Sign Regulations in Saint Paul, Minnesota
Saint Paul, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 101 sign types across 26 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Parking Lot Identification Sign, Business Park Sign, Temporary Election (Political) Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 10, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Saint Paul, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Saint Paul
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (One- and Two-Family; Bed and Breakfast) | If freestanding and in a required yard: ≤4 ft + 2 inches per foot of setback from the property line; otherwise must not project higher than 30 ft above grade. | ≤2 sq ft total | Freestanding sign in a required yard must follow special height formula; otherwise general setbacks apply. |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family, Parcel ≤25,000 sq ft) | If freestanding in a required yard: ≤4 ft + 2 inches per foot of setback; otherwise ≤30 ft above grade. | ≤6 sq ft per sign | — |
| Identification Sign (Multiple-Family, Parcel >25,000 sq ft) | If freestanding in a required yard: ≤4 ft + 2 inches per foot of setback; otherwise ≤30 ft above grade. | Total on each frontage ≤24 sq ft (may be 1 or 2 signs per frontage). | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Saint PaulFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
101
- Parking Lot Identification Sign
- Business Park Sign
- Temporary Election (Political) Sign
- Permit Applicability
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
26
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Saint Paul
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul, 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 Saint Paul, regulated sign types include Parking Lot Identification Sign, Business Park Sign, Temporary Election (Political) Sign, Permit Applicability, 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 Saint Paul 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 Saint Paul are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Saint Paul has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Saint Paul, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Saint Paul, Minnesota regulates 101 sign types across 26 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the T2 zoning district are capped at Generally up to 37.5 ft above grade; on lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, one freestanding sign may project to 37.5 ft above the arterial surface tall and Limited by the lot’s total sign area allowance, with a May be in required yard; may project into ROW up to 18 inches setback (Sec. Sec. 64.503(a)(2), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.411; Sec. 64.203(a)). Most commercial signs in Saint Paul require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Saint Paul, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Saint Paul (26 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RL | 22 | Identification signs ≤15 ft high; institutional off-site directionals ≤7.5 ft high. | If lot frontage ≤330 ft: total portable sign area ≤100 sq ft; if frontage >330 ft: total ≤300 sq ft | — |
| H1, H2, RM1, RM2, RM3 | 22 | Identification signs ≤15 ft high; institutional off-site directionals ≤7.5 ft high. | If lot frontage ≤330 ft: total portable sign area ≤100 sq ft; if frontage >330 ft: total ≤300 sq ft | — |
| T1 | 24 | No sign may project higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except wall signs may go up to the zoning code’s building height limit; on lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, one freestanding sign may project to 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial. | If lot frontage ≤330 ft: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; if frontage >330 ft: total ≤300 sq ft | — |
| T2 | 27 | Generally, no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit of the zoning code and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | If street frontage ≤330 ft: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; If frontage >330 ft: total portable sign area ≤300 sq ft | — |
| T3, T4, OS, B1 | 27 | Generally, no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit of the zoning code and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | If street frontage ≤330 ft: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; If frontage >330 ft: total portable sign area ≤300 sq ft | — |
| BC | 26 | Generally, no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit of the zoning code and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | If street frontage ≤330 ft: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; If frontage >330 ft: total portable sign area ≤300 sq ft | — |
| B2 | 25 | No sign shall project higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | Per sign face: 200 sq ft dynamic; Property-wide: dynamic displays ≤20% of total allowable signage | — |
| B3 | 25 | No sign shall project higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | Per sign face: 200 sq ft dynamic; Property-wide: dynamic displays ≤20% of total allowable signage | — |
| B4 | 22 | Subject to height limits in 64.503(a)(4): no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except that wall signs on zoning lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials may project to the height allowed by the zoning code’s building height restriction. | ≤700 sq ft per advertising sign. | — |
| B5 | 24 | Subject to height limits in 64.503(a)(4): no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except that wall signs on zoning lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials may project to the height allowed by the zoning code’s building height restriction. | ≤700 sq ft per advertising sign. | — |
