Sign Regulations in Princeton, Minnesota
Princeton, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign (Single Site), Monument Sign (Multi-Tenant Site). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 11, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Princeton, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Princeton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 feet | 6 square feet per face | 2 feet from road surface; 10 feet from street or alley corner |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 square feet | — |
| Temporary Sign | — | 48 square feet | Not in right-of-way; no visual obstruction |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
21
- Wall Sign
- Monument Sign (Single Site)
- Monument Sign (Multi-Tenant Site)
- Electronic Changeable Copy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Princeton
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Princeton 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 Princeton, 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 Princeton, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Monument Sign (Single Site), Monument Sign (Multi-Tenant Site), Electronic Changeable Copy Sign, 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 Princeton 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 Princeton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Princeton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Princeton, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Princeton, Minnesota regulates 21 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Pylon Sign (Greater than 900 feet from Highway 169 and Rum River Drive Interchange)s in the Neighborhood Business (B-2) zoning district are capped at 20 feet tall and 75 square feet, with a 10 feet clearance; 15 feet from buildings setback (Sec. Section 7.C). Most commercial signs in Princeton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Princeton, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Princeton (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | May extend 10% above roof line, mansard, or parapet | 48 square feet | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, RM-1) | 4 | 10% above roof line | 40 square feet | — |
| B-1 | 7 | 20 feet | 75 square feet | — |
| Neighborhood Business (B-2) | 9 | 60 feet | 500 square feet per face | — |
| General Commercial (B-3) | 9 | 60 feet | 500 square feet per face | — |
| Industrial Districts (MN-1, MN-2) | 9 | 60 ft | 500 sq ft per face | — |
| Health Care (HC-1) | 7 | 20 ft | 150 sq ft | — |
| Medical Office Residential (MOR) | 6 | 10% above | 90 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Princeton(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
Neighborhood Business (B-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pylon Sign (Greater than 900 feet from Highway 169 and Rum River Drive Interchange) | 20 feet | 75 square feet | — | 10 feet clearance; 15 feet from buildings | 1 per lot | On property, freestanding | — | Unlock | Section 7.C |
| Pylon Sign (Less than 900 feet from Highway 169 and Rum River Drive Interchange) | 60 feet | 150 square feet | — | 10 feet clearance; 15 feet from buildings | 1 per lot | On property, freestanding | — | Unlock | Section 7.C |
| Monument Sign (Single Site) | 8 feet | 60 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On property | — | Unlock | Section 7.E |
| Monument Sign (Multi-Tenant Site) | 8 feet | 90 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On property | — | Unlock | Section 7.E |
| Multi-Tenant Business Sign (MTB) | 60 feet | 500 square feet per face | — | 10 feet from road ROW; 40 feet from side lot if adjacent lower intensity zone; 10 feet same zone | — | Within 900 feet of Hwy 169 major interchanges or along Hwy 95 west of 13th Ave N | — | Unlock | Section 7.D |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign | Same as host sign | Same as host sign | — | 125 feet from residence or shielded | — | Not within 125 feet of residence without shielding | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
| Electronic Graphic Display Sign | Same as host sign | Same as host sign | — | 125 feet from residence or shielded | — | Not within 125 feet of residence without shielding | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
| Video Display Sign | Same as host sign | Same as host sign | — | 125 feet from residence or shielded | — | Not within 125 feet of residence without shielding | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
General Commercial (B-3)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pylon Sign | 60 feet | 150 square feet | — | 10 feet clearance; 15 feet from buildings | 1 per lot | On property, freestanding | — | Unlock | Section 7.C |
| Billboard | 30 feet | 50 square feet per face | — | 30 feet from highway ROW; 1000 feet between on same side; 500 feet from intersections; 500 feet from residential, parks, schools, etc. | 1 structure (2 faces) | Adjoining Highway 169 and State Highway 95 | — | Unlock | Section 7.B |
| Monument Sign (Single Site) | 10 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On property | — | Unlock | Section 7.E |
| Monument Sign (Multi-Tenant Site) | 10 feet | 120 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | On property | — | Unlock | Section 7.E |
