. The applicant maintains a sales operation that relies on pre-ordered vehicles, and
does not maintain a general sales lot for browsing customers.
2. No more than five vehicles maybe stored for sale outside on the property at any
one time.
3. If more than five vehicles are stored outside for sale, the applicant shall be
required to seek an amendment to the Outdoor Sales CUP.
4. If parking supply becomes an issue, based on information from staff, building
owner, or other tenants, the applicant shall be required to seek an amendment to
the CUP to accommodate an alternative sales.
5. Any lighting is subject to the review and approval of the Building Official, in
accordance with Zoning Ordinance requirements. .
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Conditional use Permit for Sisu Automotive.
Permits needed Automobile Repair- mayor or minor and Open or outdoor service,
sale, and rental as a principal or an accessory use and including sales in or from
motorized vehicles, trailers, or wagons.
Sisu Automotive is currently running an automobile repair facility out of 210
Dundas Dr Suite 100 in Monticello for the last 2 years and have recently discovered that
the proper permits are not in place. Sisu automotive is pursuing a Conditional use permit
for Auto repair and Outdoor sales. Sisu Automotive plans to get their Automotive Dealers
license so they can attend Dealer only Auctions. Sisu Auto plans to purchase vehicles
based on what a customer is looking for, make any repairs necessary and sell the vehicle
to our customer. We plan on having a very low vehicle inventory. We plan on purchasing
vehicles to fill a customer order. If we have vehicles on the lot for sale at any time we
plan not to exceed 5 vehicles.
Sisu Automotive is located on the far west end of the building on 210 Dundas Rd.
our space is designated suite 100. The entire building is approximately 30,000 square
feet. Sisu Automotive rents approximately 5000 square feet for their existing repair
facility. The building is 300 feet long and 100 feet deep. Sisu Automotive's space is 48
feet by 100 feet an actual size of 4800 square feet.
On the North side of the building at 210 Dundas Rd. there is a lot approximately
230 feet by 63 feet. All of the businesses at 210 Dundas Rd share this lot for customer or
employee parking. The parking spaces we currently use for our auto repair customers are
directly in front of our space on the north side of the building. All the spots to the left of
our front door if you're coming out we consider our parking spots. There are 8 spaces
directly in front and another nine against the north curb also straight out in front. The
spots are divided with white lines on the asphalt and each spot is 9x18 except for one that
is 15x18. We plan the first 5 spots from the far north of the lot in a 1 thru 5 order west to
east would be the spaces we would potentially park for sale cars in. These spots are not
viewable by any residential areas.
On the south side of 210 Dundas Rd. there is a large lot or drive that is
approximately 410 feet by 110 feet. Vehicles are rarely parked here and we have no plans
of parking for sale vehicles on the south side of the building at 210 Dundas Rd. Vehicles
are towed in and left in back until we can get them in and repaired. The drive/lot is used
for deliveries to the loading docks and service doors for Sisu Automotive and the other
businesses located at 210 Dundas Rd.
Sisu Automotive currently has no exterior signs on the building. In the future as
money allows we plan to have a 6 or 8 by l O light sign on the north side over our front
door. The sign will say Sisu Automotive or possibly Sisu Automotive Repair and Auto
Sales.
There are numerous exterior lights on the outside of the building at 210 Dundas
Rd. The lights are all run on timers and are not accessible to Sisu Automotive. At The
time of exterior sign installation we plan to possibly add 2 hghtmg units on the south side
and 2 lighting units on the north side controllable by only Sisu Automotive. The lights
would be added for security and ease of sight for our customers dropping vehicles after
hours or in winter when it is dark before we close. All the necessary permits and paper
work will be completed before anything is installed.
Since the building at 210 Dundas Rd has been completed the landscape has been
shaped as the drawing shows. There are approximately 90 planted trees, shrubs and
bushes on the 210 Dundas Rd property. There are many evergreens, Amur Clump Maple,
Northwoods Maple, Marshal Ash and a mix of Ornamental shrubs. The South side of the
building is viewable by surrounding residential areas however will become less and less
as the trees and shrubs on the south property berm grow in. The trees are between 5 and
15 feet now with a few over 20 and the shrubs are 3 to 5 feet. The berm backs up to a low
land /marsh. There are approximately 20 evergreens, 30 maple, 25 ornamental shrubs
and approximately 10 to 15 other various types.
•
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Planning Commission Agenda -11/05/08
• 6. Consideration to review. for discussion and direction the first draft of an
amendment to Chanter 3 of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance regulating Signs.
Applicant: City of Monticello. (NAC)
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
Attached is a first draft of the proposed Monticello Sign Ordinance revision. This
draft is based on a series of goals and objectives stated by the Planning
Commission early in the process, and comments that were offered by members of
the public at two workshop meetings earlier this year.
In the attached ordinance, we have attempted to accomplish a streamlining of the
ordinance material, without sacrificing the City's standards. As noted by the
Planning Commission at the beginning of the project, the overall goal of the Sign
Regulations is to facilitate effective communication with the public while
avoiding clutter and maintaining public safety on the roadways.
Individual objectives include the following:
• Provide incentives for preferred sign types, rather than mandates.
• Make the ordinance more "user-friendly".
• Clarify expectations for sign design.
• • Increase consistency for sign allowances throughout the community.
• Eliminate content-based regulations that will not withstand legal
challenge.
The proposed text includes a large number of format changes to accomplish these
objectives. Following is a brief summary of discussion points or highlights to be
aware of in reviewing this first draft.
1. The Ordinance is set up to be a separate chapter in the Zoning Ordinance
that would be located after the current general provisions (Chapter " 3") -
thus the numbering of the chapter as " 3A".
2. The first section of the draft language states findings, purpose, and intent
which is designed to clarify the legal basis for sign regulation.
3. Definitions related specifically to signs are moved to this Chapter so it can
stand alone for anyone looking for signage information.
4. The definitions include a definition of Freeway corridor, which regulations
have been retained later in the Chapter. Is the City intent to retain this
overlay allowance?
5. A definition for Multiple Tenant Site is included as any building having
more than one tenant -this will eliminate the current layers of one-, two-,
Planning Commission Agenda -11/05/08
and three- or more tenant buildings and the issues related to "shopping •
centers".
6. When a property is for sale, the language has been revised in Permitted
Signs to allow one sign per residential property of four square feet or
more, with an inclusion that accommodates State Law relating to political
campaign signs. The language does not specify "For Sale" signage, only
specifies that such signage is allowed when at the time the property is for
sale or lease. (Section 3A-5 [F] 1.)
7. The Permitted Sign section also creates an allowance for other zoning
districts, as well as large (10 acre) sites. This language replaces current
language which allows such signage up to 200 square feet, and varies the
size of such signs depending on size of property and other factors.
(Section 3A-5 [F] 2.)
Language has been added related to "Severability" and "Substitution" to
ensure that the ordinance, if challenged successfully, does not fail as a
whole. We have added a reference to Enforcement in the existing Zoning
Ordinance, however, this section will need attention when the City updates
the general zoning regulations.
9. The draft language makes a reference to the Uniform Sign Code -the City •
Building Official should verify whether this reference is appropriate.
10. For temporary signage, the draft repeats the City's regulations, with the
explicit note that temporary sign regulations are applied by building.
Temporary signage has received a significant amount of attention as part
of this process. An incentive clause related to message board signage has
been added to the commercial/industrial district regulations later in the
ordinance.
11. In Section 3A-9 [N], a description of how to measure sign area is
proposed. There are numerous ways to address this issue, especially for
wall and monument signage. The issue can become even more
complicated when a sign is composed of individual letters mounted on an
architectural panel of stone or brick (as an example). Staff will have some
options to consider at the Planning Commission meeting in this regard.
12. In Section 3A-9 [T], a process for multi-tenant building signage is
proposed that would make "Comprehensive Sign Plan" approval an
administrative function, provided that the sign plan meets the requirements
of the Sign Ordinance. Currently, property owners are required to prepare
such plans by Conditional Use Permit, however, the City has little
discretion when the plan proposal meets the requirements of the .
ordinance. For this reason, we have proposed that the CUP provision be
Planning Commission Agenda - 11/05/08
• dropped unless the Sign Plan is out of conformance with the standard
requirements.
13. In Section 3A-9 [W], we have inserted regulations that relate to "dynamic
signs" (including electronic message boards, etc.). This language reflects
the standards discussed by the Planning Commission for display
regeneration, and other requirements.
14. We have eliminated the current language in the ordinance that relates to
billboard allowance, and the rather confusing differentiation between
billboards of different sizes. Instead, billboards would be considered to be
legal non-conforming signs, which have substantial protection under state
• law. Moreover, the City owns a number of the current billboard sites and
leases the land to the billboard operators, giving the City additional control
over timing and duration. The Planning Commission discussed the
additional allowance of some new billboard sites, however, no consensus
was arrived at as part of this discussion. If additional billboards are
considered appropriate, the draft ordinance should include some specific
standards for that allowance. Staff will have language from the City of
Albertville available at the meeting if this route is of interest.
