03-10-2026 EDC Agenda PacketA.5:30 P.M. - CALL TO ORDER
B.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioners may add or delete items at this time.
C.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C.1 Approve Economic Development Commission Minutes of February 10, 2026.
D.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
D.1 Sign Code Ordinance Update
E.DISCUSSION / GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS
F.DIRECTOR'S REPORT
G.ADJOURNMENT
AGENDA
CHANHASSEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
LAKE SUSAN CONFERENCE ROOM, 7700 MARKET BLVD
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Economic Development Commission Item
March 10, 2026
Subject Approve Economic Development Commission Minutes of February 10, 2026.
Section APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No: C.1
Prepared By Kate Vogt, Admin Support Specialist File No:
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Economic Development Commission approve the February 10, 2026
Commission minutes.
ATTACHMENTS
February 10, 2026 Economic Development Commission Minutes
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CHANHASSEN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Chair Anderson called the meeting to order at 5:41 p.m.
MEMBERS’ PRESENT: Eric Anderson, David Benedict, John Kroll, Luke Bame
MEMBERS ABSENT: Nick Gardino
STAFF PRESENT: Samantha DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager
PUBLIC PRESENT:
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA DATED FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Commissioner Bame moved, and Commissioner Benedict seconded to approve the Agenda of the
Economic Development Commission meeting dated February 10, 2026, as presented. All voted in favor,
and the motion was carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
APPROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MINUTES DATED NOVEMBER 18, 2025
Commissioner Kroll moved, and Commissioner Bame seconded to approve the Minutes of the Economic
Development Commission meeting dated November 18, 2025, as presented. All voted in favor, and the
motion was carried unanimously with a vote of 4 to 0.
VISITOR PRESENTATIONS:
DISCUSSION/GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS:
REVIEW OF THE 2025 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Benedict moved, and Commissioner Kroll seconded to adjourn the meeting. All voted in
favor, and the motion was carried unanimously with a vote of 3 to 0. The Economic Development
Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
Submitted by Samantha DiMaggio
Economic Development Manager
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Economic Development Commission Item
March 10, 2026
Item Sign Code Ordinance Update
File No.Item No: D.1
Agenda Section VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
Prepared By Sam DiMaggio, Economic Development Manager
Reviewed By Sam DiMaggio
SUGGESTED ACTION
No formal action. Staff requests general feedback on the proposed changes to the city sign
ordinance.
Motion Type Simple Majority Vote of members present
Strategic
Priority Development & Redevelopment
SUMMARY
This is a follow-up conversation from the November 24th, 2025 city council work session. At that
meeting, the city council requested that staff conduct additional community engagement, especially
with downtown businesses and property owners, regarding proposed amendments to the sign ordinance.
Staff will provide a review of community engagement efforts completed and the feedback received as
part of its work session presentation.
Staff has been working on the sign code ordinance so that the ordinance complies with federal law,
clarifies language, creates efficiencies, and updates for the downtown design guidelines. Conformance
with federal law is achieved by updating definitions, removing unlawful regulations, and regulating
based on construction rather than content.
Staff has clarified language by removing outdated definitions and ensuring proper definitions for the
code ordinance amendments.
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Staff is proposing to create efficiencies through the removal of temporary sign permits, which, based on
permit data, contain repetitive requests.
The draft ordinance proposes code changes to implement the downtown design guidelines.
BACKGROUND
The current sign ordinance can be found in Article 20-XXVI of the zoning code. The sign regulations
were written in 1995, amended multiple times since, most recently in 2022. Updating the sign code was
a part of the Planning Department's work plan for 2025.
DISCUSSION
Staff is seeking the Economic Development Commission’s input on the proposed amendment. As an
advisory body, the Commission is invited to offer feedback, including any recommended additions or
modifications, before the public hearing.
BUDGET
RECOMMENDATION
As an advisory body, the Economic Development Commission is invited to review the proposed
amendment and offer feedback, including any recommended additions or modifications, before the
public hearing, which will be held by the Planning Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
Sign Code Ordinance
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Page 1
C IT Y OF CHAN HA SSEN
ORDIN ANCE SIGN C OD E CHAPTER 20
N OW T HE R E FOR E , be it ordained by the Council of the City of Chanhassen, in the
State of Minnesota, as follow s:
SECTION 1: AMEN D MENT “Sec 1-2 Rules O f C onstruction And
Definitions” of the Chanhassen Municipal C ode is hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 1-2 Rules O f Construction And D efinitions
In the construction of this Code and of all ordinances, the rules and definitions set out in this
section shall be observed unless such construction w ould be inconsistent w ith the manifest
intent of the city council. The rules of construction and definitions set out herein, shall not be
applied to any section of this Code which shall contain any express provision excluding such
construction or w here the subject matter of the context of such section may be repugnant
thereto. N umbers in parentheses follow ing a definition represent specific chapters of the Code
in w hich a definition applies.
General. Words and phrases defined in this section have, w hen used in this chapter, the
meanings given below. A ny other w ord or phrase used in this chapter, and defined in
regulations of the Minnesota Pollution Control A gency N oise Pollution Control R ules Chapter
7030, has the meaning given in those regulations.
