Sign Regulations in Cambridge, Minnesota
Cambridge, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 37 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Electronic Message Sign, Temporary Signs, Wall Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cambridge, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Cambridge
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign - General Standards | Per Table B by street classification and speed; otherwise per zone-specific limits. | Counts toward property’s total allowable sign area per Table A; see zone-specific Table A values. | ≥ 5 ft from property line |
| Ground Sign - Elevated Highway-Oriented (Commercial/Industrial only) | Top of sign ≤ 15 ft above the grade elevation of the adjacent elevated four-lane highway | ≤ 200 sq ft | ≥ 5 ft from property line unless otherwise approved |
| Wayfinding Sign (Right-of-Way) | Determined by Zoning Administrator | ≤ 2 ft length x ≤ 3 ft height | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for CambridgeFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
37
- Electronic Message Sign
- Temporary Signs
- Wall Sign
- Ground Sign (Collector, 30 mph)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cambridge
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Cambridge 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge, regulated sign types include Electronic Message Sign, Temporary Signs, Wall Sign, Ground Sign (Collector, 30 mph), 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cambridge has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cambridge, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Cambridge, Minnesota regulates 37 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Ground Sign (Standard - Not Abutting Collector/Minor Arterial)s in the Professional Medical District (P-M) zoning district are capped at ≤ 6 ft tall and ≤ 32 sq ft, with a ≥ 5 ft from property line setback (Sec. § 156.063(D)(2)(a)-(d); (B)(4)(c)). Most commercial signs in Cambridge require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cambridge, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cambridge (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | Top of sign ≤ 15 ft above the grade elevation of the adjacent elevated four-lane highway | ≤ 200 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts (R-1A, R-1, R-2, R-3); Growth Area Districts (RA, UR) | 4 | ≤ 6 ft | As per general temporary sign limits: banners on buildings ≤100 sq ft; portable signs ≤32 sq ft. | — |
| Professional Medical District (P-M) | 11 | ≤ 28 ft | ≤ 175 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Business District (B-1) | 19 | ≤ 28 ft | ≤ 200 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Fringe Business District (B-1A) | 12 | 30 mph: ≤ 18 ft; 35 mph: ≤ 20 ft or ≤ 22 ft (two entries); 40 mph: ≤ 24 ft; 45 mph: ≤ 26 ft; 50+ mph: ≤ 28 ft. | Banners ≤100 sq ft; portable ≤32 sq ft; off-premises temporary signs ≤32 sq ft. | — |
| Highway Business District (B-2) | 11 | Local 30 mph: ≤6 ft; Collector 30 mph: ≤16 ft; Principal/Minor Arterial: 30 mph ≤18 ft; 35 mph ≤20 ft or ≤22 ft; 40 mph ≤24 ft; 45 mph ≤26 ft; 50+ mph ≤28 ft. | ≤ 200 sq ft | — |
| Business Transition District (BT) | 11 | Local 30 mph: ≤6 ft; Collector 30 mph: ≤16 ft; Principal/Minor Arterial: 30 mph ≤18 ft; 35 mph ≤20 ft or ≤22 ft; 40 mph ≤24 ft; 45 mph ≤26 ft; 50+ mph ≤28 ft. | ≤ 200 sq ft | — |
| Low Impact Business-Industrial District (I-1), Light Industrial District (I-2), General Industrial District (I-3), Industrial Transition District (IT) | 8 | 30 mph: ≤ 18 ft; 35 mph: ≤ 20 ft or ≤ 22 ft; 40 mph: ≤ 24 ft; 45 mph: ≤ 26 ft; 50+ mph: ≤ 28 ft. | ≤ 200 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cambridge(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Professional Medical District (P-M)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Standard - Not Abutting Collector/Minor Arterial) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 32 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft from property line | Per general ground sign limits unless part of a development complex | On private property. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(2)(a)-(d); (B)(4)(c) |
| Ground Sign (Collector, 30 mph) | ≤ 16 ft | ≤ 25 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | Per general ground sign limits | On lots abutting collector streets. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(2)(a)-(c); Table B |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 30 mph) | ≤ 18 ft | ≤ 75 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | Per general ground sign limits | On lots abutting principal/minor arterial streets. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(2)(a)-(c); Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 30 mph) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph - Option 1) | ≤ 20 ft | ≤ 25 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | On lots abutting principal/minor arterial streets. | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph: 25 sq ft area / 20 ft height) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph - Option 2) | ≤ 22 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | On lots abutting principal/minor arterial streets. | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph: 100 sq ft area / 22 ft height) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 40 mph) | ≤ 24 ft | ≤ 125 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | On lots abutting principal/minor arterial streets. | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 40 mph: 125 sq ft area / 24 ft height) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 45 mph) | ≤ 26 ft | ≤ 150 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | On lots abutting principal/minor arterial streets. | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 45 mph: 150 sq ft area / 26 ft height) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 50+ mph) | ≤ 28 ft | ≤ 175 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | On lots abutting principal/minor arterial streets. | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 50+ mph: 175 sq ft area / 28 ft height) |
Downtown Business District (B-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Local, 30 mph) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 20 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | Per general ground sign limits | On lots along local streets (30 mph). | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(3)(a)-(b); Table B (Local, 30 mph); (B)(4)(b)-(c) |
| Ground Sign (Collector, 30 mph) | ≤ 16 ft | ≤ 25 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | Per general ground sign limits | Along collector streets (30 mph). | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(3)(a)-(b); Table B (Collector, 30 mph); (B)(4)(b)-(c) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 30 mph) | ≤ 18 ft | ≤ 75 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along principal/minor arterial streets (30 mph). | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 30 mph); § 156.063(D)(3)(a)-(b); (B)(4)(b)-(c) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph - Option 1) | ≤ 20 ft | ≤ 25 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along principal/minor arterial streets (35 mph). | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph: 25 sq ft / 20 ft) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph - Option 2) | ≤ 22 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along principal/minor arterial streets (35 mph). | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 35 mph: 100 sq ft / 22 ft) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 40 mph) | ≤ 24 ft | ≤ 125 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along principal/minor arterial streets (40 mph). | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 40 mph: 125 sq ft / 24 ft) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 45 mph) | ≤ 26 ft | ≤ 150 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along principal/minor arterial streets (45 mph). | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 45 mph: 150 sq ft / 26 ft) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 50+ mph) | ≤ 28 ft | ≤ 175 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along principal/minor arterial streets (50+ mph). | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial, 50+ mph: 175 sq ft / 28 ft) |
Downtown Fringe Business District (B-1A)
| 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 | — | Property total area: Table A A=75 sq ft minimum; B=18% of wall surface area (cap not specified). | — | — | — | On principal structures. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(3)(a)-(b); Table A (B-1A) |
| Ground Sign (Local, 30 mph) | ≤ 6 ft | ≤ 20 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along local streets (30 mph). | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(3)(a)-(b); Table B; (B)(4)(b)-(c) |
| Ground Sign (Collector, 30 mph) | ≤ 16 ft | ≤ 25 sq ft | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along collector streets (30 mph). | — | Unlock | Table B (Collector, 30 mph); § 156.063(D)(3)(a)-(b) |
| Ground Sign (Principal/Minor Arterial, 30/35/40/45/50+ mph) | 30 mph: ≤ 18 ft; 35 mph: ≤ 20 ft or ≤ 22 ft (two entries); 40 mph: ≤ 24 ft; 45 mph: ≤ 26 ft; 50+ mph: ≤ 28 ft. | 30 mph: ≤ 75 sq ft; 35 mph: ≤ 25 sq ft or ≤ 100 sq ft (two entries); 40 mph: ≤ 125 sq ft; 45 mph: ≤ 150 sq ft; 50+ mph: ≤ 175 sq ft. | — | ≥ 5 ft | — | Along principal/minor arterial streets. | — | Unlock | Table B (Principal/Minor Arterial entries); § 156.063(D)(3)(a)-(b); (B)(4)(b)-(c) |
| Canopy Sign - Island Canopy | — | ≤ 20 sq ft per sign; length ≤ 10 ft | — | — | Up to 4 per canopy | On fuel island canopies. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(3)(e) |
| Gas Pump/Island/Canopy Support Sign | — | ≤ 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On gas pumps, islands, canopy supports. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(3)(f) |
| Drive-Thru Lane Sign (On-Site) | — | ≤ 50 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per lane | At each drive-up or walk-up lane. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(D)(3)(g) |
| Temporary Signs | — | Banners ≤100 sq ft; portable ≤32 sq ft; off-premises temporary signs ≤32 sq ft. | — | — | — | On private property; not in ROW. | — | Unlock | § 156.063(E)(1)-(12); (E)(9)(b)-(c) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Cambridge — 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 Cambridge — start freeProhibited Signs in Cambridge
- Placing, erecting, replacing, or altering any sign without a sign permit, unless specifically exempt.
