# Sign Regulations in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Brooklyn Center, Minnesota (MN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/minnesota/brooklyn-center
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-08
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://mybrooklyncenter.org/ordinances/34.html#34-150)

## At a glance

Brooklyn Center, Minnesota regulates 51 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - Individual Establishments in the Commercial District (C2), Industrial District (I-1, I-2) zoning district are capped at Corresponding max heights above first floor: up to 24 ft (through 4,400 sq ft); 25 ft (4,401–7,500); 26 ft (7,501–16,200); 27 ft (16,201–18,800); 28 ft (18,801–20,600); 29 ft (20,601–22,000); 30 ft (22,001–23,000); 31 ft (23,001–24,000); 32 ft (Above 24,000) tall and GFA up to 2,200 sq ft: 90 sq ft; 2,201–2,400: 96 sq ft; 2,401–2,600: 104 sq ft; 2,601–2,800: 112 sq ft; 2,801–3,000: 120 sq ft; 3,001–3,200: 128 sq ft; 3,201–3,400: 135 sq ft; 3,401–3,600: 140 sq ft; 3,601–4,000: 145 sq ft; 4,001–4,400: 150 sq ft; 4,401–5,000: 155 sq ft; 5,001–5,600: 160 sq ft; 5,601–6,500: 165 sq ft; 6,501–7,500: 170 sq ft; 7,501–9,200: 175 sq ft; 9,201–11,600: 180 sq ft; 11,601–14,400: 185 sq ft; 14,401–16,200: 190 sq ft; 16,201–17,600: 195 sq ft; 17,601–18,800: 200 sq ft; 18,801–19,800: 205 sq ft; 19,801–20,600: 210 sq ft; 20,601–22,000: 220 sq ft; 22,001–23,000: 230 sq ft; 23,001–24,000: 240 sq ft; Above 24,000: 250 sq ft, with a 10 ft from side lot line; visibility/sight triangle clearance per 34-140.1.f and 35-560. setback (Sec. 34-140.3.A.2.a; Table 34A; 34-140.1.d–f). Most commercial signs in Brooklyn Center require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (5 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 22 | No greater than 15 ft or ground floor height, whichever is less | Up to 48 sq ft (aggregate) on worksite; up to 6 sq ft if in public right-of-way/easement | — |
| Commercial District (C2), Industrial District (I-1, I-2) | 16 | Per Table 34A using aggregate GFA (height above first floor) | GFA up to 2,200 sq ft: 90 sq ft; 2,201–2,400: 96 sq ft; 2,401–2,600: 104 sq ft; 2,601–2,800: 112 sq ft; 2,801–3,000: 120 sq ft; 3,001–3,200: 128 sq ft; 3,201–3,400: 135 sq ft; 3,401–3,600: 140 sq ft; 3,601–4,000: 145 sq ft; 4,001–4,400: 150 sq ft; 4,401–5,000: 155 sq ft; 5,001–5,600: 160 sq ft; 5,601–6,500: 165 sq ft; 6,501–7,500: 170 sq ft; 7,501–9,200: 175 sq ft; 9,201–11,600: 180 sq ft; 11,601–14,400: 185 sq ft; 14,401–16,200: 190 sq ft; 16,201–17,600: 195 sq ft; 17,601–18,800: 200 sq ft; 18,801–19,800: 205 sq ft; 19,801–20,600: 210 sq ft; 20,601–22,000: 220 sq ft; 22,001–23,000: 230 sq ft; 23,001–24,000: 240 sq ft; Above 24,000: 250 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District (C1, C1A) | 7 | Up to 20 ft above ground level | Up to 145 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7) | 4 | Up to 10 ft above ground level | Up to 36 sq ft | — |
| Public Uses (All Districts Where Public Uses Are Allowed) | 4 | Up to 10 ft (single sign); up to 15 ft if electing single sign in lieu of second | DMS area ≤50% of the maximum allowable size of the freestanding sign | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (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 | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Directional Sign (Wall or Freestanding) (Exempt) | No greater than 15 ft or ground floor height, whichever is less | Less than 16 sq ft | — | — | — | Site, pedestrian, vehicular traffic, parking and other appropriate directional signs as approved by the Zoning Official | — | 34-140.2.b |
| Worksite Sign (Architect/Engineer/Contractor/Owner) (Exempt) | — | Up to 48 sq ft (aggregate) on worksite; up to 6 sq ft if in public right-of-way/easement | — | 10 ft from curb/roadway edge; 2 ft from trail/sidewalk; outside sight triangle per 35-560 (for ROW/easement placement). | — | On respective worksite; limited allowance in public right-of-way/easement if 6 sq ft max and meets setbacks | — | 34-140.2.d |
| Real Estate Sign - Property For Sale/Lease (Residential Property) (Exempt) | — | Up to 6 sq ft | — | For signs in ROW/easement: 10 ft from curb/roadway; 2 ft from trail/sidewalk; outside sight triangle per 35-560. | One on-site sign per property; off-site open house signs per showing | On the property being sold/leased; off-site 'open house' signs allowed on privately-owned residential property during showing only | — | 34-140.2.l.1 |
| Project Development Sign - New Residential/Commercial/Industrial Project (Exempt) | — | Project area under 10 acres: 48 sq ft; Project area over 10 acres: 320 sq ft | — | At least 130 ft from any pre-existing home | One per major thoroughfare abutting the project | On project site; at least 130 ft from any pre-existing home | — | 34-140.2.l.2 |
| Leasing/Sale Sign - Portions of Commercial/Industrial Buildings (Exempt) | Freestanding signs no higher than 10 ft above ground level | Up to 32 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | On the commercial/industrial property | — | 34-140.2.l.3 |
| Leasing/Sale Sign - Multiple Family Dwellings (Exempt) | Freestanding signs no higher than 10 ft above ground level | Up to 6 sq ft; up to 32 sq ft if complex >36 units and adjacent to a major thoroughfare | — | — | One per street frontage | On the multi-family property | — | 34-140.2.l.4 |
| Noncommercial Opinion/Expression Sign - Residential Property (Exempt) | — | Up to 6 sq ft | — | 10 ft from curb/roadway and 2 ft from trail/sidewalk; outside sight triangle (35-560). | One such sign allowed | On private residentially zoned or used property, with consent of the property owner | — | 34-140.2.n.1, 34-140.2.n.3 |
| Noncommercial Opinion/Expression Sign - Commercial/Industrial Site (Exempt) | — | Any single sign or signable area allowed on the site (used in lieu of other signage permitted under the ordinance) | — | 10 ft from curb/roadway and 2 ft from trail/sidewalk; outside sight triangle (35-560). | Any single sign/signable area allowed, in lieu of other signage | On a site devoted to commercial or industrial use | — | 34-140.2.n.2, 34-140.2.n.3 |