15. The District Regulations in Section 3A-11 are scaled down considerably
• from the current ordinance. We have created a generic allowance for one
sign per property in the R Districts (Section 3A-11 [A]), and a streamlined
set of regulations for the Business and Industrial Districts (Section 3A-11
[B]). As a part of these standards, we have established a single pylon sign
allowance (rather than the complex assortment of code provisions
currently in place), and developed an incentive clause for utilizing a
monument sign rather than a pylon sign (this section permits an additional
100 square feet of wall signage when a monument sign is used). It further
sets the total allowable sign area at 15% of the silhouette wall area (for up
to two sides of a building), and eliminates the number of signs, so long as
the area regulations are met. Wall signs may be placed on any commercial
building wall, with the exception of a wall that abuts residentially zoned
property.
16. In Section 3A-11 [C], the City's current Freeway bonus regulations are
repeated.
17. In Section 3A-11 [D], the City's current CCD sandwich board regulations
are repeated.
18. In Section 3A-11 [E], we have developed a streamlined set of regulations
relating to Public Signs, intended to reflect the recent discussions and
• amendments in this area.
Planning Commission Agenda -11/05/08
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
There is no specific action to take at this time. The Planning Commission should
discuss the Sign Ordinance language for additional changes or clarification, in
anticipation of a joint meeting with the City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Discuss and direct staff on follow-up and next-steps.
SUPPORTING DATA
Draft Ordinance No. 1
•
.7
•
DRAFT (10/30/08)
CHAPTER 3A
SIGNS
SECTION:
3A-1: Findings, Purpose and Intent
3A-2: Definitions
3A-3: Severability
3A-4: Permit Required
3A-5: Permit Not Required
3A-6: Non-Conforming Signs and Uses
3A-7: Enforcement and Penalties
3A-8: Substitution
3A-9: General Regulations
3A-10: Prohibited Signs
3A-11: District Regulations
3A-1: FINDINGS, PURPOSE AND INTENT:
[A] Findings: The City finds:
Exterior signs have a substantial impact on the character and
quality of the environment.
2. Signs provide an important medium through which individuals
may convey a variety of messages.
3. Signs can create traffic hazards and aesthetic concerns, thereby
threatening the public health, safety and welfare.
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 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 had a positive impact on
traffic safety and the appearance of the community.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-I
[B] Purpose and Intent: It is not the purpose or intent of this Chapter to
regulate the message displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent
of this Ordinance to regulate any building design or any display not
defined as a sign, or any sign which cannot be viewed from outside a
building. The purpose and intent of this Chapter is to:
1. Regulate the number, location, size, type, illumination and other
physical-characteristics of signs within the City in order to promote
the public health, safety and welfare.
2. Maintain, enhance and improve the aesthetic environment of the
City by preventing visual clutter that is harmful to the appearance
of the community.
3. Improve the visual appearance of the City while providing for
effective means of communication, consistent with constitutional
guarantees and the City's goals of public safety and aesthetics.
4. Provide for fair and consistent enforcement of the sign regulations
set forth herein under the zoning authority of the City.
[C] Effect: A sign maybe erected, mounted, displayed or maintained in the
City if it is in conformance with the provisions of this Ordinance. The
effect of this Chapter, as more specifically set forth herein, is to:
Allow a wide variety of sign types in commercial zones, and a
more limited variety of signs in other zones, subject to the
standards set forth in this Chapter.
2. Allow certain small, unobtrusive signs incidental to the principal
use of a site in all zones when in compliance with the requirements
of this Chapter.
3. Prohibit signs whose location, size, type, illumination or other
physical. characteristics negatively affect the environment and
where the communication can be accomplished by means having a
lesser impact on the environment and the public health, safety and
welfare.
4. Provide for the administration and enforcement of the provisions
of this Chapter.
3A-2: DEFINITIONS: The following words and terms, wherever they occur in this
Chapter, shall be interpreted as herein defined. Terms not defined shall have
meanings provided in Chapter 2 of the Zoning Ordinance.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-2
ABANDONED SIGN: Any sign and/or its supporting sign structure which
remains without a message or whose display surface remains blank for a period of
one (1) year or more, or any sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which
no longer applies, shall be deemed to have been abandoned. Signs applicable to a
business temporarily suspended because of a change in ownership or management
of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the property remains
vacant for a period of one (1) year or more. Any sign remaining after demolition
of a principal structure shall be deemed to be abandoned. Signs which are present
because of being legally established non-conforming signs or signs which have
required a conditional use permit or a variance shall also be subject to the
definition of abandoned sign.
AWNING SIGN: A building sign or graphic printed on or in some fashion
attached directly to the awning material.
BALLOON SIGN: A sign consisting of a bag made of lightweight material
supported by helium, hot, or pressurized air which is greater than twenty-four (24)
inches in diameter.
BILLBOARD: See definition of Off Premises Sign.
BUILDING SIGN: Any sign attached or supported by any building.
CANOPY: Aroof--like cover, often of fabric, plastic, metal, or glass on a support,
which provides shelter over a doorway.
CANOPY SIGN: Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy, made of fabric,
plastic, or structural protective cover over a door or entrance. A canopy sign is not
a marquee and is different from service area canopy signs.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign or portion thereof that has a reader board
for the display of text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic
or symbol is defined by objects not consisting of an illumination device and may
be changed or rearranged manually or mechanically with characters, illustrations,
letters or numbers that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or
surface of the sign structure.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN, ELECTRONIC: A sign or portion thereof that
displays electronic, non-pictorial text information in which each alphanumeric
character, graphic, or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements
using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light
bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic changeable
copy signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic
displays. Electronic changeable copy signs include projected images or messages
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-3
with these characteristics onto buildings or objects. Electronic changeable copy
signs do not include official signs.
COMMERCIAL SPEECH: Speech advertising a business, profession,
commodity, service or entertainment.
DYNAMIC DISPLAY: Any characteristics of a sign that appear to have
movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically
removing and replacing the sign or its components, whether the apparent
movement or change is in the display, the sign structure or any other component
of the sign. This includes displays that incorporate technology or methods
allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or
mechanically replace the sign face or its components as well as any rotating,
revolving, moving, flashing, blinking or animated display and any display that
incorporates rotating panels, 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.
ELECTRONIC GRAPHIC DISPLAY SIGN: A sign or portion thereof that
displays electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without
text information, defined by a small number of matrix elements using different
combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other
illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence
is accomplished immediately or by means of fade, repixalization or dissolve
modes. Electronic graphic display signs include computer programmable,
microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays. Electronic graphic
display signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics onto
buildings or other objects.
ERECT: Activity of constructing, building, raising, assembling, placing, affixing,
attaching, creating, painting, drawing or any other way of bringing into being or
establishing.
FLAG: Any fabric or similar lightweight material attached at one end of the
material, usually to a staff or pole, so as to allow movement of the material by
atmospheric changes and which contains distinctive colors, patterns, symbols,
emblems, insignia, or other symbolic devices.
FLASHING SIGN: A directly or indirectly illuminated sign or portion thereof
that exhibits changing light or color effect by any means, so as to provide
intermittent illumination that changes light intensity in sudden transitory bursts
and creates the illusion of intermittent flashing light by streaming, graphic bursts
showing movement, or any mode of lighting which resembles zooming, twinkling
or sparkling.
•
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE
SIGNS
3A-4
FREESTANDING SIGN: Any sign which has supporting framework that is
placed on, or anchored in, the ground and which is independent from any building
or other structure.
FREEWAY CORRIDOR AREA: A special signing area encompassing land
located within eight hundred (800) feet either side (north or south) of the
centerline of Interstate 94, in addition to certain areas along Trunk Highway 25
south of Interstate 94 north of Dundas Road, East of Sandberg Road, and West of
Cedar Street.
HEIGHT OF SIGN: The height of the sign shall be computed as the vertical
distance measured from the crown of the adjacent street surface to the top of the
highest attached component of the sign.
ILLUMINATED SIGN: Any sign which contains an element designed to emanate
artificial light internally or externally.
MARQUEE: Any permanent roof like structure projecting beyond a theater
building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of that building,
generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.
MARQUEE SIGN: Any building sign painted, mounted, constructed or attached
in any manner, on a marquee.
MONUMENT SIGN: Any freestanding sign with its sign face mounted on the
ground or mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and which has a total
height not exceeding eight (8) feet.
MULTIPLE-TENANT SITE: Any site which has more than one (1) tenant, and
each tenant has a separate ground level exterior public entrance.
