Sign Regulations in Staples, Minnesota
Staples, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Building Sign (Per Dwelling Unit), Building Sign (Dwelling Group, 6 or More Units), Freestanding or Monument Sign (Nonresidential/Multi-family, 6+ Units). 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 Staples, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Staples
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign (Per Dwelling Unit) | 10 ft above average grade level | 1 sq ft | 10 feet from any property line |
| Building Sign (Dwelling Group, 6 or More Units) | 10 ft above average grade level | 6 sq ft | 10 feet from any property line |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (Nonresidential/Multi-family, 6+ Units) | 10 ft above average grade level | 32 sq ft per side | 10 feet from all property lines and right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Building Sign (Per Dwelling Unit)
- Building Sign (Dwelling Group, 6 or More Units)
- Freestanding or Monument Sign (Nonresidential/Multi-family, 6+ Units)
- Building Sign (Nonresidential/Conditional Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Staples
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Staples, monument signs are limited to 10 ft above average grade level. 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 Staples, 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 Staples, regulated sign types include Building Sign (Per Dwelling Unit), Building Sign (Dwelling Group, 6 or More Units), Freestanding or Monument Sign (Nonresidential/Multi-family, 6+ Units), Building Sign (Nonresidential/Conditional Use), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Staples, monument signs typically require a 10 feet from all property lines and right-of-way 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 Staples are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Staples has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Staples, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Staples, Minnesota regulates 19 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Building Sign (Per Dwelling Unit)s in the A-1 Agricultural zoning district are capped at 10 ft above average grade level tall and 1 sq ft, with a 10 feet from any property line setback (Sec. Sec. 109-123(i)(1), (6), (7)). Most commercial signs in Staples require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Staples, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Staples (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 Agricultural | 4 | 10 ft above average grade level | 32 sq ft per side | — |
| R-1 Residential, R-2, R-3 Multifamily residential, R-4 Manufactured/mobile home | 4 | 10 ft above average grade level | 32 sq ft per side | — |
| B-1 Business district, B-2 Highway business district | 4 | 40 ft from average grade | 250 sq ft per side per sign; total up to 250 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| I-1 Limited industry, I-2 General industry | 2 | 40 ft from average grade | Up to 250 sq ft per side per sign, or 1 sq ft per front foot | — |
| Business Corridor Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 4 ft | 240 sq ft per side, max 2 sides | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Staples(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
A-1 Agricultural
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign (Per Dwelling Unit) | 10 ft above average grade level | 1 sq ft | — | 10 feet from any property line | 1 per dwelling unit | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(i)(1), (6), (7) |
| Building Sign (Dwelling Group, 6 or More Units) | 10 ft above average grade level | 6 sq ft | — | 10 feet from any property line | 1 per dwelling group of 6 or more | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(i)(2), (6), (7) |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (Nonresidential/Multi-family, 6+ Units) | 10 ft above average grade level | 32 sq ft per side | — | 10 feet from all property lines and right-of-way | 1 per qualifying use | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(i)(3), (6), (7) |
| Building Sign (Nonresidential/Conditional Use) | 10 ft above average grade level | 12 sq ft | — | 10 feet from any property line | 1 per permitted nonresidential use | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(i)(4), (6), (7) |
R-1 Residential, R-2, R-3 Multifamily residential, R-4 Manufactured/mobile home
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign (Per Dwelling Unit) | 10 ft above average grade level | 1 sq ft | — | 10 feet from any property line | 1 per dwelling unit | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(j)(1), (6), (7) |
| Building Sign (Dwelling Group, 3 or More Units) | 10 ft above average grade level | 3 sq ft | — | 10 feet from any property line | 1 per dwelling group | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(j)(2), (6), (7) |
| Freestanding or Monument Sign (Multifamily, 6+ Units) | 10 ft above average grade level | 32 sq ft per side | — | 10 feet from all property lines and right-of-way | 1 per qualifying use | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(j)(3), (6), (7) |
| Building Sign (Permitted Nonresidential or Use by Conditional Use Permit) | 10 ft above average grade level | 12 sq ft | — | 10 feet from any property line | 1 per permitted nonresidential use | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(j)(4), (6), (7) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable or Temporary Sign | — | 32 sq ft, 2 sides max | — | — | 1 per lot | Not in public right-of-way. Not in residential/agricultural districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(e)(1) |
| Sandwich Board Sign | 4 ft | 8 sq ft per side, max 4 ft tall | Total width must not cross >2 ft of sidewalk if placed there | — | 1 per entity | Sidewalk, public right-of-way (with indemnity/insurance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(e)(2) |
| Window Sign | — | No more than 25% of street-facing window area | — | — | — | Interior of street-facing window | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(f)(9) |
| Construction Site Sign | — | 240 sq ft per side, max 2 sides | — | — | 1 per construction site | On construction site | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(f)(7) |
| Flag Sign (noncommercial) | — | Up to 100 sq ft per flag; up to 3 flags per lot | — | — | Up to 3 per lot | On private lot | — | Unlock | Sec. 109-123(f)(4) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Staples — 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 Staples — start freeProhibited Signs in Staples
- No sign shall be erected, constructed, altered, rebuilt or relocated until a permit has been issued by the city, except as otherwise stated herein.