### Commercial District (C2), Industrial District (I-1, I-2)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign - Individual Establishments | — | 15% of wall area per wall | — | — | Signs may be on each wall subject to aggregate area limit per wall | On each wall of individual detached establishments (not clustered) | — | 34-140.3.A.1.a; 34-140.1.b |
| Freestanding Sign - Individual Establishments | Corresponding max heights above first floor: up to 24 ft (through 4,400 sq ft); 25 ft (4,401–7,500); 26 ft (7,501–16,200); 27 ft (16,201–18,800); 28 ft (18,801–20,600); 29 ft (20,601–22,000); 30 ft (22,001–23,000); 31 ft (23,001–24,000); 32 ft (Above 24,000) | GFA up to 2,200 sq ft: 90 sq ft; 2,201–2,400: 96 sq ft; 2,401–2,600: 104 sq ft; 2,601–2,800: 112 sq ft; 2,801–3,000: 120 sq ft; 3,001–3,200: 128 sq ft; 3,201–3,400: 135 sq ft; 3,401–3,600: 140 sq ft; 3,601–4,000: 145 sq ft; 4,001–4,400: 150 sq ft; 4,401–5,000: 155 sq ft; 5,001–5,600: 160 sq ft; 5,601–6,500: 165 sq ft; 6,501–7,500: 170 sq ft; 7,501–9,200: 175 sq ft; 9,201–11,600: 180 sq ft; 11,601–14,400: 185 sq ft; 14,401–16,200: 190 sq ft; 16,201–17,600: 195 sq ft; 17,601–18,800: 200 sq ft; 18,801–19,800: 205 sq ft; 19,801–20,600: 210 sq ft; 20,601–22,000: 220 sq ft; 22,001–23,000: 230 sq ft; 23,001–24,000: 240 sq ft; Above 24,000: 250 sq ft | — | 10 ft from side lot line; visibility/sight triangle clearance per 34-140.1.f and 35-560. | One per establishment; may be one per eligible street frontage if criteria met | On lot of individual detached establishment | — | 34-140.3.A.2.a; Table 34A; 34-140.1.d–f |
| Freestanding Sign - Clustered Establishments (Aggregate) | Per Table 34A using aggregate GFA (height above first floor) | Per Table 34A using aggregate GFA | — | General freestanding setbacks apply. | One per street; eligibility for second per street if criteria met | At shopping center/multitenant office/industrial building | — | 34-140.3.A.2.b; Table 34A |
| Freestanding Sign - Second Sign for Outdoor Sales/Display | Up to 24 ft above building first floor elevation | Up to 125 sq ft | — | General freestanding setbacks apply; 150 ft buffer from residential zoning for eligibility. | Second freestanding sign allowed if criteria met | On lots with individual establishment having gross building floor area >24,000 sq ft and lot area ≥4 acres; at least 50% of land area utilized for outdoor sales, display, storage | — | 34-140.3.A.2.c |
| Freestanding Sign - Wall/Freestanding Tradeoff (Option 1) | Masonry wall structure height ≤6 ft above ground level | Letters/cutouts area ≤1/3 of permitted freestanding sign area (Table 34A) | — | Not in required greenstrip; within 50 ft of principal building wall. | One additional freestanding identification sign allowed under tradeoff | Within 50 ft of a principal building wall; not in required greenstrip or a parking lot | — | 34-140.3.A.2.d |
| Development Complex Freestanding Sign | Up to 15 ft | Up to 145 sq ft | — | — | One per street front | One per street front for multiple-building development complex | — | 34-140.3.A.2.e |
| Roof Sign (In Lieu of Freestanding Sign) - Option 1 | ≤6 ft above roof line or Table 34A height (whichever is lesser) | Per Table 34A for the eligible freestanding sign | — | — | One roof sign in lieu of the eligible freestanding sign | On roof; not projecting above roof line beyond allowed limit | — | 34-140.3.A.3; see prohibition exception 34-130.10 |
| Gasoline Service Station - Pump Island Informational Sign | Up to 15 ft | Up to 20 sq ft | — | — | One informational sign per pump island | On each pump island | — | 34-140.3.A.5 |