Generally. A ll general provisions, terms, phrases and expressions contained in this Code shall
be liberally construed in order that the true intent and meaning of the city council may be fully
carried out. In the interpretation and application of any provision of this Code, they shall be
held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety,
comfort, convenience and general w elfare. Where any provision of the C ode imposes greater
restrictions upon the subject matter than the general provision imposed by the Code, the
provision imposing the greater restriction or regulation shall be deemed to be controlling.
Abandoned vehicle means a vehicle, as defined below, that has remained for a period of more
than 48 hours on public property illegally or lacking vital component parts, or does not have a
current license, or has remained for a period of more than 48 hours on private property w ithout
consent of the person in control of such property or in an inoperable condition such that it has
no substantial potential further use consistent w ith its usual functions unless it is kept in an
enclosed garage or storage building. "A bandoned vehicle" also means a motor vehicle
voluntarily surrendered by its ow ner to the city. A classic car or pioneer car, as defined in M.S.
§ 168.10, shall not be considered an abandoned vehicle. Vehicles on the premises of junkyards
and automobile graveyards, which are defined, maintained and licensed in accordance w ith
M.S. § 161.242, or w hich are licensed and maintained in accordance w ith local law s and
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Sign means any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof situated outdoors, or visible
through a w indow or door, w hich is used to advertise, announce, identify, display, direct or
attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, commodity, product,
service, event or location, by means, including w ords, letters, figures, design, symbols,
fixtures, pictures, illumination or projected images. (20)
Sign, advertising means any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service,
activity or entertainment not conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such a sign is
located. (20)
Sign, awning means a sign located on a temporary hood or cover that projects from the w all of
a building., and w hich can be retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of the supporting
building. Aw ning may extend in any required yard setback a maximum of five feet (2.6 feet in
the supplementary regulations). (20)
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Sign, banner means a
sign w hich is made out of a paper, cloth or plastic-like consistency, affixed to a building,
vehicle, poles or other supporting structures by all four corners. (20)
Sign, bulletin board means a sign w hich identifies an institution or organization on the
premises of w hich it is located and which contains the name of the institution or organization,
the names of individuals connected w ith it, and general announcements, of events or activities
occurring at the institution or similar messages. (20)
Sign, business means a sign which directs attention a business or profession conducted, or to a
commodity or service sold, offered or manufactured, or to an entertainment offered on the
premises w here the sign is located.
Sign, business directory means a sign w hich identifies multiple tenants w ithin a property of
grouping of properties. the names of specific businesses located in a shopping center, medical
center or commercial, industrial or office development project w hich is located on the premises
or entrance of the center or development so identified. (20)
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Sign, campaign means a
temporary sign announcing, promoting or supporting political candidates or issues in
connection w ith any national, state or local election. (20)
Sign, canopy means any sign that is affixed to a projection or extension of a building or
structure of a building, erected in such a manner as to provide a shelter or cover over the
approach to any entrance of a store, building or place of assembly. Plastic or structural
protective cover over a door entrance, w indow or outdoor service area. (20)
Sign, changeable copy
means a sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or
rearranged w ithout altering the face or the surface of the sign. (20)
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Sign, construction means a temporary sign erected on the premises on which construction is
taking place, during the period of such construction, indicating the names of the architects,
engineers, landscape architects, contractors or similar artisans, and the ow ners, financial
supporters, sponsors, and similar individuals or firms having a role or interest with respect to
the situation or project. (20)
Sign, developm ent identification means a permanent ground, low profile sign which identifies a
specific residential, industrial, commercial or office development and w hich is located on the
premises of the development w hich it identifies. (20)
Sign, directional means a sign erected on private property for the purpose of directing
pedestrian or vehicular traffic onto or about the property upon w hich such sign is located,
including signs marking entrances and exits, circulation direction, parking areas and pickup
and delivery areas. (20)
Sign, display area means the area w ithin a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme
limits or the actual sign message surface, including any structural elements outside the limits of
each sign forming an integral part of the sign. The stipulated maximum sign display area for a
sign refers to a single facing. (20)
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Sign, electronic message center (EMC) means a sign or portion of a sign that displays electronic,
nonpictorial text information in which each alpha-numeric character or symbol is defined by a
small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LED's),
fiber optics or other illumination devised w ithin the display area. The characters for the copy or
script shall be only that available on a standard w ord processing keyboard, and shall not include
graphics, pictures or other items. Electronic changeable copy signs include computer
programmable, microprocessor-controlled electronic displays and messages that are projected
onto building or other objects. Motor fuel price signs are not considered to be EMC signs. (20)
Sign, festive flag/banner means a flag or banner constructed of cloth, canvas or light fabric that
is hung from a light pole. The flag/banner shall contain no advertising except for cultural
events, special holidays/seasons, etc. (20)
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Sign, flag means any fabric banner used as a symbol of a government, political, subdivision or
other identity/corporation. Corporation flags shall not exceed 12 square feet and may be flow n in
tandem w ith the state or national flag. The size of the state or national flag shall not exceed 100
