Sign Regulations in Grand Forks, North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota has specific sign regulations covering 45 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Ground Monument Sign, Directional Sign, Temporary Construction 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 Grand Forks, North Dakota
Sample Sign Requirements in Grand Forks
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign or Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Sign Advertising Lease or Sale | — | 24 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Subdivision Development Sign (Large) | 15 ft | 96 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Grand ForksFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
45
- Ground Monument Sign
- Directional Sign
- Temporary Construction Sign
- Off-Premises Advertising Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
13
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Grand Forks
Other Cities in North Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks, regulated sign types include Ground Monument Sign, Directional Sign, Temporary Construction Sign, Off-Premises Advertising 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 Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Grand Forks has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Grand Forks, North Dakota Sign Rules at a Glance
Grand Forks, North Dakota regulates 45 sign types across 13 zoning districts. Development Entrance Ground Monument Sign (Single/Two-Family, Townhome, Multi-Family)s in the R-1 Single-family Residence District, R-2 One-and Two-Family Residence District, R-3 Multiple-Family Residence (Medium Density) District, R-4 Multiple-Family Residence (High Density) District, R-5 Mobile Home Residence District, R-M Manufactured Home Residence District zoning district are capped at 6 ft (Single/Two-Family/Townhome); 6 ft (Multi-Family) tall, Single/Two-Family/Townhome: 96 sq ft; Multi-Family: 48 sq ft, and 16 ft (Single/Two-Family/Townhome); 8 ft (Multi-Family) wide (Sec. 18-0301(4)(I) and Table 2). Most commercial signs in Grand Forks require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Grand Forks, North Dakota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Grand Forks (13 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 Agricultural Preservation District, A-2 Agricultural Urban Reserve District | 9 | 15 ft | 672 sq ft | — |
| R-1 Single-family Residence District, R-2 One-and Two-Family Residence District, R-3 Multiple-Family Residence (Medium Density) District, R-4 Multiple-Family Residence (High Density) District, R-5 Mobile Home Residence District, R-M Manufactured Home Residence District | 12 | 15 ft | 96 sq ft | — |
| B-1 Limited Business District, A-D Airport District | 9 | Up to 20 ft per Table 1 | 96 sq ft | — |
| B-2 Shopping Center Business District | 3 | Up to 20 ft (per Table 1) | Per 18-0301(3)(GG), Table 1, up to 360 sq ft for largest frontage/speed | — |
| B-3 General Business District | 3 | 50 ft (freestanding), but certain corridor restrictions or lower in designated areas | 300 sq ft (up to 672 sq ft for US #2 west of Gateway Drive) | — |
| B-4 Central Business District | 3 | — | Calculated per above formula; projecting sign limit 18 sq ft | — |
| I-1 Light Industrial District, I-2 Heavy Industrial District | 3 | Wall: 4 ft above roof/parapet, Freestanding: 50 ft above ground | 672 sq ft | — |
| PUD Planned Unit Development District | 6 | 50 ft | 1,000 sq ft sign surface | — |
| U-D University District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Corridor Overlay District | 1 | — | — | — |
| University of North Dakota Sign Overlay District | 8 | Type I: 50 ft/Type II: 30 ft | Type I: 1,000 sq ft/Type II: 225 sq ft | — |
| F-1 Floodway District, F-2 Floodplain District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 13 ft (freestanding) | 12 ft diameter | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Grand Forks(sample of 3 of 13 zones)
R-1 Single-family Residence District, R-2 One-and Two-Family Residence District, R-3 Multiple-Family Residence (Medium Density) District, R-4 Multiple-Family Residence (High Density) District, R-5 Mobile Home Residence District, R-M Manufactured Home Residence 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate/Professional/Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property | In any front yard but not in any side yard | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(A) |
| Real Estate (For Sale/Lease) Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per property | — | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(B) |
| Temporary Subdivision Development Sign - Large | 15 ft | 96 sq ft | — | — | 1 per subdivision | Located in the subdivision development | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(C)1 |
| Temporary Subdivision Development Sign - Small | 15 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per subdivision | Located in the subdivision development | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(C)2 |
| Temporary Construction Sign | 15 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(C)3 |
| Freestanding Sign for Institutional/Public Use | 8 ft | 50 sq ft (single face); 100 sq ft (total) | — | — | 1 per property | For churches, schools, nonprofit/charitable organizations, and other public institutions—per property. | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(D) |
| Development Entrance Ground Monument Sign (Single/Two-Family, Townhome, Multi-Family) | 6 ft (Single/Two-Family/Townhome); 6 ft (Multi-Family) | Single/Two-Family/Townhome: 96 sq ft; Multi-Family: 48 sq ft | 16 ft (Single/Two-Family/Townhome); 8 ft (Multi-Family) | — | 1 per entrance/driveway | At subdivision or apartment entrance(s) as permitted | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(I) and Table 2 |