| IT | 19 | Subject to 64.503(a)(4): no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except wall signs on zoning lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials may project to the height allowed by the zoning code’s building height restriction. | On lots with ≤330 ft street frontage: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; on lots with >330 ft frontage: total portable sign area ≤300 sq ft. | — |
| I1 | 19 | Subject to 64.503(a)(4): no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except wall signs on zoning lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials may project to the height allowed by the zoning code’s building height restriction. | On lots with ≤330 ft street frontage: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; on lots with >330 ft frontage: total portable sign area ≤300 sq ft. | — |
| I2 | 19 | Subject to 64.503(a)(4): no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except wall signs on zoning lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials may project to the height allowed by the zoning code’s building height restriction. | On lots with ≤330 ft street frontage: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; on lots with >330 ft frontage: total portable sign area ≤300 sq ft. | — |
| I3 | 19 | Subject to 64.503(a)(4): no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except wall signs on zoning lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials may project to the height allowed by the zoning code’s building height restriction. | On lots with ≤330 ft street frontage: total portable sign area ≤36 sq ft; on lots with >330 ft frontage: total portable sign area ≤300 sq ft. | — |
| CO civic and open space district | 17 | No sign higher than 15 ft above grade; off-site institutional directional signs ≤7.5 ft height. | For business/identification signs: ≤200 sq ft dynamic area on an individual sign face; dynamic area ≤20% of the property’s total allowable signage. | — |
| CV conservancy district | 17 | No sign higher than 15 ft above grade; off-site institutional directional signs ≤7.5 ft height. | For business/identification signs: ≤200 sq ft dynamic area on an individual sign face; dynamic area ≤20% of the property’s total allowable signage. | — |
| VP | 12 | 15 ft above grade | For business/identification signs: ≤200 sq ft dynamic area on an individual sign face; dynamic area ≤20% of the property’s total allowable signage. | — |
| PD | 12 | ≤15 ft above grade. | For business/identification signs: ≤200 sq ft dynamic area on an individual sign face; dynamic area ≤20% of the property’s total allowable signage. | — |
| F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 | 24 | No sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade, except: wall signs may reach building height allowed by zoning; on lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, one freestanding sign may project to 37.5 ft above the arterial’s surface | Dynamic display area on an individual sign face may not exceed 200 sq ft; dynamic displays may occupy no more than 20% of the total allowable signage of the property | — |
| SF state fair parking and vending overlay districts / TP tree preservation overlay district | 18 | No sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade; wall signs may reach building height limit; one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above arterial surface on lots abutting principal/intermediate arterials | Dynamic display area per sign face ≤200 sq ft; total dynamic display area on property ≤20% of allowed total signage | — |
| SD Shepard Davern commercial and residential redevelopment overlay districts | 11 | General: up to 37.5 ft on arterial-abutting lots where base district allows; otherwise base caps apply; residential yard freestanding height formula applies where relevant | ≤200 sq ft per sign face; ≤20% of total allowed signage per property | — |
| WB White Bear Avenue overlay district | 8 | General city caps apply where not overridden: e.g., 37.5 ft arterial allowance; 30 ft general; residential yard height formula | ≤10% of store window glass area | — |
| HV Hillcrest Village overlay district / SH Student housing neighborhood impact overlay district / RC1 river corridor floodway overlay district | 15 | General cap: 30 ft (residential identification and temporary signs capped at 30 ft); up to 37.5 ft on lots abutting principal/intermediate arterials in T/OS/BC/F districts; height in required yards in residential limited to 4 ft plus 2 inches per foot of setback | Dynamic display area per sign face ≤200 sq ft; total dynamic display area on property ≤20% of allowed total signage | — |
| EG East Grand Avenue overlay district | 7 | Top ≤30 ft (general), subject to base/arterial allowances | ≤200 sq ft per sign face; ≤20% of property’s allowed total signage | — |
| RC2 river corridor flood fringe overlay district / RC3 river corridor urban open overlay district / RC4 river corridor urban diversified overlay district / FW floodway overlay district / FF flood fringe overlay district | 12 | Max 15 ft above grade. | 200 sq ft dynamic display per sign face; property-wide dynamic display limited to 20% of total allowable signage. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | ≤15 ft above grade. | For business/identification signs: ≤200 sq ft dynamic area on an individual sign face; dynamic area ≤20% of the property’s total allowable signage. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Saint Paul(sample of 3 of 26 zones)