square feet. (20)
Sign, flashing means any directly or indirectly illuminated sign w hich exhibits changing natural
or artificial light or color effects by any means w hatsoever. (20)
Sign, freestanding/pole/pylon means any nonmovable sign not affixed to a building but erected
upon a pole, post or other similar support so that the bottom edge of the sign display area is
eight feet or more above the ground elevation. (20)
Sign, governm ental means a sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any
governmental functions, or required by law, ordinance or other governmental regulation. (20)
Sign, ground low profile business means a business sign affixed directly to the ground., w hich
directs attention to a business, commodity, service or product offered on the premises. (20)
Sign, holiday decoration means a temporary sign in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental
to and customarily and commonly associated w ith any national, local or religious holiday. (20)
Sign, hom e occupation means a sign containing only the name and occupation of a permitted
home occupation not to exceed tw o square feet. This is also a nameplate sign. (20)
Sign, illuminated means a sign lighted by or exposed to artificial lighting, either by lights on or
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in the sign or directed tow ards the sign. (20)
Sign, informational means a sign containing descriptions of major points of interest,
government institutions or other public services such as hospitals, sports facilities, etc. (20)
Sign, institutional means a sign that is ow ned by a government entity or school. w hich
identifies the name and other characteristics of a public or private institution of the site where
the sign is located. (20)
Sign, integral means a sign constructed as to be an integral portion of the building of w hich it
forms a part. (20)
Sign, integral roof means any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral
part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically
above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest
of the roof by a space of more than six inches. (20)
Sign, m arquee means a sign w hich is mounted, painted on, or attached to any projection or
extension of a building that is designated in such a manner as to provide shelter or cover over the
approach to any entrance of the building. (20)
Sign, m enu board D rive-through means a sign located adjacent to the drive-through lane that is
used to advertise the product available at a fast-food restaurant. (20)
Sign, m otion means any sign or part of a sign which changes physical position by any
movement or rotation of which gives the visual impression of such movement or rotation. (20)
Sign, nam eplate means a sign, located on the premises w hich bears the name and/or address of
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the occupant of the building or premises. (20)
Sign, nonconforming means a sign that does not conform to the requirements of chapter 20 of
this C ode. (20)
Sign, off-premises means an advertising sign w hich directs attention to a use, product,
commodity or services not related to the premises on which it is located. (20)
Sign, on-premises means a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, product, use,
service or other activity w hich is sold, offered or conducted on the premises upon w hich the
sign is located. (20)
Sign, pickup means a sign not attached to a building that designates a specific area of a parking
lot for the pickup and loading of goods purchased in advance.
Sign, portable means a sign designed so as to be movable from one location to another, and
that is not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground including, but not limited
to, signs designed to be transported by means of w heels, sign converted to A -Frames, menu
and sandwich board signs, and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from
the public right-of-w ay unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations. (20)
Sign, Portable A -Frame means a sign not affixed to a structure or ground, self-standing,
constructed of tw o panels hinged at the top.
Sign, Public/C ommunity means a sign on a property ow ned or leased by a governmental unit
and operated by a governmental unit.
Sign, private sale or event means a temporary sign advertising private sales or personal
property such as a house sale, garage sale and the like or private nonprofit events such as
picnic, carnival, bazaar, game night, art fair or craft show. (20)
Sign, projecting means a sign that is w holly or partly dependent upon a building for support
and w hich projects more than 12 inches from such building. (20)
Sign, real estate means a sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion of the
premises, on w hich the sign is located. (20)
Sign, roof means a sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or w hich is w holly dependent
upon a building for support and w hich projects above the roof line of a building w ith a flat
roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof or the deck line of a building
with a mansard roof. (20)
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Sign, site signage m eans a sign located on the exterior of a structure or the grounds of a
property, excluding the perm itted wall/canopy signs for the building.
Sign, tem porary means a sign designed or intended to be displayed for a short period of time.
This includes, but is not limited to, items such as banners, pennants, flags, beacons,
sandw iches or balloons or other air- or gas-filled figures. (20)
Sign, wall means a sign attached to or erected against the w all of a building or structure w ith
the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the face of the wall., and
which does not project more than 12 inches from such building or structure. Wall signs shall
not include product advertising. Wall signs shall include tenant identification, tenant logo,
center name, or any combination of the three. (20)
Sign, window means sign, pictures, symbols, w ords or combination thereof, designed to
communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service, that is
placed inside a w indow or upon the w indow panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of
the window. (20)
Signature, subscription. A signature or subscription includes a mark w hen the person cannot
write, provided that the person's name is w ritten near such mark and is w itnessed by a person
who writes his ow n name as w itness. (1)
Significant historic site means any archaeological site, standing structure, or other property that
meets the criteria for eligibility to the National R egister of Historic Places or is listed in the state
register of historic sites, or is determined to be an unplatted cemetery that falls under the
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Zoning adm inistrator means the community development director or designee. (20)
Zoning lot. See Lot, zoning.
(O rd. N o. 234, § 1, 2-27-95; O rd. N o. 324, § 1, 7-9-01; Ord. No. 355, § 1, 11-8-03; Ord. No.
