Sign Regulations in Andover, Minnesota
Andover, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Combination Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: October 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Andover, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Andover
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (General) | — | 32 sq ft total area per business | Minimum 10 ft from any street right-of-way and 5 ft from any other lot line. |
| Freestanding Sign (Real Estate - New Development) | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Sign (Real Estate - Individual Property) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for AndoverFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
35
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Combination Sign
- Flashing Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Andover
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Andover vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Andover, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Andover, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Combination Sign, Flashing Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Andover vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Andover are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Andover has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Andover, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Andover, Minnesota regulates 35 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Wall Sign (Residential Identification and Temporary)s in the Residential Districts (RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, M-1, M-2, M-3) zoning district are capped at 10 ft above grade tall and Parcels <5 acres: 4 sq ft per dwelling; Parcels 5 to <20 acres: 16 sq ft (agricultural related uses only); Parcels ≥20 acres: 20 sq ft (agricultural related uses only), with a Any portion exceeding 4 sq ft must be set back at least 10 ft from any street right-of-way and 5 ft from any residentially zoned property line. setback (Sec. 12-8-8(A)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6)(a)). Most commercial signs in Andover require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Andover, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Andover (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | 25 ft | Up to 100 sq ft aggregate by CUP | — |
| Residential Districts (RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, M-1, M-2, M-3) | 9 | 10 ft above grade | Up to 32 sq ft (64 sq ft total signage permitted for multiple frontage lots) | — |
| Shopping Center (SC), Neighborhood Business (NB) | 8 | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less | 300 sq ft | — |
| General Business (GB) | 8 | 25 ft above grade | 300 sq ft | — |
| Industrial (I) | 8 | 25 ft above grade | 300 sq ft per single sign | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Andover(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Area Identification - General/Off-site) | — | — | — | — | — | Must not be separated from the area/project it identifies by an arterial roadway; must be within 500 feet of the project it identifies; may be off-site; owner of the property where placed must give written permission. | — | Unlock | 12-8-7(E)(1)-(5) |
| Ball Field Advertising Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Shall not be visible from adjacent residential properties when viewed at ground level. | — | Unlock | 12-8-7(F)(1)-(4) |
| Scoreboard Advertising Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Shall be placed to minimize to the greatest possible extent exposure to adjacent residential properties. | — | Unlock | 12-8-7(F)(3)-(4) |
| Temporary Sign (General) | — | 32 sq ft total area per business | — | Minimum 10 ft from any street right-of-way and 5 ft from any other lot line. | 1 per business | Permitted in any district in any yard area. | — | Unlock | 12-8-10(A)(1)-(4) |
| Freestanding Sign (Real Estate - New Development) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-6(C)(1)-(2), 12-8-6(B) |
| Temporary Sign (Real Estate - Individual Property) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-6(D), 12-8-6(B) |
| Pylon or Pedestal Sign (Automobile Service Station) | 25 ft | — | — | Side yard setback must be met; minimum 5 ft from rear lot line and any street right-of-way. | 1 per automobile service station | May be located in a setback area. | — | Unlock | 12-8-7(D)(4) |
| Institutional Sign (Residential Districts) - CUP | — | Up to 100 sq ft aggregate by CUP | — | Minimum 10 ft from any property line. | May exceed one per lot frontage by CUP | At least 130 ft from any residential structure. | — | Unlock | 12-8-9(A)(4)(a)-(d) |
Residential Districts (RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, M-1, M-2, M-3)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Residential Identification and Temporary) | 10 ft above grade | Parcels <5 acres: 4 sq ft per dwelling; Parcels 5 to <20 acres: 16 sq ft (agricultural related uses only); Parcels ≥20 acres: 20 sq ft (agricultural related uses only) | — | Any portion exceeding 4 sq ft must be set back at least 10 ft from any street right-of-way and 5 ft from any residentially zoned property line. | 1 per lot frontage | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Residential Identification and Temporary) | 10 ft above grade | Parcels <5 acres: 4 sq ft per dwelling; Parcels 5 to <20 acres: 16 sq ft (agricultural related uses only); Parcels ≥20 acres: 20 sq ft (agricultural related uses only) | — | Any portion exceeding 4 sq ft must be set back at least 10 ft from any street right-of-way and 5 ft from any residentially zoned property line. | 1 per lot frontage | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Institutional) | 10 ft above grade | Up to 32 sq ft (64 sq ft total signage permitted for multiple frontage lots) | — | General setbacks apply; see 12-8-7(D)(2). | 1 per lot frontage | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6)(b); 12-8-9(A)(4) |
| Freestanding Sign (Institutional) | 10 ft above grade | Up to 32 sq ft (64 sq ft total signage permitted for multiple frontage lots) | — | General setbacks apply; see 12-8-7(D)(2). | 1 per lot frontage | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6)(b); 12-8-9(A)(4) |
| Combination Sign (Institutional) | 10 ft above grade | Up to 32 sq ft (64 sq ft total signage permitted for multiple frontage lots) | — | General setbacks apply; see 12-8-7(D)(2). | 1 per lot frontage | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(2), (3), (4), (5), (6)(b); 12-8-9(A)(4) |
| Freestanding Sign (Area Identification - Subdivision Entrance) | 10 ft above grade | 32 sq ft | — | Located 10 ft from any property line. | 1 freestanding sign at each street entrance | At each street entrance to a subdivision on areas for development larger than 5 acres. | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(6)(c)1-4 |