MULTI-VISION SIGN: Any sign composed in whole or part of a series of
vertical or horizontal slats or cylinders that are capable of being rotated at
intervals so that partial rotation of the group of slats or cylinders produces a
different image and when properly functioning allows on a single sign structure
the display at any given time one (1) of two (2) or more images.
NON-COMMERCIAL SPEECH: Dissemination of messages not classified as
commercial speech which include, but are not limited to, messages concerning
political, religious, social, ideological, public service and informational topics.
OFF PREMISES SIGN: A commercial speech sign which directs the attention of
the public to a business, activity conducted, or product sold or offered at a
location not on the same lot where such sign is located. For purposes of the Sign
Ordinance, easements and other appurtenances shall be considered to be outside
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-5
such lot and any sign located or proposed to be located in an easement or other
appurtenance shall be considered an off premises sign.
OFFICIAL SIGN: Signs of a public noncommercial nature including public
notification signs, safety signs, traffic signs, direction to public facilities when
erected by or on behalf of a public official or employee in the performance of
official duty -See also "Public Sign".
POLE SIGN: See definition of Pylon Sign.
PORTABLE SIGN: Any sign which is manifestly designed to be transported,
including by trailer or on its own wheels, even though the wheels of such sign
may be removed and the remaining chassis or support is converted to another sign
or attached temporarily or permanently to the ground since this characteristic is
based on the design of such a sign.
PROJECTING SIGN: Any sign which is affixed to a building or wall in such a
manner that its leading edge extends more than two (2) feet beyond the surface of
such building or wall face.
PUBLIC SIGN: Any sign posted by a governmental agency of a public, non-
commercial nature, to include signs indicating scenic or historical points of
interest, memorial plaques, and the like, and signs for civic interest groups within
the City of Monticello when signs are erected by or on order of a public officer or
employee in the performance of official duty -See Also "Official Sign".
PYLON SIGN: Any freestanding sign which has its supportive structure(s)
anchored in the ground and which has a sign face elevated above ground level by
pole(s) or beam(s) and with the area below the sign face open.
ROOF: The exterior surface and its supporting structure on the top of a building
or structure. The structural makeup of which conforms to the roof structures, roof
construction and roof covering sections of the International Building Code.
ROOF SIGN: Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and above the roof of a
building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the
highest portion of the roof.
ROOF SIGN, INTEGRAL: Any building sign erected or constructed as an
integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, so
that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and
so that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more
than six (6) inches.
ROTATING SIGN: A sign or portion of a sign which turns about on an axis.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-6
SHIMMERING SIGN: A sign which reflects an oscillating sometimes distorted
visual image.
SIGN: Any letter, word or symbol, poster, picture, statuary, reading matter or
representation in the nature of advertisement, announcement, message or visual
communication, whether painted, posted, printed, affixed or constructed,
including all associated brackets, braces, supports, wires and structures, which is
displayed for informational or communicative purposes.
SIGN FACE: The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the message
of the sign is exhibited.
SIGN STRUCTURE: -Any structure including the supports, uprights, bracing and
framework which supports or is capable of supporting any sign.
SUSPENDED SIGN: Any building sign that is suspended from the underside of a
horizontal plane surface and is connected to such surface.
TEMPORARY SIGN: Any sign which is erected or displayed for a specified
period or time.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGN: A sign that displays only current time and
temperature information.
TOTAL SITE SIGNAGE: The maximum permitted combined area of all signs
allowed on a specific lot.
VIDEO DISPLAY SIGN: A sign that changes its message or background in a
manner or method of display characterized by motion or pictorial imagery, which
may or may not include text and depicts action or a special effect to imitate
movement, the presentation of pictorials or graphics displayed in a progression of
frames that gives the illusion of motion, including, but not limited to, the illusion
of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, or expanding or contracting
shapes, not including electronic changeable copy signs. Video display signs
include projected images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings or
other objects.
VISIBLE: Capable of being seen by a person of normal visual acuity (whether
legible or not) without visual aid.
WALL: Any structure which defines the exterior boundaries or courts of a
building or structure and which has a slope of sixty (60) degrees or greater with
the horizontal plane.
WALL SIGN: Any building sign attached parallel to, but within two (2) feet of a
wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-7
an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or
building, and which displays only one (1) sign surface.
WINDOW SIGN: Any building sign, picture, symbol, or combination thereof,
designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity,
event, sale, or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the windowpanes or
glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
3A-3: SEVERABILITY: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
Sign Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect
the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of this Sign Ordinance.
The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the Sign Ordinance
in each section, subsection, sentence, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact
that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be
declared invalid.
3A-4: PERMIT REQUIRED: No sign shall be erected, altered, improved,
reconstructed, maintained or moved in the City without first securing a permit
from the City:
[A] The content of the message or speech displayed on the sign shall not be
reviewed or considered in determining whether to approve or deny a sign
permit.
[B] Application for an administrative permit shall be filed by the property
owner or designated agent with the Zoning Administrator on forms to be
provided by the City.
[C] Application for a permit shall contain the following information unless
waived by the City:
Names and addresses of the applicant, owners of the sign and lot.
2. The address at which any signs are to be erected.
The lot, block and addition at which the signs are to be erected and
the street on which they are to front.
4. Type and size of sign (e.g., wall sign, pylon sign).
5. A site plan to scale showing the location of lot lines, building
structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs and any
other physical features.
6. Plans, location and specifications and method of construction and
attachment to the buildings or placement method on the ground.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE
SIGNS
3A-8
7. Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the structure is
designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the
amount required by this and all other laws and ordinances of the
City.
8: Written consent of the owner or lessee of any site on which the
sign is to be erected.
9. Any electrical permit required and issued for the sign.
10. A detailed description of any electronic or electrical components
that are proposed to be added to the sign.
11. Other information to demonstrate compliance with this and all
other ordinances of the City.
[D] The application shall be accompanied by a fee as established by City
Council resolution. Applications for amending administrative permits shall.
be accompanied by a fee as established by ordinance.
[E] The Zoning Administrator shall notify the applicant, in writing, of an
incomplete application within fifteen (15) days of the date of submission.
[F] The Zoning Administrator shall review the application and related
materials and shall determine whether the proposal is in compliance with
all applicable evaluation criteria, codes, ordinances, and applicable
performance standards set forth in this title within sixty (60) days of
submission of a complete application.
3A-5: PERMIT NOT REQUIRED: The following signs shall not require a permit and
are allowed in addition to those signs allowed by Sections 3A-9 and 3A-11 of this
Chapter. These exemptions, however, shall not be construed as relieving the
owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance, and its
compliance with the provisions of this Chapter or any other law or ordinance
regulating the same.
[A] The changing of the display surface on a painted or printed sign only. This
exemption, however, shall apply only to poster replacement and/or on site
changes involving sign painting elsewhere than directly on a building.
[B] Signs two (2) square feet or less in size.
[C] One (1) sign per property in residential districts not to exceed four (4)
square feet.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-9
[D] All non-commercial signs of any size posted in any number from August 1
in a state general election year until ten (10) days following the general
election, and thirteen (13) weeks prior to any special election until ten (10)
days following the special election.
[E] Official and Public signs.
[F] One (1) sign shall be allowed per street frontage when a property is
offered for sale or lease, provided that:
1. Within the "R" zoning districts, no sign shall exceed twelve (12)
square feet in area and six (6) feet in height for single-family, two-
family, townhouse, and quadraminium units; or thirty two (32)
square feet in area or eight (8) feet in height for multi-family or
institutional uses.
2. Within zoning districts other than "R" and in those cases where a
parcel of land exceeds ten (10) acres, regardless of its zoning, no
sign shall exceed sixty four (64) square feet in area or ten (10) feet
in height.
[G] Sandwich board signs are allowed within commercial zoning districts
provided that:
Not more than one (1) sign is allowed per principal building except
that one sign is allowed per tenant within a principal building
having two (2) or more tenants each with an exclusive exterior
entrance.
2. The sign shall only be displayed when the business is open to the
public.
3. The sign shall be placed only on the business property and shall
not encroach into any principal building setback, except within the
CCD, Central Community District where the sign maybe located
upon public sidewalks directly abutting the business property or
within required principal building setbacks, and not placed on any
vehicle.
4. The signs shall be located so as to maintain a minimum five (5)
foot pedestrian walkway and so as not to obstruct vehicular traffic.
5. The sign shall be set back a minimum of two (2) feet from the back
of curb of a public street or private drive aisle.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE
SIGNS
3A-10
6. The sign shall conform to the following height and area
requirements:
a. Height: Five (5) feet.
b. Area: Six (6) square feet.
