# Sign Regulations in Faribault, Minnesota

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Faribault, Minnesota (MN)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/minnesota/faribault
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MN/Faribault/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=COOR_APXBUNDERE_CH9SI)

## At a glance

Faribault, Minnesota regulates 35 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Billboard (Static)s in the Industrial Districts, I-1, I-2, I-P zoning district are capped at 30 ft (Interstate oriented: 55 ft) tall, 750 sq ft, and 55 ft wide, with a 25 ft from property line (front); see additional setback (Sec. Sec. 9-160(B)-(H)). Most commercial signs in Faribault require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 8 ft | 64 sq ft | — |
| Open Space-Agricultural District, Transitional Urban Development District | 4 | 12 ft | 120 sq ft | — |
| Residential Districts, R-2, R-3, R-4 | 8 | 8 ft | 120 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Districts, C-2, C-3 | 7 | 30 ft | 120 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Districts, I-1, I-2, I-P | 7 | 30 ft (pylon min 10 ft above finished grade) | 750 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Sign District | 7 | 12 ft max above ground floor; 8 ft min | 125 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Real Estate Sign (Commercial/Industrial/Multi-Family) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from curb/edge of pavement | One per street frontage | per premises street frontage, at least 10 ft from curb or edge of pavement | — | Sec. 9-30(1) |
| Real Estate Sign (Single/Two-Family Residential) | 4 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 10 ft from curb/edge of pavement | One per street frontage | per premises street frontage, at least 10 ft from curb or edge of pavement | — | Sec. 9-30(1) |
| Nameplate (Residential/Professional) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Sec. 9-30(2) |
| Construction/Development Sign (Not Single/Two-Family Residential) | 8 ft | 64 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | Per street frontage of property under construction | — | Sec. 9-30(5) |
| Construction Sign (Single/Two-Family Residential) | 7 ft | 15 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | Per single/two-family residential lot under construction | — | Sec. 9-30(6) |
| Garage Sale Sign | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | One on-site, up to three off-site | One on-site; up to three off-premises with permission | — | Sec. 9-30(4) |
| Informational Sign | 5 ft (if freestanding) | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises, for direction/safety/convenience | — | Sec. 9-30(13) |
| Window Signs (Exempt) | — | Up to 50% of individual window | — | — | — | On window | — | Sec. 9-30(11) |

### Residential Districts, R-2, R-3, R-4

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign (Institutional use, lot >=20,000 sq ft) | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line | One per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | Sec. 9-120(2)(a) |
| Wall-Mounted Sign (Institutional use, lot >=20,000 sq ft) | — | 120 sq ft | — | — | One per principal building | Principal building | — | Sec. 9-120(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign (Institutional use, lot <20,000 sq ft) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line | One per lot | One per lot | — | Sec. 9-120(3)(a) |
| Wall-Mounted Sign (Institutional use, lot <20,000 sq ft) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | One per principal building | Principal building | — | Sec. 9-120(3)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Residential ID - Multi-Family) | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | Sec. 9-120(4)(a) |
| Wall-Mounted Sign (Residential ID - Multi-Family) | — | 120 sq ft | — | — | One per principal building | Principal building | — | Sec. 9-120(4)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Subdivision ID) | 5 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per major street entrance | At each major street entrance to subdivision | — | Sec. 9-120(5)(a) |
| Bulletin Board/Electronic Message Board (Institutional use, lot >=20,000 sq ft) | — | 25 sq ft per face | — | — | With identification sign | In conjunction with identification sign | — | Sec. 9-120(2)(d) |

### Industrial Districts, I-1, I-2, I-P

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On wall or parapet | — | Sec. 9-140(2)c1 |
| Freestanding Pylon Sign | 30 ft (pylon min 10 ft above finished grade) | 120 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | One per street frontage (possible bonus Sec. 9-70(H)(3)) | One per street frontage (possible bonus, see Sec. 9-70(H)) | — | Sec. 9-140(2)c2 |
| Awning Sign | 15 ft; 8 ft min clearance above ground | — | — | — | — | On awning | — | Sec. 9-140(2)c3 |
| Canopy Sign | 2.5 ft sign band | — | — | — | — | On canopy | — | Sec. 9-140(2)c4 |
| Electronic Message Board | — | 100 sq ft per face OR 50% of allowed area, whichever is less | — | — | — | Min 50 ft from residential district/use | — | Sec. 9-140(4) |
| Billboard (Static) | 30 ft (Interstate oriented: 55 ft) | 750 sq ft | 55 ft | 25 ft from property line (front); see additional | Max 2 signs per face | Only on I-1, I-2, I-P parcels adjacent to certain highways, see ordinance for full list | — | Sec. 9-160(B)-(H) |
| Billboard (Digital) | 30 ft (Interstate: 55 ft) | 750 sq ft (digital face must comply) | 55 ft | As static billboards | One per face per direction | Only on I-1, I-2, I-P parcels adjacent to specified highways | — | Sec. 9-160(I) |

