Sign Regulations in Callaway, Minnesota
Callaway, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Business Sign - Wall, Roof, or Marquee, Freestanding Business Sign, Advertising Sign - Freestanding. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Callaway, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Callaway
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign - Wall, Roof, or Marquee | Not to extend above the roof or parapet line. If hanging below covered walk or marquee, not more than 8 ft above walk or ground grade. | Whichever is greater of (a) 2 sq ft/ft of lot frontage, (b) 15% of building facing area, or (c) 75 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Business Sign | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. |
| Advertising Sign - Freestanding | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- Business Sign - Wall, Roof, or Marquee
- Freestanding Business Sign
- Advertising Sign - Freestanding
- Electronic Changeable Copy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Callaway, wall signs can be up to Not to extend above the roof or parapet line. If hanging below covered walk or marquee, not more than 8 ft above walk or ground grade. and monument signs are limited to 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Callaway, 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 Callaway, regulated sign types include Business Sign - Wall, Roof, or Marquee, Freestanding Business Sign, Advertising Sign - Freestanding, Electronic Changeable Copy Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Callaway, monument signs typically require a Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Callaway are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Callaway has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Callaway, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Callaway, Minnesota regulates 10 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Business Signs in the C-1 Business District, Commercial C-1 Zone zoning district are capped at 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) tall, 150 sq ft per sign face, and 15 ft in total length wide, with a Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. setback (Sec. § 17150.05(A)(2-3,7-9), § 17150.07(C), § 17150.08). Most commercial signs in Callaway require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Callaway, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Callaway (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-1 Business District, Commercial C-1 Zone | 6 | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | — |
| C-2 Light Industry District, Light Industrial C-2 Zone | 6 | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | — |
| Residential District | 2 | No more than 15 feet; bottom no less than 2 feet from ground | 12 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Callaway(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
C-1 Business District, Commercial C-1 Zone
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign - Wall, Roof, or Marquee | Not to extend above the roof or parapet line. If hanging below covered walk or marquee, not more than 8 ft above walk or ground grade. | Whichever is greater of (a) 2 sq ft/ft of lot frontage, (b) 15% of building facing area, or (c) 75 sq ft | — | — | — | On building wall, roof of covered walk, or marquee. Hanging signs must be at least 2 ft inside all curb lines. | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(A)(4-5), § 17150.07(C), § 17150.08 |
| Freestanding Business Sign | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | 15 ft in total length | Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. | — | On lot; not within 25-ft sight triangle at street intersections unless bottom at least 9 ft above grade | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(A)(2-3,7-9), § 17150.07(C), § 17150.08 |
| Advertising Sign - Freestanding | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | 15 ft in total length | Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. | — | On lot; not within 25-ft sight triangle at street intersections unless bottom at least 9 ft above grade | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(A)(2-3,6,9-10), § 17150.07(C), § 17150.08 |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign | See general sign height limits (10 ft max for freestanding; max 32 ft from grade) | Electronic portion: 75 sq ft or 50% of sign face, whichever greater | — | 100 ft from principal residential structure; 100 ft from other electronic signs. | 1 per zoning lot (up to 2 for multi-street-front, only 1 per street front) | On site of use identified. Must be at least 100 feet from principal residential structure. | — | Unlock | § 17150.07(E)(1-10), § 17150.08 |
| Electronic Graphic Display Sign | See general sign height limits (10 ft max for freestanding; max 32 ft from grade) | Electronic portion: 75 sq ft or 50% of sign face, whichever greater | — | 100 ft from principal residential structure; 100 ft from other electronic signs. | 1 per zoning lot (up to 2 for multi-street-front, only 1 per street front) | On site of use identified. Must be at least 100 feet from principal residential structure. | — | Unlock | § 17150.07(E)(1-10), § 17150.08 |
| Portable Sign (Temporary) | — | 54 sq ft per side (except inflatable signs for ≤10 days) | — | Not in public right-of-way | 2 per lot or business | Private property only | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(B), § 17150.07(A)(2) |
C-2 Light Industry District, Light Industrial C-2 Zone