| High School Ground Monument Sign | Per ground monument sign standard | Per development entrance ground monument sign standard | — | — | 1 per school | On publicly owned high school land | — | Unlock | 18-0301(4)(J) |
B-1 Limited Business District, A-D Airport 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Subdivision Development Sign (Large) | 15 ft | 96 sq ft | — | — | 1 per subdivision | Located in the subdivision development | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(B)1 |
| Temporary Subdivision Development Sign (Small) | 15 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per subdivision | Located in the subdivision development | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(B)2 |
| Temporary Construction Sign | 15 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(B)3 |
| Identification Sign (Institutional) | 15 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | For private educational institutions, community centers, eleemosynary institutions, rest homes, nursing homes, medical and dental offices. | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(C) |
| On-premises Business Sign (Wall) | May extend 3 ft above height of one-story building | 50 sq ft or 4% of wall area | — | — | 1 per frontage | On building (flat, wall-mounted) | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(D) |
| Ground Monument Sign | See ground monument sign standards | See ground monument sign standards | See ground monument sign standards | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(E) |
| Commercial Center Ground Monument Sign | Up to 20 ft per Table 1 | See Table 1 (up to 360 sq ft) | Up to 20 ft per Table 1 | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(G) |
| Development Entrance Ground Monument Sign | See Table 2 | See Table 2 | See Table 2 | — | — | Per Table 2 | — | Unlock | 18-0301(5)(H) |
PUD Planned Unit Development 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-premises Business Sign (Flat Wall) | — | Varies; see formula | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 18-0301(10)(A), (F) |
| Ground Monument Sign | See Table 1 | See Table 1 | See Table 1 | — | Per property; additional unified commercial center signs allowed as specified. | — | — | Unlock | 18-0301(10)(B), (C) |
| Event Center Sign (Type I) | 50 ft | 1,000 sq ft sign surface | 55 ft | — | 1 per event center (Type I) | Within approved concept development plan area | — | Unlock | 18-0301(10)(E); 18-0204 (definition) |
| Event Center Sign (Type II) | 30 ft | 225 sq ft sign surface | 25 ft | — | 1 per event center (Type II) | Within approved concept development plan area | — | Unlock | 18-0301(10)(E); 18-0204 (definition) |
| Business Landmark Sign (Type I) | 25 ft | 750 sq ft (total—including base), surface area max 375 sq ft, width max 30 ft, depth max 2 ft | 30 ft | — | Max 2 per development (Types I and II together) | On portion abutting Interstate 29, multitenant commercial or industrial development (>50 gross acres) | — | Unlock | 18-0204 Business Landmark Sign, 18-0301(10)(D) |
| Business Landmark Sign (Type II) | 8 ft | 144 sq ft (total—including base), surface area max 108 sq ft, width max 18 ft | 18 ft | — | Max 2 per development (Types I and II together) | On portion abutting intersecting public street at Interstate 29 interchange, multitenant commercial/industrial dev | — | Unlock | 18-0204 Business Landmark Sign, 18-0301(10)(D) |
PermitPal covers all 13 zoning districts in Grand Forks — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 13 zones for Grand Forks — start freeProhibited Signs in Grand Forks
- No sign or sign structure shall be permitted within any public right-of-way or public easement, except for certain specified exceptions (e.g., newspaper stands, bus benches, litter baskets, and certain projecting signs in the B-4 district).
- No sign or sign structure shall be allowed to project or extend into or over any public right-of-way or public easement except with city engineer approval and a hold harmless agreement; no sign may extend over a street or alley.
- No sign or sign structure may interfere with the operation, maintenance, repair, or installation of any public utilities or fixtures.
- No sign visible from any street shall contain the words 'Danger', 'Stop', or otherwise simulate street, traffic, law enforcement, or official government signs.
- No sign may obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, or other building egress/ingress.
- Signs advertising businesses, products, or activities that no longer exist, or which have become irrelevant due to relocation, must be removed by the owner within 30 days of notification.
- Dilapidated, rotted, unsafe, or unsightly signs or sign structures must be repaired or removed within 30 days after written notice.
- Light from illuminated signs shall not shine into any public right-of-way or into any part of a residence, or into residential districts (exception for some apartments).
- No sign or sign structure shall obstruct vision for motorists at intersections, driveways, or railroad crossings; no sign visible from the street may simulate official signs. No vehicle with an off-premises sign may be parked in any district or right-of-way more than 48 hours.
- No off-premises advertising sign or sign structure shall be erected without property owner approval and sign permit following site plan approval.
- No off-premises advertising sign or on-premises electronic changeable copy sign shall be permitted within 100 feet of a one- or two-family dwelling.
- Roof signs are only permitted in specified districts and may not include off-premises advertising; off-premises signs are prohibited on building roofs or parapets.
- Murals are prohibited from containing advertising, commercial messages, or obscene/offensive material; they may not be installed on certain historic or abutting façades unless specific exceptions and procedures are followed.