| Multi-Tenant Business Sign (MTB) | 60 feet | 500 square feet per face | — | 10 feet ROW; 40/10 feet sides | — | Within 900 feet of Hwy 169 interchanges or Hwy 95 west of 13th Ave N | — | Unlock | Section 7.D |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign | Same | Same as host | — | 125 ft or shielded | — | Not within 125 ft residence w/o shield | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
| Electronic Graphic Display Sign | Same | Same | — | Same | — | Same | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
| Video Display Sign | Same | Same | — | Same | — | Same | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
Industrial Districts (MN-1, MN-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pylon Sign | 20 feet | 150 square feet | — | 10 ft clear; 15 ft bldgs | 1 per lot | On property | — | Unlock | Section 7.C |
| Billboard | 30 ft | 50 sq ft per face | — | General billboard setbacks | 1 (MN-1) | Adjoining Hwy 169/95 (MN-1 only) | — | Unlock | Section 7.B |
| Monument Sign (Single Site) | 10 feet | 100 square feet | — | — | 1 | On property | — | Unlock | Section 7.E |
| Monument Sign (Multi-Tenant Site) | 10 feet | 120 square feet | — | — | 1 | On property | — | Unlock | Section 7.E |
| Multi-Tenant Business Sign (MTB) | 60 ft | 500 sq ft per face | — | General MTB | — | Hwy 169/95 areas (MN-1 only) | — | Unlock | Section 7.D |
| Electronic Changeable Copy Sign | Same | Same | — | 125 ft or shield | — | Not 125 ft res w/o shield | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
| Electronic Graphic Display Sign | Same | Same | — | Same | — | Same | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
| Video Display Sign | Same | Same | — | Same | — | Same | — | Unlock | Section 7.F |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Princeton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Princeton — start freeProhibited Signs in Princeton
- No sign shall be permitted as a main or accessory use except in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance.
- No flashing signs (signs with distracting flashing or moving lights resembling an emergency vehicle or designed as a traffic hazard).
- No signs that constitute a traffic hazard through lighting, placement, or design.
- No unsafe or dangerous signs.
- No signs placed in the public right-of-way.
- No abandoned signs (signs no longer identifying a bona fide business or activity with no legal owner).
- No snipe signs (temporary signs or posters affixed to trees, fences, etc.).
- Off-premise signs prohibited except as billboards in specified industrial and commercial zones.
- All signs must be constructed of durable materials, meet applicable building and electrical codes, and be properly maintained without excessive fading, chipping, or peeling.
Exempt Signs in Princeton
- Bulletin boards not exceeding 32 square feet for churches, schools, or similar buildings (unlit or externally lit).
- Temporary real estate or construction signs not exceeding eight square feet on property being sold, leased, or developed, removed upon sale, development, or occupancy.
- Banners or pennants for non-business special events, installed no more than 25 days prior and removed within 5 days after.
- Banners or pennants for business anniversaries, grand openings, or promotions, allowed for maximum of 10 days.
- Political signs: noncommercial opinion signs for 90 days (or extended during election years), one per candidate per premise, removed within 10 days after election.
- Sandwich signs meeting specific size, location, and operational requirements (one per establishment per street frontage, during business hours, etc.).
- Garage sale or home sale signs in residential areas: maximum 4 square feet, not connected to commercial enterprise, removed within 72 hours.
- Identification signs for one- or two-family dwellings less than 2 square feet.
- Pedestrian, vehicular traffic, and parking directional signs in parking lots less than 9 square feet.
- Traffic control signs, noncommercial governmental signs, local notices, and temporary non-advertising safety or emergency signs.
- Temporary holiday displays, removed within 10 days after the event.
- Construction signs not exceeding 32 square feet aggregate on work site, removed 10 days after completion.
- Signs or posters inside display windows occupying less than 25% of window area (including illuminated but not flashing).
- Flags, badges, or insignia of governments or organizations, freestanding flags limited to 30 feet height with 8 feet clearance over walkways.
- Wall graphics not used for advertising, with Zoning Administrator approval.
- Real estate signs: temporary for selling/leasing individual lots/buildings (size limits by property type), one per building for leasing units/offices (10 sq ft), development signs for projects with conditions (size by project area, removal timelines).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Princeton
- Comprehensive sign plan required for future wall sign permits on new multi-tenant buildings, including shopping centers, to ensure similar design standards for material, color, style, spacing, and size, approved by Zoning Administrator.
- MTB plan (Multi-Tenant Business Sign plan) required for erecting or maintaining Multi-Tenant Business Signs in B-2, B-3, and MN-1 districts; must be signed by property owners, include standards for proportions and landscaping, and cover at least 10 acres with businesses within 1/2 mile.
- Monument sign areas and heights for multi-tenant sites may be approved as part of a Multi-tenant Business Sign Plan by the Planning Commission.
Source: other municipal code