7. For signs within the CCD, Central Community District to be
located upon the sidewalk or boulevard portion of a public right-
of-way, issuance of a sign permit in accordance with Section 3A-4
of this Ordinance shall be required annually.
a. In addition to the provisions of Section 3A-4 [C] of this
Ordinance, the owner of the sign shall provide a certificate
of general liability insurance with minimum coverage of
three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) naming the
City as an additional insured for the sign to be located upon
the public right-of--way within the CCD, Central
Community District.
3A-6: NON-CONFORMING SIGNS AND USES:
[A] Signs: Anon-conforming sign lawfully existing upon the effective date of
this Ordinance shall be regulated in accordance with Section 3-1 of this
Chapter.
[B] Uses: When the principal use of land is legally non-conforming under
Section 3-1 of this Chapter, all existing or proposed signs in conjunction
with that land use shall be considered conforming if they are in
compliance with the sign provisions for the most restrictive zoning district
in which the principal use is allowed.
3A-7: ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES: This Chapter shall be administered and
enforced in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 28 of the Zoning
Ordinance.
3A-8: SUBSTITUTION: The owner of any sign which is otherwise allowed by this
Sign 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.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-11
•
3A-9: GENERAL REGULATIONS:
[A] Accessory Structures: Except as provided for by Section 3A-9 [M] and
Section 3A-9 [Y] of this Chapter, all signs shall be considered accessory
structures.
[B] Setbacks: All freestanding signs shall be set back fifteen (15) feet from
any property line abutting apublicright-of--way and five (5) feet from any
side or rear property line. No sign maybe located within a drainage and
utility easement.
[C] Standards Adopted: The design and construction standards as set forth in
Chapter 4 of the 1997 edition of the Uniform Sign Code as maybe
amended, are hereby adopted.
[D] Electrical Signs: The installation of electrical signs shall be subject to the
State's Electrical Code. Electrical service to such signs shall be
underground.
[E] Approval: No sign shall be attached or be allowed to hang from any
building until all necessary wall and roof attachments have been approved
by the Zoning Administrator.
[F] Sign Interference: No signs, guys, stays or attachments shall be erected,
placed or maintained on trees nor interfere with any electric light, power,
telephone or telegraph wires or the supports thereof.
[G] Illuminated Signs: Illuminated signs shall be shielded to prevent lights
from being directed at oncoming traffic in such brilliance that it impairs
the vision of the driver and may not interfere with or obscure traffic signs
or signals. Lighting may not illuminate any adjacent properties, buildings,
or streets.
[H] Temporary Signs:
The use of commercial temporary sign devices shall not exceed
forty (40) days per calendar year per property. Not more than one
(1) temporary sign device per building shall be displayed upon a
property at any one time. The area of temporary sign devices shall
not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
2. In cases where properties forego temporary signage allowances, an.
additional permanent message board sign up to fifty (50) square
feet in area shall be allowed. Such sign maybe incorporated into a
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-12
property's freestanding sign or the building as additional wall sign
area. Freestanding signs shall be subject to the height limitations of
the applicable zoning distnct.
[I] Permit Display: Signs requiring permits shall display in a conspicuous
manner the permit sticker or sticker number.
[J) Placement: No sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained that
prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No
sign or sign structure shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
[K) Structure: A freestanding sign or sign structure constructed so that the
faces are not back to back,- shall not have an angle separating the faces
exceeding twenty (20) degrees unless the total area of both sides added
together does not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for that
district.
[L] Address Sign: Except for farm buildings, at least one address sign
identifying the correct property number as assigned by the City shall be
required on each principal building in all districts. The number shall be at
least three (3) inches in height.
[M] Off Premises Signs:
1. Off remise si s eater than six 6 s uare feet in area are a
p ~~' ()q
principal use of property.
2. Annual permits are required for all off premises signs. Off
premises signs shall be removed as a condition of construction of
another principal use upon the property or platting or subdivision
approval for the land on which it is located.
[N] Square Footage Calculation: The area of a sign shall be that that area
within the marginal lines created by the sign surface which bears the
advertisement or, in the case of messages, figures or symbols attached
directly to the part of a building, which is included in the smallest
geometric figure which can be made to circumscribe the message, figure,
or symbol displayed thereon..
[O] Height: The top of a sign, including its superstructure, if any, shall be no
higher than the roof of the building to which such sign maybe attached.
[P] Landscaping: The area around freestanding signs shall be landscaped with
plantings and maintained in such a manner to accent and enhance the sign
while remaining sensitive to the natural features of the site.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-13
[Q] Motor Fuel Facilities: Signs for motor fuel facilities shall be regulated by
the sign provisions for the zoning district in which the facility is located,
except that within a freestanding sign, an area not to exceed sixteen (16)
square feet shall be allowed for continuous display (no flashing, scrolling
or other animation) of electronic or non-electronic changeable copy
identifying current fuel prices in accordance with Minnesota state statutes
section 239.751.
[R] Window Signs: Window signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of
the total area of the window in which they are displayed.
[S] Multiple Occupancy Commercial And Industrial Buildings: When a single
principal building is devoted to two (2) or more commercial or industrial
principal uses, signs shall be allowed subject to review and approval of the
Zoning Administrator based upon the following requirements:
The maximum individual sign sizes for multiple occupancy
buildings and individual businesses that may display a sign shall
not exceed the maximum provisions in the same zoning district in
Section 3A-11 of this Chapter.
2. Commercial retail, office, or mixed use multiple occupancy
buildings may display a freestanding sign consistent with the
applicable zoning district provisions in Section 3A-11 of this
Chapter.
Except as provided for in Section 3A-9 [T] of this Ordinance,
individual tenants of a multiple occupancy building within a
commercial or industrial zoning district shall not display separate
wall, canopy, or marquee signs unless the tenant's business has an
exclusive exterior entrance and subject to the following
requirements:
a. The number of individual wall, canopy, or marquee signs
shall be limited to one per tenant space, except that not
more than two (2) signs maybe displayed for the tenant of
a corner suite or a suite that extends through the building
thus having two (2) exterior walls.
b. Each sign shall be limited to the maximum wall sign size
permitted in the applicable zoning district provisions in
Section 3A-11 of this Chapter.
c. The sign shall be located only on the exterior wall of the
tenant space to which the sign permit is issued, but are not
required to face a public street.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-14
d. The provisions of Section 3A-9 [T] of this Chapter shall not
apply to multiple occupancy buildings displaying separate
wall, canopy or marquee signs for individual tenants.
e. A comprehensive sign plan is submitted that includes all of
the following information:
(1) A site plan to scale showing the location of lot lines,
buildings, structures, parking areas, existing and
proposed signs, and any other physical features of
the area included within the proposed
comprehensive sign plan.
(2) Elevations to scale of buildings included within the
comprehensive sign plan including the location of
existing or proposed wall, canopy, or marquee
signs.
(3) To scale plans for all existing and proposed signs of
any type included within the comprehensive sign
plan indicating area, dimensions, height, materials,
colors, and means of illumination(if any).
f. No permit shall be issued for a new or replacement sign for
an individual tenant except upon a determination by the
Zoning Administrator that it is consistent with the approved
comprehensive sign plan.
[T] Changeable Copy Signs: Within commercial and industrial districts, one
(1) changeable copy sign (but not including electronic changeable copy
signs) shall be allowed per site provided that the area of the sign not
exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the allowable sign area or forty (40)
square feet, whichever is less, for a freestanding or wall sign.
[U] Time and Temperature Signs: Within commercial and industrial zoning
districts, an area not to exceed sixteen (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.
[V] Projecting Signs: Projecting signs maybe allowed in commercial districts
provided that:
1. There is a minimum of eight (8) feet of clearance under the base of
the sign to the ground below.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-IS
2. The sign does not project more than five (5) feet beyond the wall
to which it is mounted, may not project over any vehicular drive
aisle or traveled portion of a public or private street and except in
the CCD, Central Community District may not project over a
public right-of--way.
The area of the projecting sign is not more than fifty (50) percent
of the maximum area allowed for an individual wall sign in the
respective zoning district in Section 3A-11 of this Chapter.
[W] Dynamic Displays: 3. Regulations for Dynamic Signs. Based on studies
related to the use of dynamic sign displays and driver distraction, the City
finds that dynamic signs, as defined by the zoning ordinance, have a
unique potential to create driver distraction, a major cause of traffic
crashes. As a result, the City has adopted special regulations that relate to
such signs. These regulations shall apply to all proposed dynamic signage
in the City, whether new or existing, conforming or non-conforming at the
time of adoption of this ordinance.
'No dynamic sign shall have lettering smaller than ten (10) inches
in height.
2. Dynamic signs shall have messages that change instantaneously,
and do not fade, dissolve, blink, or appear to simulate motion in
any way. Such signs may change by turning off for a period of at
least two (2) minutes between displays.
