Sign Regulations in Winona, Minnesota
Winona, Minnesota has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Off-Premise Sign, Wall Sign, Projecting Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Winona, Minnesota
Sample Sign Requirements in Winona
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Premise Sign | — | 250 sq. ft. per display | — |
| Wall Sign | 24 feet | 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of street frontage (aggregate for all signs) | — |
| Projecting Sign | 24 feet; Not less than 8 feet above finished grade | Included in total aggregate area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
18
- Off-Premise Sign
- Wall Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Ground Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Winona
Other Cities in Minnesota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Winona, wall signs can be up to 24 feet. 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 Winona, 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 Winona, regulated sign types include Off-Premise Sign, Wall Sign, Projecting Sign, Ground 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 Winona 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 Winona are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Winona has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Winona, Minnesota Sign Rules at a Glance
Winona, Minnesota regulates 18 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Real Estate Sign (Residential Zoning District)s in the Residential District zoning district are capped at 6 feet above ground tall and 6 sq. ft. per sign face, 12 sq. ft. total (Sec. Residential District Exempt Signs Table 43-20). Most commercial signs in Winona require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Winona, Minnesota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Winona (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown District (MU-DC, MU-DF) | 4 | 24 feet | 250 sq. ft. per display | — |
| Highway District | 2 | 40 feet | 300 sq. ft. per display | — |
| Neighborhood Retail District (MU-N, B-1, B-2, B-3) | 4 | 24 feet | 250 sq. ft. per display | — |
| Industrial District (I-1, I-2) | 5 | 24 feet | 350 sq. ft. | — |
| Residential District | 5 | 12 feet above ground | 18 sq. ft. per sign face, 36 sq. ft. total | — |
| Dynamic Display Overlay District | 2 | — | 50% of allowed sign copy/graphic area | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 48 inches | 50% of permitted aggregate sign area | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Winona(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
Downtown District (MU-DC, MU-DF)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Premise Sign | — | 250 sq. ft. per display | — | — | — | No projection over public streets or alleys. Not within 200 feet of any residential or agricultural district, park, school, or religious facility. Not within historic districts. | — | Unlock | Downtown District Off-Premise Signs |
| Wall Sign | 24 feet | 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of street frontage (aggregate for all signs) | — | — | — | Outermost wall | — | Unlock | Downtown District Wall Signs |
| Projecting Sign | 24 feet; Not less than 8 feet above finished grade | Included in total aggregate area | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Downtown District Projecting Signs |
| Ground Sign | 24 feet | Included in total aggregate area | — | — | — | Within any yard | — | Unlock | Downtown District Ground Signs |
Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Premise Sign | — | 250 sq. ft. per display | — | — | — | No projection over public streets or alleys. Not within 200 feet of any residential or agricultural district, park, school, or religious facility. Not within historic districts. | — | Unlock | Industrial District Off-Premise Signs (Same as Downtown District) |
| Wall Sign | 24 feet | 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of street frontage (aggregate for all wall signs) | — | — | — | Outermost wall | — | Unlock | Industrial District Wall Signs (Same as Downtown District) |
| Projecting Sign | 24 feet; Not less than 8 feet above finished grade | Included in total aggregate area | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Industrial District Projecting Signs (Same as Downtown District) |
| Ground Sign | 24 feet | Included in total aggregate area | — | — | — | Within any yard | — | Unlock | Industrial District Ground Signs (Same as Downtown District) |
| Industrial Park Sign | — | 350 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per industrial park | — | — | Unlock | Industrial District Industrial Park Sign |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Name/Address/Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Attached flat to building | — | Unlock | Residential District Exempt Signs Table 43-20 |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Zoning District) | 6 feet above ground | 6 sq. ft. per sign face, 12 sq. ft. total | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Maximum of one sign per street frontage | — | Unlock | Residential District Exempt Signs Table 43-20 |
| Real Estate Sign (Non-Residential Zoning District, allowed in Residential for nonconforming uses) | 12 feet above ground | 18 sq. ft. per sign face, 36 sq. ft. total | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Maximum of one sign per street frontage | — | Unlock | Residential District Exempt Signs Table 43-20 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Residential District Subdivision Identification Signs |
| Multi-Family Residential Complex Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Residential District Multi-Family Residential Complex Signs |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Winona — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Winona — start freeProhibited Signs in Winona
- It is unlawful to erect, alter, relocate, or keep any sign without a permit, except as exempted.
- Signs imitating official highway signs.
- Signs with continuous flashing or intermittent beams of light, except as provided.
- Signs obstructing windows, doors, or egress openings.
- Signs in the public right-of-way unless authorized.
- Signs causing direct glare into buildings.
- Signs violating state laws.
- Temporary signs like 'A' frames or sandwich boards, except as provided.
- Signs on abandoned or inoperative vehicles.
- Roof signs.
- Mobile signs for off-premise commercial advertising.
- No sign shall be illuminated by other than electrical means and must comply with the State of Minnesota Electrical Code.
- Sign illumination shall not adversely affect surrounding residential districts or safe vision of vehicle operators.
- All signs must be constructed to withstand a wind pressure of at least 30 pounds per square foot and comply with local building codes.
- Any sign that is unsafe, insecure, abandoned, or maintained in a dilapidated condition shall be declared a nuisance and abated.
Exempt Signs in Winona
- Awning, canopy, marquee signs without advertising material and up to 4 square feet.
- Directional or instructional signs without advertising material and up to 4 square feet.
- Governmental or warning directional signs.
- Holiday decorations (to be removed upon holiday termination).
- Memorial plaques/marquees without advertising material and up to 2 square feet.
- Residential district name/address/home occupation signs attached flat to a building and up to 2 square feet.
- Business name/address signs in commercial districts, 1 per street frontage and up to 6 square feet, without commercial advertising.
- No trespassing, parking, towing, private property signs: 2 per zoning lot, max 2 sq ft in R, 4 sq ft in non-R districts.
- Parking lot directional (4 sq ft, 1 per entrance, 5 ft max height) and instructional (16 sq ft, specific height limits) signs.
- Vehicle signs accessory to the primary use of a vehicle.
- Symbols and insignia for noncommercial purposes.
- Vending machine signs up to 4 square feet.
- Garage sale signs up to 6 square feet (remove upon sale termination).
- Temporary construction or subdivision signs up to 32 square feet (unlit, remove upon project completion).
- Banners (as regulated elsewhere).
- Municipal, State or Federal flags (flown according to protocol).
- Real estate signs in residential zoning districts (max 12 sq ft, max 1 per street frontage, unlit, max 6 ft height).
- Real estate signs in non-residential zoning districts (max 36 sq ft, max 1 per street frontage, unlit, max 12 ft height).
- Maintenance of existing signs.
- Election campaign signs (remove within 10 days after election).
- Time and temperature signs (no commercial advertising).
- Interior signs (inside buildings).
- Window signs not exceeding 10% of glass surface.
- Volunteer organization signs (no commercial advertising).
- Utility service signs (to be removed upon completion of utility work).
- Religious signs up to 30 square feet.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Winona
- Applicants for a sign permit must submit two blueprints, photocopies, or ink drawings of the plans and specifications.
- Other information as required by the City Planner may be requested as part of the sign permit application.
- A permit is required to erect, alter, relocate, or keep any sign unless exempted under specific ordinance sections.
- Sidewalk sign applicants must provide evidence of liability insurance and apply for a permit.
- Temporary or seasonal signs require notice to the UDC Administrator prior to display.
- Applications and plan submissions are reviewed by the Community Development Department for compliance before permit issuance.
Source: other municipal code