Sign Regulations in Blaine, Minnesota
Blaine, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 32 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Wall Sign — Single-Tenant Building, Wall Sign — Multi-Tenant Building. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Blaine, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Blaine
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs (General Standards) | — | — | Freestanding signs: minimum 10 feet from any lot line or public right-of-way. |
| Temporary Signs (with Temporary Sign Permit) | Feather signs up to 18 ft; other temporary sign heights as described above or as safely installed. | - Two banners up to 32 sq ft each; OR per special event permit: three banners up to 80 sq ft each. - Two feather signs up to 3.5 ft wide and 18 ft high; OR per special event permit: five feather signs up to 3.5 ft wide and 18 ft high. - Five H-frame/A-frame/other freestanding temporary signs up to 6 sq ft each. - One portable sign up to 48 sq ft (special event permits only). | Must comply with general setbacks and safety standards (Sec. 133-5). |
| Billboard | Max 50 ft above the elevation grade of the road read to; up to 65 ft by conditional use permit to clear artificial structures. | Up to 700 sq ft primary face; temporary extensions up to 25% of primary face area may extend from top or sides. | 20 ft from any property line; 100 ft from any intersection; not within 100 ft of a residential district. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BlaineFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
32
- Wall Sign
- Wall Sign — Single-Tenant Building
- Wall Sign — Multi-Tenant Building
- Area Identification Monument Sign (Commercial or Industrial Areas)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Blaine
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Blaine 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 Blaine, 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 Blaine, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Wall Sign — Single-Tenant Building, Wall Sign — Multi-Tenant Building, Area Identification Monument Sign (Commercial or Industrial Areas), 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 Blaine 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 Blaine are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Blaine has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Blaine, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Blaine, Minnesota regulates 32 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Freestanding Monument Sign — Standard (Single-tenant or Multi-tenant)s in the Commercial districts (B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, MU, PBD, DF with commercial land uses) zoning district are capped at Up to 14 ft. tall and Up to 140 sq ft per monument sign face., with a Minimum 10 ft from any lot line or public right-of-way (Sec. 133-5(b)). setback (Sec. Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.1). Most commercial signs in Blaine require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Blaine, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Blaine (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | Max 50 ft above the elevation grade of the road read to; up to 65 ft by conditional use permit to clear artificial structures. | Up to 700 sq ft primary face; temporary extensions up to 25% of primary face area may extend from top or sides. | — |
| Highway 65/Main Street Interchange District | 1 | Up to 50 ft. | Up to 180 sq ft per sign face. | — |
| Commercial districts (B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, MU, PBD, DF with commercial land uses) | 10 | Up to 25 ft. | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10% wall area cap). | — |
| industrial districts (I-1, I-1A, I-2, I-2A, DF with industrial land uses) | 5 | Up to 14 ft. | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10% wall area cap). | — |
| Neighborhood Business District (B-1) | 2 | Up to 14 ft. | Up to 140 sq ft per sign face. | — |
| Residential districts (R-1, R-1B, R-1A, R-1AA, R-2, R-3, R-4, AG, FR, RE, DF with residential land uses) | 8 | Up to 10 ft. | Up to 80 sq ft. | — |
| Planned office district (POD) | 2 | Up to 10 ft. | Up to 50 sq ft. | — |
| Regional recreation (RR) | 6 | Up to 25 ft. | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10% wall area cap), unless administratively increased per trade-off provision. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Blaine(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Commercial districts (B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, MU, PBD, DF with commercial land uses)
| 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 — Single-Tenant Building | — | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10% wall area cap). | — | — | 1 per principal building; if building abuts 2+ streets, 1 per abutting street (with admin approval). | On building wall(s). One wall sign per principal building; if the building abuts two or more streets, one wall sign oriented to each abutting street may be permitted with zoning administrator design approval. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(a)(1)a.1–4, d–e |
