4.20 - Sign Permits and Regulations § 4.20
Section 4.20: Sign Permits and Regulations
Subdivision 1. Purpose
The purpose of this section is to establish minimum sign requirements to protect
and promote the general welfare, health, safety, order and aesthetics within the
City; to permit adequate signs for effective communication; to limit signs to identify
uses and businesses where they are located and to do so in an efficient, effective
and aesthetic manner while maintaining an attractive and appealing appearance
along streets, highways, private and public property, and the air space above and
between developments; and to recognize the need to maintain an attractive and
appealing appearance of property and prevent visual clutter, while at the same time
assuring that the public is not endangered, annoyed or distracted.
Subdivision 2. Definitions
For the purposes of this Section, certain words and terms are defined as follows:
A. Address Sign: A sign consisting of identification numbers only, either in
written or numerical form.
B. Bench Sign: A sign located on the front surface of the back rest of a bench
located on the street or the immediate adjacent property and designed for
seating while waiting at a bus stop or in a public plaza space.
C. Business or Identification Sign: A sign which directs attention to a
business, profession, commodity, service, activity or entertainment which is
conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
D. Construction Sign: A project sign placed at a construction site identifying
the project or the name of the architect, engineer, contractor, financier or
other involved parties.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
E. Electronic Sign: An illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept
stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in
use and which displays a message that changes more than once per 24-hour
period.
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
F. Flashing Sign: Any illuminated sign or non-illuminated sign, emitting an
intermittent or flashing light or creating the illusion of intermittent or flashing
light by means of animation or other methods.
G. Free Standing Sign: A sign placed in the ground and not affixed to any part
of any building. Pylon signs and Monuments signs are examples of
freestanding signs.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of 20
§ 4.20
H. Garage Sale Sign: A sign identifying a temporary sale of household items
sold by one private party to another private party. Such items shall be sold
solely for personal use and not for resale.
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
I. Illuminated Sign: A sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or
outlines illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes as a part of the sign.
3. Menu Sign: An exterior freestanding sign advertising products or services of
a business with a drive-through facility.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
K. Monument Sign: A freestanding sign not to exceed twelve (12) feet in
height not supported by poles or posts which is architecturally designed and
located directly on grade with the base being seventy percent (70%) or more
of the greatest width of the sign and within the base integrated in the sign,
except as allowed in the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District.
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-12-10
L. Name Plate Sign: A sign which states the name or address or both of the
business or occupant of the lot where the sign is placed.
M. Neighborhood Identification Sign: A monument sign identifying a
neighborhood or area.
N. Non-conforming Sign: A sign lawfully existing at the adoption of this
Ordinance but does not conform to its requirements.
O. Portable Sign: A sign not attached permanently to the ground and designed
so as to be movable from one location to another.
P. Private Directional Sign: A non-advertising sign erected on private
property by the owner of the property for purposes of guiding vehicular and
pedestrian traffic.
Q. Public Sign: Any sign defined as a traffic control sign in the Highway Traffic
Regulation Act, any identification sign installed in a public park by a public
authority or any identification, regulatory, warning or other sign approved by
the City for installation on public land.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
R. Pylon Sign: A free standing sign which is not a monument sign.
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-12-10
Golden Valley City Code Page 2 of 20
§ 4.20
S. Real Estate Sign: A sign which advertises the development, sale, lease or
rental of land or buildings.
T. Search Light Sign: A temporary sign drawing attention to an event,
activity, or site by concentrating or focusing light rays or beacons to create a
brightly focused light that may rotate, flash, remain steady or some
combination of these.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
U. Shopping Centers: Any contiguous group of six (6) or more retail stores or
service establishments within the Commercial Zoning district comprising ten
thousand (10,000) or more square feet of floor area which provides off-street
parking utilized in common by patrons, where each tenant is provided direct
access to the parking area by means of an exterior door or exit at ground or
balcony level.