390, § 1, 3-14-05; O rd. N o. 395, §§ 1, 2, 5-9-05; O rd. N o. 405, § 1, 12-12-05; Ord. No. 413,
§ 1, 2-13-06; O rd. N o. 427, §§ 1—3, 9-25-06; O rd. N o. 440, § 1, 2-12-07; Ord. No. 448, §§
1, 2, 5-14-07; Ord. No. 480, § 1, 6-22-09; O rd. N o. 481, § 1, 8-10-09; O rd. N o. 506, §§ 1, 2,
6-28-10; O rd. N o. 512, § 1, 11-22-10; Ord. No. 574, § 1, 10-22-12; Ord. No. 595, §§ 1, 2, 5-
12-14; Ord. No. 611, § 1, 12-14-15; O rd. N o. 619, § 1, 2-27-17; Ord. No. 621, § 1, 5-8-17;
Ord. No. 628, § 1, 12-11-17; O rd. N o. 632, § 1, 6-11-18; Ord. N o. 636, § 1, 12-10-18; O rd.
No. 661, § 1, 10-12-20; Ord. No. 662, § 1, 12-7-20)
State law reference(s)—Interpretation of statutes generally, M.S. § 645.001 et seq.
SECTION 2: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1251 Purpose A nd Findings” of the
Chanhassen Municipal C ode is hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1251 Purpose A nd Findings
(a)Purpose. The purpose of this sign ordinance is intended to establish an effective means
of communication in the city, maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the
city's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth, to improve
pedestrian and traffic safety, to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby
public and private property, and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these
sign regulations. It is the intent of this section, to promote the health, safety, general
w elfare, aesthetics, and image of the community by regulating signs that are intended
to communicate to the public, and to use signs w hich meet the city's goals:
(1)Establish standards w hich permit businesses a reasonable and equitable
opportunity to advertise their name and service;
(2)Preserve and promote civic beauty, and prohibit signs which detract from this
objective because of size, shape, height, location, condition, cluttering or
illumination;
(3)Ensure that signs do not create safety hazards;
(4)Ensure that signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a
manner that does not adversely impact public safety or unduly distract
motorists;
(5)Preserve and protect property values;
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(6)Ensure signs that are in proportion to the scale of, and are architecturally
compatible with, the principal structures;
(7)Limit temporary commercial signs and advertising displays which provide an
opportunity for grand opening and occasional sales events w hile restricting
signs w hich create continuous visual clutter and hazards at public right-of-w ay
intersections.
(b)It is not the purpose or intent of this of this sign ordinance to regulate the message
displayed on any sign; nor is it the purpose or intent of this ordinance to regulate any
building design or any display not defined as a sign, or any sign that cannot be view ed
from outside a building.
(c)Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anyw here that advertising or
business signs are permitted, subject to the same regulations applicable to such signs.
(d)Findings. The city finds it is necessary for the promotion and preservation of the
public health, safety, w elfare and aesthetics of the community that the construction,
location, size and maintenance of signs be controlled. Further the city finds:
(1)Permanent and temporary signs have a direct impact on, and a relationship to,
the image of the community;
(2)The manner of installation, location and maintenance of signs affects the
public health, safety, w elfare and aesthetics of the community;
(3)A n opportunity for a viable identification of community business and
institutions must be established;
(4)The safety of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and other users of public streets
and property is affected by the number, size, location and appearance of signs
that unduly divert the attention of drivers;
(5)Installation of signs suspended from, projecting over, or placed on the tops of
buildings, w alks or other structures may constitute a hazard during periods of
high w inds and an obstacle to effective firefighting and other emergency
service;
(6)U ncontrolled and unlimited signs adversely impact the image and aesthetic
attractiveness of the community and, thereby, undermine economic value and
grow th;
(7)U ncontrolled and unlimited signs, particularly temporary signs, w hich are
commonly located w ithin or adjacent to public right-of-w ay, or are located at
drivew ay/street intersections, result in roadside clutter and obstruction of
views of oncoming traffic. This creates a hazard to drivers and pedestrians and
also adversely impacts a logical flow of information.
(e)Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is
for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the
remaining portions of this O rdinance. The city council hereby declares that it w ould
have adopted this Ordinance in each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase
thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses, or phrases be declared invalid.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95)
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SECTION 3: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1253 Variances” of the Chanhassen
Municipal Code is hereby am ended as follow s:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1253 Variances
The city council, upon the recommendation of the planning commission, may grant a variance
from the requirements of this article w here it is show n that by reason of topography or other
conditions, strict compliance w ith the requirements of this article w ould cause a practical
difficulty hardship; provided that a variance may be granted only if the variance does not
adversely affect the spirit or intent of this article. Written application for a variance shall be
filed with the planning department and shall be supplemented w ith reproducible copies of the
proposed sign. The application shall be processed in conformance w ith the public hearing
requirements dictated for variances in section 20-29. No variance shall be granted by the city
council unless it has received the affirmative vote of at least simple majority of the full city
council.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95)
SECTION 4: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1254 Permit G enerally” of the
Chanhassen Municipal C ode is hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1254 Permit G enerally
(a)Except as provided in section 20-1255, no sign or sign structure shall be erected,
constructed, altered, rebuilt or relocated until a permit has first been issued by the city.
(b)The following information for a sign permit shall be supplied by an applicant if
requested by the city:
(1)N ame, address and telephone number of person making application.
(2)A site plan to scale show ing the location of lot lines, building structures,
parking areas, existing and proposed signs and any other physical features.
(3)Plans, location, specifications, materials, method of construction and
attachment to the buildings or placement method in the ground.
(4)C opy of stress sheets and calculations.
(5)Written consent of the owner or lessee of any site on w hich the sign is to be
erected.