Dynamic signs shall not be permitted in any Residential zoning
district.
4. No dynamic display shall change more than one time per two (2)
minute period, except time and temperature displays which may
change once every three (3) seconds.
5. Dynamic signs shall shall be no brighter than other illuminated
signs in the same district.
6. Dynamic displays shall be designed to freeze the display in the
event of malfunction, and the owner shall discontinue the display
immediately upon malfunction, or upon notice from the City that
the display violates the City's regulations.
7. Where access to the Minnesota Amber Alert technology is
available, all applicants for freestanding sign licenses employing
electronic dynamic sign technology shall display such messages as
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-16
they are made available by the Minnesota Department of Public
Safety or other responsible agency. License applicants shall be
required to submit information from the State of Minnesota
documenting the availability, or non-availability, of such access as
part of their license application.
8. Applicants for a dynamic display shall obtain a specific license for
such display from the City of Monticello, and shall sign a form
agreeing to operation of the sign in conformance with these
regulations. Violation of these regulations shall result. in forfeiture
of the license, and the City shall be authorized to arrange
disconnection of electrical service to the facility.
[X] Design and Materials Standards for Signs in Commercial, Industrial, CCD,
PZ Mixed, and PUD Districts.
1. Insert materials and design standards here.
3A-10: PROHIBITED SIGNS: The following signs are prohibited:
[A] Any sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation
of or resembles any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal,
or emergency vehicle signs, or which attempts to direct the movement of
traffic or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any
official traffic control device or any railroad sign or signal.
[B] All off premises signs greater than six (6) square feet in area.
[C] Content classified as "obscene" as defined by Minnesota statutes section
617.241.
[D] Flashing signs.
[E] Roof signs.
[F] Rotating signs.
[G] Shimmering signs.
[H] Signs painted, attached or in any other manner affixed to trees or similar
natural surfaces, or attached to utility poles, bridges, towers, or similar
public structures.
~_J
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-17
3A-1 l: DISTRICT REGULATIONS: In addition to the signs allowed by Sections 3A-5
and 3A-9 of this Chapter, the following signs shall be allowed within the specific
zoning districts:
[A] Within A-O, "R" and PZ Residential zoning districts, the following
additional regulations apply:
Except for the uses specified in Section 3A-11 [A].3 of this
Chapter, one (1) sign shall be allowed provided that:
a. The area of the sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
b. Freestanding signs shall be limited to a maximum height of
six (6) feet.
2. In addition to the sign allowed by Section 3A-11 [A].l of this
Chapter, one (1) residential area identification sign shall be
allowed. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in
area and eight (8) feet in height.
3. Government buildings and structures, public, quasi-public or
private recreation buildings, public parks and recreation areas,
public and private educational institutions limited to accredited
elementary, middle or senior high schools, and religious i
institutions such as churches, chapels, temples and synagogues
shall be allowed two (2) institutional identification signs not
exceeding seventy-five (75) square feet in area and eight (8) feet in
height.
[B] Within the CCD, PZ Mixed, commercial and industrial zoning districts,
the following additional regulations shall apply:
Total Area of Signs: The total area of all signs displayed on a lot
shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the total building facade
fronting not more than two (2) public streets.
2. Freestanding Sign:
a. One (1) sign is allowed per lot. The area of a freestanding
sign may not exceed one hundred (100) square feet each
side with a maximum height of twenty-two (22) feet.
b. If a monument, rather than pylon sign is utilized, an
additional one hundred (100) square feet of area beyond the
total area calculated in Subd. [B] 1. above, devoted to wall,
canopy or marquee signs shall be granted.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-18
c. For shopping centers greater than one hundred and fifty
thousand (150,000) square feet of aggregate building
square footage and greater than twenty (20) acres in site
. area, two (2) freestanding signs may be permitted. Two (2)
pylon signs maybe constructed or, as an alternative, one
(1) pylon and one (1) monument sign maybe constructed.
When the latter option is chosen, the monument sign shall
be no greater than eighteen (18) feet in height nor more
than one hundred (100) square feet in area. The pylon sign
may be no greater than fifty (50) feet in height and four
hundred (400) square feet in area.
3. Wall, Canopy, or Marquee Signs:
a. Wall, canopy and marquee signs shall be consistent with
the maximum area requirements of Section 3A-11.B.1
above.
b. Wall, canopy and marquee signs are permitted on any
building facade .except those which abut properties zoned
for residential use.
4. In addition to the sign allowed by Section 3A-11 [B].1 of this
Chapter, one (1) area identification sign shall be allowed. Such
sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area and
twenty five (25) feet in height.
[C] Within the freeway corridor area, the following additional regulations
shall apply to all commercial and industrial district properties:
Insert current City regulations
[D] Within the P-S, Public Semi-Public Use District, the following additional
regulations shall apply:
Insert current City regulations
[E] Within the CCD -Central Community District, Sandwich Board Signs
maybe allowed, consistent with the following regulations:
1. Insert current City regulations
[F] In a PUD, Planned Unit Development District, signing restrictions shall be
based upon the individual uses and structures contained in the complex.
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE SIGNS
3A-19
Signs shall be in compliance with the restrictions applied in the most
restrictive zoning district in which the use is allowed.
•
•
MONTICELLO ZONING ORDINANCE
SIGNS
3A-20
whereupon mining is to occur and repairing the degradation of roadways used to
transport soils.
Subject to the terms of an approved subdivision development agreement or
conditional use permit, a grading permit allowing mining shall be issued by the
City Engineer and City Building Official. Upon application for a grading
permit for mining, a fee for grading permit shall be paid to the City by the
applicant. Such fee shall be determined by City Council resolution.
(#322, 4!12/99)
3-9: SIGNS: -~ C V~~ ~, N'f
[A] PURPOSE: This subdivision is established to protect and promote health,
safety, general welfare, and order within the city of Monticello through the
establishment of a comprehensive and impartial series of standards, regulations,
and procedures governing the type, numbers, size structure, location, height,
lighting, erection, use and/or display of devices, signs, or symbols serving as a
visual communication media to persons situated within or upon publicright-of-
ways or properties.
The provisions of this subdivision are intended to encourage opportunity for
effective, orderly communication by reducing confusion and hazards resulting
from unnecessary and/or indiscriminate use of communication facilities.
[B] PERMITTED AND PROHIBITED SIGNS:
1. PERMTI"I'ED SIGNS: The following signs are allowed without a permit
but shall comply with all other applicable provisions of this subdivision:
(a) Public signs
(b) Identification signs: There maybe one (1) per premise not to
exceed two (2) square feet in area. If the sign is freestanding, the
total height may not exceed five (5) feet.
(c) Integral signs
(d) Political campaign signs: Shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet
in all other zoning districts. Every campaign sign must contain
the name and address of persons responsible for such sign, and
that person shall be responsible for its removal. Signs shall
remain in place for no longer than five {5) days after the election
for which they are intended. All signs shall be confined to private
property. The City shall have the right to remove and destroy
unsightly signs or remove signs after the five {5) day limit and
assess a fee of five dollars ($5.00) per sign for removal.
(e) Holiday Signs: Displayed for a period not to exceed thirty {30}
days.
3146
(f) Construction Signs: Such signs shall be confined to the site of the
construction, alteration, or repair, and shall be removed within two
(2) years of the date of issuance of the first building permit or
when the particular project is completed, whichever is sooner as
determined by the City Building Inspector or his agent. Une (1)
sign shall be pernutted for each major street the project abuts. No
sign may exceed fifty (50) square feet.
(g} Individual Property Sale or Rental Signs: Signs must be removed
within fourteen (14} days after sale or rental of property. Signs
may not measure more than four (4) square feet in "R" districts,
nor more than twenty (20) square feet in all other districts. There
shall be only one (1) sign per premise. Corner properties,
however, may contain two (2) signs, one (1) per frontage.
(h) Information/Directional Signs: Shall not be larger than ten (10}
square feet and shall conform to the location provisions of the
specific district.
(i) Portable Signs (as defined in Section 3-9.(B}.2.(e).i} Such signs
shall be subject to the following requirement:
1. The signs shall be allowed only within the CCD, Central Community
Zoning I}istrict.
2. The signs shalt occupy the public or private sidewalk area within five (5)
feet of the entryway of the business it serves.
3. The placement of the signs shall not impede pedestrian or vehicle
circulation. If on the. public sidewalk, such signs shall be placed so that
no less than six feet of sidewalk is available far passing of pedestrians.
4. The signs shall display messages oriented toward pedestrians.
5. The signs shall not have electrical connections, nor include any lighted or
moving component.
6. The display of such signs shall be limited to the hours of the business it
serves.