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
V. Sign: A name, identification, description, display, or illustration, which is
affixed to or represented directly on a building structure, or a tract of land
and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person,
institution, organization, or business located on the same premises. It does
not include any official court or other public notices or directional signs
placed by an authorized government agency, nor does it include the flag,
emblem, or insignia of a nation, political unit, school or religious or service or
fraternal group.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
W. Special Temporary Sign: A sign designed to be displayed for a limited
period of time that is not permanently fixed to the land or a structure which
may be larger and/or displayed for a longer duration than a Temporary Sign
if the criteria set forth in this Chapter are met.
Source: Ordinance No. 589, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-17-16
X. Surface Area of Sign: The entire area within a single continuous perimeter
enclosing the extreme limits of actual sign surface. It does not include any
structural elements outside the limits of such sign and not forming an
integral part of the display. Only one (1) side of a double-faced or V-type
(one hundred thirty five (135) degree maximum) structure or pylon sign shall
be used in computing total surface area. If individual letters are mounted
directly on a wall or canopy without a frame, the sign area shall be the area in
square feet of the smallest rectangle enclosing the sign.
Y. Temporary Sign: A sign designed to be displayed for a limited period of
time that is not permanently fixed to the land or a structure.
Golden Valley City Code Page 3 of 20
§ 4.20
Z. Wall Sign: A sign attached to or erected against an exterior wall surface of a
building or structure.
AA. Window Sign: A sign placed, mounted or hanging on the outside or inside
surface of a window or any sign placed within a building for the purpose of
being visible from the public right-of-way.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
BB. Office/Warehouse Park: Any contiguous group of six (6) or more business
establishments within the Industrial or Light Industrial Zoning District
comprising ten thousand (10,000) or more square feet of floor area which
provides off-street parking utilized in common by patrons, where each tenant
is provided direct access to the parking area by means of an exterior exit
door at ground level.
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
Subdivision 3. Exempt Signs
The following signs are exempt from certain provisions of this section as provided
below.
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
A. Bench signs. If located on a bench permitted by the City and as defined and
allowed by City Code Section 7.40
Source: Ordinance No. 286, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 11-14-03
B. Menu signs
C. Private Directional signs
D. Public signs
E. Signs on licensed vehicles moved daily
F. Garage Sale signs
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
Item G was deleted in its entirety
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-12-10
Subdivision 4. Prohibited Uses
The following uses are prohibited.
A. Flashing signs and Portable signs
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
Golden Valley City Code Page 4 of 20
§ 4.20
B. Electronic signs having a message that changes more than once per 24-hour
period, except those portions of an electronic sign displaying only the time
and/or temperature. No electronic sign displaying the time and/or
temperature shall blink, flash, or change in any manner whatsoever, except
to display the changing time or temperature. No electronic sign displaying
the time and temperature shall rotate or flash back and forth between the
same.
C. Signs placed on rooftops
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
D. Signs or parts of signs that rotate, move, flutter or which give the
appearance of such action
E. Signs or advertising murals painted directly on a building
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
F. Signs painted or mounted on trees, utility poles, bollards, or other portions of
a property or structure not specifically designed for the display of signs,
except for those window signs where allowed by this Section
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
G. Signs installed in a way that obstructs clear vision of persons using the
streets or at any location that, because of its position, shape, or color,
interferes with, obstructs the view of, or may be confused with, any
authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. No sign other than Public or
Construction signs, shall be visible from a public street which makes use of
the words "STOP", "LOOK", "DANGER", or any other word, phrase, symbol or
character which may interfere with, mislead, or confuse persons using the
public streets
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
H. Any sign upon which is stated or depicted any pornographic or obscene
words, conduct, or other matter
I. Any sign relating to adult establishments and accessory uses as defined in
Section 11.50 of this Code unless at the location of such adult establishment
or accessory use and otherwise in conformance with this Section.
3. Signs mounted upon buildings that extend above the roof or parapet wall
level, whichever is higher
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
Golden Valley City Code Page 5 of 20
§ 4.20
Subdivision 5. Permit Exceptions
It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, repair, resurface, alter or maintain
a sign without first obtaining the applicable permit, except for the following signs:
A. A nameplate not exceeding one (1) square foot in area, and containing only
the name of the resident, or title of person practicing a profession, in the
Residential, Residential R-2 and Multiple Dwelling Zoning District.