(6)A ny electrical permit required and issued for the sign.
(7)Such other information as the city shall require to show full compliance w ith
this chapter and all other law s and ordinances of the city. Information may
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include such items as color and material samples.
(8)R eceipt of sign permit fee as established by the city's annual fee schedule.
(9)The planning director, upon the filing of any application for a permit, shall
examine such plans, specifications and other data. If the proposed sign
complies w ith this article and other applicable ordinances, the city shall issue a
sign permit unless city council approval is required. If city council approval is
required, the matter shall be promptly referred to the council for action. Any
sign permit application that fails to meet the requirements of this article shall
be denied by the city.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95)
SECTION 5: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1255 Signs A llow ed Without Permit”
of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is hereby am ended as follow s:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1255 Signs Allow ed Without Permit
The follow ing signs are allowed w ithout a permit:
(a)Political cam paign signs. Temporary political campaign signs are permitted according
to the follow ing:
(1)The sign must contain the name of the person responsible for such sign, and
that person shall be responsible for its removal.
(2)Signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way, or w ithin the sight triangle.
(3)Shall comply w ith the Fair Campaign Practices A ct contained in M.S. §
211B .045.
(4)The city shall have the right to remove and destroy signs not conforming to
this subsection.
(5)Permitted from 46 days before the state primary in a state general election year
until ten days following the state general election and 13 w eeks prior to any
special election until ten days following the special election.
(6)N o such sign shall be located w ithin 100 feet of any polling site.
(7)Sign shall be located on private property w ith permission of the property
owner.
(b)D irectional signs.
(1)O n-premises signs shall not be larger than four square feet. The maximum
height of the sign shall not exceed five feet from the ground. The placement of
directional signs on the property shall be so located such that the sign does not
adversely affect adjacent properties (including site lines or confusion of
adjoining ingress or egress) or the general appearance of the site from public
rights-of-w ay. N o more than four signs shall be allow ed per lot. The city
council may allow additional signs in situations w here access is confusing or
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traffic safety could be jeopardized.
(2)Permanent off-premises signs shall be allow ed only in situations where access
is confusing and traffic safety could be jeopardized or traffic could be
inappropriately routed through residential streets. The size of the sign shall be
no larger than w hat is needed to effectively view the sign from the roadw ay
and shall be approved by the city council. Temporary off-premises signs are
prohibited, unless otherw ise specified in this chapter.
(3)O n-premises signs for industrially zoned land in excess of 40 acres shall not
exceed 12 square feet. The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed five
feet from the ground. The placement of directional signs on the property shall
be so located such that the sign does not adversely affect adjacent properties or
the general appearance of the site from public right-of-w ay. N o more than four
signs shall be allow ed per site. The city council may allow additional signs in
situations where access is confusing or traffic safety could be jeopardized.
(c)Com m unity signs or displays w hich contain or depict a message pertaining to a
religious, national, state or local holiday or event and no other matter, and w hich are
displayed for a period not to exceed 40 days in any calendar year.
(d)Motor fuel price signs are permitted on the premises of any automobile service station
or convenience store selling fuel, only if such signs are affixed to the fuel pumps or are
made an integral part of a ground low profile or pylon business sign otherw ise
permitted in that zoning district. Motor fuel price signs affixed to a fuel pump shall not
exceed four square feet in sign display area. When such signs are made an integral part
of a freestanding business sign, the sign display area devoted to the price component
shall not exceed 30 percent of the total sign display area of the sign.
(e)Nam eplate or integral signs not exceeding tw o square feet per building and does not
include multi-tenant names.
(f)Nonilluminated construction signs confined to the site of the construction, alteration or
repair. Such a sign must be removed w ithin one year from the date of issuance of the
first building permit on the site, and may be extended until the project is completed.
O ne sign shall be permitted for each street the project abuts. Commercial and industrial
signs may not exceed 50 square feet in sign area, and residential construction signs
may not exceed 24 square feet in sign area. Where a nonilluminated construction sign
and a temporary development project advertising sign are proposed at the entrance to
the project, such signage shall be combined on one sign w ith a maximum sign area of
64 square feet.
(g)Signs of a public, noncom m ercial nature,Iinformational signs erected by a
governmental entity or agency, including safety signs (O .S.H .A .), directional signs to
public facilities, trespassing signs, traffic signs, signs indicating scenic or historical
points of interest, memorial plaques and the like. Signs shall not exceed 16 square feet.
(h)Rum m age (garage) sale signs. R ummage sale signs shall be removed w ithin tw o days
after the end of the sale and shall not exceed four square feet. Rummage sale signs
shall not be located in any public rights-of-way. The city shall have the right to remove
and destroy signs not conforming to this subsection. The city may assess a fee in the
amount established in chapter 4 of this Code for sign permits for each sign removed by
the city.
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Page 83
(i)Temporary developm ent project advertising signs erected for the purpose of selling or
promoting any nonresidential project, or any residential project of ten or more dw elling
units, located in the City of C hanhassen, shall be permitted subject to the follow ing
regulations:
(1)N ot more than one nonilluminated sign per street frontage, provided that the
total number of signs do not exceed tw o per project.
(2)Such signs shall only be located along streets that provide primary access to
the project site.