### Commercial District (C1, C1A)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall/Projecting Sign - Individual Establishments | — | 10% of wall area per wall | — | — | Per wall subject to aggregate cap | On each wall of individual detached establishments (not clustered) | — | 34-140.3.B.1.a; 34-140.1.b |
| Wall/Projecting Sign - Clustered Establishments | — | 10% of wall area per wall | — | — | Per wall; option for one collective sign per wall | On walls of multitenant/clustered establishments | — | 34-140.3.B.1.b(i–ii) |
| Wall/Projecting Sign - Multistory Office Building | — | 10% of wall area per wall | — | — | One per wall | On each wall of the multistory office building | — | 34-140.3.B.1.c; 34-140.1.i |
| Freestanding Sign - Individual or Clustered Establishments | Up to 20 ft above ground level | Up to 72 sq ft | — | General freestanding setbacks apply citywide. | One; may have one per eligible street frontage | On lot of individual or clustered establishment | — | 34-140.3.B.2.a |
| Freestanding Sign - Single Larger (In Lieu of Second Sign) (Option 1) | Up to 20 ft above ground level | Up to 108 sq ft | — | — | One single larger sign (replaces second sign) | Along a collector or arterial street | — | 34-140.3.B.2.a |
| Development Complex Freestanding Sign | Up to 15 ft | Up to 145 sq ft | — | — | One per street front | One per street front for a multiple building development complex | — | 34-140.3.B.2.b |
| Canopy Sign | — | ≤10% of canopy face/elevation parallel to wall | — | Canopy must meet building wall setback requirements. | — | On canopy attached to building wall | — | 34-140.3.B.3(a–c); 34-140.3.A.4(a–e) |