B. Real Estate signs pertaining to the lease or sale of real estate containing six
(6) or less square feet.
C. Construction signs advertising the development or improvement of a
property by builder, owner, contractor or other persons furnishing service,
materials or labor, provided such sign is removed when the work is
completed or upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy or completion,
whichever occurs first.
D. Garage sale signs.
Subdivision 6. Administration
The Building Official or his or her designee shall administer this Section of the City
Code.
Subdivision 7. Fees
Sign permit fees shall be set by the City Council, adopted by resolution, and
amended from time-to-time.
Subdivision 8. General Regulations
A. Calculation of Sign Area. All signs are included in the calculation of sign area,
except for the following: Address Signs, Construction Signs, Menu Signs not
visible from a right of way, Neighborhood Identification Signs, Private
Directional Signs, Real Estate Signs, and Temporary Signs.
B. Free Standing Signs. If there is pedestrian or vehicular traffic that passes
under a free standing sign, eight (8) feet of clearance from basic grade to the
lowest element of the sign shall be required. At the discretion of the Building
Official or his or her designee, a property survey and an engineered plan for
foundations and/or soil tests may be required for freestanding signs.
C. Illumination. Direct rays or glare of light from an illuminated sign shall not be
visible from public rights-of-way or property other than that on which the
illuminated sign is located. Any external source of illumination must be
provided with shields or lenses that concentrate the light onto the sign.
D. Menu Signs. If the name of the business or business logo is included in a
menu sign, the sign area of such name or logo shall be counted as sign area
for determining maximum sign area allowed.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
Golden Valley City Code Page 6 of 20
§ 4.20
E. Sign Quality. All signs, including but not limited to wall signs, monument
signs, and pylon signs, shall incorporate materials and colors which are
compatible with the building on the site where the sign is to be located.
Compatible shall include, but is not limited to, materials that are consistent
with the principal architectural features and colors of the building(s) being
identified. All signs shall be of good quality, and shall be designed to include
attractive and tasteful colors and design elements. The layout of the sign
shall give the sign a neat and orderly appearance.
F. Sign Setbacks. Signs other than residential nameplates and neighborhood
identification signs must be entirely located at least ten (10) feet from all
property lines and ten (10) feet from any driveway on the premises on which
the sign is erected and maintained, except as allowed in the I-394 Mixed Use
Zoning District. The following additional setbacks are required:
1. Signs must be outside the corner visibility zone, as per the corner
visibility requirements in Chapter 7 of the City Code.
2. Shopping center pylon signs shall have a minimum setback of thirty-five
(35) feet from a street property line.
G. Streets and Easements. No sign other than public signs shall be erected or
placed upon any public street, right-of-way, public easement, public land or
project over public property or public easements, except as allowed in the
I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District.
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-10
H. Wall Signs. The following requirements are applicable for all wall signs:
1. Spacing. Signs applied to a building shall be placed as to allow a space
between the end of the sign and the edge of the building or individual
occupancy equal to ten percent (10%) of the linear frontage of the
building or individual occupancy.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
2. Sign Projection. No sign may project out more than eighteen (18) inches
from the face of the building to which it is attached, except as allowed in
the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District.
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-12-10
I. Window Signs. Window sign(s) mounted or hanging on a window surface
must meet the following requirements:
1. No window sign(s) shall occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the
surface area of a window.
Golden Valley City Code Page 7 of 20
§ 4.20
2. If the name of the business or business logo where the sign is located
is included in a window sign, the sign area of such name or logo shall
be counted as sign area for determining maximum sign area allowed.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
3. In the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District, window signs on a building
substantially remodeled after December 31, 2009, shall be calculated as
sign area.
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 03-12-10
3. Garage and Real Estate Sale Signs. Garage and Real Estate sale signs shall
be subject to the following requirements:
1. No resident shall display garage sale signs for more than eight (8) days
per year. Such signs shall not be displayed on more than two (2) non-
continuous occasions per year.
2. All garage sale signs shall clearly identify the address, month, dates or
days of the week of the sale.