| Freestanding Monument Sign — Standard (Single-tenant or Multi-tenant) | Up to 14 ft. | Up to 140 sq ft per monument sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from any lot line or public right-of-way (Sec. 133-5(b)). | 1 per building (single- or multi-tenant). | On the lot of the use; monument style required. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.1 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign — Additional sign for qualifying multi-tenant frontage | Up to 14 ft. | Up to 140 sq ft for the additional sign. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW. | 1 additional monument sign (in addition to the primary). | For multi-tenant buildings that are NOT a major shopping center/commercial complex, with at least 400 ft linear frontage abutting an arterial street. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.2 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign — Major Shopping Center/Commercial Complex | Up to 25 ft. | Up to 180 sq ft per monument sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW. | 1 per complex + 1 additional per arterial frontage. | On major shopping center/commercial complex sites (≥100,000 sq ft of occupied building/complex area). | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.3; definition of major shopping center/commercial complex Sec. 133-2 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign — Collaborative multi-lot sign | Up to 18 ft. | Up to 180 sq ft per monument sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW. | 1 shared monument sign for multiple businesses. | For adjoining commercial lots establishing a single shared freestanding sign with multiple business identifications, in exchange for eliminating individual freestanding signs (by restrictive covenant). | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.4 |
| Freestanding Monument Sign — Multiple buildings on one parcel (CUP) | Up to 14 ft for all monument signs. | First monument sign up to 140 sq ft; all subsequent monument signs up to 90 sq ft each. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW. | 1 monument sign per qualifying building pad area (first up to 140 sq ft; additional up to 90 sq ft). | On parcels with multiple buildings (with CUP). | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.5 |
| Drive-Through Sign (Restaurants) | Up to 10 ft. | Up to 50 sq ft per sign. | — | Comply with general setbacks and safety standards. | Additional drive-through signs allowed; no explicit numeric maximum stated. | Adjacent to drive-through lanes on restaurant sites providing drive-through/take-out service. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.7 |
| Area Identification Monument Sign (Commercial or Industrial Areas) | Up to 14 ft. | Up to 50 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW (general rule for freestanding signs). | As approved; not specifically limited in number. | Signs identifying the name of a recognized commercial or industrial area (not a shopping center) in commercial or industrial districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(d) |
Residential districts (R-1, R-1B, R-1A, R-1AA, R-2, R-3, R-4, AG, FR, RE, DF with residential land uses)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Sign (R-1, R-1A, R-1AA, R-1B, RE, R-4, R-2, DF-Residential) | — | Up to 2.5 sq ft. | — | — | 1 per household. | On the dwelling (wall). | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(c)(1)a |
| Home Occupation Sign (FR, AG) — Option A: Wall Sign | — | Up to 2.5 sq ft. | — | — | 1 per household (Option 1). | On the dwelling or accessory building (wall), FR and AG only. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(c)(1)b |
| Home Occupation Sign (FR, AG) — Option B: Freestanding | Up to 4 ft. | Up to 2.5 sq ft. | — | Minimum 10 ft from any lot line/ROW (general rule for freestanding signs). | 1 per household (Option 2). | On the FR or AG property as a freestanding sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(c)(1)b |
| Wall Sign — Places of Worship, Schools, Other Public Places; Residential Subdivisions; Multi-Family Complexes | — | Up to 80 sq ft. | — | — | 1 per principal building; if building abuts 2+ streets, 1 per abutting street (with admin approval). | On building wall(s). One wall sign per principal building; if the building abuts two or more streets, one wall sign oriented to each abutting street may be permitted with zoning administrator design approval. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(c)(2)a |
| Monument Sign — Places of Worship, Schools, Other Public Places; Residential Subdivisions; Multi-Family Complexes | Up to 10 ft. | Up to 36 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from any lot line/ROW (Sec. 133-5(b)). | 1 monument sign. | On site of the use. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(c)(2)b |
| Electronic Readerboard Component — Places of Worship, Schools, Other Public Places; Residential Subdivisions; Multi-Family Complexes | — | At least 50% of the area of the overall sign must be static (i.e., not electronic). | — | Same as the host sign. | — | As part of a permitted sign for the above uses, only if the sign is located adjacent to a collector or arterial road as designated in the City's Comprehensive Plan. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(c)(2)c; Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.8(i)–(iv) |