T2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Identification Signs (Overall Sign Allowance) | Generally, no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit of the zoning code and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | Total per lot: 1.5 × lot frontage (lf) or 75 sq ft, whichever is greater | — | Freestanding signs may project into the public right-of-way up to 18 inches; business wall signs may project into ROW up to 12 inches; see specific entries below | — | Business/identification signs generally on private property; one freestanding sign may be in a required yard; limited projections into right-of-way per specific sign type rules | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(1), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.401(a)-(p); Sec. 64.203; Sec. 64.404; Sec. 64.405 |
| Wall Sign | Top of sign may not project above the top of the wall; overall sign height generally limited to 37.5 ft above grade; on lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit | Limited by the lot’s total sign area allowance | — | May project up to 12 inches into the public right-of-way | — | Attached flat to building wall; business wall signs may project up to 12 inches into the public right-of-way and beyond a legal setback line | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(1), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.415(a)-(b); Sec. 64.401(k) |
| Freestanding Sign | Generally up to 37.5 ft above grade; on lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, one freestanding sign may project to 37.5 ft above the arterial surface | Limited by the lot’s total sign area allowance | — | May be in required yard; may project into ROW up to 18 inches | One freestanding sign may be placed in a required yard | One freestanding sign may be located in a required yard; may project into the public right-of-way up to 18 inches | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(2), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.411; Sec. 64.203(a) |
| Projecting Sign | Top no more than 30 ft above grade | Max 16 sq ft per side | — | Projection up to 3 ft into ROW; at least 2 ft from curb; 10 ft above ground if over ROW | One per entrance on a street frontage, with 20 ft minimum frontage per sign | One projecting sign per entrance on a street frontage; must be at least 20 ft from any other projecting sign; may project up to 3 ft into the public right-of-way; minimum 10 ft above ground and at least 2 ft from curb if over ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(3); Sec. 64.412(b) |
| Dynamic Display (Business/Identification Sign) | Subject to the height limits of the underlying sign type (e.g., wall/freestanding/projecting limits) | Per sign face: 200 sq ft for dynamic display; Property-wide: cumulative dynamic display area ≤ 20% of total allowed signage | — | Distance separation from residential districts per Sec. 64.405(a) | — | Business signs with dynamic display must be at least 75 ft along the road from a residential district and at least 50 ft radially from a residential district; signs intended to be read from a freeway must be at least 660 ft from any other dynamic display sign read by drivers heading the same direction | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(6); Sec. 64.405(a)-(e) |
| Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary) | — | Up to 50 sq ft per sign | — | Not in required yards | One per 300 ft or less of lot frontage | On the lot of the new development; not located in any required yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(b)(1) |
| Parking Lot Identification and Directional Signs | No sign shall project higher than 15 ft above grade | Identification: 15 sq ft per entrance (may be up to 25 sq ft if half the area is the blue 'P' parking symbol); Directional: 4 sq ft per entrance/exit (may be up to 10 sq ft if includes the 'P' symbol) | — | — | One identification sign per parking lot entrance; one directional per entrance or exit | At parking lot entrances/exits; additional off-site directional signs for certain institutions allowed with size and distance limits | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.401(j) |
| Business Park Entrance Sign | Up to 15 ft above ground level | Up to 150 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per primary park entrance | At a primary entrance to a business park or industrial park under single management | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.401(p) |
T3, T4, OS, B1
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Identification Signs (Overall Sign Allowance) | Generally, no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit of the zoning code and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | Total per lot: 1.5 × lot frontage (lf) or 75 sq ft, whichever is greater | — | Freestanding signs may project into the public right-of-way up to 18 inches; business wall signs may project into ROW up to 12 inches; see specific entries below | — | Business/identification signs generally on private property; one freestanding sign may be in a required yard; limited projections into right-of-way per specific sign type rules | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(1), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.401(a)-(p); Sec. 64.203; Sec. 64.404; Sec. 64.405 |
| Wall Sign | Top of sign may not project above the top of the wall; overall sign height generally limited to 37.5 ft above grade; on lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit | Limited by the lot’s total sign area allowance | — | May project up to 12 inches into the public right-of-way | — | Attached flat to building wall; business wall signs may project up to 12 inches into the public right-of-way and beyond a legal setback line | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(1), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.415(a)-(b); Sec. 64.401(k) |