- No off-premises advertising sign or sign structure shall be permitted on Columbia Road between Gateway Drive and the extraterritorial boundary, within 1,100 feet of the centerline.
- Off-premises advertising signs must be separated by at least 500 feet, measured edge to edge.
- No portable sign board or temporary attraction sign shall be permitted or displayed within the city’s jurisdiction.
- Development notification signs must comply with specific construction, maintenance, and informational requirements.
- No off-premises advertising signs or structures may be located within 500 feet of each other (measured straight line, edge to edge).
- Painted wall signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Certain sign types are prohibited downtown (B-4), such as internally illuminated awnings, internally illuminated wall cabinets, flashing/moving signs, and painted signs on building façades.
- Digital, electronic, or fixed letter boards are prohibited in the downtown (B-4) district except for certain theater marquees.
- No advertising is allowed on noncommercial wireless communication antennas/facilities.
- No sign may be placed/maintained in a way that blocks vision or is a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- Maximum number of off-premise advertising sign structures is capped and subject to 'no net loss' and census-based formulas.
- Off-premises signs may only be placed on single pedestal poles; must be on platted lots unless exceptions apply.
- Roof-mounted parabolic antennas are subject to size, location, and usage restrictions; no advertising on parabolic antennas except for limited manufacturer's info.
Exempt Signs in Grand Forks
- Official traffic and street signs are exempt from sign regulations.
- Murals are allowed in business or industrial districts as long as they meet specific non-commercial and aesthetic standards.
- Murals restoring historically significant wall signs may be exempt from some placement restrictions if approved.
- Development notification signs are treated separately, with specific standards and not considered prohibited temporary signs.
- Nameplate, professional nameplate, or home occupation signs identifying the owner/occupant of a building up to 2 sq ft are allowed in all zones (with some siting and illumination restrictions).
- Signs for lease or sale of property (maximum size varies by zone, generally up to 24 sq ft) are permitted in all districts.
- Temporary signs for construction (engineer, architect, contractor, product) are permitted (generally up to 24 sq ft, not more than 15 ft tall, and must be removed prior to occupancy).
- Directional signs on private driveways and parking areas (no advertising) are permitted in all zoning districts.
- Exemptions are provided for certain farm and single-family residential structures from corridor overlay district standards, provided they meet base zoning requirements.
- Establishments that have paid for off-street city parking are exempt from parking regulations in all districts.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Grand Forks
- Campus signage master plan: Entities with multiple buildings and centralized support (e.g., commercial, medical, educational institutions) must submit a campus signage master plan for approval for future signage. Application requires scaled site plans and colored elevation drawings showing all sign locations and types. Planning department approval required.
- Unified commercial centers: Unified commercial centers with multitenant buildings may have additional ground monument signs provided they are integrated into an overall site signage plan approved by the planning department.
- PUD (Planned Unit Development): All PUDs require submittal and approval of a concept development plan and a detailed development plan, which includes signage. Any changes to signs or site elements require resubmission to and approval by the planning department, or planning commission if substantive.
- B-2 Shopping Centers: New B-2 shopping centers require a general development plan at the rezoning application stage. Signage location, arrangement, and dimensions are included and must be approved by planning commission and city council.
- Downtown district (B-4): All building or site modifications, including signage, in the B-4 district are subject to downtown design review and standards, and certain signage requires Downtown Design Review Board (DDRB) review (e.g., new signs, signs as part of redevelopment/addition, major alterations to signage).
- Commercial centers: Ground monument and commercial center monument sign standards set in code; plans for these signs must be submitted for approval. For commercial centers and unified campaign signage, drawings to scale must be submitted and approved before sign permits are issued.
- Sign permit applications: All sign permits require submittal of proof of ownership or a lease, and a scale drawing indicating sign size, location, and design. Sign permit applications for leased property must include a copy of the lease or owner's attestation. Permits expire under same terms as building permits.
- Murals: Prior to installation, mural proposals (including sponsor signs and mural restoration) must be submitted for review to the Community Development Department and (for historic wall signs) to the Historic Preservation Commission.
- Major Site Plans: For multifamily, commercial, and industrial buildings, site plan approval is required before building permits are issued. Site plans must include proposed identification signs.
- Variance and Appeals: Any person aggrieved by denial of a sign application may appeal (first) to the planning and zoning commission and (then) to the city council. Appeals follow set findings/criteria.
- Modifications and Adjustments: Changes in signage or site elements as part of an approved detailed development plan or master plan (PUDs, campus, etc.) may require resubmission for approval if changes are substantive.
- Conditional Uses: Conditional use permits may include sign provisions or require submission of signage details as part of the conditional use application.
- Off-premise sign relocation: Relocation or replacement of a nonconforming off-premise advertising sign under the 'no net loss' policy requires submission of a new site plan with specific location and lighting details for review.
Source: municode municipal code