# Sign Regulations in Delano, Minnesota

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Delano, Minnesota (MN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/minnesota/delano
- **Data last verified:** 2025-11-04
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.delanomn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/559/Section-5103---General-Provisions-PDF#page=106)

## At a glance

Delano, Minnesota regulates 23 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Area Identification Sign (Freestanding)s in the B-1, Neighborhood Business District zoning district are capped at 20 feet (freestanding) tall and 75 square feet (Sec. Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.4.a)). Most commercial signs in Delano require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (9 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | — | 50 square feet | — |
| R-A, Rural/Agricultural District; R-E, Single Family Estate Residential District; R-1, Single Family Residential District; R-2, Single Family Residential District; R-3, Single Family Residential District | 1 | 8 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| R-4, Single Family Residential District; R-5, Single Family Residential District | 1 | 10 feet (freestanding) | 50 square feet | — |
| R-B, Residential Business District | 2 | 10 feet (freestanding) | 50 square feet | — |
| B-1, Neighborhood Business District | 4 | 20 feet (freestanding) | 75 square feet | — |
| B-2, General Business District; B-3, Highway Business District; B-4, Central Business District; B-W, Business/Warehouse District; I-1, Limited Industry District; I-2, General Industry District | 6 | 30 feet (freestanding) | 100 square feet | — |

_3 additional zoning districts are covered in PermitPal (free account)._

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 9 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Address Identification Sign (Residential) | — | — | — | — | — | On the principal building; if not visible, on a post near the driveway | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.2.a) |
| Political Campaign Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per candidate/issue per lot | On private property in any zoning district | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.3) |
| Non-Commercial Opinion Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On private property in any zoning district | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.4) |
| Construction Sign | — | 50 square feet | — | — | 1 per major street abutted | On the site of construction, alteration, or repair | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.6) |
| Real Estate Sale or Rental Sign (Residential) | — | 4 square feet | — | — | 1 per premises (2 on corner lots) | On property for sale or rental | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.7) |
| Real Estate Sale or Rental Sign (Non-Residential) | — | 20 square feet | — | — | 1 per premises (2 on corner lots) | On property for sale or rental | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.7) |
| Directional Sign (On-Premise) | — | 10 square feet | — | — | 4 unless approved | On the premises; see Setbacks | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.9.a) |
| Directional Sign (Off-Premise) | — | Council approval required, custom size per need | — | — | Council approval required | Off-premise - only with Council approval | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.3.a.9.b) |

### B-1, Neighborhood Business District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Area Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 20 feet (freestanding) | 75 square feet | — | — | 1 | On premises | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.4.a) |
| Pylon/Freestanding Sign | 20 feet | 50 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On premises | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.4.b).2 |
| Wall, Canopy or Marquee Sign | — | 15% of front building façade | — | — | 2 wall signs per lot | On building façade | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.4.b).3 |
| Single or Double Occupancy Business Sign (Aggregate) | — | 15% of total front building façade | — | — | — | Building facade and permitted locations | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.4.b) |

### B-2, General Business District; B-3, Highway Business District; B-4, Central Business District; B-W, Business/Warehouse District; I-1, Limited Industry District; I-2, General Industry District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Area Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 30 feet (freestanding) | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 | On premises | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.5.a) |
| Freestanding Sign | 30 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On premises | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.5.b).2 |
| Wall or Marquee Sign | — | 15% of front building façade | — | — | 2 wall signs per lot (additional by Council in B-4 if no freestanding) | On building facade | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.5.b).3 |
| Single or Double Occupancy Business Sign (Aggregate) | — | 15% of total front building façade | — | — | — | Building façade and permitted sign locations | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.5.b) |
| Motor Fuel Station Canopy Sign | — | 30% of canopy face | — | — | — | On canopy at gas stations | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.5.c) |
| B-4 District Projecting Sign | — | May not exceed area standards of B-4 | — | 2 feet minimum from curb or street surface | 1 per storefront | Hung at right angle from building face | — | Section 51.03, Subd. N.5.a.5.d) |