3. All signs shall be set back a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the back of
the curb or behind any existing sidewalk, whichever is greater.
4. All signs shall be removed by 9 pm on the final day of the sale.
5. No sign shall be:
a. Greater than six (6) square feet in area or three (3) feet in height. The
height of the sign shall be measured from the top of the sign to the
ground.
b. Located on any governmental property, including the street right-of-
way.
c. Placed on vehicles or trailers located on the public street or any other
public or governmental property.
d. Placed on private property other than the sale premises without prior
permission of the property owner.
e. Posted more than one (1) day prior to the sale.
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
Golden Valley City Code Page 8 of 20
§ 4.20
K. Business Closure. If at any time a business or person goes out of business or
permanently ceases to operate as a business, said business or person shall
meet the following requirements:
1. All business signs, except real estate signs, must be removed within thirty
(30) days.
2. All signs remaining after thirty (30) days shall result in a written warning
to the property owner from the Building Official or his/her designee. The
Building Official or designee shall mail such warning to the property owner
using regular U.S. Mail.
3. All signs not removed within thirty-five (35) days after the date of the
Building Official or designee's letter shall be removed by the Building
Official or his/her designee, and any costs associated with said removal
shall be assessed against the property whereupon the sign was located.
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
Subdivision 9. Regulation by Zoning District
A. General. Signs not specifically permitted in the zoning districts are
prohibited.
B. Residential Zoning District. No freestanding sign in the Residential district
shall exceed six (6) feet in height. The following signs are permitted within
the Residential Zoning district:
1. Temporary signs:
a. Real estate sign. Not to exceed six (6) square feet per street frontage,
nor fifty (50) square feet if more than six (6) lots or more than two (2)
acres.
b. Construction sign. Not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
c. Garage sale signs.
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
2. Permanent signs:
a. Nameplate sign. Not to exceed one (1) square foot.
b. Neighborhood Identification sign. A sign with a sign area of thirty-two
(32) square feet at each street opening provided the development
contains at least six (6) lots/dwellings.
Golden Valley City Code Page 9 of 20
§ 4.20
C. Two Family (R-2) Residential Zoning District. No freestanding sign in the Two
Family Residential district shall exceed six (6) feet in height. The following
signs are permitted within the Two Family (R-2) Residential Zoning District:
1. Temporary signs:
a. Real estate sign. Not to exceed six (6) square feet, nor fifty (50)
square feet if more than six (6) lots or two (2) acres.
b. Construction sign. Not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
c. Garage sale signs.
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
2. Permanent signs:
a. Nameplate sign. Not to exceed one (1) square foot.
b. Neighborhood Identification sign. Not to exceed a height of six (6) feet
and a sign area of thirty-two (32) square feet provided the
development contains at least six (6) lots/dwellings.
D. Multiple Dwelling Zoning District. No freestanding sign in the Multiple
Dwelling District shall exceed eight (8) feet in height. The following signs are
permitted within the Multiple Dwelling Zoning District.
1. Temporary signs:
a. Real estate sign. Not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet, nor fifty
(50) square feet if more than six (6) lots or two (2) acres.
b. Construction sign. Not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
c. Garage sale signs.
Source: Ordinance No. 307, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 8-13-04
2. Permanent signs:
a. Nameplate sign. Not to exceed one (1) square foot.
b. Neighborhood Identification sign or Wall sign. Is allowed at a
maximum of fifty (50) square feet of total signs if there are at least six
(6) lots/dwellings.
Golden Valley City Code Page 10 of 20
§ 4.20
E. Institutional Zoning District. The following signs are permitted within the
Institutional Zoning District.
1. Temporary signs. The size shall not exceed one hundred (100) percent of
the permanent sign area allowed. Additional size requirements are as
follows:
a. Real estate sign. Not to exceed fifty (50) square feet.
b. Construction sign. Not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area.
2. Permanent signs. The total sign area shall not exceed sixty (64) square
feet. The height requirements for permanent signs are as follows:
a. Monument sign. Shall not be higher than twelve (12) feet.
b. Pylon sign. Shall not be higher than twenty-five (25) feet.