| Monument Sign — FR district agricultural/recreation/commercial rural uses | Up to 10 ft. | Up to 36 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from any lot line/ROW (Sec. 133-5(b)). | 1 monument sign per site. | FR Farm Residential Zoning District uses: golf courses, golf driving ranges, commercial stables, nurseries, garden supply stores, and general farming or garden operations. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(c)(3) |
| Off-site Directional Sign (FR parcels along specific corridors) | Sign standard not to exceed 8 ft in height. | Up to 15 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from all property lines. | 1 off-site directional sign per business/organization; maximum 1 sign per parcel. | Limited to FR Farm Residential zoned parcels with frontage along Lexington Avenue, Radisson Road, and Main Street (125th Avenue NE). | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-9(a)–(f) |
Regional recreation (RR)
| 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 | — | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10% wall area cap), unless administratively increased per trade-off provision. | — | — | 1 per principal building; if building abuts 2+ streets, 1 per abutting street (with admin approval). | On building wall(s). One wall sign per principal building; if the building abuts two or more streets, one wall sign oriented to each abutting street may be permitted with zoning administrator design approval. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(f)(1)a–c |
| Freestanding Sign — One per outdoor athletic field | Up to 8 ft. | Up to 32 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW (general rule for freestanding signs). | 1 per outdoor athletic field. | At each outdoor athletic field within a regional recreation complex or RR-zoned site. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(f)(2)a |
| Freestanding Sign — One per parking lot | Up to 8 ft. | Up to 32 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW (general rule for freestanding signs). | 1 per parking lot. | At each parking lot within a regional recreation complex or RR-zoned site. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(f)(2)a |
| Freestanding Sign — One per public road entrance | Up to 8 ft. | Up to 8 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW (general rule for freestanding signs). | 1 per public road entrance. | At each entrance to a regional recreation complex from a public road. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(f)(2)b |
| Freestanding Sign — One per intersection of two public roads | Up to 8 ft. | Up to 40 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW (general rule for freestanding signs). | 1 per intersection. | At each intersection of two public roads serving the regional recreation complex. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(f)(2)c |
| Freestanding Monument Sign — Regional recreation complex monument | Up to 25 ft. | Up to 180 sq ft per sign face. | — | Minimum 10 ft from lot lines/ROW (general rule for freestanding signs). | 1 monument sign + 1 additional per arterial frontage. | At a regional recreation complex. | — | Unlock | Sec. 133-7(f)(2)d |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Blaine — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Blaine — start freeProhibited Signs in Blaine
- Signs that, by reason of position, shape or color, would interfere with the proper function of a traffic sign or signal.
- Signs within a public right-of-way, except for signs installed by governmental subdivisions.
- Signs within an easement, except for signs installed by governmental subdivisions or approved by the holder of the easement.
- Signs that resemble any official marker erected by a governmental agency or that display words such as “stop” or “danger” without legal authority.
- Flashing signs, including indoor signs visible from public streets.
- Signs or displays with rotating beams or beacons of flashing illumination.
- Signs or sign structures that obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or opening intended to provide ingress or egress.
- Balloons, inflatables, and stringers.
- Sign posters tacked or posted on trees, fences, utility posts, or similar supports.
- Portable signs, except as allowed in Sec. 133-6 or when approved under a special event temporary sign permit (Sec. 133-12).
- Roof signs, except individual channel letters up to three feet high on single-story, flat-roofed buildings without visible supports.
- Off-premises signs, except billboards as provided in Sec. 133-8.
- Any signs not expressly permitted by the chapter.
- Projecting signs.
- Abandoned signs.
- Signs with rotating or moving parts.
- Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers parked on public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise or direct people to a business or activity on the same or nearby property.
- Signs which have become rotted, unsafe, or unsightly.
- Signs for citywide community events sponsored by government or nonprofit organizations unless approved with a temporary sign permit (Sec. 133-12).
Exempt Signs in Blaine
- Identification signs for one- and two-family dwellings under 2 sq ft in area; address numbers are exempt.