- Signs that by reason of position, shape, or color interfere with the proper function of a traffic sign or mislead vehicular traffic.
- Signs that by reason of illumination or brightness disturb the peace of any neighboring residential property.
- Signs within a public right-of-way or on a public easement, except for signs installed by governmental units and B-1/B-1A district sidewalk signs as regulated (or where an Easement Agreement is approved by the City).
- Signs that resemble any official marker erected by a governmental agency or that display words such as 'stop' or 'danger' without legal authority.
- Signs attached to trees, benches, street light standards, or utility poles.
- Signs with rotating beams, spotlights, flashing illumination, pennants, or stringers.
- Signs that project over and into a public right-of-way, except for canopy, flag mount, or awning signs with a minimum 7-foot clearance above a public sidewalk in the B-1 and B-1A districts.
- Rotating signs.
- Signs painted on or attached to vehicles where the vehicle is parked on a property and not intended to be moved.
- Signs on any rooftop.
- Off-premises signs, except as specifically allowed in this section.
- Signs that constitute a nuisance or a danger to public safety.
- Permanent signs made of non-durable materials such as vinyl, cloth, cardboard, or paper.
Exempt Signs in Cambridge
- One wall sign displaying the property address per principal building in all zoning districts, up to 1 square foot, not subject to permitting and not counted toward total sign area.
- Signs on residential properties that are less than 1 square foot in area (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Non-commercial signs in parking lots that are less than 8 square feet in size and 6 feet in height (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Noncommercial safety signs erected by railroad or utilities companies (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Temporary signs displayed while a parcel is for sale, available for lease, or under construction, subject to size and duration limits (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Non-commercial signs during election periods as allowed by Minnesota Statute 211B.045 (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Noncommercial flags, badges, or insignia (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Emergency signs required by any governmental agency (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Carvings or plaques incorporated into a building, made of permanent materials, containing only non-commercial speech (permit-exempt; do not count against allowable signage).
- Home occupation and residential day care: one non-illuminated sign not exceeding 8 square feet (permit-exempt; in B-1, B-1A, B-2, or BT districts, one non-illuminated ground sign may be allowed per Table A, column B).
- Signs erected or maintained by the City are exempt from the sign regulations.
- Message substitution: the owner of any otherwise allowed sign may substitute non-commercial speech without additional approval or permitting.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cambridge
- Commercial and industrial development complexes must obtain approval of a master sign plan from the Zoning Administrator; the plan must show proposed sign locations, materials, structures, and installation details, and may require amendments as occupancy or tenants change.
- All commercial development complexes require an approved master signage plan prior to installation of any signage.
- All industrial development complexes require an approved master signage plan prior to installation of any signage.
- Property owners must request City designation as a Commercial or Industrial Development Complex before using complex sign standards.
- Additional ground signs beyond the one-sign maximum may be authorized through a conditional use permit or as part of a planned unit development approval.
- Elevated ground signs for highway-oriented businesses that are adjacent to residential uses require a special use permit from the City Council.
- Installing a sign within a public easement requires an Easement Agreement with the City.
- Wayfinding signs on private property in all zoning districts require a sign permit; the Zoning Administrator determines wayfinding sign height.
- Wayfinding signs in the public right-of-way are installed and maintained by the City; the requester must pay fabrication, installation, and maintenance costs.
- A sign permit is required for any placement, erection, replacement, or alteration of a sign unless it is specifically exempt; a double fee may be charged if a sign is erected without first obtaining a permit.
Source: other municipal code