Sign Regulations in Center, Minnesota
Center, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include For Sale/For Lease Sign, Exempt Sign (Maximum 2 signs 2 sq ft or less), Freestanding Sign. 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 Center, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Center
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 8 feet | 32 square feet | 15 feet from property line abutting right-of-way, 5 feet from side or rear property line; see § 207.10 |
| For Sale/For Lease Sign | 6 feet for single-family, two-family, townhouse units; 8 feet for multi-family or institutional uses | 12 square feet for single-family, two-family, townhouse units; 32 square feet for multi-family or institutional uses | — |
| Exempt Sign (Maximum 2 signs 2 sq ft or less) | — | 2 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- For Sale/For Lease Sign
- Exempt Sign (Maximum 2 signs 2 sq ft or less)
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall, Canopy, or Marquee Sign (Single Occupancy)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Center, monument signs are limited to 8 feet. 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 Center, 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 Center, regulated sign types include For Sale/For Lease Sign, Exempt Sign (Maximum 2 signs 2 sq ft or less), Freestanding Sign, Wall, Canopy, or Marquee Sign (Single Occupancy), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Center, monument signs typically require a 15 feet from property line abutting right-of-way, 5 feet from side or rear property line; see § 207.10 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 sign regulations in Center, Minnesota typically include restrictions on brightness, animation, message duration, and hours of operation. Many jurisdictions require automatic dimming. Use PermitPal for exact requirements.
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Center, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Center, Minnesota regulates 16 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Sandwich Board Signs in the B-1 Downtown Business District, B-2 Highway Business District zoning district are capped at 4 feet tall, 12 square feet (4' high x 3' wide maximum), and 3 feet wide, with a Min 1 foot from back of curb setback (Sec. § 207.04(G)). Most commercial signs in Center require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Center, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Center (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 Agricultural District, RR Rural Residential District | 4 | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| R-1 Traditional Single-Family Residential District, R-2 Suburban Single-Family Residential District, R-3 Medium Density Residential District, R-4 Multiple-Family Residential District | 5 | 10 feet | 100 square feet per sign face | — |
| B-1 Downtown Business District, B-2 Highway Business District | 6 | 20 feet | 440 square feet | — |
| I-1 Light Industrial District | 4 | 10 feet | 100 square feet per side | — |
| POS Parks and Open Space District | 4 | 10 feet | 100 square feet per sign face | — |
| Planned Unit Development | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 40 feet | 400 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Center(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
R-1 Traditional Single-Family Residential District, R-2 Suburban Single-Family Residential District, R-3 Medium Density Residential District, R-4 Multiple-Family 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Public/Semi-Public/Institutional Uses) | 10 feet | 100 square feet per sign face | — | 15 feet from property line abutting right-of-way, 5 feet from side or rear property line; see § 207.10 | 1 per lot, or 2 if multiple entrances | Per lot; per entrance from collector or arterial street | — | Unlock | § 207.09(B)(1)(a) |
| Wall, Canopy, or Marquee Sign (Single Occupancy) | — | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per facade; max 2 if on corner/through lot; additional per entrance | On one facade fronting public street; for corner/through lots, 1 additional sign on a second facade fronting public street | — | Unlock | § 207.09(B)(1)(b) |
| For Sale/For Lease Sign | 6 feet for single-family, two-family, townhouse units; 8 feet for multi-family or institutional uses | 12 square feet for single-family, two-family, townhouse units; 32 square feet for multi-family or institutional uses | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 207.04(F) |
| Exempt Sign (Maximum 2 signs 2 sq ft or less) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 2 | — | — | Unlock | § 207.04(B) |
| Exempt Residential Sign | — | 9 square feet | — | — | 1 per property | — | — | Unlock | § 207.04(C) |
B-1 Downtown Business District, B-2 Highway Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 20 feet | 100 square feet per side | — | 15 feet from property line abutting right-of-way, 5 feet from side or rear property line; see § 207.10 | 1 per lot | On lot | — | Unlock | § 207.09(C)(1)(a) |
| Wall, Canopy, or Marquee Sign (Single Occupancy) | — | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per facade; up to 2 facades; additional by B-1/large building rules | On 1 facade fronting a public street; additional on up to 2 facades if corner/through lot; B-1: additional sign may be on a side/rear wall (may or may not front a street). | — | Unlock | § 207.09(C)(1)(b) |
| Wall, Canopy, or Marquee Sign (Large Single Occupancy ≥ 45,000 sq ft) - Option 1 | — | 440 square feet | — | — | See additional_requirements | One facade fronting public street | — | Unlock | § 207.09(C)(1)(b)2.a-b |