- On-site pedestrian, vehicular-traffic, and parking directional signs in parking lots: freestanding under 8 sq ft and under 5 ft high; building-mounted under 8 sq ft; must not create a traffic hazard.
- Traffic control signs, noncommercial governmental signs, local notices, railroad crossing signs, and temporary non-advertising safety or emergency signs.
- One worksite sign per architect, engineer, contractor, financer, or owner (aggregate not to exceed 32 sq ft); remove within 10 days after construction completion.
- Changing the copy/message on permitted changeable copy signs (including billboards).
- Noncommercial signs of any size and number on private property with owner permission from 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year until 10 days after the state general election.
- Interior window signs/posters occupying less than 25% of the window area (may be illuminated; flashing not allowed).
- Flags: (a) Noncommercial flags; (b) Corporate/commercial flags if flown from a ground- or roof-mounted pole on the business lot, minimum 15 ft setback, maximum height 40 ft, maximum area 32 sq ft, and number of poles limited by frontage/50 ft (one flag per pole).
- Temporary displays for civil or religious holidays; remove within 30 days after the event/holiday.
- Wall graphics not used for advertising, with zoning administrator approval.
- Temporary real estate signs: residential up to 10 sq ft and 10 ft high; non-residential up to 32 sq ft and 10 ft high; remove within 10 days after lease/sale.
- One building sign (up to 32 sq ft) for leasing dwelling units or commercial/industrial space in multi-unit buildings.
- One development announcement/promotional sign subject to conditions: residential projects must have ≥6 dwellings/lots; ≥130 ft from any pre-existing home; removal within 2 years of first building permit or 90% sold/rented; max area 32 sq ft for projects <10 acres, 140 sq ft for ≥10 acres.
- One feather sign (max 3.5 ft wide, 18 ft high) OR one banner (max 32 sq ft) without a temporary sign permit.
- Interim banner signs for new establishments, sized per applicable wall/freestanding limits; allowed until permanent signs are installed or 60 days, whichever is less.
- Garage sale signs compliant with Sec. 129-10.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Blaine
- A sign permit is required for all signs unless exempted under Sec. 133-6; electrical permits are required for electric signs (Sec. 133-10(a)).
- Monument signs taller than 10 feet require a building permit in addition to a sign permit (Sec. 133-5(e)).
- Temporary sign permit: up to four weeks per calendar year (minimum 7 days per issuance); limits include up to two 32 sq ft banners, two feather signs (max 3.5 ft by 18 ft), and five small freestanding signs ≤6 sq ft; signs allowed under Sec. 133-6 count toward these limits (Sec. 133-12(b)–(c)).
- Special event temporary sign permit: up to two weeks per calendar year (minimum 7 days per issuance); limits include one portable sign ≤48 sq ft, three banners ≤80 sq ft, five feather signs (max 3.5 ft by 18 ft), and five small freestanding signs ≤6 sq ft (Sec. 133-12(d)).
- New businesses are allowed two additional weeks of temporary signage (Sec. 133-12(g)).
- The zoning administrator may allow substitutions/exchanges among temporary sign types as long as total number and square footage are not exceeded, and may issue a temporary conditional administrative permit to address hardships from public road construction (Sec. 133-12(f), (h)).
- Off-site directional signs require a sign permit that specifies exact location and height and is signed by both the applicant and the property owner (Sec. 133-9(f)).
- Billboards require a sign permit (Sec. 133-8(e)(4)); billboards between 50 and 65 feet in height may be allowed only by conditional use permit (Sec. 133-8(c)(2)).
- Collaborative freestanding signs for adjoining commercial lots require zoning administrator approval and a restrictive covenant relinquishing individual freestanding sign rights (Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.4).
- Multiple buildings on one parcel with a conditional use permit may be allowed one monument sign per building meeting lot standards (Sec. 133-7(a)(2)a.5).
- Certain wall sign configurations, larger individual wall signs (in exchange for reducing other wall signage), and wall graphics require zoning administrator approval (Sec. 133-7(a)(1)c–d; Sec. 133-6(10)).
- No master sign plan requirement is specified in the ordinance.
Source: municode municipal code