- Signs within the public right-of-way or publicly-owned land that are not posted by authorized government officials or otherwise permitted by this section are prohibited.
- Signs painted, attached, or in any manner affixed to trees, rocks, or similar natural surfaces, or attached to public utility poles, bridges or similar public structures, not including public water storage facilities or towers, are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- No sign shall be erected which will obstruct a driver's view of pedestrian, bicyclist, equestrian, or motor vehicle traffic.
- No sign shall be erected which by reason of position, shape or color, would detract from or otherwise interfere with the proper functioning of a traffic control sign or signal.
- No sign shall be erected that resembles any official marker erected by a governmental agency except signs posted by authorized government officials.
- No sign shall be permitted to obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress for any building.
- No sign shall project higher than 40 feet above the grade at the place where the sign is located, if freestanding, or above the height of the building to which it is attached.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained on private property without written permission from the owner.
- No freestanding or monument signs erected on private property shall encroach onto public property.
- Where a sign is illuminated, the source of light shall not be directed upon any part of a residence or into any residential district and the light source must also be shielded.
- Signs must be equipped with a means to immediately turn off the display or lighting if it malfunctions, and the owner or operator must turn off the sign or lighting when notified by the city of non-compliance.
- Any sign alteration will require an amended sign permit.
- No sign shall be erected which is not of good quality, or is not designed to include attractive and tasteful colors and design elements or is not compatible with the principal architectural features and colors of the building.
- Dynamic displays must be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position if a malfunction occurs, and be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display upon malfunction.
- All signs shall be maintained in a good state of repair and free from rust, corrosion, loose or flaking paint, worn or damaged materials, rotted wooden members, and loose or missing parts.
- Signs shall not remain in a defaced state.
- A sign or sign structure that is not being maintained or is unsafe shall be repaired or removed by the owner after notification by the city.
Exempt Signs in Staples
- Signs within the public right-of-way or publicly-owned land that are posted by authorized government officials.
- Signs located within a business, office, mall or other enclosed area that cannot be seen from the outside.
- Signs permitted by Minn. Stats. § 211B.045 (state law exemption for certain campaign signs).
- Up to three flags containing non-commercial speech only may be displayed upon a lot; each flag must not exceed 100 square feet in display surface area.
- Handicapped parking signs.
- One sign with a commercial message on a residentially zoned property that does not exceed six square feet per display surface area may be placed in the front yard of the property. One sign with a commercial message on a commercially or industrially zoned property that does not exceed 32 square feet per display surface area may be placed in the front yard. These signs must be removed within ten days after the closing date of the sale or lease of the property.
- One sign with a commercial message that does not exceed 240 square feet of surface per display surface area (with a maximum of two sides) may be placed upon a construction site. This sign must be removed within ten days after the closing date of the sale of the last lot owned by the development company.
- One sign smaller than five square feet in display surface area may be posted on any parcel of land, except that such sign may not be an off-premises sign and may not be illuminated or contain any dynamic displays.
- Window signs are permitted in street-facing windows of commercial and industrial zoned buildings, provided they do not exceed 25 percent of the window area that has street frontage.
- Building integrated solar energy systems are exempt from requirements of the solar energy system section and regulated as any other building element.
- Symbols, statues, sculptures and integrated architectural features on buildings are permitted and may be illuminated, but must meet applicable glare standards; a sign permit is not required.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Staples
- No specific requirement for a master sign plan or sign plan covering an entire property is stated in the ordinance; sign permits are generally required on a per-sign basis unless exemptions apply.
- Applications for sign permits must include a site plan drawn to scale showing the location of lot lines, all existing and proposed structures, parking areas, existing and proposed signs, and any other physical features.
- Any sign alteration will require an amended sign permit.
- A variance from the sign section may be requested per section 109-37 and must be submitted in writing at the time of the sign permit application and is subject to the board of adjustments and appeals approval process.
- If a sign permit is denied or revoked, the applicant may appeal the decision to the board of adjustments and appeals.
- In the case of legal nonconforming signs, if a sign is damaged by fire or similar peril by more than 50% of its market value and no sign or building permit is applied for within 180 days, the sign must be removed.
- For sandwich board signs, the permit is valid through December 31 of each year and a copy of the approved sign permit must be attached to the sign at all times.
- In Planned Unit Developments (PUD), no explicit reference is made to a master sign plan, but site plans accompanying permits for multifamily structures must include all sign structures per Sec. 109-121(a).
Source: municode municipal code