| Freestanding Sign | Generally up to 37.5 ft above grade; on lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, one freestanding sign may project to 37.5 ft above the arterial surface | Limited by the lot’s total sign area allowance | — | May be in required yard; may project into ROW up to 18 inches | One freestanding sign may be placed in a required yard | One freestanding sign may be located in a required yard; may project into the public right-of-way up to 18 inches | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(2), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.411; Sec. 64.203(a) |
| Projecting Sign | Top no more than 30 ft above grade | Max 16 sq ft per side | — | Projection up to 3 ft into ROW; at least 2 ft from curb; 10 ft above ground if over ROW | One per entrance on a street frontage, with 20 ft minimum frontage per sign | One projecting sign per entrance on a street frontage; must be at least 20 ft from any other projecting sign; may project up to 3 ft into the public right-of-way; minimum 10 ft above ground and at least 2 ft from curb if over ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(3); Sec. 64.412(b) |
| Dynamic Display (Business/Identification Sign) | Subject to the height limits of the underlying sign type (e.g., wall/freestanding/projecting limits) | Per sign face: 200 sq ft for dynamic display; Property-wide: cumulative dynamic display area ≤ 20% of total allowed signage | — | Distance separation from residential districts per Sec. 64.405(a) | — | Business signs with dynamic display must be at least 75 ft along the road from a residential district and at least 50 ft radially from a residential district; signs intended to be read from a freeway must be at least 660 ft from any other dynamic display sign read by drivers heading the same direction | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(6); Sec. 64.405(a)-(e) |
| Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary) | — | Up to 50 sq ft per sign | — | Not in required yards | One per 300 ft or less of lot frontage | On the lot of the new development; not located in any required yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(b)(1) |
| Parking Lot Identification and Directional Signs | No sign shall project higher than 15 ft above grade | Identification: 15 sq ft per entrance (may be up to 25 sq ft if half the area is the blue 'P' parking symbol); Directional: 4 sq ft per entrance/exit (may be up to 10 sq ft if includes the 'P' symbol) | — | — | One identification sign per parking lot entrance; one directional per entrance or exit | At parking lot entrances/exits; additional off-site directional signs for certain institutions allowed with size and distance limits | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.401(j) |
| Business Park Entrance Sign | Up to 15 ft above ground level | Up to 150 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per primary park entrance | At a primary entrance to a business park or industrial park under single management | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.401(p) |
BC
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Identification Signs (Overall Sign Allowance) | Generally, no sign higher than 37.5 ft above grade; on zoning lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit of the zoning code and one freestanding sign may reach 37.5 ft above the surface of the arterial | Total per lot: 1.5 × lot frontage (lf) or 75 sq ft, whichever is greater | — | Freestanding signs may project into the public right-of-way up to 18 inches; business wall signs may project into ROW up to 12 inches | — | Business/identification signs generally on private property; one freestanding sign may be in a required yard; limited projections into right-of-way per specific sign type rules | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(1), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.401(a)-(p); Sec. 64.203; Sec. 64.404; Sec. 64.405 |
| Wall Sign | Top of sign may not project above the top of the wall; overall sign height generally limited to 37.5 ft above grade; on lots abutting principal or intermediate arterials, wall signs may extend up to the building height limit | Limited by the lot’s total sign area allowance | — | May project up to 12 inches into the public right-of-way | — | Attached flat to building wall; business wall signs may project up to 12 inches into the public right-of-way and beyond a legal setback line | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(1), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.415(a)-(b); Sec. 64.401(k) |
| Freestanding Sign | Generally up to 37.5 ft above grade; on lots abutting a principal or intermediate arterial, one freestanding sign may project to 37.5 ft above the arterial surface | Limited by the lot’s total sign area allowance | — | May be in required yard; may project into ROW up to 18 inches | One freestanding sign may be placed in a required yard | One freestanding sign may be located in a required yard; may project into the public right-of-way up to 18 inches | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(2), (4)-(6); Sec. 64.411; Sec. 64.203(a) |
| Dynamic Display (Business/Identification Sign) | Subject to the height limits of the underlying sign type (e.g., wall/freestanding limits) | Per sign face: 200 sq ft for dynamic display; Property-wide: cumulative dynamic display area ≤ 20% of total allowed signage | — | Distance separation from residential districts per Sec. 64.405(a) | — | Business signs with dynamic display must be at least 75 ft along the road from a residential district and at least 50 ft radially from a residential district; signs intended to be read from a freeway must be at least 660 ft from any other dynamic display sign read by drivers heading the same direction | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(a)(6); Sec. 64.405(a)-(e) |
