Sign Regulations in Hawley, Minnesota
Hawley, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 15 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include On Premises Sign, Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back <100' from property line), Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back >100' from property line). 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 Hawley, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Hawley
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| On Premises Sign | — | — | No part may protrude over public right-of-way within 6' of curb line. Signs, marquees, awnings, and similar projections may project a max of 6', provided no part is within 6' of curb line and it is over 8' above sidewalk or average grade at property line. No part of any sign or projection may be located within 25' of the intersecting curb line of an intersection if it shall impede vision between a height of 30” and 8’ (measured at a 45 degree angle). Foundation base and posts may not be on city property or rights of way unless approved by city council. |
| Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back <100' from property line) | 35 feet | 750 square feet | Must be at least 100' setback from residential district boundaries. When closer than 100' from a property line, max height is 35'. |
| Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back >100' from property line) | 50 feet | 750 square feet | Must be at least 100' from residential district boundaries. Height not more than 50' when located more than 100' from property line. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
15
- On Premises Sign
- Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back <100' from property line)
- Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back >100' from property line)
- Portable Sign (On Premises)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hawley vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Hawley, 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 Hawley, regulated sign types include On Premises Sign, Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back <100' from property line), Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back >100' from property line), Portable Sign (On Premises), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Hawley vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Hawley are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hawley has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hawley, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Hawley, Minnesota regulates 15 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back <100' from property line)s in the Commercial Zoning District (C-1, C-2, C-3), Industrial Zoning District (I-1, I-2) zoning district are capped at 35 feet tall and 750 square feet, with a Must be at least 100' setback from residential district boundaries. When closer than 100' from a property line, max height is 35'. setback (Sec. 10-5-4 E.1-11). Most commercial signs in Hawley require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hawley, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hawley (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Zoning District (C-1, C-2, C-3), Industrial Zoning District (I-1, I-2) | 6 | 50 feet | 750 square feet | — |
| Residential Zoning District | 5 | 5 feet | 32 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | 32 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hawley
Commercial Zoning District (C-1, C-2, C-3), Industrial Zoning District (I-1, I-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Premises Sign | — | — | — | No part may protrude over public right-of-way within 6' of curb line. Signs, marquees, awnings, and similar projections may project a max of 6', provided no part is within 6' of curb line and it is over 8' above sidewalk or average grade at property line. No part of any sign or projection may be located within 25' of the intersecting curb line of an intersection if it shall impede vision between a height of 30” and 8’ (measured at a 45 degree angle). Foundation base and posts may not be on city property or rights of way unless approved by city council. | — | Located in commercial zoning district (C-1, C-2, C-3) or industrial zoning district (I-1, I-2) | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 D.1,2 |
| Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back <100' from property line) | 35 feet | 750 square feet | — | Must be at least 100' setback from residential district boundaries. When closer than 100' from a property line, max height is 35'. | — | Must be located in a commercial zoning district (C-1, C-2, C-3) or industrial zoning district (I-1, I-2). | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 E.1-11 |
| Off Premises Sign (750 sq ft or less, set back >100' from property line) | 50 feet | 750 square feet | — | Must be at least 100' from residential district boundaries. Height not more than 50' when located more than 100' from property line. | — | Must be located in commercial or industrial zone, and more than 100' from property line. | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 E.1-11 |
| Portable Sign (On Premises) | — | — | — | No part of the sign or projection may be located within 25' of the intersecting curb line of an intersection if it shall impede vision between a height of 30" and 8' (measured at a 45 degree angle). Foundation base and posts may not be on city property or rights of way unless approved in writing by city council. | 1 per parcel (2 for strip malls/office condos/etc.) | On premises in commercial or industrial zone | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 F.1,7 |
| Portable Sign (Off Premises) | — | — | — | No part of any sign or projection may be located within 25' of the intersecting curb line of an intersection if it shall impede vision between a height of 30" and 8' (measured at a 45 degree angle). Foundation base and posts may not be on city property or rights of way unless approved in writing by city council. | — | Off premises in commercial or industrial zone | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 F.2,6 |
| Advertising Sign for Lawful Nonconforming or Conditional Use | — | — | — | — | — | Allowed in connection with lawfully maintained nonconforming use or conditional use. | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.4 |
Residential Zoning 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Premises Sign (Subdivision/Tract Entrance) | — | 32 square feet | — | — | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to subdivision or tract | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.7 |
| Exempt Sign - Property Identification | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | Mounted on property | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.1 |
| Exempt Sign - Home Occupation | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | Flat against principal building | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.2 |
| Exempt Sign - Sale, Rental, or Lease | 5 feet | 16 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.6 |
| Exempt Sign - Temporary Political Sign | — | 32 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.8 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Premises Sign (Public and Institutional Uses) | — | 32 square feet | — | — | — | On premises (nursing homes, assisted living centers, publicly owned governmental/cultural buildings, government/publicly regulated utility buildings and structures, religious institutions, and medical clinics) | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 D.3 |
| On Premises Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | On premises for approved home occupations | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 D.4 |
| Government Pinned, Legal, and Informational Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Where required by governmental bodies | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.5 |
| Flag/Insignia (Non-Commercial) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 10-5-4 C.3 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Hawley are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Hawley
- No sign may be maintained in an unsound structural condition or with a weathered appearance.
- No part of any sign or projection may be located within twenty five feet (25') of the intersecting curb line of an intersection if it shall impede vision between a height of thirty inches (30") and eight feet (8') (measured at a 45 degree angle).
- All sources of artificial light (other than streetlights) shall be fixed, directed, or designed so as not to measurably increase the amount of light to any abutting lot nor to confuse, distract, or be a hazard to vehicular traffic.
- The foundation base and posts of all signs may not be located upon city property or rights of way unless approved by the city council.
- No part of any sign or projection may protrude over the public right of way within six feet (6') of the actual or proposed curb line. Signs, marquees, awnings and similar projections may project over the right of way a maximum of six feet (6') provided no part is within six feet (6') of the curb line and that it is over eight feet (8') above the sidewalk or the average grade at property line when no sidewalk is in place.
- If the street is widened, the sign must be moved back at the owner's expense to maintain the six foot (6') distance from the curb.
- No portable sign may have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which have a changing intensity, brightness, or color.
- It is prohibited to post or display any sign, banner or advertisement or write upon, cut, mutilate or deface or otherwise harm or disturb any building, bench, fence, railing, ornament, tree, shrub, flower or other property in any park, playground or swimming beach without an order of the City Council.
Exempt Signs in Hawley
- Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers and names of occupants of premises.
- A sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area which is nonilluminated and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building for home occupations.
- Flags and insignias of any government except when displayed in connection with a commercial promotion.
- An advertising sign in connection with a lawfully maintained nonconforming use or conditional use, which complies with the conditions of approval, if any, and the applicable subsections.
- Legal notices, identification, informational or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies.
- A sign advertising only the sale, rental or lease of the building or premises, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area and five feet (5') in height.
- A sign not to exceed thirty two (32) square feet in area is permitted for each entrance to a subdivision or tract identifying the subdivision or tract name.
- Temporary signs measuring not more than thirty two (32) square feet in area connected with political elections.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hawley
- A sign permit must be obtained prior to installation of any signs, with the exception of signs mounted flat against a building or listed uses under exempt signs.
- A sign permit must be obtained prior to installation of any off premises signs.
- An annual sign permit is required for any portable sign to verify location, safety, and visibility.
- All sign installations shall also conform to Minnesota department of transportation and federal aviation authorities wherever applicable.