(3)Such sign shall be setback at least ten feet from any property line for signs ten
feet in height or less, plus one additional foot for each additional foot of sign
height. Signs shall be firmly anchored to the ground.
(4)N o such sign shall be located closer than 100 feet from an existing residential
dwelling unit, church, or school w hich is not a part of the project being so
advertised.
(5)Such signs shall not be located closer than 100 feet from any other sign
located on the same side of the street.
(6)Sign display area shall not exceed 64 square feet, and the height of such signs
shall not exceed 15 feet.
(7)Such signs shall be removed when the project being advertised is sold or
leased, or after three years. The planning director may permit a sign for longer
than three years if the project being advertised is not sold or leased.
(8)Where a nonilluminated construction sign and a temporary development
project advertising sign are proposed at the entrance to the project, such
signage shall be combined on one sign w ith a maximum sign area of 64
square feet.
(j)Temporary real estate signs w hich advertise the sale, rental or lease of real estate
subject to the following conditions:
(1)O n-prem ises real estate signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of the
premises upon which the sign is located.
a.One nonilluminated sign is permitted per street frontage.
b.Sign display area shall not exceed 16 square feet per sign on property
containing less than ten acres in area, and 32 square feet per sign on
property containing ten or more acres.
c.No such sign shall exceed ten feet in overall height, nor be located
less than ten feet from any property line.
d.All temporary real estate signs shall be removed w ithin seven days
follow ing sale, lease or rental of the property.
e.Window signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of a building are
permitted subject to the conditions of subsection 20-1265(g).
(2)O ff-prem ises real estate signs advertising the sale, rental or lease of business
and industrial buildings:
a.One nonilluminated sign is permitted per building.
b.Such signs shall only be permitted in business and industrial districts,
and on property located within the same subdivision or development
as the building being advertised.
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Page 84
c.Such signs shall not be located closer than 100 feet from any other
such sign located on the same side of the street.
d.Sign display area shall not exceed 32 square feet, and the height of
such signs shall not exceed ten feet.
e.Such sign shall be setback at least ten feet from any property line.
f.Such signs shall be removed w ithin seven days follow ing the lease or
sale of the building floor space which it is advertising.
g.Provide written permission of property owner.
(3)O ff-prem ises directional signs w hich show direction to new residential
developments in accordance w ith the follow ing. The intent of this subsection
is to allow short-term signage, for residential development, to familiarize the
public w ith the new development.
a.Such sign shall only be permitted along major arterials and collectors
as identified in the comprehensive plan.
b.Only one sign per corner of an intersection per development shall be
permitted. There shall not be more than four signs per intersection.
Signs shall not be located in any site distance triangle, measured 30
feet from the point of intersection of the property line.
c.Sign display area shall not exceed 32 square feet and the height of
such signs shall not exceed ten feet.
d.Such sign shall not be located closer than ten feet from any street
right-of-w ay line, and shall be firmly anchored to the ground.
e.Written permission must be obtained from the property owner upon
whose land the proposed sign is to be located.
f.Such sign shall be nonilluminated and kept in good condition.
g.Such sign shall be removed 12 months after the sign has been erected.
A sign shall be permitted for each phase of a development.
h.Signs for home promotions (Parade of Homes, Spring Preview, etc.)
shall be limited to four square feet and shall be permitted only for the
duration of the event.
(k)O ff-prem ises sign for open house, house for sale or rent, parade of hom es, etc. Such
signs shall be removed within tw o days after the end of the event and shall not exceed
four square feet. The property ow ner upon w hich a sign is located shall provide their
approval. The signs shall not be located in any public rights-of-w ay. The city shall
have the right to remove and destroy signs not conforming to this section. The city
may assess a fee in the amount established in chapter 4 of this Code for sign permits
for each sign removed by the city.
(l)Em ployment opportunity signs; (help wanted) which advertise job opportunities for a
specific location upon w hich the sign is located subject to the follow ing conditions:
(1)O ne nonilluminated sign is permitted per street frontage.
(2)A banner shall not exceed 100 square feet of display area and must be affixed
to the principle structure.
(3)Freestanding signs shall not exceed 16 square feet of display area and eight
feet in height.
(4)N o such sign shall be located less than ten feet from any property line.
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Page 85
(5)A ll temporary employment opportunity signs shall be removed w ithin seven
days after the posted position has been filled.
(m)Corporate flags are limited to one per business.
(n)Pickup signs; big box retailers and grocery stores are allowed one sign to designate an
area of the parking lot for pickup/driveup loading of goods purchased in advance
subject to the following conditions:
(1)The pickup sign must be located within the parking lot and the placement of
pickup sign shall be so located such that the sign does not adversely affect
adjacent properties or navigability of the parking lot (including sight lines,
confusion of adjoining ingress or egress) or the general appearance of the site
from public rights-of-w ay.
(2)N o more than one pickup sign shall be allow ed per business
(3)The pickup sign may not exceed 13 feet in height.
(4)The pickup sign's base shall be not more than two feet w ide on a side, and no
portion of the sign may project beyond the base.
(5)The pickup sign is limited to four square feet of display area per sign face, and
no more than 30 percent of the display area shall be used for the business logo
or identification.
(6)B usinesses with a drive-through facility may not also have a pickup sign.
(a)Site signage subject to the follow ing conditions:
(1)Shall be a maximum of 4 square feet.
