Sign Regulations in Clearwater, Minnesota
Clearwater, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 11 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Freestanding Sign (Monument or Pole/Pylon). 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 Clearwater, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Clearwater
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | 8 sq. ft. | — |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | Setback: 10 ft. from all property lines |
| Freestanding Sign | 8 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | 10 ft. from all property lines |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
11
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign
- Freestanding Sign (Monument or Pole/Pylon)
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Clearwater
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Clearwater, monument signs are limited to 8 ft.. 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 Clearwater, 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 Clearwater, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign, Freestanding Sign (Monument or Pole/Pylon), Freestanding 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 Clearwater, monument signs typically require a Setback: 10 ft. from all property lines 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 Clearwater are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Clearwater has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Clearwater, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Clearwater, Minnesota regulates 11 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Monument, Pole, or Pylon)s in the Residential/Office Transition District (ROT), Highway Commercial District (C-1), Community Commercial District (C-2) zoning district are capped at I-94: 24 ft.; T.H. 24/75: 22 ft.; arterial/collector: 20 ft.; local street: 18 ft. tall and If facing I-94: 175 sq. ft.; T.H. 75 and/or T.H. 24: 150 sq. ft.; other arterial/collector: 125 sq. ft.; local street: 100 sq. ft. (not to exceed total area allowed per lot), with a 10 ft. from all property lines setback (Sec. Sec. 117-1256, Permanent Sign Table). Most commercial signs in Clearwater require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Clearwater, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Clearwater (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Reserve District (U-R), Residential, Single-Family—Urban District (R-1), Residential, Single-Family—Low-Density Urban District (R-2), Residential, Single-Family—Suburban District (R-3), Residential, Low-Density Attached Dwelling District (R-4) | 4 | 8 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential, Medium-Density Attached Dwelling District (R-5), Residential, High-Density District (R-6) | 2 | 8 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential/Office Transition District (ROT), Highway Commercial District (C-1), Community Commercial District (C-2) | 2 | I-94: 24 ft.; T.H. 24/75: 22 ft.; arterial/collector: 20 ft.; local street: 18 ft. | If facing I-94: 175 sq. ft.; T.H. 75 and/or T.H. 24: 150 sq. ft.; other arterial/collector: 125 sq. ft.; local street: 100 sq. ft. (not to exceed total area allowed per lot) | — |
| Old Town District (C-3) | 3 | 36 inches (3 ft.) | — | — |
| General Commercial District (C-4) | 2 | I-94: 24 ft.; TH 24/75: 22 ft.; arterial/collector: 20 ft.; local: 18 ft. | I-94: 175 sq. ft.; TH 75/24: 150 sq. ft.; arterial/collector: 125 sq. ft.; local: 100 sq. ft.; not to exceed maximum sign area per lot | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1), General Industrial District (I-2) | 2 | I-94: 24 ft.; T.H. 24/75: 22 ft.; arterial/collector: 20 ft.; local: 18 ft. | I-94: 175 sq. ft.; T.H. 75/24: 150 sq. ft.; arterial/collector: 125 sq. ft.; local: 100 sq. ft.; not to exceed total sign area per lot | — |
| Public Institutional District (P/I) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Planned Unit Development District (PUD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Floodplain Overlay District (FP), Shoreland Management Overlay District (S), Wild, Scenic and Recreational River District (WS) | 1 | 10 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Manufactured Housing Park District (R-MH) | 2 | 8 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Clearwater(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
Urban Reserve District (U-R), Residential, Single-Family—Urban District (R-1), Residential, Single-Family—Low-Density Urban District (R-2), Residential, Single-Family—Suburban District (R-3), Residential, Low-Density Attached Dwelling District (R-4)
| 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 | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1256, Table: Permanent signs by zoning district; Sec. 117-1253 |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — | Setback: 10 ft. from all property lines | — | Yard, minimum setback 10 ft. from all property lines | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1256, Permanent Sign Table |
| Freestanding Sign | 8 ft. | 8 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft. from all property lines | — | Yard, minimum setback 10 ft. | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1256, Permanent Sign Table |
| Nameplate | — | 8 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1250, 117-1256 |
Residential/Office Transition District (ROT), Highway Commercial District (C-1), Community Commercial District (C-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Monument, Pole, or Pylon) | I-94: 24 ft.; T.H. 24/75: 22 ft.; arterial/collector: 20 ft.; local street: 18 ft. | If facing I-94: 175 sq. ft.; T.H. 75 and/or T.H. 24: 150 sq. ft.; other arterial/collector: 125 sq. ft.; local street: 100 sq. ft. (not to exceed total area allowed per lot) | — | 10 ft. from all property lines | One per access or frontage on public street | Yard, minimum setback 10 ft. from property lines | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1256, Permanent Sign Table |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | Any combination up to total allowed | Building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1256, Permanent Sign Table |
Old Town District (C-3)
| 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 | — | — | — | — | Max one wall sign per lot | Building wall | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1256, Permanent Sign Table |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft. | — | — | — | One per lot | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1256, Permanent Sign Table |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 36 inches (3 ft.) | — | 30 inches | — | No more than one per business | Displayed only during store hours. Not to influence/obstruct driveways, entries, sidewalks; must not impact sightlines | — | Unlock | Sec. 117-1258 |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Clearwater — 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 Clearwater — start freeProhibited Signs in Clearwater
- Signs within any public right-of-way or upon public lands or easements or other public rights-of-way (except for governmental signs) are prohibited (Sec. 117-1251(2)).
