# Sign Regulations in Columbia Heights, Minnesota

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Columbia Heights, Minnesota, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Columbia Heights, Minnesota (MN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/minnesota/columbia-heights
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-08
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://cms5.revize.com/revize/columbiaheights/document_center/Planning/Sign%20Code%20Regulatio_1.pdf)

## At a glance

Columbia Heights, Minnesota regulates 35 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Pylon Sign (Adjacent to State Trunk Highway; 20-ft front setback)s in the Limited Business District (LB) zoning district are capped at 20 ft tall and 40 sq ft per surface, with a Minimum 5 ft from any building/structure on same lot; front lot line setback requirement is 20 ft or more for the building to qualify setback (Sec. §9.106(P)(11)(a)2; (11)(b)2; (11)(a)4). Most commercial signs in Columbia Heights require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (10 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 5 ft | Dynamic display may occupy no more than 60% of actual copy/graphic area of sign face | — |
| Single-Family Residential District (R-1) | 6 | 8 ft (district max for any sign structure) | Dynamic display may cover max 60% of sign face copy area | — |
| Two-Family Residential District (R-2, R-2A, R-2B) | 6 | 8 ft (district max for any sign structure) | Dynamic display may cover max 60% of sign face copy area | — |
| Limited Multiple-Family Residential District (R-3), Multiple-Family Residential District (R-4) | 5 | 8 ft (district max for any sign structure) | Dynamic display may cover max 60% of sign face copy area | — |
| Limited Business District (LB) | 12 | 20 ft | Dynamic display may cover max 60% of sign face copy area | — |
| Central Business District (CBD) | 10 | 8 ft (restriction section); note permitted section states 10 ft | 100 sq ft total for all wall sign surfaces; one surface per sign | — |
| General Business District (GB) | 11 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft total for all wall sign surfaces; one surface per sign | — |
| Light Industrial District (I-1), General Industrial District (I-2) | 6 | 25 ft (district maximum for sign structures) | 100 sq ft total for all wall sign surfaces; one surface per sign | — |
| Public and Open Space District (PO) | 4 | 10 ft | 200 sq ft total for all wall sign surfaces; one surface per sign | — |
| Design Overlay Highway District | 1 | 10 ft (if principal structure is ≥22 ft high) | 50 sq ft (per GB permitted sign) | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 10 zones)

### Limited Business District (LB)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 50 sq ft total for all wall sign surfaces; one surface per sign | — | — | Any number, subject to total area limit | Any building side except the side facing abutting residentially zoned parcels | — | §9.106(P)(11)(a)1 |
| Pylon Sign (Adjacent to State Trunk Highway; 20-ft front setback) | 20 ft | 40 sq ft per surface | — | Minimum 5 ft from any building/structure on same lot; front lot line setback requirement is 20 ft or more for the building to qualify | 1 | Permitted only if the building/structure is adjacent to a state trunk highway and located 20 ft or more from the front lot line | — | §9.106(P)(11)(a)2; (11)(b)2; (11)(a)4 |
| Monument Sign (Where pylon not allowed or 20-ft building setback cannot be met) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any property line and minimum 5 ft from any building/structure on same lot | 1 | — | — | §9.106(P)(11)(a)3-4; (11)(b)2 |
| Wall Sign (Alley-facing sides) | — | 4 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per alley-facing side | On each side of the building facing a public alley | — | §9.106(P)(11)(a)5 |
| Area Identification Sign (Shopping Center) | — | 50 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per shopping center | Shopping center | — | §9.106(P)(11)(a)6 |
| Wall Sign (Primary Use Business in Shopping Center) | — | 50 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per primary use business | On primary use business | — | §9.106(P)(11)(a)6 |
| Wall Sign (Public entrance facing approved public parking) | — | 20 sq ft maximum | — | — | 1 per building | On same side of building as a public entrance (approved by City Building Official) and facing city-approved public parking | — | §9.106(P)(11)(a)8 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 5 ft | 8 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 5 ft from property lines | 1 per business | On private property only; setback at least 5 ft from all property lines; must not obstruct traffic/visibility or create a safety hazard | — | §9.106(P)(7)(k)1-8 |