(2)The maximum height of the sign shall not exceed five feet from the ground.
(3)Shall not be placed to affect the safety of traffic or pedestrians.
(4)The placement of signs on the property shall not adversely affect adjacent
properties or the general appearance of the site from public right-of-w ay
(b)Window s signs subject to the follow ing conditions:
(1)Shall not exceed 6 square feet per business occupant or ow ner.
(2)Signage visible through w indow s shall not blink, flash, scroll or have any
constant illumination, when illuminated, nor be excessively bright as
determined by the city.
(c)Temporary commercial signs, searchlights, banners, etc. subject to the follow ing
conditions:
(1)B anners attached to the principle structure shall not exceed 140 square feet.
(2)D etached banners shall not exceed 32 square feet and six feet in height.
(3)Portable A -frame signs shall not exceed 32 8 square feet and six four feet in
height.
(4)N on-portable signs shall be a maximum of 25 square feet and eight feet in
height.
(5)A business may display an attached or detached banner or portable sign on up
to four occasions per calendar year, w ith a maximum ten-day display period
for each occasion.
(6)Portable Ssigns and detached banners shall not be located in the public right-
23
Page 86
of-way.
(7)N o more than one portable sign or detached banner shall be permitted per
business tenant at one time.
(8)Inflatable advertising devices for each site or center are limited to two
occasions per calendar year w ith each occasion not to exceed seven days. The
inflatable device shall not exceed 25 feet in height.
(9)The use of searchlights shall be limited to three occasions per year w ith each
occasion not to exceed two days. The use of searchlights shall be controlled in
such a w ay so as not to become a nuisance or safety hazard. Searchlights may
not be illuminated betw een the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.
(10)Shall be maintained in good condition.
(d)Temporary N on-Commercial Signs subject to the follow ing conditions:
(1)Signs shall not be located w ithin public right-of-w ay.
(2)Shall not exceed 6 square feet.
(3)Shall not exceed 5 feet in height, as measured from grade to top of sign
structure.
(4)Shall be maintained in good condition.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95; Ord. No. 252, § 1, 4-8-96; O rd. N o. 377, §§ 139, 140, 5-24-04;
Ord. No. 423, §§ 9, 10, 6-12-06; Ord. No. 431, § 2, 9-25-06; O rd. N o. 459, § 1, 9-24-07; O rd.
No. 468, § 1, 8-11-08; Ord. No. 507, §§ 4, 5, 6-28-10; O rd. N o. 510, § 1, 9-13-10; O rd. N o.
632, § 18, 6-11-18)
SECTION 6: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1256 Permit For Temporary Signs,
Searchlights, Banners, Etc.” of the Chanhassen Municipal C ode is hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1256 Permit For Temporary Signs, Searchlights, Banners, Etc.
Temporary signs are permitted as follow s:
(a)Banners attached to the principal structure shall not exceed 140 square feet.
(b)D etached banners shall not exceed 32 square feet and six feet in height.
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Page 87
(c)Portable signs shall not exceed 32 square feet and six feet in height.
(d)A ll temporary signage shall meet the follow ing standards:
(1)A 30-day display period to coincide with the grand opening of a business or a
new development (business park or shopping center w hich shall be in addition
to subsection (d)(2).
(2)A business may display an attached or detached banner or portable sign on up
to four occasions per calendar year, w ith a maximum ten-day display period
for each occasion.
(3)Messages must relate to on-premises products or services, or any
noncommercial message.
(4)A ttached banners, detached banners and portable signs must be located on the
property w hich is ow ned or leased by the business w hich the sign is
advertising. N onprofit and governmental event banners are excluded from this
provision.
(5)Portable signs and detached banners shall not be located in the public right-of-
w ay.
(6)Portable signs and detached banners are limited to the driveway entrance area.
(7)N o more than one portable sign or detached banner shall be permitted per
entrance at any given time.
(e)Inflatable advertising devices are permitted according to the follow ing:
(1)For each site or center, two occasions per calendar year with each occasion
not to exceed seven days.
(2)Written authorization from the property ow ner or their designee must be
submitted w ith the sign permit application.
(3)Sign permit issued by city.
(4)Maximum height of the inflatable shall be 25 feet.
(f)Flashing or blinking portable signs, stingers, and pennants are not permitted.
(g)Large flags flown in high w inds may cause a noise nuisance and are subject to
removal upon complaint from residents or businesses.
(h)The use of searchlights shall be limited to three occasions per year w ith each occasion
not to exceed two days. The use of searchlights shall be controlled in such a way so as
not to become a nuisance. Searchlights may not be illuminated between the hours of
12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95; Ord. No. 468, § 2, 8-11-08; Ord. No. 485, § 1, 10-12-09; O rd. N o.
