Sign Regulations in Maplewood, Minnesota
Maplewood, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 42 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Permanent Wall Sign, Temporary Banner, Temporary Window Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Maplewood, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Maplewood
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (On-site) | 3 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | 5 ft. from street pavement, 1 ft. from sidewalk/trail |
| Temporary Sign or Display (On-site, under 12 sq. ft.) | — | 12 sq. ft. | — |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Open Building Permit) | 10 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MaplewoodFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
42
- Permanent Wall Sign
- Temporary Banner
- Temporary Window Sign
- Temporary Sign or Display (over 12 sq. ft.)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Maplewood
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Maplewood, monument signs are limited to 3 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, regulated sign types include Permanent Wall Sign, Temporary Banner, Temporary Window Sign, Temporary Sign or Display (over 12 sq. ft.), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Maplewood, monument signs typically require a 5 ft. from street pavement, 1 ft. from sidewalk/trail 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 Maplewood are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Maplewood has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Maplewood, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Maplewood, Minnesota regulates 42 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Temporary Freestanding Sign (On-site)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 3 ft. tall and 3 sq. ft., with a 5 ft. from street pavement, 1 ft. from sidewalk/trail setback (Sec. Sec. 44-737(a)(i)(1)). Most commercial signs in Maplewood require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Maplewood, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Maplewood (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 10 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — |
| Park (Maplewood Comprehensive Plan Designation) | 4 | 6 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential District, R-3 | 8 | 8 ft. | No more than 70% of total sign area | — |
| LBC (limited business commercial), CO (commercial office), SC (shopping center), NC (neighborhood commercial) | 9 | 10 ft. | No more than 70% of total sign area | — |
| BC (business commercial), BC-M (business commercial modified), M-1 (light manufacturing), M-2 (heavy manufacturing) | 17 | 35 ft. | 450 sq. ft. (per face) | — |
| Mixed-Use (MU), North End (NE) | 7 | 8 ft. | 50 sq. ft. (entire sign); Digital portion max 50% of sign area | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Maplewood(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 | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Freestanding Sign (On-site) | 3 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from street pavement, 1 ft. from sidewalk/trail | 1 per property | Private property, not in public right-of-way. Not closer than 5 feet to street pavement or 1 foot to sidewalk/trail; not between street and sidewalk/trail. | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(i)(1) |
| Temporary Sign or Display (On-site, under 12 sq. ft.) | — | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per property or tenant; up to 3 total per property at a time | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(i)(2) |
| Temporary Construction Sign (Open Building Permit) | 10 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — | — | More than one | On property with open building permit | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(i)(3) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Single/Double Dwelling) | — | 9 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | One per street of property frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(i)(4)a.i |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign (Other Properties) | 10 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | One per street of property frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(i)(4)a.ii |
| Noncommercial Sign (Temporary) | 6 ft. | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 | On property; for multiple unit, on or near dwelling | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(i)(5) |
| Temporary Off-site Sign (Private Property) | — | 3 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per development | On private property (off-site) | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(ii)(1) |
| Temporary Off-site Sign (Public Right-of-Way) | 3 ft. | 3 sq. ft. | — | 5 ft. from street pavement, 1 ft. from sidewalk/trail | — | Public right-of-way | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(a)(ii)(2) |
LBC (limited business commercial), CO (commercial office), SC (shopping center), NC (neighborhood commercial)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Wall Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. minimum; may be more if 20% of wall surface exceeds 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage per occupant; may increase for departments | On occupant's wall, awning, or canopy | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(i)(1) |
| Permanent Window Sign (Substitution) | — | Must not cover more than 1/3 of window or door area | — | — | — | On window or door, as substitute for permitted wall sign area | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(i)(1)d |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign | 10 ft. | 64 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage, on different streets, separated >100 feet | One per street frontage; must be on different streets and >100 ft. apart | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(i)(2) |
| Changeable Copy Message Board (Freestanding/Wall Sign) | — | No more than 70% of total sign area | — | — | — | As part of permanent freestanding or wall sign | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(i)(3) |
| On-site Dynamic Display Sign (Institutional/Public Use) (Monument Sign) | 8 ft. | 50 sq. ft.; Digital display max 50% of sign area | — | 10 ft. from lot line (20 ft. if adjacent to residential) | 1 per property | As part of monument sign; min 10 ft. setback from any lot line, not in right-of-way; 20 ft. setback if adjacent to residential | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-739(b)(i) |
| Temporary Banner | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per property/tenant at a time | Attached to building or permanent structure | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(d)(i) |