| Ball Field Advertising Sign (Residential Districts) | 10 ft above grade (general district height limit applies unless otherwise approved) | — | — | — | — | Not visible from adjacent residential properties when viewed at ground level. | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(1); 12-8-7(F)(1)-(4) |
| Portable/Trailer-based Temporary Sign (Governmental/Institutional Uses Only) | 10 ft above grade (general district height limit applies unless otherwise provided) | — | — | General setbacks apply; see 12-8-7(D)(2). | 1 per lot frontage (applies to district sign number standard) | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(A)(1)(a), (4)-(5) |
Shopping Center (SC), Neighborhood Business (NB)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less | 100 sq ft per single sign (except area identification signs up to 300 sq ft) | — | Any portion exceeding 4 sq ft must be set back at least 10 ft from any street right-of-way; 5 ft from any residentially zoned property line; max 2 ft projection into required building setback area. | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(2)-(4); 12-8-7(D)(1); 12-8-5(B) |
| Freestanding Sign | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less | 100 sq ft per single sign (except area identification signs up to 300 sq ft) | — | Any portion exceeding 4 sq ft must be set back at least 10 ft from any street right-of-way; 5 ft from any residentially zoned property line. | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(2)-(4); 12-8-7(D)(1); 12-8-5(B) |
| Combination Sign | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less | 100 sq ft per single sign (except area identification signs up to 300 sq ft) | — | Any portion exceeding 4 sq ft must be set back at least 10 ft from any street right-of-way; 5 ft from any residentially zoned property line. | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(2)-(4); 12-8-7(D)(1); 12-8-5(B) |
| Flashing Sign | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less | 100 sq ft per single sign (except area identification signs up to 300 sq ft) | — | General setbacks apply; see 12-8-7(D)(2). | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(2)-(4); 12-8-5(B) |
| Illuminated Sign | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less | 100 sq ft per single sign (except area identification signs up to 300 sq ft) | — | General setbacks apply; see 12-8-7(D)(2). | — | — | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(2)-(4); 12-8-7(D)(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (Area Identification) | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less (if on the same property and subject to district height rules) | 300 sq ft | — | General setbacks apply; see 12-8-7(D)(2). | — | Must meet general area identification location rules: within 500 ft of project; not separated from the project by an arterial roadway; owner permission required. | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(3)(b); 12-8-7(E)(1)-(5) |
| Ball Field Advertising Sign (SC/NB) | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less (if applicable on-site) | — | — | — | — | Not visible from adjacent residential properties at ground level. | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(1); 12-8-7(F)(1)-(4) |
| Scoreboard Advertising Sign (SC/NB) | No taller than the highest outside wall or parapet or 25 ft, whichever is less (if applicable on-site) | — | — | — | — | Placed to minimize exposure to adjacent residential properties. | — | Unlock | 12-8-8(B)(1); 12-8-7(F)(3)-(4) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Andover — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Andover — start freeProhibited Signs in Andover
- Off-premises signs are prohibited unless specifically allowed elsewhere in the chapter.
- Any sign that, by reason of position, shape, movement or color, interferes with the proper functioning of a traffic sign or signal or which constitutes a traffic hazard.
- No flashing or revolving sign in the front setback area within 125 feet of a street intersection (as measured from intersecting right-of-way lines) or within 125 feet of a residential district, except where such sign in no way constitutes a traffic hazard.
- Signs painted directly on a stone, the outside wall of a building or fence, and any sign affixed to a tree or utility pole.
- Roof signs, roof advertising symbols, roof logos, roof statues, or roof sculptures; no sign shall extend above the roofline.
- Signs within the public right of way or easements, except as authorized by the governing body.
- Audible signs.
- Billboard signs.
- Signs displayed on parked semi-trailers used primarily for advertising purposes.
- Any sign which contains obscene information (written or graphic).
- All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under this chapter.
Exempt Signs in Andover
- Election signs on any private property; may be displayed from 90 days prior until 10 days after any election; no sign permit required.
- Governmental signs erected by a governmental unit or public utility for public information, warning, or directing traffic; no sign permit required.
- Private traffic circulation signs in parking lots, pedestrian circulation signs, and traffic warning signs in alleys or hazardous situations, provided they conform to the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD); no sign permit required.
- Normal sign alteration and maintenance does not require a sign permit, including changing copy or message on a reader board sign or theater marquees, and maintenance/painting/repainting/cleaning unless a structural change is made.
- Real estate signs offering individual properties for sale, lease, or rent, limited to 6 square feet and one per lot; no sign permit required in any district.
- No permit fee for governmental units or nonprofit organizations.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Andover
- Area identification signs must be identified on the plat or commercial site plan.
- In residential subdivisions, area identification signs must be identified on the preliminary plat.
- Certain signs require a Conditional Use Permit: marquees; signs on benches, newsstands, cabstand signs, bus stop shelters and similar places; real estate signs over 32 square feet per lot frontage or exceeding area limits in business/industrial areas; institutional signs in residential districts exceeding 32 square feet or more than one per lot frontage (subject to specified location, size, style, and separation conditions).
- Promotional signs or devices that do not comply with standards may be approved by the City Administrator or designee (e.g., spotlights, sky trackers, balloons); such events are limited to 10 calendar days per year and are not counted against the permitted 60 days of temporary signage.
- Temporary off-site real estate signs may be approved by the City Administrator or designee.
- No master sign plan requirement is referenced in the provided text.
Source: other municipal code