## Prohibited signs in Brooklyn Center

- Signs that by position, shape, or color interfere with the proper function of a traffic sign or signal (34-130(1)).
- Signs within the public right-of-way or easement, except specific types expressly allowed (government-installed; certain architect/contractor/owner worksite signs; certain campaign signs; certain real estate signs; rummage sale signs; noncommercial opinion signs) and subject to size/setback conditions (34-130(2); 34-140.2.d, .f, .l.1, .m, .n).
- Signs that resemble official governmental markers or display words such as “Stop” or “Danger” (34-130(3)).
- Flashing signs (including indoor signs visible from public streets) and rotating signs (34-130(4)); permitted freestanding, wall-mounted, or projecting signs may not rotate and must remain stationary (34-140.1(g)).
- Rotating beams, beacons, or flashing illumination (e.g., searchlights) unless approved by an Administrative Permit under Section 35-800 (34-130(5)).
- Signs or sign structures that obstruct a window, door, fire escape, stairway, or any opening intended for ingress/egress (34-130(6)).
- Banners, pennants, streamers, balloons, stringers, or similar attention-attracting devices, unless approved by Administrative Permit under Section 35-800 or expressly authorized for rummage sales (34-140.2.m) or decorative banners (34-140.2.o) (34-130(7)).
- Sign posters tacked or posted on trees, fences, utility poles, or similar supports (34-130(8)).
- Portable signs, except as allowed for campaign signs (34-140.2.f) or by Administrative Permit under Section 35-800 (34-130(9)).
- Roof signs, except as specifically allowed in lieu of a freestanding identification sign per Section 34-140.3.A.3 (34-130(10)).
- Off-premises advertising signs (billboards) except as otherwise permitted by Section 34-140 and Section 35-800; signs advertising a business no longer operating on the premises are deemed off-premises and must be abated per 34-140.1.j (34-130(11)).
- Signs painted directly on building walls (34-130(12)).
- Any sign not expressly permitted by the ordinance (34-130(13)).
- Signs painted on a commercial vehicle parked at a commercial premises to serve as a static advertising display when not making a pickup/delivery or appropriately stored (34-130(14)).
- Illuminated signs whose light beam shines directly upon any part of a residence or into the street (34-140.1(a)).
- No part of any sign may project over or beyond the property line of the property upon which the sign is located (34-140.1(e)).
- Maintaining obsolete/off-premises signage after the occupant ceases use is prohibited; all associated sign copy and structures must be removed within prescribed timeframes (34-140.1(j)).