### Central Business District (CBD)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 100 sq ft total for all wall sign surfaces; one surface per sign | — | — | Any number, subject to total area limit | Any building side except the side facing abutting residentially zoned parcels | — | §9.106(P)(12)(a)1 |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft (restriction section); note permitted section states 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any property line and minimum 5 ft from any building/structure on same lot | 1 | — | — | §9.106(P)(12)(a)2-3; (12)(b)2 |
| Wall Sign (Alley-facing sides) | — | 4 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per alley-facing side | On each side of the building facing a public alley | — | §9.106(P)(12)(a)4 |
| Area Identification Sign (Shopping Center) | — | 100 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per shopping center | Shopping center | — | §9.106(P)(12)(a)5 |
| Wall Sign (Primary Use Business in Shopping Center) | — | 100 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per primary use business | On primary use business | — | §9.106(P)(12)(a)5 |
| Wall Sign (Public entrance facing approved public parking) | — | 20 sq ft maximum | — | — | 1 per building | On same side of building as a public entrance and facing city-approved public parking | — | §9.106(P)(12)(a)7 |
| Sandwich Board Sign (CBD sidewalks allowed) | 5 ft | 8 sq ft per side | — | Private property placement requires minimum 5-ft setback from property lines | 1 per business | On private property (5-ft setback from property lines) or on public sidewalks directly in front of the business being advertised (CBD only) | — | §9.106(P)(7)(k)1-9 |
| Temporary Sign (CBD-specific) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | Max 2 displayed at a time per business; overall permit limit applies | Attached to building wall; must not extend over/into any public thoroughfare | — | §9.106(P)(7)(f)-(i) |

### General Business District (GB)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft total for all wall sign surfaces; one surface per sign | — | — | Any number, subject to total area limit | Any building side except the side facing abutting residentially zoned parcels | — | §9.106(P)(13)(a)1 |
| Pylon Sign (Adjacent to State Trunk Highway; 20-ft front setback) | 25 ft | 75 sq ft per surface | — | Minimum 5 ft from any building/structure on same lot; building must be ≥20 ft from front lot line for eligibility | 1 (see second pylon option if conditions met) | Permitted only if the building/structure is adjacent to a state trunk highway and located 20 ft or more from the front lot line | — | §9.106(P)(13)(a)2; (13)(b)3; (13)(a)4 |
| Pylon Sign - Second (Large site conditions) | 25 ft | 75 sq ft per surface | — | At least 50 ft from any other freestanding sign; at least 25 ft from adjoining parcel lot line (other than street/alley) | Second freestanding sign allowed when all conditions and distances are met | Sites adjacent to state trunk highway with building ≥20 ft front setback | — | §9.106(P)(13)(a)2(a)-(c) |
| Monument Sign (Where pylon not allowed or 20-ft building setback cannot be met) | 8 ft (10 ft if within Design Overlay Highway District and principal structure ≥22 ft) | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum 5 ft from any property line and minimum 5 ft from any building/structure on same lot | 1 | — | — | §9.106(P)(13)(a)3-4; (13)(b)3 |
| Wall Sign (Alley-facing sides) | — | 4 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per alley-facing side | On each side of the building facing a public alley | — | §9.106(P)(13)(a)5 |
| Area Identification Sign (Shopping Center) | — | 100 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per shopping center | Shopping center | — | §9.106(P)(13)(a)6 |
| Wall Sign (Primary Use Business in Shopping Center) | — | 100 sq ft per surface | — | — | 1 per primary use business | On primary use business | — | §9.106(P)(13)(a)6 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 5 ft | 8 sq ft per side | — | Minimum 5 ft from property lines | 1 per business | On private property only; setback at least 5 ft from all property lines; must not obstruct traffic/visibility or create a safety hazard | — | §9.106(P)(7)(k)1-8 |

## Prohibited signs in Columbia Heights

- All signs must be on-premise; off-premise signs are not allowed.
- Signs not specifically permitted in this division are prohibited in all districts unless the Planning Commission deems the sign design preserves and maintains the community's unique historical and cultural elements.
- Balcony signs and signs mounted or supported on a balcony.
- Any sign that obstructs any part of a doorway or fire escape.
- Any sign which, because of its position, movement, shape, illumination or color, constitutes a traffic hazard by obstructing vision or interrupting, confusing, or misleading traffic.
- Private signs containing words or symbols that could reasonably be construed as traffic controls.
- Animated or rotating signs, except barber poles and signs displaying time and temperature information only in the animated or rotating portion.
- Flashing signs, including indoor flashing electrical signs visible from the public right-of-way, other than time and temperature signs limited to such information.
- Signs or graphics painted directly on any exterior surface of a building or structure (letters and symbols may be attached by adhesive or mechanical means).
- Roof signs, unless attached to a mansard roof or similar decorative vertical-style roof.
- Projecting signs that extend more than 18 inches from the building or structure to which they are attached, or that are larger than three feet in vertical height, other than canopy or marquee signs.
- Signs that do not display the name of the manufacturer or maker permanently attached to, or painted or printed on, the exterior or structural supports.
- Signs erected, placed or maintained on rocks, fences, or trees.
- Signs that interfere with electric light, power, telephone, telecommunications, or telegraph wires, or their supports.
- Signs containing electrical wiring that do not conform to the Electrical Code or whose components do not bear the label of an approved testing agency.
- Window signs that exceed 25% of the total area of the window on or in which they are displayed.
- Portable signage, excluding sandwich board signs.
- Temporary signage stuck into the ground, excluding political signs regulated per state statute, professional real estate signs, garage sale signs, and any listed in §9.106(P)(5).
- Variable electronic message signs.
- Raising, berming, or otherwise elevating the site above surrounding grade to achieve greater sign height than allowed is prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Columbia Heights