7. The signs shall be constructed of wood or other materials determined
acceptable by the City. Color and design shall meet the design guidelines
for the CCD zoning district, and shall not be composed of "flourescent"
colors.
8. The maximum size of such signs shall be no greater than five (5) feet in
height and six (6) square feet in area and must comply with all other
regulations of this ordinance.
3147
9. Any sign placed under this section shall infer an indemnification of the
City of Monticello by the owner of the sign for any liability or claim made
involving the sign or sign location.
10. No such sign shall be connected or attached to any public structure,
including light poles, traffic control devices, public street furniture, utility
equipment, or other such facility.
(#403, 11/10/03)
2. PROHIBITED SIGNS: The following signs are specifically prohibited by this
paragraph.
{a) Any sign which obstructs the vision of drivers or pedestrians or detracts
from the visibility of any official traffic control device.
(b} Any sign which contains or imitates an official traffic sign or signal,
except for private, on-premises directional signs.
{c) Any sign which moves or rotates. Exempt are time and temperature
information and barber poles.
(d) Any sign which contains or consists of banners, pennants, ribbons,
streamers, strings. of light bulbs, spinners, or similar devices, except in
case of Subsection [C], Paragraph 4.
{e) Portable signs as defined in i below and other attention-getting devices as
defined in iii-v below, except as allowed in Section 3-9.(B). 1 (i) and as
provided for in Subsection [C], Paragraph 4. (#403,11/10/03)
i. Portable signs shall be defined as an advertising device not
permanently attached to a building, facade, or pylon.
ii. Banners shall be defined as fabric, paper, vinyl, or similar material
which carries a specific message and which can be hung on a wall,
facade, awning, canopy, suspension cable or wire, etc.
iii. Streamers/Pennants shall be defined as flags, triangular pennants,
spirals, spinners, etc., attached in series to a single cord or support
line which is then strung or suspended from point to point.
iv. Inflated devices shall be defined as inflatable devices which may
be stationary or airborne (but tethered) which are intended to
attract attention to a specific location or site.
v. Searchlights -self defining. (#150, 5/27!86)
•
3/48
(f) Signs which are attached in any manner to trees, fences, utility poles, or
other such permanent supports, except for those signs found on fences
(inside} of baseball parks.
(g} Advertising signs of 200 square feet or more in place on or before June
23,1980, and which are the principal use of the lot of record as of the
above date and which have an agreement on file with the City on or
before August 23, 1980, in the farm so designated by the City
Administrator, which is signed by the property owners and the advertising
sign owners and all signatures notarized, may continue as a non-
conforminguseuntil such time as the Iot of record above is developed or
improved, in which case, the non-conforming advertising sign must be
removed within 60 days after written notice from the Building Official.
(h) Advertising signs as defined in Chapter 2 of this ordinance of 199 square
feet or less in area, except that those signs which were in place on or
before 8/15/75 may continue as anon-conforming sign.
(i} Except for Electronic Message Board Signs as allowed in Section 3
[E]4.{f). No sign shall display any moving parts, nor shall it be
illuminated with any flashing or intermittent lights, nor shall it be
animated. Exempt are time and temperature information and barber
poles. All displays shall be shielded to prevent light to be directed at on-
coming traffic in such brilliance as to impair the vision of any driver. No
device shall be illuminated in such a manner as to interfere with or
obscure an official traffic sign or signal. (1/10/00, #340)
(j} Roof Signs.
(k) Projecting Signs except as hereinafter provided. (#334, 9/13/99}
[C] GENERAL PROVISIONS:
1. All signs shall comply with Maintenance Section 5-305 of the 1970
Edition of Volume V of the Uniform Building Code as promulgated by
the International Conference of Building Officials.
2. When electrical signs are installed, the installation shall be subject to the
City's Electrical Code.
3. No signs v#her than governmental signs shall be erected or temporarily
placed within any streetright-of--way or upon any public lands or
easements or right-of--ways.
4. The temporary use of portable signs, decorative attention-getting devices,
and searchlights shall require an annual or daily pennit.
•
3/49
(a} An annual permit for portable signs, as defined herein, shall be
granted for a maximum period of forty (40) days per calendar
year. As a condition of the annual permit, applicant shall maintain
a daily record of the use of portable signs on a form provided by
the City. {#238, 6114/93)(#150, 5/27/86)
(b} A permit for decorative attention-getting devices shall be issued
for a maximum period often (10) days with a minimum period of
one hundred eighty {180) days between consecutive issuance of
such permits for any property or parcel.
(c) All portable signs and attention-getting devices must be well
maintained and kept in good repair at all times. The Building
Official shall order the immediate removal of any device
considered to be damaged or in poor condition. Non-compliance
shall be just cause for revocation of the permit without refund.
(d) All portable signs and attention-getting devices shall be allowed
only on the property or site where the business or enterprise is
situated. No placement shall be allowed onpublicrights-of--way.
(e) All portable signs and attention-getting devices shall be on ground
level except that banners and streamers maybe affixed to a
building, facade, permanent pylon sign, or other permanent
fixture. Airborne inflatable devices shall be tethered on site.
(f) Not more than two (2) portable signs shall be displayed at the
same time.
(g) Not more than two (2) attention-getting devices shall be permitted
to be displayed in conjunction with any portable sign.
(h) A decorative attention-getting device may bear the name of the
business, but shall not bear any service, product, price, etc.,
advertising message.
(i) Permit fees shall be set by the City Council and shall be payable
upon application for said permit. (#150, 5127/86)
(j) Public banners may be hung from city street light fixtures for a
period of up to one (1}year. Design and placement of the public
banners shall be consistent with the following standards:
1. Design and placement of public sign/decorative banners
must first be approved by the City Council and annually
thereafter. Prior to Council consideration, applicant shall
submit a banner placement plan which shows proposed
banner design, size, pole location/elevation, duration, and
3/SO
proposed manner by which the banners shall be hung.
Banner placement plan shall also describe financing
sources for purchasing and installing public banners.
2. Public banners may be hung from parking lot light
fixtures or from other structures on private property only
in conjunction with a City Council approved public
banner system. Except for requirements outlined in
section 4.(j) of this ordinance, said banners are exempt
from sign regulations. The City shall not participate in
financing any portion of the cost of public banners placed
on private property. City crews may assist with the
installation of public banners placed on private property
if compensated at actual cost to install banners.
Except for Christmas banners, all banners shall contain an element
of the City colors and/or City logo. No private advertising maybe
allowed on any banner hung in conjunction with a public banner
system.
4, Public banners hung from streetscape fixtures shall be no larger
than 14" by 45". Banners hung from standard street lights shall be
no larger than 28" by 80".
5. Public banners shall not be hung in a position that will cause a
substantial obstruction of visibility from the street to advertising,
traffic, and directional signs and shall not be hung in a position so
as to interrupt comer sight lines.
6. Public banners may be hung only on alternate streetscape fixtures
unless otherwise approved by Council.
7. Banners placed on City fixtures shall become the property of the
City. If damaged or in need of repair, banners may be removed by
City staff. The public banner system maybe discontinued, and all
banners, including those on private property, maybe ordered
removed at the discretion of the City Council.
The bracket system used to hang banners shall be of sufficient
strength to withstand strong winds and shall be designed in a
manner that allows easy installation and removal of banners.
5. A11 signs shall display in a conspicuous manner the owner's name, permit
number, and date of erection.
6. All height restrictions on signs shall include height of sign structure.
3151
7. In any district, any portion of any sign exceeding two (2) square feet shall
be set back a distance equal to fiftypercent (SO%) of the required building
setback for that district as defined in Section 3-3 [C] of the Monticello
Zoning Ordinance, as maybe amended. (#269, 518/95)
Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises, or
identifies a bona fide business conducted, or a service rendered, or a
product sold, shall be removed by the owner, agent, or person having the
beneficial use and/or control of the building or structure upon which the
sign may be found within ten (10) days after written notice from the
Building Inspector.
9. The City of Monticello or its agent is authorized and required by this
ordinance to enter into an agreement with the United States ar any of its
agencies or departments to the end that the objective stated in Title 23,
United States Code, Section 131, Section 319, or any other applicable
federal statute to obtain non-conforming signs along the Great River Road
within the city of Monticello. However, the City of Monticello or its
agent shall not be required, nor allowed, to expend funds for the
acquisition ofnon-confornung signs or advertising devices under this
chapter until federal funds in the amount of 75% or more to his
acquisition cost are made available to the City of Monticello for the
purpose of carrying out this ordinance. No sign nor advertising device
legal under Laws 1971, Chapter 883, shall be required to be removed or
relocated until payment, as provided in Laws 1971, Chapter 883, is
tendered by the City of Monticello.