F. Business and Professional Offices Zoning District. The following signs are
permitted within the Business and Professional Offices Zoning District.
1. Temporary signs: The size shall not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of
the permanent sign area allowed.
a. Real estate sign. Not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
b. Construction sign. Not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet.
2. Permanent signs:
a. Monument sign. Shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height.
b. Pylon sign. Shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
3. Maximum Total Sign Area. The following limits apply:
0 - 1 acre or floor area
10 - 15,000 gross sq. ft. 50 sq. ft.
1 - 3 acres or floor area
15 - 45,000 gross sq. ft. 90 sq. ft.
Over 3 acres or floor area
over 45,000 gross sq. ft. 150 sq. ft.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
G. Commercial Zoning District. The following signs are permitted within the
Commercial Zoning District.
Golden Valley City Code Page 11 of 20
§ 4.20
1. Temporary signs. The size shall not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of
the permanent sign area allowed.
a. Real estate sign: No such sign shall exceed sixty-four (64) square feet.
b. Construction sign: The following limits apply:
1 acre or floor area
0 - 15,000 gross sq. ft. 64 sq. ft.
1 - 3 acres or floor area
15 - 45,000 gross sq. ft. 90 sq. ft.
3 - 5 acres or floor area
45 - 75,000 gross sq. ft. 100 sq. ft.
Over 5 acres of floor area
over 75,000 gross sq. ft. 120 sq. ft.
2. Permanent signs:
a. Maximum Total Sign Area. The following limits apply:
0 - 1 acre
0 - 15,000 gross sq. ft. 150 sq. ft.
1 - 3 acres
15 - 45,000 gross sq. ft. 200 sq. ft.
3 - 5 acres
45 - 75,000 gross sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
Over 5 acres 400 sq. ft.
over 75,000 gross sq. ft.
b. Monument sign. Shall not be greater than twelve (12) feet in height.
c. Pylon sign. Shall not be greater than twenty-five (25) feet in height.
d. Shopping Center signage. A shopping center may be allowed one (1)
common pylon sign with a maximum area of two hundred sixty (260)
square feet in addition to the sign area otherwise allowed. Each tenant
shall be allowed two (2) square feet of sign area per foot of lineal
frontage.
H. Light Industrial and Industrial Zoning Districts. The following signs are
permitted within the Light Industrial and Industrial Zoning Districts.
1. Temporary signs. The size shall not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of
the permanent sign area allowed.
a. Real estate sign. Not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet.
Golden Valley City Code Page 12 of 20
§ 4.20
b. Construction sign. The following limits apply:
0 - 2 acres or floor area
0 - 40,000 gross sq. ft. 64 sq. ft.
2 - 4 acres or floor area
40 - 160,000 gross sq. ft. 90 sq. ft.
Over 4 acres or floor area
over 160,000 gross sq. ft. 100 sq. ft.
2. Permanent signs:
a. Monument sign. Shall not be greater than twelve (12) feet in height.
b. Pylon sign. Shall not be greater than twenty-five (25) feet in height.
c. Maximum Total Sign Area. The following limits apply:
0 - 2 acres or floor area 150 sq. ft.
0 - 40,000 gross sq. ft.
2 - 4 acres or floor area 180 sq. ft.
40 - 160,000 gross sq. ft.
Over 4 acres or floor area 200 sq. ft.
over 160,000 gross sq. ft.
d. Office Warehouse Park signage. An Office Warehouse Park may be
allowed one (1) common sign with a a maximum area of one hundred
eighty (180) square feet in addition to the sign area otherwise allowed.
If the Office Warehouse Park features multiple tenants, each tenant
shall be allowed two (2) square feet of sign area per foot of lineal
frontage.
Source: Ordinance No. 323, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-25-05
Section 3(a) deleted in its entirety
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-10
I. Planned Unit Development (PUD). Signs for a PUD shall be governed by the
underlying zoning on the property.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
3. I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District. This district has unique requirements
requiring special consideration.