- Permit not required for changing the advertising copy or message of a painted or printed sign (electric signs are excluded from this exception except for theater marquees and changeable copy signs specifically designed for replaceable copy).
- Permit not required for painting, repainting, or cleaning of an advertising structure or changing the advertising copy or message thereon, unless a structural change is made.
- Signs of any governmental unit designed for regulatory and safety purposes.
- Memorial plaques, cornerstones, and historical tablets.
- Political signs regulated per state statute.
- Up to two on-site directional signs identifying the location and nature of a building, structure, or use not readily visible from the street, each not more than 10 square feet in area.
- Signs not exceeding 9 square feet in area located on private property directed toward the prevention of trespassing.
- Window signage that does not exceed 25% of the total area of the window on or in which it is displayed.
- Temporary signs for drives or events of charitable, educational, or religious organizations, and governmental signs used for the promotion of citywide functions/events, displayed no more than 14 days prior to the event and removed within 3 days after.
- Flags or emblems of political, civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organizations.
- In residential districts: one temporary on-site, freestanding real estate sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the lot or premises, not exceeding 6 feet in height and 15 square feet in area; a second such sign allowed on corner lots; must be removed within 7 days after the offering ends.
- In commercial or industrial districts: one temporary on-site, freestanding real estate sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the lot or premises, not exceeding 6 feet in height and 32 square feet in area; a second such sign allowed on corner lots; must be removed within 7 days after the offering ends.
- One on-site temporary sign advertising a group of lots for sale within a subdivision or a group of homes for sale within a project along each street frontage bounding the subdivision or project; total area not to exceed the greater of 64 square feet (no single dimension over 16 feet) or 8 square feet per lot/house for sale; must be removed after the last lot/house is sold.
- Temporary on-site construction or demolition project signs indicating the name and nature of the project and the names of contractors, subcontractors, and professional advisors; combined area per street frontage limited by a ratio of 2 square feet of sign area per 1,000 square feet of lot area, not to exceed the greater of 64 square feet (no single dimension over 16 feet) or 8 square feet per house/lot; display limited to the duration of the project.
- One wall sign per dwelling for a permitted home occupation not to exceed 2 square feet per surface and limited to one surface.
- Time and temperature signs not to exceed 20 square feet per sign and one sign per side of building.
- In commercial or industrial districts: one temporary on-site banner or pennant advertising the sale of the lot or premises (max 48 square feet) or advertising the lease or rental of a tenant space (max 32 square feet); must be removed when the offering ends.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A sign permit is required for any sign unless specifically excluded by the ordinance.
- Temporary signs require a sign permit, except sandwich board signs.
- No more than four temporary sign permits may be issued per business per calendar year; no more than two temporary signs may be displayed per business at any given time (and no more than four temporary signs at any given time throughout a shopping center).
- Application for a sign permit must include: (1) a drawing showing the proposed sign location and all existing signage on the premises; (2) a drawing indicating the size, color, content, materials, method of construction, and attachment to the building or ground; and (3) engineering data showing structural design for required loads when requested by the Zoning Administrator.
- Sign permit fees are established by City Council resolution.
- Upon approval, a sign permit is valid for one year; if no work has commenced within that time, a new permit is required even if the original plan is unchanged.
- Signs requiring a permit are subject to inspection by the Zoning Administrator.
- Dynamic LED signage is allowed only as a conditional use subject to a conditional use permit (CUP), generally only on monument signs for conditionally permitted uses in all zoning districts; in the PO District, LED signage may be utilized in existing pylon signs; motor fuel stations may display dynamic LED motor fuel price signs on pylon signs without a CUP.
- CUP required for dynamic LED signage in: R-1/R-2 (religious or educational institutions); R-3/R-4 (religious or educational institutions); LB (commercial businesses, religious institutions, educational institutions); CBD (dynamic LED signage); GB (dynamic LED signage); I-1/I-2 (dynamic LED signage); PO (governmental facility).
- All signage requiring a CUP must be approved through the conditional use permit process outlined in §9.104(H).
- No master sign plan requirement is identified in the provided text.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 10 zoning districts in Columbia Heights — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Columbia+Heights+MN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-columbia-heights

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