10. Signs may be located on conforming fuel station pump island canopies.
Such signs shall be considered as wall signs, and shall be regulated in the
same manner as any other wall signs on the property. (#247, 3/14/94}
[D] NON-CONFORMING SIGNS:
The following are non-conforming signs:
(a) Off-premise signs, except signs located inside ball parks and on
bus benches.
(b) Prohibited signs.
(c) AlI other signs not expresslyprohibited but which do not conform
to the provisions of this subdivision.
2. Anon-conforming sign may nat be:
(a) Changed to another non-conforming sign.
•
3/52
(b) Structurally altered except to bring into compliance with the
provisions of this subdivision.
(c) Expanded.
(d) Re-established after its removal for thirty (30) days.
(e) Re-established after damage of more than fifty (50) percent of sign
replacement cost except to bring into compliance.
3. All non-confarming and prohibited signs shall be removed or brought into
conformity with this ordinance after notification in writing within the
following time period.
(a) Any sign in violation of the prohibited signs as defined in [B] 2:
Thirty {30) days (exception: advertising signs, five {5) years).
(b) For all other non-conforming signs: five {5) years.
4. Notwithstanding any other requirement in Section 3-4 of this Ordinance
to the contrary, off-premise or advertising signs may be relocated as
follows:
(a) This section shall apply exclusively to off-premise advertising
signs of 200 square feet or greater that have a specific, written, fee
or leasehold interest in the property on which they are currently
located, and which are required to be removed pursuant to City
acquisition as part of a City utility or road project.
(b) Such signs may be relocated to another part of the same parcel on
which they were located at the time of the acquisition by City
Council resolution.
{c) Such signs may be relocated to another vacant parcel subject to
the application for and approval of an interim Use Permit per the
requirements of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance.
(d) In addition to any other requirements or restrictions deemed
appropriate by the City Council, the owner of such relocated sign
under (b} or (c) above shall not enter into any lease that extends
the duration of such sign beyond the soonest termination date to
which the sign is subject at the time of the relocation. Upon such
date, the relocated sign shall be removed and shall not be re-
established within the City limits of the City of Monticello.
(e} The owner of any sign relocated pursuant to this section shall
enter into an agreement with the City of Monticello providing for
3/53
the date of removal and the terms of any lease or other contract
governing the relocation. (#423, 4/11/05}
[E] DISTRICT REGULATIONS: The following sections concern signs which
require application and permit.
1. Within the A-O, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, PS and PZR districts, signs are
subject #o the fallowing size and type regulations:
{a) Institutional or area identification signs, provided that the gross
square footage of sign area does not exceed eighteen (18) square
feet, and if the sign is freestanding, the height does not exceed
eight (8) feet.
(b) Public Signs (as defined in Section 2-2[PJ]. Such signs shall be
subject to the following requirements:
1. Any public sign for civic interest groups within the City of
Monticello shall have a face area no larger than 18" x 24".
2. Civic interest groups within the City of Monticello may, at the
discretion of the Council, have up to three off-site directional
signs.
3. Any public sign for a civic interest group within the City of
Monticello shall be green in color with white lettering only.
(#460A, 5/29/07)
(c) In the PS District two institutional identification signs not
exceeding a total of 75 square feet and eight (8} feet in height are
allowed in
addition to the institutional or area identification sign identified in
Section 3-9[E] 1 a.. {#314, 8/10/98) (#447,5/22/06)
2. Within the PZM, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, CCD, I-1, I-lA, and I-2 districts,
signs are subject to the following size and type regulations:
(#298, 10/13/97) (#334, 9/13/99)
(a) Within the PZM and B-1 districts, the maximum allowable square
footage of sign area per Iot shall not exceed the ruin of one (1)
square foot per front foot of the building plus one (1) square foot
for each front foot of lot not occupied by a building, up to one
hundred (100} square feet. Each lot will be allowed one (1) pylon
or freestanding sign and one (1) wall sign or two (2) wall signs
total.
(b} For buildings in which there is one (1) or two (2) business uses
within the B-2, B-3, B-4, CCD I-1, I-lA, and I-2 districts, and for
buildings used for cornmercial retail activities located within a
PZM district and located on property adjacent to B-2, B-3,
3/54
B-4,CCD, I-1, I-1A, or I-2 districts, there shall be two (2) options
for permitted signs,. as listed below in 2{b)i and 2{b)ii. The
property owner shall select one option, which shall control sign
development on the property. (#298, 10113/97} (#334, 9/13!99)
i. Option A. Under Option A, only wall signs shall be
allowed. The maximum number of signs on any
principal building shall be six sign boards or placards, no
more than four (4} of which may be product
identification signs. Signs may be displayed on at least
two walls, or equal to the number of streets upon which
the property has legal frontage, whichever is greater.
Each wall shall contain no more than two product
identification signs and two business identification signs.
The total maximum area of wall signs shall be
determined by taking twenty percent (20%) of the gross
silhouette area of the front of the building up to three
hundred {300) square feet, whichever is less. If a
principal building is on a comer lot, the largest side of
the building may be used to determine the gross
silhouette area.
For purposes of determining the gross area of the
silhouette of the principal building, the silhouette shall be
defined as that area within an outline drawing of the
principal building as viewed from the front lot line or
from the related public street{s).
ii. Option B. Under Option B, a combination of wall signs
and a maximum of one (1) pylon sign may be utilized.
The total number of business identification signs
allowed (whether wall or pylon) shall be at least two (2),
or equal to the number of streets upon which the
property has legal frontage, whichever is greater. Only
two product identification signs shall be allowed, and
these wall signs may be only on one wall. The total
maximum allowable sign area for any wall shall be
determined by taking ten percent (10%) of the gross
silhouette area of the front of the building up to one
hundred (100) square feet, whichever is less. The
method for determining the gross silhouette area shall be
as indicated in Subd. 2.(b)i. Above. Pylon signs shall be
regulated as in Subd. 4 below. For single or double
occupancy business structures, the total maximum
allowable signage on the property shall be three hundred
(300) square feet. For multiple occupancy structures, the
total maximum allowable signage on the property shall
be as determined under Subd. 3 below.
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(#272, Ob/26/95} (#230, 06!22/92)
{#247; 03/14/94) (#265, 12/12!94)
3. Conditional Uses in Commercial and Industrial Districts: The purpose of
this section is to provide aesthetic control to signage and to prevent a
proliferation of individual signs on buildings with three (3) or more
business uses. The City shall encourage the use of single sign boards,
placards, or building directory signs.
(a) In the case of a building where there are three (3) or more business
uses, but which, by generally understood and accepted definitions,
is not considered a shopping center or shopping ma1i, a
conditional use shall be granted to the entire building in
accordance with an overall site plan under the provisions of
Option A or Option B (described in 2 (b} i and ii above} provided
that:
The owner of the building files with the Zoning
Administrator a detailed plan for signing illustrating
location, size in square feet, size in percent of gross
silhouette area, and to which business said sign is
dedicated.
ii. No tenant shall be allowed more than one sign, except
that in the case of a building that is situated in the interior
of a block and having another building on each side of it,
one sign shall be allowed on the front and one sign shall
be allowed on the rear provided that the total square
footage of the two signs does not exceed the maximum
allowable square footage under Option A or Option B
described in 2(b}i and ii above.
iii. No individual business sign board/placard shall exceed
twenty-five percent (25%} of the total allowable sign
area.
iv. An owner of the building desiring any alteration of signs,
sign location, sign size, or number of signs shall first
submit an application to the Zoning Administrator for an
amended sign plan, said application to be reviewed and
acted upon by the Zoning Administrator within ten (1 ~)
days of application. If the application is denied by the
Zoning Administrator, the applicant may go before the
Planning Commission at their next regularly scheduled
meeting.
v. In the event that one tenant of the building does not
utilize the full allotment of allowable area, the excess
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may not be granted, traded, sold, or in any other way
transferred to another tenant for the purpose of allowing a
sign larger than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
allowable area for signs.
vi. Any building identification sign or building directory
sign shall be included in the total allowable area for
signs.
vii. Any sign that is shared by or is a combination of two or
more tenants shall be considered as separate signs far
square footage allowance and shall meet the requirements
thereof.
viii. All signs shall be consistent in design, material, shape,
and method of illumination.
(b) In the case of a building where there are two (2) or more uses and
which, by generally understood and accepted definitions, is
considered to be a shopping center or shopping mall, a conditional
use permit may be granted to the entire building in accordance to
an overall site plan indicating their size, location, and height of all
signs presented to the Planning Commission. (#396,7!28/03)
A maximum of five percent (5%) of the gross area of the front
silhouette shall apply to the principal building(s) where the
aggregate allowable sign area is equitably distributed among the
several businesses. In the case of applying this conditional use
permit to a building, the building may have one (1) pylon or
freestanding sign identifying the building which is in conformance
with this ordinance. For purposes of determiiung the gross area of
the silhouette of the principal building(s), the silhouette shall be
defined as that area within the outline drawing of the principal
building{s) as viewed from the front lot line or from the related
public street(s).
