[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.
[Amended 8-13-2007 by Res. No. 59]
Off-site advertising signs are permitted in all districts subject to the conditions stated in §
240-49.
[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.
Unpainted signs, broken signs and signs on vacated buildings
shall be removed from the premises on order of the Town Board.
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.
[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.