| For Sale/For Lease Sign | 10 feet | 64 square feet (parcels over 10 acres or in B-1, B-2) | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 207.04(F)(2) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 feet | 12 square feet (4' high x 3' wide maximum) | 3 feet | Min 1 foot from back of curb | 1 per principal building or tenant (with exclusive exterior entrance) | On business property, public sidewalk directly abutting property, or within required building setbacks; not on vehicles | — | Unlock | § 207.04(G) |
| Exempt Sign (Maximum 2 signs 2 sq ft or less) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | 2 | — | — | Unlock | § 207.04(B) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per principal building | On each principal building in all districts (except farm buildings) | — | Unlock | § 207.07(I) |
| Temporary Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Sign | — | 50 square feet per sign face | — | — | 2 per property at same time | — | — | Unlock | § 207.07(F) |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of window area | — | — | — | In the window | — | Unlock | § 207.07(O) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 24 square feet | — | — | — | Commercial districts | — | Unlock | § 207.07(U) |
| Billboard | 40 feet | 400 square feet | — | — | — | As a principal use of property; only billboards existing prior to June 7, 2011, allowed. | — | Unlock | § 207.07(V) |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign (Permanent) | 10 feet for residential uses; 20 feet for commercial/industrial/institutional uses | 100 square feet per sign face | — | — | 1 per entrance | At the entrance from a collector/arterial street for subdivisions of at least 3 lots or buildings | — | Unlock | § 207.07(W)(1) |
| Subdivision Sign (Temporary) | 8 feet for freestanding signs | 64 square feet face | — | — | 1 per project/subdivision or per frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 207.07(W)(2) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Center. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Center
- No sign, signal, marking, or device may imitate or resemble any official traffic-control device, railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signs, or attempt to direct the movement of traffic or interfere with any official traffic-control device.
- No sign may be over 600 square feet in area, except within the POS Public and Open Space District.
- Off premises signs are prohibited except as allowed by § 207.07(J) and (V).
- Balloon signs are prohibited.
- Signs containing content classified as 'obscene' as defined by M.S. § 617.241 are prohibited.
- Signs may not be painted, attached, or in any way affixed to trees or similar natural surfaces, or attached to utility poles, bridges, towers, or similar public structures.
- Only signs installed at the direction of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Chisago County, or the city may be located within public rights-of-way.
- No sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign or sign structure shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- No signs, guys, stays, or attachments may be erected, placed, or maintained on trees, nor interfere with any electric light, power, or telephone or their supports.
- Illuminated signs must be shielded to prevent lights from being directed at oncoming traffic with such brilliance that it impairs driver vision and may not interfere with or obscure traffic signs or signals. Lighting may not illuminate any adjacent properties, buildings, or streets.
- No sign shall be attached or be allowed to hang from any building until all necessary wall and roof attachments have been approved by the Zoning Administrator.
Exempt Signs in Center
- Changing the display surface on a painted or printed sign only (limited to poster replacement and/or on-site changes involving sign painting elsewhere than directly on a building) does not require a permit.
- No more than 2 signs not exceeding 2 square feet each in size do not require a permit.
- One sign per property in residential districts not to exceed 9 square feet does not require a permit.
- All noncommercial signs of any size posted in any number from 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year until 10 days following the general election, and 13 weeks prior to any special election until 10 days following the special election, do not require a permit.
- Official signs do not require a permit.
- One sign per street frontage when a building is offered for sale or lease is exempt, subject to size and height restrictions per district and parcel size.
- Sandwich board signs as provided in § 207.04(G) are exempt from permitting if located entirely on private property, with exceptions for public sidewalk/boulevard placement which require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Center
- A permit is required for all signs unless specifically exempted. Permit application must include a site plan to scale showing the location of lot lines, buildings, structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs, and any other physical features.
- For multiple occupancy commercial and industrial buildings, a comprehensive sign plan must be submitted and approved before a permit for a new or replacement sign for an individual tenant is issued.
- For subdivisions, detailed site and landscape plans, and detailed construction plans and a materials list, must be included with each sign permit application for permanent entry signs. For temporary signage associated with new subdivisions, a comprehensive signage plan must be approved prior to display.
- Issuance of a sign permit is required for sandwich board signs located upon the sidewalk or boulevard portion of a public right-of-way within the B-1 Downtown Business District.