## Prohibited signs in Faribault

- Signs which resemble or interfere to any degree with the effectiveness of a traffic-control device, sign, or signal; which obstruct or interfere with a motorist's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic for a distance not to exceed 500 feet; or which has distracting flashing or moving lights so designed or lighted as to create a traffic hazard.
- Signs placed or maintained on natural features, fences, or utility poles.
- Portable or changeable copy signs, except where specifically allowed elsewhere in this ordinance.
- Flashing signs or lights that intermittently go on and off, including any sign located within a building and readily visible from the outside (except electronic message boards as allowed).
- A sign, excluding those located wholly within a building, which moves or creates the illusion of movement in any manner.
- Roof signs.
- Audible signs.
- Signs painted directly on the surface of a building.
- Any sign which contains information, whether written or graphic, that is obscene in nature.
- All signs not expressly permitted or exempted under this chapter.
- Expired business signs as described in section 9-60.
- Signage that is temporarily attached or affixed to trucks, semi-trucks or tractors or automobiles that are parked stationary for more than 48 hours.
- No sign shall be either directly or indirectly illuminated in such a manner as to affect adversely the use and enjoyment of nearby property or to obscure the vision of motorists.
- No sign shall be placed or installed that obstructs access to fire escapes or required windows, doors, exits or standpipes.
- No sign shall be placed within the 25 foot sight distance triangle required at all intersections including driveways and alleys.
- All signs must comply with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Building and Electrical Codes, including structural and safety requirements.
- Signs that are unsafe, insecure, or erected/constructed in violation of the provisions of this chapter are prohibited and are subject to removal.
- Signs not conforming to design standards such as compatibility with building and surrounding signs, appropriate materials, and adequate maintenance.
- No sign shall be located within a public easement area or within the public right-of-way (applies in commercial and industrial districts).
- No temporary banner or A-frame/sandwich board sign may interfere with either pedestrian or vehicular traffic circulation or create a potential traffic hazard.
- No sign shall be erected unless it is permitted in the district or specifically exempted elsewhere in this chapter.
- No variance shall be granted to allow a sign expressly prohibited in Section 9-90.

## Signs exempt from permit in Faribault

- Real estate signs within size and height limits, only one per street frontage, with setback requirements and removal after sale/lease.
- Residential and professional nameplates, not to exceed 3 square feet, indicating occupant name and name of permitted business or home occupation.
- Agricultural product signs advertising seasonal produce (with conditions).
- Garage sale signs, not to exceed 4 square feet, with number, placement, and removal restrictions.
- Construction or development signs for commercial/non-residential projects, with area, height, number, and removal limits.
- Construction signs for residential lots (size, height, number, and removal limits).
- Governmental signs (traffic control, regulatory, street, informational, danger, railroad crossing signs, etc.).
- Official public notices or signs required by local, state, or federal regulations.
- Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection cut into masonry or made of incombustible material.
- Interior signs.
- Window signs, provided that no more than fifty (50) percent of an individual window is covered with signs or painting.
- Official government flags, emblems, or temporary displays of a patriotic, religious, charitable, or other civic character, as long as non-illuminated and not placed in the public right-of-way.
- Informational signs not exceeding 6 square feet in area or 5 feet in height, if freestanding, for direction, safety, or convenience of the public (e.g., restrooms, parking, addresses, freight entrances); provided business logos ≤25% of sign area are exempt, otherwise counted toward overall sign area.
- Political campaign signs per Minnesota Statute 211B.045, provided not within 100 feet of polling site or within public right-of-way.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A comprehensive sign plan is required for buildings with multiple tenants, properties with multiple buildings, and unified developments with multiple lots (Sec. 9-70(I)).
- The comprehensive sign plan must be detailed enough to determine that all signs will meet the ordinance requirements.
- No sign permit shall be issued for an individual sign unless it is consistent with the approved comprehensive sign plan.
- A comprehensive sign plan is required as a precondition for any sign area bonus (Sec. 9-70(H)).
- For multiple-occupancy buildings within the Downtown Sign District, a signage plan for the entire building must be submitted and approved (Sec. 9-150(C)(6)).
- A sign variance (with public notice/hearing, findings, and City Council approval) is required for any signage not compliant with the chapter, except that a variance cannot be granted for signs prohibited in Section 9-90.

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

---

PermitPal — AI sign code research. Full HTML page: https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/minnesota/faribault