Sign Regulations in Buffalo, Minnesota
Buffalo, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 39 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Area Identification Sign, Institutional Identification Sign, Residential Area Identification Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 7, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Buffalo, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Buffalo
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — |
| Informational Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — |
| Non-commercial Sign (Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, Institutional zones) | — | 8 sq ft | Election period: At least 10 ft from curb. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
39
- Area Identification Sign
- Institutional Identification Sign
- Residential Area Identification Sign
- Single or Double Occupancy Multiple Family Sign - Freestanding
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Buffalo
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Buffalo 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 Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, regulated sign types include Area Identification Sign, Institutional Identification Sign, Residential Area Identification Sign, Single or Double Occupancy Multiple Family Sign - Freestanding, 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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Buffalo has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Buffalo Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Buffalo, Minnesota sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Buffalo, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Buffalo, Minnesota regulates 39 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Off-site Temporary Real Estate Directional Sign (Residential)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 3 ft tall and 4 sq ft, with a At least 10 ft from curb/edge of pavement setback (Sec. Sec. 34-40(5)). Most commercial signs in Buffalo require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Buffalo, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Buffalo (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 25 | 30 ft | 96 sq ft | — |
| B-5 (Central Business District), PUD (Planned Unit Development District) | 1 | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| B-3, B-4, B-5 (Central Business District), PUD (Planned Unit Development District) | 1 | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — |
| A-1, R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-MH | 2 | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — |
| R-6, R-7, R-B | 4 | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — |
| B-2 | 3 | 20 ft | 75 sq ft | — |
| B-3, B-4, B-5 (Central Business District), B-6, B-W | 3 | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| BC, I-1, I-2, I-4 | 3 | 10 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| PUD (Planned Unit Development District) | 1 | — | — | — |
| B-5 (Central Business District) | 1 | — | District maximum (see monument size) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Buffalo(sample of 3 of 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign (R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MH) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per abutting street | On site of construction; 1 per abutting street | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-39(6) |
| Construction Sign (A-1, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-B, Business and Industrial districts) | — | 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 per abutting street | On site of construction; 1 per abutting street | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-39(6) |
| Real Estate Sign - 6 or less dwelling units | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot; corner lot: 2 signs, one per street | On property for sale/rent; 1 per lot, or 2 for corner lot (1 per frontage) | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-40(1) |
| Real Estate Sign - 7 or more dwelling units | — | 32 sq ft | — | At least 100 ft from any preexisting home and per district setback requirements | 1 per public street providing access | 1 per public street providing access; must be >100 ft from any preexisting home | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-40(2) |
| Real Estate Sign - Industrial or Commercial Property | — | 64 sq ft | — | Not closer than 50% of required setback in the district | 1 per public street providing access | 1 per public street; not closer than 50% of district required setback | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-40(3) |
| Off-site Temporary Real Estate Directional Sign (Residential) | 3 ft | 4 sq ft | — | At least 10 ft from curb/edge of pavement | Max 1 per unit at any street intersection | May be on public right-of-way, min 10 ft from curb; must avoid interfering with trails or visibility | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-40(5) |
| Directional On-premises Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | Max 4 unless otherwise approved | On-premises | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-41(a) |
| Shopping Center/Retail Development/Industrial Park - Freestanding | 30 ft | Per zoning district max size | — | — | 1 per street frontage | 1 per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-103 |
R-6, R-7, R-B
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Identification Sign | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal use | 1 per principal use | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-74(1) |
| Residential Area Identification Sign | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 per area | 1 per area | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-74(2) |
| Single or Double Occupancy Multiple Family Sign - Freestanding | 10 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-74(3)a |
| Single or Double Occupancy Multiple Family Sign - Wall/Canopy/Marquee | — | 64 sq ft (per sign) | — | — | 1 per building (2 if corner lot) | Per building; wall, canopy, or marquee | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-74(3)b |
B-2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area Identification Sign | 20 ft | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per area | 1 per area (freestanding) | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-75(1) |
| Single or Double Occupancy Multiple Family Sign - Freestanding | 20 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-75(2)a |
| Wall/Canopy/Marquee Sign (B-2) | — | — | — | — | Unlimited, subject to area requirements | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 34-75(2)b |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Buffalo — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Buffalo — start freeProhibited Signs in Buffalo
- Signs interfering with the safe use of public streets or trails by vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or others may be removed at the discretion of the city.
- Rummage sale signs shall not be located in any public right-of-way, or on utility poles or equipment.
- Off-site, temporary directional signs shall be freestanding and shall not be attached to any other structure such as traffic control signs, utility poles, or other similar devices.
- No balloons, banners, or other attachments shall be permitted on off-site, temporary directional signage.
- All signs must comply with size, area, height, location, and duration restrictions specified in relevant sections.
- Noncommercial signs not conforming to the chapter shall be removed and destroyed by the city, and a fee shall be assessed.
Exempt Signs in Buffalo
- Public, noncommercial signs including safety, directional, trespassing, traffic, scenic/historical points of interest, and memorial plaques erected by or on behalf of a public official or employee in the performance of official duty.
- Identification signs not exceeding three square feet.
- Informational signs not exceeding 16 square feet.
- Noncommercial signs in commercial, industrial, agricultural, and institutional zones not exceeding eight square feet, or in residential zones not exceeding four square feet, subject to time/duration and removal requirements.
- Noncommercial signs of any size may be posted 46 days before the state primary in a general election year until ten days after the state general election, subject to placement restrictions.
- Holiday signs or displays pertaining to a religious, national, state, or local holiday and no other matter, displayed up to 75 days in any calendar year.
- Non-illuminated construction signs on the site of construction, alteration, or repair, with specified maximum area and time limits.
- Window signs not exceeding 50 percent of the total area of the window.
- Integral and OSHA signs.
- Real estate signs advertising property for sale or rent, subject to area, location, and duration restrictions.
- Rummage sale signs, subject to area, timing, and location restrictions, including off-site signs with property owner permission.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Buffalo
- A comprehensive sign plan is required for single principal buildings devoted to four or more businesses or industrial uses. No permit shall be issued for an individual use except upon a determination that it is consistent with the approved comprehensive sign plan.
- In shopping centers, retail developments, or industrial parks over ten acres and containing more than 50,000 gross square feet, the city may approve a comprehensive sign plan by conditional use permit, allowing consideration of additional or larger signs.
- In planned unit development (PUD) districts, signing restrictions are based upon the most restrictive zoning district in which the use is allowed, and commercial projects may be allowed to replace a permitted freestanding sign with one additional wall sign within specified total allowances.
Source: municode municipal code