- Signs obstructing ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, stairway or other opening are prohibited (Sec. 117-1251(3)).
- A sign or sign structure attached to a fire escape is prohibited (Sec. 117-1251(4)).
- Abandoned signs are prohibited (Sec. 117-1251(5)).
- Any sign that obstructs the vision of drivers or pedestrians or detracts from the visibility of any official traffic control device is prohibited (Sec. 117-1251(6)).
- Any sign which becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety of a building or premises or endangers the public safety is prohibited and must be removed (Sec. 117-1251(7)).
- Signs which are not authorized by a governmental unit which claim to be or imitate any official traffic control device or railroad sign or signal, or emergency vehicle signal are prohibited (Sec. 117-1251(1)).
- Unless stated otherwise, permanent signs shall be set back at least ten feet from all property lines and 20 feet from the edge of rights-of-way at intersections (Sec. 117-1252(4)).
- Signs shall not be placed on fences, trees or other vegetation, public street/traffic signs, utility poles or city/public property (Sec. 117-1250(b)).
- Billboards are prohibited in all residential zoning classifications (Sec. 117-1257(e)).
- Signs shall not be enlarged or altered in a way that increases nonconformity (Sec. 117-1259(1)).
- No sign may be affixed to a structure or erected without a permit, except where explicitly exempted (Sec. 117-1253(a)).
- Flashing, revolving, or moving signs (other than official traffic control devices), as prohibited elsewhere in the ordinance (implied by general purpose of safety and prohibited signs, though not specifically listed in this section).
Exempt Signs in Clearwater
- The changing of the display surface on a previously approved painted or printed sign does not require a permit (Sec. 117-1250(a)(1)).
- One sign six square feet or less in size per lot does not require a permit (Sec. 117-1250(a)(2)).
- Governmental signs, including but not limited to, traffic control, other regulatory purpose or street signs, informational signs, danger signs, and railroad crossing signs, do not require a permit (Sec. 117-1250(a)(3)).
- Any public sign whose primary purpose is to communicate community events and is erected by or on the order of a duly constituted public office of city, county, state or federal governments in pursuance of their public duties does not require a permit (Sec. 117-1250(a)(4)).
- Political campaign signs posted on private property with owner consent do not require a permit, provided they are not within 100 feet of polling sites, not in the public right-of-way, not posted before August 1, and are removed within ten days after the election (Sec. 117-1250(a)(5)).
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material, do not require a permit (Sec. 117-1250(a)(6)).
- Window signs, provided that no more than half of an individual window is covered, do not require a permit (Sec. 117-1250(a)(7)).
- Flags do not require a permit (Sec. 117-1250(a)(8)).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Clearwater
- Except as provided in section 117-1250 (signs exempt from permit), no person shall install, erect, alter, remodel, or move any sign in the corporate limits without first obtaining a sign permit (Sec. 117-1253(a)).
- A master signage plan is required in any nonresidential development plan, site or plot plan and/or nonresidential planned unit development with more than one individual business or tenant. No permit shall be issued for an individual sign requiring a permit in a commercial and/or industrial zoning district where more than one business or industry will be located until a master signage plan has been approved by the city (Sec. 117-1254(a)).
- The master signage plan must include a scaled site plan showing building and signage locations, scaled building elevations showing signage, computation of maximum sign areas, and must be signed by all owners or agents (Sec. 117-1254(b)-(e)).
- The master signage plan controls the maximum number of signs affixed to a building by each business within the building (Sec. 117-1254(c)).
- A master signage plan amendment may be filed administratively (Sec. 117-1254(f)).
- After approval of a master signage plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, or maintained, except in conformance with the approved plan (Sec. 117-1254(g)).
Source: municode municipal code