## Prohibited signs in Delano

- A sign may not be constructed, erected, remodeled, relocated, expanded or painted, except in cases of routine maintenance, without a sign permit.
- All signs must comply with provisions of the Minnesota State Building Code.
- Installation of electrical signs must comply with National Electrical Code; electrical service to such signs must be underground.
- Signs must display owner's name, permit number, and date of erection in a conspicuous manner.
- Any sign that no longer advertises or identifies a bona fide business, service, or product must be removed within ten days of written notice from City Official.
- No sign shall be artificially illuminated in such a way that produces a significant broadcast of glare or light beyond the sign.
- Artificially illuminated signs must be shielded to prevent lights from being directed at oncoming traffic or adjacent residential properties in such brilliance that vision is impaired, and may not interfere with or obscure an official traffic sign or signal.
- Signs shall not create a hazard to the safe, efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- No private sign shall contain words or colors which might be construed as traffic controls (e.g., 'stop', 'caution', 'warning'), unless intended to direct traffic on the premises.
- Signs and sign structures shall be properly maintained and kept in a safe condition; unsafe, deteriorated, or defaced signs or sign structures must be repainted, repaired, replaced, or removed.
- No signs other than governmental signs may be erected or placed within a street right-of-way, upon public lands or rights-of-way.
- No sign or sign structure shall protrude over public right-of-way, except certain wall signs are permitted with restrictions.
- No freestanding sign structure shall be closer than five feet from any property line unless specific criteria are met.
- No sign shall be placed within any drainage or public easement.
- Except for off-premise signs allowed elsewhere, all signs must be located on the same lot as the entity being identified.
- On all corner lots, signs not permitted within twenty feet of any corner formed by intersection of two streets, except under specific conditions.
- All height restrictions on signs include sign structure and are measured from lot grade.
- Top edge of wall/building mounted sign or attention attracting object shall not extend above roof line, parapet, mansard or façade of adjacent building.
- A freestanding sign or sign structure constructed so that faces are not back to back shall not have an angle separating the faces exceeding twenty degrees unless the total area of both sides added together does not exceed the maximum allowable sign area for that district.
- Any sign which obstructs the vision of vehicle drivers or pedestrians, or detracts from the visibility of any official traffic control device is prohibited.
- Any sign not erected by an official governmental agency which contains or imitates an official traffic sign or signal, except for private, on-premise directional signs is prohibited.
- Motion signs and flashing signs, except time and temperature signs, computerized message boards, and barber poles are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited except as permitted in specific sections.
- Signs attached to trees, fences, or utility poles or other permanent supports are prohibited except as specified.
- Advertising or business signs on or attached to equipment (e.g., truck trailers) where signing is a principal use on either a temporary or permanent basis are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Delano

- Government signs of a public, non-commercial nature, including safety, directional, trespassing, traffic, scenic/historic point of interest, memorial plaques, etc., erected by or on behalf of a public official or employee in the performance of official duty.
- Address identification signs that comply with the requirements for residential and commercial/industrial/multi-family buildings.
- Political campaign signs not exceeding thirty-two square feet in area, subject to restrictions on number per lot and duration, used as non-commercial opinion signs.
- Non-commercial opinion signs not exceeding thirty-two square feet in area, limited in number per lot, not illuminated or motion signs in residential districts.
- Holiday signs and displays pertaining to a religious, national, state, or local holiday.
- Construction signs confined to the site of construction, alteration, or repair, with limits on duration, number, and size.
- Real estate sale or rental signs, with restrictions on removal after sale/rental, size, and number per premises.
- Flags or emblems of a national, federal or state government, and memorial signs thereof, displayed on private property.
- Directional signs on-premise not larger than ten square feet and not exceeding four in number unless approved by Council.
- Directional off-premise signs allowed only when access is confusing or traffic safety could be jeopardized, subject to Council approval for location, size, and number, and must contain no advertising.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Roof signs may be permitted with City Council approval, provided sign plans include plans and specifications certified by a registered engineer, and location does not obstruct visibility for surrounding properties; roof must be inspected for soundness to support sign.
- When a single principal building is devoted to three or more businesses or industrial uses, a comprehensive sign plan for the entire structure shall be submitted for Council approval and must be sufficiently detailed to determine compliance with regulations. No permit shall be issued for an individual use except upon a determination that it is consistent with the approved comprehensive sign plan.
- Permit applications for billboards must be accompanied by a landscaping plan.
- Sign applications require submission of a site plan to scale showing the location of lot lines, building structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs and any other physical features.
- Council approval for a sign may require a site plan review as per zoning ordinance procedural requirements.
- Variances from sign ordinance terms may be obtained by application to the Council, processed as specified.
- Fees are required for sign applications and variances except for signs specifically exempted by ordinance (e.g., permitted/exempt signs, routine maintenance).

## 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 9 zoning districts in Delano — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Delano+MN&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-delano

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