## Signs exempt from permit in Brooklyn Center

- Identification signs for one- and two-family dwellings less than 2 sq. ft. (34-140.2(a)).
- Small directional signs (site/pedestrian/vehicular/parking) under 16 sq. ft. and ≤15 ft. high or ground-floor height, as approved by the Zoning Official (34-140.2(b)).
- Traffic control signs, noncommercial governmental signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, and temporary nonadvertising safety or emergency signs (34-140.2(c)).
- Worksite signs denoting the architect, engineer, contractor, or owner up to 48 sq. ft., removed within 10 days after construction completion; may be in right-of-way/easement if ≤6 sq. ft. and meeting setback/sight triangle requirements (34-140.2(d)).
- Copy or message changes on permitted printed or painted signs (34-140.2(e)).
- Portable and freestanding campaign signs within election timeframes and size limits; must be on private property with owner permission and meet setback/sight triangle requirements; no size limit during the state-defined primary-to-general election period (34-140.2(f)).
- Signs or posters painted on or attached to the inside of display windows (including illuminated, but not flashing) (34-140.2(g)).
- Flags, badges, or insignia of governments or civic/religious/fraternal/professional organizations; one corporate flag for commercial/industrial establishments as identification (product/service advertising on flags requires Administrative Permit under Section 35-800) (34-140.2(h)).
- Emergency signs required by other governmental agencies (34-140.2(i)).
- Temporary displays erected to celebrate/commemorate/observe a civil or religious holiday (34-140.2(j)).
- Courtesy bench signs installed/maintained by a City-licensed entity (34-140.2(k)).
- Real estate signs, subject to type-specific limits: (1) Temporary on-site signs for selling/leasing lots/buildings (≤6 sq. ft. for residential; ≤32 sq. ft. for other property) with one per property, removed within 10 days of lease/sale; small off-site 'open house' signs allowed under conditions and may be in right-of-way/easement if ≤6 sq. ft. and meeting setbacks/sight triangle; (2) Temporary freestanding signs for new developments (size limits by project size; locational/time limits); (3) Leasing/sale signs for portions of commercial/industrial buildings when <95% occupied (≤32 sq. ft., ≤10 ft. high, one per frontage); (4) Leasing/sale signs for multifamily dwellings when vacancies exist (≤6 sq. ft., or ≤32 sq. ft. for complexes >36 units adjacent to a major thoroughfare; freestanding ≤10 ft. high); all must be legible and maintained (34-140.2(l)).
- Rummage sale signs: on-site ≤6 sq. ft.; off-site ≤6 sq. ft. on other residential property with permission; may display banners/pennants/balloons/etc. on the sale property; display only during sale; must include name, address, and dates; must meet setbacks/sight triangle; sale must meet ordinance definition (34-140.2(m)).
- Noncommercial opinion or expression signs: (1) One ≤6 sq. ft. non-illuminated sign on private residentially zoned/used property with owner consent; (2) Any single signable area allowed on a commercial/industrial site may be used in lieu of other signage for noncommercial expression; must meet setbacks/sight triangle (34-140.2(n)).
- Decorative banners attached to or hung from light standards or similar structures up to 16 sq. ft., containing no commercial advertising/logo/product identification and maintained in good condition (34-140.2(o)).
- Works of public art signs approved/established/maintained by specified governments or agencies, located entirely on their property, and not visible from residentially zoned property within 125 feet (34-140.2(p)).
- Specific allowances in public right-of-way/easement: government-installed signs; certain small worksite signs; certain campaign signs; certain real estate 'open house' signs; rummage sale signs; and noncommercial opinion signs, all subject to size and setback/sight-triangle limits (34-130(2); 34-140.2 cross-references).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required before erecting, re-erecting, or altering any sign unless it is a sign listed in Section 34-140.2 (permit not required for those types) (34-150).
- Electrical permits are required for all electric signs (34-150).
- An Administrative Permit under Section 35-800 is required for certain otherwise prohibited attention-attracting devices (e.g., searchlights/rotating beacons), banners/pennants/streamers/balloons/stringers unless specifically authorized elsewhere, certain portable signs, and flags used for product/service advertising (34-130(5), 34-130(7), 34-130(9); 34-140.2(h)).
- Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) are permitted only in the C2, I-1, and I-2 districts for non-public uses and must meet additional standards (message duration, etc.) (34-140.1(k)); a sign permit is still required.
- Dynamic Message Signs owned or operated by a Public Use in districts where Public Uses are allowed require approval by a Special Use Permit under Section 35-220 and must meet additional standards (orientation, size share of sign, minimum 8-second static message, setback from dwellings, brightness limits) (34-140.1(l); 34-140.3.D).
- Variances from sign requirements follow Section 35-240 procedures: the Board of Adjustments and Appeals may recommend and the City Council may grant variances upon findings of unique hardship, with public welfare considerations; this entails a formal variance process (34-180).
- Appeals of administrative interpretations or determinations may be filed pursuant to Section 35-251 (34-170).
- No master sign plan or comprehensive sign plan requirement is referenced in Chapter 34.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 5 zoning districts in Brooklyn Center — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Brooklyn+Center+MN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-brooklyn-center

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