[Amended 8-13-2007 by Res. No. 59]
The purpose of this article is to protect, ensure, maintain and regain the natural and scenic beauty and attractiveness of the roadside throughout Dakota County. By the construction of public roads, the public has created views to which the public retains a right-of-view, and it is the intent of these standards to prevent the taking of that right. Signs are recognized as accessory uses and are permitted in all districts, subject to the regulations of this article.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, no sign shall be erected, constructed, altered, rebuilt, or relocated until a permit for the same has been issued by the Town Board. An application shall be submitted in such form as may be prescribed, and shall include such information as may be required for complete understanding of the proposed work.
Sign permits shall not be required for the following:
A. 
Name and address. Up to two signs indicating address, number and/or name of occupants of the premises, that do not exceed 10 square feet in area per side, and do not include any commercial advertising or other identification.
B. 
Decals. Decals affixed to windows or door glass panels, such as those indicating membership in a business group or identifying credit cards accepted at the establishment.
C. 
Flags, emblems and insignia of government agencies and religious, charitable, public or nonprofit organizations. These types of signs are exempt from permit requirements but are subject to the following requirements:
(1) 
No single flag that is flown shall exceed 40 square feet in area.
(2) 
If the total area of flags exceeds 72 square feet, the excess area shall be included in the on-premises, freestanding sign area calculations for the parcel.
(3) 
Flagpoles shall not exceed 40 feet in height.
(4) 
Wall-mounted flags, emblems, insignias or logos shall be limited to one per parcel and shall not exceed 40 square feet in area.
D. 
Handicapped parking space. Signs not exceeding two square feet in areas reserving parking for handicapped individuals.
E. 
Private drive signs. On-premises private drive signs are limited to one per driveway entrance, not exceeding two square feet in area, with language limited to the words "private drive" and the addresses of any residences using the private drive.
F. 
Public signs. Signs erected by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing and identification signs for public facilities and any signs erected by the Township under direction of the Board of Supervisors.
G. 
Security and warning signs. On-premises signs regulating the use of the premises, such as "no trespassing", "no hunting", and "no soliciting" signs that do not exceed one sign two square feet in area in residential areas and one sign five square feet in area in commercial and industrial areas. These limitations shall not apply to the posting of conventional "no trespassing" signs in accordance with state law.
[Amended 6-14-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-1]
H. 
Temporary real estate signs. Display of these signs shall be limited to one per property and six square feet in area in residential zones and 32 square feet in all other zones. These signs shall be removed within 30 days of settlement or lease of the property.
I. 
Garage or yard sale signs. Signs advertising garage sales or yard sales are permitted, provided that the sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and is not erected more than four days prior to the event. One yard sale sign shall be allowed on premises. All signs shall be removed one day after the close of the garage or yard sale.
[Amended 8-13-2007 by Res. No. 59]
A. 
Purpose. The ordinances established in this section are designed to protect property values, create a more attractive business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, prevent and reduce potential traffic hazards caused by distracting and obstructing signs and to remove safety hazards to pedestrians that may be caused by signs projecting over public right-of-way.
B. 
Setbacks. Signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the road right-of-way.
C. 
Attachment to ground. All signs shall be securely attached to the ground.
[Amended 8-13-2007 by Res. No. 59]
Only official identification or directional control signs shall be allowed within the public right-of-way.
A. 
No advertising sign shall be erected, constructed, altered, rebuilt, or relocated until a permit for the same has been issued by the Town Board.
B. 
All advertising signs larger than 50 square feet in size shall require a conditional use permit.
[Amended 8-13-2007 by Res. No. 59]
C. 
Total square footage of all advertising signs on a single lot shall not exceed 200 square feet.
[Amended 8-13-2007 by Res. No. 59]
[Amended 11-9-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-05]
The change in advertising message, maintenance, repair, or the use of extension, cutouts or embellishments upon an existing advertising structure shall not be considered an enlargement, extension structure, or structural alteration, provided that the advertising structure is not caused to exceed any size limitation imposed by this article.
Symbolic signs, such as a barber pole, that are traditional in nature and size shall be permitted. Small identifying signs under canopies or on retractable awnings shall also be permitted.
Signs for the following purposes not exceeding 10 square feet in area and placed back 20 feet from the front lot line shall be permitted in all districts:
A. 
A sign advertising only the sale, rental or lease of the building or premises on which it is maintained.
B. 
An announcement sign or bulletin board for the use of a public, charitable, or religious institution occupying the premises.
C. 
An advertising sign in connection with a lawfully maintained nonconforming use.
D. 
Political signs.
[Amended 8-13-2007 by Res. No. 59; 6-14-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-1]
A. 
Signs may be illuminated by fixed light or lights as a conditional use.
B. 
In all districts, any lighting used to illuminate a lot or structure (including signs) thereon shall be arranged so as to deflect light away from adjacent lots and streets. The source of light shall be hooded or shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed on any portion of adjoining properties or streets.
[Amended 6-14-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-1]
Signs erected prior to the date of enactment of this chapter, which do not conform to the sign regulations contained herein, shall not be expanded, modified or changed in any way except in conformity with these sign regulations. Nonconforming signs must be removed or modified to conform to this chapter within three years of adoption of this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original Ch. 9, Junk Vehicles on Private Property, which immediately followed this article, was repealed 6-14-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-1.