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Sign - Wall, Roof, or Marquee | Not to extend above the roof or parapet line. If hanging below covered walk or marquee, not more than 8 ft above walk or ground grade. | Whichever is greater of (a) 2 sq ft/ft of lot frontage, (b) 15% of building facing area, or (c) 75 sq ft | — | — | — | On building wall, roof of covered walk, or marquee. Hanging signs must be at least 2 ft inside all curb lines. | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(A)(4-5), § 17150.07(C), § 17150.08 |
| Freestanding Business Sign | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | 15 ft in total length | Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. | — | On lot; not within 25-ft sight triangle at street intersections unless bottom at least 9 ft above grade | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(A)(2-3,7-9), § 17150.07(C), § 17150.08 |
| Advertising Sign - Freestanding | 10 ft (except no sign shall project higher than 32 ft above average grade at base) | 150 sq ft per sign face | 15 ft in total length | Not within 25-ft sight triangle at intersections (unless at least 9 ft above grade); Not within 30 ft of property line abutting residential district. | — | On lot; not within 25-ft sight triangle at street intersections unless bottom at least 9 ft above grade | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(A)(2-3,6,9-10), § 17150.07(C), § 17150.08 |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign | See general sign height limits (10 ft max for freestanding; max 32 ft from grade) | Electronic portion: 75 sq ft or 50% of sign face, whichever greater | — | 100 ft from principal residential structure; 100 ft from other electronic signs. | 1 per zoning lot (up to 2 for multi-street-front, only 1 per street front) | On site of use identified. Must be at least 100 feet from principal residential structure. | — | Unlock | § 17150.07(E)(1-10), § 17150.08 |
| Electronic Graphic Display Sign | See general sign height limits (10 ft max for freestanding; max 32 ft from grade) | Electronic portion: 75 sq ft or 50% of sign face, whichever greater | — | 100 ft from principal residential structure; 100 ft from other electronic signs. | 1 per zoning lot (up to 2 for multi-street-front, only 1 per street front) | On site of use identified. Must be at least 100 feet from principal residential structure. | — | Unlock | § 17150.07(E)(1-10), § 17150.08 |
| Portable Sign (Temporary) | — | 54 sq ft per side (except inflatable signs for ≤10 days) | — | Not in public right-of-way | 2 per lot or business | Private property only | — | Unlock | § 17150.05(B), § 17150.07(A)(2) |
Residential District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign – For Sale or Lease | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 17150.06(A)(1) |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Engineer, Architect, Contractor, Product) | No more than 15 feet; bottom no less than 2 feet from ground | 12 sq ft per sign (unless larger required by state or federal regs) | — | — | — | Front yard only. Not in any side yard. | — | Unlock | § 17150.06(A)(2) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Callaway — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Callaway — start freeProhibited Signs in Callaway
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited except as permitted by § 17150.05(B).
- Signs that are structurally unsafe, in disrepair or abandoned are prohibited.
- Illuminated signs that cause glare onto the public right-of-way or adjacent property are prohibited.
- Signs and decorations containing words or pictures of obscene, pornographic or immoral character are prohibited.
- Signs are prohibited if, by reason of size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination, they may be confused with the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle, a traffic sign, signal or device, or that hide from view any traffic sign, signal or device.
- Signs and decorations are not permitted within the public right-of-way.
- No sign is permitted that resembles any official marker erected by a governmental agency or that displays such words as 'stop' or 'danger'.
- No sign may obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway or opening intended to provide air, ingress or egress to any building or structure.
- Any sign with any form of audio speakers or pyrotechnics is prohibited.
- Images projected onto buildings or other objects are prohibited.
- Any signs not listed as permitted are prohibited.
- Undue brightness from illuminated signs is prohibited, defined as illumination exceeding 7500 nits during the day or 500 nits at night.
- Electronic signs must be equipped to freeze or discontinue the display in case of malfunction.
- Illumination must not impair the vision of a motor vehicle driver or interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal.
Exempt Signs in Callaway
- Election signs containing non-commercial speech may be posted from August 1 in any general election year until ten days following the general election, and 13 weeks prior to any special election until ten days following the special election, on private property, notwithstanding other provisions.
- Certain small, unobtrusive, and incidental signs to the principal use of the respective lots may be allowed without a permit, subject to substantive requirements.
- Inflatable signs and balloon signs do not require a permit unless they are displayed for more than ten days.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Callaway
- A permit application for sign placement must be accompanied by detailed plans and other necessary information to determine compliance with location and applicable regulations, as required by § 17150.08(B).
- A permit, including Council approval, is required for the erection or maintenance of most signs.
- Prior to issuance of a permit for electronic message board signs, written certification from the manufacturer is required concerning light intensity and control.