For shopping centers of greater than one hundred fifty thousand
(150,000) square feet of aggregate building square footage and
greater than twenty (20) acres in site area, two freestanding signs
may be permitted under this section. The applicant may construct
two pylon-style signs in conformance with this ordinance, or in
the alternative, may construct one pylon-style and one monument-
stylesign. When this latter option is chosen, the monument sign
shall be no greater than eighteen (18} feet in height nor more than
one hundred (100) square feet in area, and the pylon may be no
greater than fifty (50) feet in height and four hundred {400) square
feet in area. (#39d, 7/28/03)
3157
(c} Signs for promoting and/or selling a development project: For the
purpose of promoting or selling a development project of three (3)
to twenty-five (25) acres, one sign not to exceed one hundred
(100} square feet of advertising surface maybe erected on the
project site. For projects of twenty-six (26) to fifty (50) acres, one
or two signs not to exceed two hundred {200) aggregate square
feet of advertising surface maybe erected. For projects over fifly-
one (51}acres, one, two, or three signs not to exceed three
hundred (300} aggregate square feet of advertising surface maybe
erected. No dimension shall exceed twenty-five (2S) feet
exclusive of supporting structures.
Such signs shall not remain after ninety-five (95) percent of the
project is developed. Such sign permits shall be reviewed and
renewed annually by the City Council. If said sign is lighted, it
shall be illuminated only during those hours when business is in
operation or when the model homes or other developments are
open for business purposes.
4. Pylon Sign: The erection of one (1) pylon sign for any single lot is
allowed under the following provisions:
(a) Location: No pylon sign shall be located closer to the pxoperty
line than as allowed in Section 3-9 [C] 7. In the case of a corner
lot, both sides fronting on a public right-of--way shall be deemed
the front. (#269, 5/8/95)
{b) Parking Areas, Driveways: No part of the pylon signs shall be less
than five (5) feet from any driveway or parking area.
(c) Area, Height Regulations:
SPEED AREA HEIGHT
ROAD CLASSIFICATION _(MPHI (SO FTZ FEET
Collector 30 25 16
3S 50 20
40 100 24
Major Thoroughfares 30 50 18
35 100 22
40 125 24
45 150 26
50 175 28
Freeways and Expressways 55 200 32
and
above
3158
Highway 25 NA 50- 22
100
i. In the case of subject property directly abutting State
Highway 25, pylon sign area may range from 50 sq ft to
100 sq ft depending on total lineal feet fronting Highway
25. 3.03 feet of pylon sign area is aIlowed per every 10
feet of lineal frontage with the following exceptions: 1)
all properties may erect a pylon sign with a sign area of
50 regardless of front footage abutting Highway 25, and
2} the maximum pylon sign area shall not exceed 100 sq
ft regardless of total lineal footage of property abutting
Highway 25.
(#173, 4/10/89)
(d} Definitions: Definitions of road classifications apply as defined by
the official comprehensive plan as adopted.
(e) Application: The level at which the sign control system applies is
determined by the type of road, as defined above, which directly
abuts the subject property.
i. In the case of subject property directly abutting more than
one (1}road, each designated by a different road
classification type, the less restrictive classification shall
apply in determining sign area and height.
ii. Actual sign height is determined by the grade of the road
from which the sign gains its principal exposure.
iii. Area as determined by the formula under 3 (c) above,
applies to one (1) face of a two (2) faced pylon sign, or
two (2) faces of a four (4) faced sign, etc.
iv. A bonus allowing "freeway standard signs" (200 sq ft in
area and 32' high) in a commercial or industrial area is
available to all businesses Located within 800 feet of a
freeway but do not abut a freeway.
(f) Electronic Message Boards maybe allowed in the B-3 and B-4
Zoning Districts and on those parcels within the CCD Zoning
District which have direct frontage on Trunk Highway 25 south of
4"` Street, as a part of the freestanding or pylon sign display
provided that:
i. The sign complies in all other respects with the sign
regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.
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ii. The sign does not create a traffic hazard or a nuisance.
iii. The sign does not flash its message, although continuous
scrolling text is allowed.
iv. The sign meets all requirements of the City's Building
and Electrical Codes.
v. The sign does constitute a separate or additional
freestanding sign support structure. The sign must be
otherwise allowed under this ordinance as a pylon sign or
must be a part of an allowed pylon sign plan as defined
herein.
vi. The electronic message board portion of the sign does not
constitute more than fifty percent (50%) of the allowable
pylon sign area, or seventy (70) square feet, whichever is
less. (#340, 1110/00)
(g} In the B-3 Zoning District only, certain parcels may he allowed to
conshuct a second freestanding sign on the property when the
following conditions are complied with:
i. The property directly abuts Interstate 94 and one other
collector (or higher} status street.
ii. The property in question is no less than twa (2) acres in
area.
iii. The second freestanding sign shall be Located no closer
than three hundred (300} feet from the first freestanding
sign on the same property.
iv. C?nly one of the two freestanding signs may be located
within any yard (front, rear, or side) of the property. This
clause shall be interpreted to mean that each sign shall be
required to have a separate roadway as its primary
exposure.
v. Where two freestanding signs are allowed, the sign that
fronts on the road which serves as the primary access
shall be of a monument design, with a maximum height
often {I0) feet and a maximum square footage of sixty
(60) square feet.
vi. Where two freestanding signs are allowed, the sign that
fronts on the freeway exposure shall conform to the
provisions of Section 3 [E] 4.(c) above.
3/b0
This section shall not be applied to the calculations for signage
when an applicant is seeking development design flexibility under
the City's Planned Unit Development provisions.
viii. Both signs allowed under this subsection shall meet all
other applicable provisions of the Monticello Zoning
Ordinance. (6/11/01, #361}
5. Address Numbers Sign: DELETED
(3/24/08, #476)
6. Projecting Signs: Projecting signs shall be permitted within the CCD
District but only in the "Broadway Downtown District" thereof as defined
by the Monticello Downtown and Riverfront Revitalization Plan. Only
one (1}projecting sign maybe erected per business, with no more than
two {2) such signs erected per building, subject to the following
conditions: Projecting signs:
(a) Shall be only business identification signs.
(b) Shall be fronting on a public street.
(c) Shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area.
{d) Sha11 be considered a wall sign for the purposes of maximum
allowable sign area.
(e) The edge of the sign closest to the building must be no farther than
12 inches away from the building.
{f) May extend over the public sidewalk, but shall not extend closer
to the public street than to within 3 feet from the backside of curb.
(g) Shall be at least 8 feet but not more than 12 feet in height above
walking surfaces or sidewalks.
(h) Shall not be internally illuminated, but may be externally
illuminated.
(#334, 9/13/99)
[F]
FEES AND LICENSE:
1. FEES:
(a) Payment Fees: The permit fee and other fees and charges set forth
in this ordinance shall be collected by the City before the issuance
of any permits, and the City Administrator, Building Inspector, or
other persons duly authorized to issue such permit for which the
payment of a fee is required under the provisions of this
•
3/61
subdivision may not issue a permit until such fee shall have been
paid.
(b} Double Fees: If a person begins work of any kind for which a
. permit from the City is required without having secured the
necessary permits therefore either previous to or on the date of
commencement of such work, he shall, when subsequently
securing such permit, pay double the fee provided for such permit
or is subject to the penalty provisions of this ordinance.
{c) Fees Required: Sign applications and subsequent fees will be
required for aII signs which do not appear in Chapter 3, Section 9
[B] (permitted and prohibited signs). Fees shall not be required
for repairs of signs and sign structures.
(d) Initial Fee:
i. The initial fee shall be determined based upon the cost of
the sign from a fee schedule adopted by the City Council.
ii. All sign applications must be accompanied by proof of
contract and purchase price.
(e) Special Permit Fees: Special permit fees shall be assessed for all
attention seeking devices as described in Section 9, Subsection
[C], paragraph 4 of this chapter. The fee shall be five dollars
($5.00) for each permit.
3-10: ADULT USES:
[A] PURPOSE: The purpose of Section 3-10: Adult Uses is to provide the
opportunity for operation and establishment of adult land uses while providing
controls that limit negative impacts of adult uses on residential and commercial
areas.
[B] GENERAL: Adult use as defined in this ordinance shall be subject to the
following general provisions:
1. Activities classified as obscene as defined by Minnesota Statute 617.241
are not permitted and are prohibited.
2. Adult uses, either principal or accessory, shall be prohibited from locating
in any building which is also utilized for residential purposes.
3. An adult use which does not qualify as an accessory use shall be classified
as an adult use/principal.
4. Zoning Controls and District Text Application:
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