1. Purpose. The City of Golden Valley has completed a study of the I-394
corridor, established a separate zoning district for this corridor and hereby
establishes sign regulations for this special district. The sign purposes for
this district include the sign purposes as contained in Subdivision 1 of this
Golden Valley City Code Page 13 of 20
§ 4.20
Section. These sign purposes are designed to improve, or at least not
detract from, visual coherence and attractiveness of the I-394 corridor, to
complement colors and materials of the subject building while being
visually appealing, pedestrian oriented and compatible with buildings,
streetscape, public views, and spaces.
2. Signage Plan Required.
a. A signage plan which shows buildings, access, parking, setbacks, open
space, property lines, and the location, size, materials, height,
illumination, if any, of existing and proposed signs and buildings and
other relevant site features must be submitted to the city at the time
of site plan review or consideration for a conditional use permit. If a
site plan review or conditional use permit is not required and a sign
application is submitted, a signage plan must also be submitted unless
a signage plan approved by the City is on file.
b. To be approved, the Signage Plan must be found to meet the Purpose
clause, and all other requirements of the sign ordinance applicable to
the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District.
c. To be approved, the area of all signs must be calculated as sign area
unless excepted by 4.20 Subdivision 5.
d. Upon approval of the signage plan by the City, it shall govern the
location, type and size of signs until the site plan is amended with a
new and approved signage plan which is in conformance with the sign
ordinance in effect at the time of submission of the amended plan.
3. The following signs are permitted within the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning
District:
a. Temporary signs.
1. Real estate signs. The following limits apply:
Single-use 32 sq. ft.
Mixed-use 64 sq. ft.
2. Construction signs. The following limits apply:
Single-use 120 sq. ft.
Mixed-use 120 sq. ft.
3. Garage Sale signs for single-use Multiple Dwellings.
Golden Valley City Code Page 14 of 20
§ 4.20
4. Other temporary signs, banners and inflatables as regulated in
Subdivision 10.
b. Permanent signs. The maximum total sign area includes window signs
and is based on use and other factors. Three (3) use categories are
established: Single Use Residential, Single Use Non-Residential, and
Mixed Uses. The following limits apply.
Maximum Total Sign
Single Use Residential Area
Less than 6 (lots or) dwellings 1 sq. ft. per dwelling
6 or more (lots or) dwellings 50 sq. ft.
Maximum Total Sign Area
Single Use Non- 1-394 Mixed Use Zoning District
Subdistrict Subdistrict Subdistrict
Residential A B C
(Includes single use
commercial, office, hotel,
institutional, and
industrial/light industrial Low Rise - Mid Rise - High Rise -
uses) up to 3 up to 6 up to 10
Parcel Size or Floor Area stories stories stories
0 to 1 acre or floor area of 0 to
15,000 gross sq. ft. 100 sq. ft 120 sq. ft 150 sq. ft.
>1 to 3 acres or floor area of
>15 to4 5,000 gross sq. ft. 120 sq. ft. 150 sq. ft. 200 sq. ft.
>3 to 5 acres or floor area of
>45 to 75,000 gross sq. ft. 200 sq. ft. 250 sq. ft 300 sq. ft.
>5 acres or floor area of
>75,000 gross sq. ft. 300 sq. ft. 350 sq. ft 400 sq. ft
Maximum Total Sign Area
Mixed Uses 1-394 Mixed Use Zoning District
Subdistrict Subdistrict Subdistrict
A B C
Low Rise - up Mid Rise - up High Rise - up
Parcel Size or Floor Area to 3 stories to 6 stories to 10 stories
0 to 1 acre or floor area of 0 to
15,000 gross sq. ft. 150 sq. ft. 180 sq. ft. 200 sq. ft.
>1 to 3 acres or floor area of
>15 to 45,000 gross sq. ft. 200 sq. ft. 250 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft.
>3 to 5 acres or floor area of
>45 to 75,000 gross sq. ft. 250 sq. ft. 300 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft.
>5 acres or floor area of
>75,000 gross sq. ft. 350 sq. ft. 400 sq. ft. 500 sq. ft.