| Temporary Sign or Display (over 12 sq. ft.) | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(d)(iii) |
| Temporary Ground Banner Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | One per 150 ft. street frontage | One per every 150 ft. of street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-737(d)(iv) |
BC (business commercial), BC-M (business commercial modified), M-1 (light manufacturing), M-2 (heavy manufacturing)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Wall Sign (Single-Tenant, <10,000 sq. ft.) | — | 80 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+ for departments) | On structure's wall or overhanging awning/canopy | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(2); Table |
| Permanent Wall Sign (Single-Tenant, 10,000-20,000 sq. ft.) | — | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+ for departments) | On structure's wall or overhanging awning/canopy | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(2); Table |
| Permanent Wall Sign (Single-Tenant, 20,000-100,000 sq. ft.) | — | 150 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+ for departments) | On structure's wall or overhanging awning/canopy | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(2); Table |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Principal Arterial) | 25 ft. (pylon); 12 ft. (monument) | 180 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+ on different streets, >100 ft. apart) | Abutting principal arterial street | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(3); Table |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Minor Arterial) | 20 ft. (pylon); 12 ft. (monument) | 140 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+ on different streets, >100 ft. apart) | Abutting minor arterial street | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(3); Table |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Collector Street) | 15 ft. (pylon); 10 ft. (monument) | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+ on different streets, >100 ft. apart) | Abutting collector street | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(3); Table |
| Permanent Freestanding Sign (Local Street) | 12 ft. (pylon); 10 ft. (monument) | 80 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage (+ on different streets, >100 ft. apart) | Abutting local street | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(3); Table |
| Billboard | 35 ft. | 450 sq. ft. (per face) | — | See above (multiple requirements) | — | Off-site, adjacent to principal arterial street, in SC/BC/M-1/M-2 zones | — | Unlock | Sec. 44-738(c)(ii)(6) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Maplewood — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Maplewood — start freeProhibited Signs in Maplewood
- Signs or sign structures attached or supported on balconies, fences, or other non-permanent structures.
- Signs attached or supported on a permanently parked vehicle or semi-trailers, except for signs painted directly on a parked vehicle or semi-trailer used in the business or facility or on site.
- Signs on rocks, trees, or other natural features or public utility poles.
- Permanent or temporary signs that have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or that make noise.
- Signs or sign structures that obstruct any part of a fire escape, doorway, standpipe, or opening intended to provide ingress or egress for any building structures.
- Signs that by reason of location, color, or intensity create a hazard to the safe, efficient movement of vehicles or pedestrian traffic. No sign on private property shall contain words which might be construed as traffic controls such as 'stop,' 'caution,' 'warning,' etc., unless such sign is intended to direct traffic on the site.
- Painted wall signs.
- Roof signs.
- Off-site signs except for where specifically permitted in this article.
- Signs having features or incorporating parts of any sign prohibited in this article.
- Signs must be constructed safely, of suitable materials, and compliant with the relevant building and electrical codes.
- Signs must not block or obstruct the view of driveways.
- Signs must not project over a property line or a public right-of-way, except as allowed.
- Signs attached to a building must be placed flat against the building and not project more than 18 inches except where specifically allowed.
- All illuminated signs must have constant and steady illumination (no flash/blink).
Exempt Signs in Maplewood
- Any public notice or warning sign required to be maintained or posted by law or governmental order, rule, or regulation.
- Flags and emblems that are political or ideological.
- Any sign inside a building that is not attached to an exterior window or not legible from a distance of more than ten feet from outside the building.
- Any sign located within a multi-tenant building, such as a mall or an office building, that is only viewable from inside the building.
- Traffic control signs as defined by state law.
- Property identification sign.
- One wall sign of not more than two square feet for a residence with a permitted home occupation.
- Temporary displays of lights and decorations.
- Signs not exceeding nine square feet, located upon private property, and directed towards the prevention of trespassing.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Maplewood
- A comprehensive sign or mural plan is required for any non-residential property with five or more tenants on the site or any multiple-story buildings with two or more tenants.
- A comprehensive sign or mural plan is required for all permitted institutional or public uses.
- A comprehensive sign or mural plan is required for all developments approved as a planned unit development.
- A comprehensive sign or mural plan is required for large campuses consisting of buildings and land of ten or more acres.
- A comprehensive sign or mural plan is required for shared signs that serve both the parcel on which they are placed and an adjacent parcel.
- A comprehensive sign or mural plan is required for murals.
- A comprehensive sign or mural plan is required for dynamic display wall signs.
- A comprehensive sign plan is needed for long-term exemptions (longer than 3 months) for temporary window or banner signs that exceed standard size, number, or time display limits.
- A comprehensive sign plan is required for temporary signs on park designated land in the comprehensive plan in certain circumstances.
- Dynamic display signs in certain zones or uses require approval of a comprehensive sign plan.
- Murals require a comprehensive mural plan and must be reviewed by the community design review board.
- Comprehensive sign or mural plans shall be reviewed by the community design review board, with appeal available to the city council.
Source: municode municipal code