| Real Estate Development Sign (Temporary) | — | Up to 50 sq ft per sign | — | Not in required yards | One per 300 ft or less of lot frontage | On the lot of the new development; not located in any required yard | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.503(b)(1) |
| Parking Lot Identification and Directional Signs | No sign shall project higher than 15 ft above grade | Identification: 15 sq ft per entrance (may be up to 25 sq ft if half the area is the blue 'P' parking symbol); Directional: 4 sq ft per entrance/exit (may be up to 10 sq ft if includes the 'P' symbol) | — | — | One identification sign per parking lot entrance; one directional per entrance or exit | At parking lot entrances/exits; additional off-site directional signs for certain institutions allowed with size and distance limits | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.401(j) |
| Business Park Entrance Sign | Up to 15 ft above ground level | Up to 150 sq ft per sign | — | — | One per primary park entrance | At a primary entrance to a business park or industrial park under single management | — | Unlock | Sec. 64.401(p) |
| Parking Lot Identification Sign | ≤15 ft above grade. | 15 sq ft per entrance; up to 25 sq ft if the sign devotes 50% of its area to the prescribed blue 'P' parking symbol with a white 'P' that is ≥50% of the blue rectangle. | — | — | 1 identification sign per entrance; 1 directional sign per entrance/exit (or up to 2 institutional off-site directionals under conditions). | At parking lot entrances; additional off-site directional signs for community centers/institutions allowed under conditions. | — | Unlock | §64.401(j) |
PermitPal covers all 26 zoning districts in Saint Paul — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 26 zones for Saint Paul — start freeProhibited Signs in Saint Paul
- No sign may be placed, erected, or maintained that, by reason of its position, size, shape, content, color, or illumination, obstructs, impairs, obscures, interferes with the view of, or could be confused with any traffic-control sign, signal, or device, or that interferes with, misleads, or confuses traffic (Sec. 64.401(a)).
- No sign or sign structure may be erected or maintained so that any portion of its surface or supports interferes with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe (Sec. 64.401(b)).
- Maintaining unsafe or unsightly signs is prohibited; such signs must be repaired or removed within specified timeframes after notification (Sec. 64.401(c)).
- No sign may be painted directly on or affixed to any tree, rock, or utility pole (Sec. 64.401(d)).
- Swinging signs are prohibited; no swinging sign may be erected freestanding or attached to any building or structure (Sec. 64.401(h)).
- No signs may be located in, project into, or overhang a public right-of-way, except certain projecting business signs permitted in business and industrial districts that comply with Minn. Stat. 160.27, sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106, and governmental signs (Sec. 64.401(i)).
- Flashing signs are prohibited (Sec. 64.401(k)).
- Signs and their support structures may not interfere with electric light, power, telephone or telegraph wires or their supports and must maintain minimum clearances from high-voltage conductors (Sec. 64.403(a)).
- No sign may obstruct building openings so as to reduce required light or ventilation below State Building Code standards (Sec. 64.403(b)).
- It is unlawful to post or affix any advertising matter on any building or object without the consent of the owner or person in control (Chapter 286, Sec. 286.01).
- No bills, cards, advertisements, posters, or painted signs may be fastened to any lamp post or to any mast or pole in city streets used for supporting or conducting wires, cables, ropes, or signs (Sec. 286.03).
- Owners of masts or poles in city streets may not permit attachment of any bills, cards, advertisements, posters, pictures, or painted signs and must remove any such materials (Sec. 286.04).
Exempt Signs in Saint Paul
- Signs of the city, county, state, and federal government and their subdivisions and agencies that give orientation, direction, or traffic-control information are exempt from the requirements of Chapter 64 (Sec. 64.204(a)).
- Changing the message on the display surface of signs designed to have changeable copy does not require a permit (Sec. 64.204(b)(1)).
- Signs six (6) square feet or less in area do not require a permit (Sec. 64.204(b)(2)).
- Lettering on motor vehicles, when not utilized as a parked or stationary outdoor display sign, does not require a permit (Sec. 64.204(b)(3)).
- Political signs do not require a permit (Sec. 64.204(b)(4)).
- Sports facility sponsorship signs do not require a permit (Sec. 64.204(b)(5)).
- Sidewalk signs placed pursuant to chapter 106 do not require a permit (Sec. 64.204(b)(6)).
- Courtesy benches are regulated under chapter 127 and are not subject to Chapter 64 sign requirements (Sec. 64.105, Courtesy bench).
- Newsracks are regulated under chapter 131 and are not subject to Chapter 64 sign requirements (Sec. 64.116, Newsrack).
- Transit stop stations are not subject to Chapter 64 sign requirements (Sec. 64.122, Transit stop station).
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Saint Paul
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| All sign permits | $3.00 per each square foot; minimum permit fee $85.00. | — |
| Standard Review | within thirty (30) days | §64.6xx special sign district administration |
| See all Saint Paul sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: municode municipal code