Golden Valley City Code Page 15 of 20
§ 4.20
1. Building Name Signs. If a building is to be named with a sign, the
building may only have one (1) name. If placed on a building wall,
the wall sign must be placed at one (1) of the following locations.
a. On the ground level.
b. A wall space contiguous to the ground level and architecturally
designed for the sign or an acceptable area for the sign.
c. A suitable wall space at the upper level of the building.
d. An intermediate level between the ground level and the top
level provided the wall space is architecturally designed for the
sign or an accepted area for the sign.
2. Wall Signs. Prohibited location guide. Building name signs, tenant
signs, signs advertising a product or service are not to be placed
a. In front of any portion of a window
b. On or above a roof top
c. On or above a penthouse, a roof top equipment enclosure or
similar structure
d. Between the ground level and the uppermost level unless the
sign is located and integrated into a framed wall mass where the
ratio of the framed wall space/mass is at least three and one
half (3.5) times larger than the sign area to be located in the
framed wall space. The framed wall space must be continuous,
that is uninterrupted or unbroken by another wall or similar
feature and void of any windows, doors or similar features.
3. Monument Signs as defined in Subdivision 2(K) except in the I-
394 Mixed Use Zoning District the monument sign must meet the
following requirements:
a. There is no pylon sign on the site.
b. The base is at least eighty five percent (85%) or more of the
greatest width of the sign.
c. Materials on the sign replicate the highest quality of materials
used on the building.
d. The monument sign is placed in a complementary landscaped
setting.
Golden Valley City Code Page 16 of 20
§ 4.20
4. Pylon Sign. One (1) pylon sign per lot not to exceed twenty-five
(25) feet in height provided the sign is located within Subdistrict C
of the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District.
5. Multi-tenant Building Signs. Unless the name of the building, a sign
for a ground level tenant must be located at the ground level. No
upper level tenant shall have a sign on an upper level unless such
sign is the name of the building and meets the building name and
wall sign requirements.
6. Projecting Signs. Signs projecting from a wall canopy or awning
may be allowed by the City subject to the following:
a. The sign must be located at least eight (8) feet above the
walking surface or ground level unless located flat against the
building and the projection is less than six (6) inches if the sign
is attached to a wall.
b. No part of the projection shall be closer than one (1) foot from
the curb line projected vertically.
c. The property owner may be required to obtain a license from
the City or to execute an agreement with the City governing
use, maintenance and other factors.
7. Awning - Canopy sign limits. No awning or canopy sign shall_extend
to a height greater than necessary to cover the door, window or
opening it is covering on the first or ground level. No awning or
canopy above the first or ground level shall include a sign.
8. Window Signs. Window signs on a site redeveloped or a building
substantially remodeled after December 31, 2009, shall be
calculated as sign area.
c. Sign Setbacks.
1. Pylon Signs and Monument Signs. No portion of a pylon sign or
monument sign shall be located within an easement and shall meet
the following:
Yard Minimum Setback
Front Yard 10 feet
Side Yard 5 feet
Rear Yard 5 feet
2. Canopies, Awnings and Similar Structures. Signs on canopies,
awnings or similar structures which overhang or extend into the
right-of-way may be allowed through approval of the plan by the
Golden Valley City Code Page 17 of 20
§ 4.20
City Council. The property owner may be required to obtain a
license from the City or execute an agreement with the City
governing its use, maintenance and other factors.
d. Other Design Requirements in the I-394 Mixed Use Zoning District.
Signs are also required to conform to the following:
1. Sign Quality - see 4.20 Subdivision 8(E)
2. Illumination - see 4.20 Subdivision 8(C)
3. Outdoor Lighting - see Section 11.73
4. Wall Sign Spacing - See 4.20 Subdivision 8(H)(1)
5. Temporary Signs, Banners and Inflatables - See 4.20 Subdivision 10
6. Other application requirements of 4.20 not specifically listed above.
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-10
Subdivision 10. Temporary Signs, Banners and Inflatables
A. The use of Temporary Signs such as banners, pennants, inflatables (including
balloons over eighteen (18) inches in diameter) for advertising temporary
sales, business openings, special events, similar activities or used for other
purposes are limited to the following:
1. Real Estate Signs are subject to the following requirements: leasing signs
must be removed after initial leasing or within three hundred sixty (360)
days after a certificate of occupancy is issued if involving a new building
or a substantial remodeling. Leasing information integrated into an
approved permanent neighborhood identification sign or monument sign
and given the same architectural treatment using the same materials and
design given to the neighborhood identification or monument sign are not
subject to the removal provisions of this Section. No Real Estate or for
sale Sign shall remain on a property longer than one (1) year unless
approved by the City Manager or his/her designee.
2. The maximum duration shall not exceed a total of one (1) month in any
one (1) calendar year. Each property is limited to four (4) occurrences in
one (1) calendar year.
B. In addition to the permits granted under paragraph A above for Temporary
Signs, a property owner or lessee may apply for a Special Temporary Sign
Permit in order to acknowledge an event of significant interest or benefit to
the City, its history, or culture. A Special Temporary Sign Permit shall be
subject to all the requirements of this Chapter regarding temporary signs
except:
Golden Valley City Code Page 18 of 20
§ 4.20
1. The permit may have a duration longer than one (1) month but no longer
than three hundred and sixty-five (365) days in any five (5) year period;
and
2. The permit may authorize a sign size of no greater than one hundred and
fifty percent (150%) of the permanent sign area otherwise allowed under
this Chapter for the subject property.
C. The City Manager or his/her designee shall grant a Special Temporary Sign
Permit only if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The property owner or lessee submits an application to the City for a
Special Temporary Sign Permit in the form prescribed by the City Manager
or his/her designee;
2. The signage shall not be allowed in R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 Zoning Districts;
3. The signage shall be composed of durable, high-quality materials that are
designed to withstand three hundred and sixty-five (365) days of use
without replacement;
4. The signage and its duration shall not be determined to adversely affect
neighboring properties; and
5. Conditions 2, 3, and 4 above must be satisfied at the time of application
and for the duration of the permit. To receive a Special Temporary Sign
Permit, the applicant shall pay both a fee for a Temporary Sign Permit
and a separate fee for the Special Temporary Sign Permit, as established
by the Council under Section 4.02.
D. An approved permit shall be obtained prior to display of a Temporary Sign. A
Temporary Sign displayed without a permit shall be removed and no new
Temporary Sign shall be allowed nor shall a permit be approved within the
next twelve (12) months.
Source: Ordinance No. 589, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-17-16
Subdivision 11. Design and Construction
All signs shall be in compliance with the most currently adopted versions of the
Minnesota State Building Code and the National Electric Safety Code.
Subdivision 12. Non-Conforming Signs
A. General. A non-conforming sign shall not be rebuilt, relocated, altered or
modified in size or height, unless it is made fully conforming with this article.
B. Removal. Except for changing signs, if a face or message on a nonconforming
sign is resurfaced or removed, the entire sign and sign structure must be
removed or made to conform with this article.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
Golden Valley City Code Page 19 of 20
§ 4.20
C. Pylon signs with a height greater than twenty-five (25) feet allowed by policy
during construction of I-394 must be removed or made to conform to the
current ordinance if either one (1) or both of the following is proposed: 1) A
new sign is requested on the pylon, or 2) a new sign of one hundred twenty
(120) or more square feet is proposed on the property.
Source: Ordinance No. 430, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-12-10
Subdivision 13. Maintenance
All signs shall be kept in good repair and free from rust, corrosion loose or flaking
paint, worn or damaged materials or rotted framework or other members, broken
or missing members or missing letters. The premises surrounding all ground signs
shall be maintained in a safe, clean, and sanitary condition free and clear of all
rubbish and weeds.
Subdivision 14. Permit Penalties
Any sign constructed or erected without the required permit shall be subject to
removal, if necessary, or subject to a double fee if in compliance with all other
applicable requirements of this Section.
Source: Ordinance No. 272, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 10-25-02
Subdivision 15 was deleted in its entirety
Source: Ordinance No. 565, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 07-30-15
Golden Valley City Code Page 20 of 20