545, § 1, 6-25-12)
SECTION 7: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1258 Legal A ction” of the
Chanhassen Municipal C ode is hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
25
Page 88
Sec 20-1258 Legal A ction
If the city Community Development planning D director or an administrative officer finds that
any sign regulated by this articledivision is prohibited as to size, location, content, type,
number, height or method of construction; or erected without a permit first being granted to the
installer of the sign to the ow ner of the property upon w hich the sign has been erected or is
improperly maintained, or is in violation of any other provision of this chapter, they he shall
give w ritten notice of such violation to the owner or permittee thereof. If the permittee or
ow ner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the provisions set forth in this
chapter w ithin ten calendar days follow ing receipt of said notice:
(a)Such permittee or ow ner may be prosecuted for violating this chapter and if convicted
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day a violation exists shall constitute a separate
offense.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95)
SECTION 8: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1259 Prohibited Signs” of the
Chanhassen Municipal C ode is hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1259 Prohibited Signs
The follow ing signs are prohibited:
(a)A dvertising or business sSigns on or attached to equipment, such as semitruck trailers.,
w here signing is a principal use of the equipment on either a temporary or permanent
basis.
(b)Motion signs and flashing signs, except barber poles, which may be permitted by
conditional use permits (see sections 20-231 through 20-237).
(c)Projecting signs, not including awning or canopies as defined in this chapter.
(d)Roof signs, except that a business sign may be placed on the roof, facia or marquee of
a building provided it does not extend above the highest elevation of the building,
excluding chimneys, and provided:
(1)R oof signs shall be thoroughly secured and anchored to the frames of the
building over w hich they are constructed and erected.
(2)N o portion of roof signs shall extend beyond the periphery of the roof.
(e)Wall graphics and design treatments depicting corporate logos and company symbols.
(f)Temporary signs or banners except as permitted in section 20-12556.
(g)Signs w hich are placed or tacked on trees, fences, utility poles or in the public right-of-
w ay.
(h)Bench signs are prohibited except for those installed/ow ned by a governmental unit
and at designated transit stops as authorized by the local transit authority.
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Page 89
(i)Billboards.
(j)Temporary flag signs.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95; Ord. No. 424, § 1, 7-24-06; Ord. No. 431, § 3, 9-25-06; O rd. N o.
482, § 1, 8-10-09)
SECTION 9: AMEN D MENT “Sec 20-1265 G eneral Location Restrictions”
of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is hereby am ended as follow s:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1265 G eneral Location Restrictions
(a)N o freestanding sign or sign structure shall be closer than ten feet to any lot line. Signs
shall not be located in the sight distance triangle of any private drivew ay or access.
Signs shall not be located in any sight distance triangle of a public intersection.
(b)Signs on nonresidential property w hich are immediately adjacent to residential uses or
districts shall be positioned so that the copy is not visible along adjoining side and rear
yard property lines.
(c)N o sign, other than governmental signs, shall be erected or placed upon any public
street, right-of-way, or project over public property unless approved by the city and
contingent upon an approved encroachment agreement. Temporary signs may not be
erected or placed in a public easement unless approved by the city. N o sign shall be
placed w ithin any drainage or utility easement without an approved encroachment
agreement.
(d)Signs shall not create a hazard to the safe, efficient movement of vehicular or
pedestrian traffic. No private sign shall contain w ords w hich might be construed as
traffic controls, such as "Stop", "C aution", "Warning", unless the sign, is intended to
direct traffic on the premises. N o private sign shall duplicate traffic controls, unless the
sign is intended to direct traffic on the premises.
(e)N o signs, guys, stays or attachments shall be erected, placed or maintained on rocks,
fences or trees, nor interfere w ith any electric light, pow er, telephone or telegraph
w ires or the supports thereof.
(f)N o sign or sign structure shall be erected or maintained that prevents free ingress or
egress from any door, w indow or fire escape. N o sign or sign structure shall be
attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(g)Window signs shall not cover more than 50 percent of the total w indow area in w hich
they are located. The area of a w indow sign shall be interpreted as the total w indow
area for that face of the building. In no case shall the total w indow sign area exceed
the permitted w all sign area defined in this chapter for said district. Buildings w ith less
than 32 square feet of w indow area are exempt from this provision. Signage visible
through w indows shall not blink, flash, scroll or have any but constant illumination,
w hen illuminated, nor be excessively bright.
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Page 90
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95; Ord. No. 431, § 5, 9-25-06; Ord. No. 451, § 11, 5-29-07)
SECTION 10: AME N D MEN T “Sec 20-1267 U niformity Of Construction,
Design, Etc.” of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is hereby am ended as follow s:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1267 U niformity O f Construction, D esign, Etc.
(a)A ll permanent signs shall be designed and constructed in a uniform manner and, to the
extent possible, as an integral part of the building's architecture. Multi-tenant
commercial and industrial buildings shall have uniform signage. When buildings or
developments are presented for site plan review, proposed signs for the development
shall be presented concurrently for staff review. All planned centers and multi-tenant
buildings shall submit a comprehensive sign plan for approval by the planning
commission and city council.
(1)A ll w all signage shall use individual dimension letters, at least one-half inch
deep. Company symbols, display messages (not greater than six inches tall),
pictorial presentations, illustrations, or decorations (anything other than
w ording) and less than 20 percent of the total sign display area are exempt
from the individual dimension letter requirement.
(2)Wall signs shall be either illuminated or non-illuminated and shall meet the
following criteria:
a.Backlit or exposed lighting shall be architecturally compatible w ith
the building and other signage if in a multi-tenant building.
b.If a neon sign is illuminated by exposed neon or LED , the luminous
shall not to exceed 5,000 N its between the hours of civil sunrise and
civil sunset and not to exceed 500 N its between the hours of civil
sunset and civil sunrise.
c.If a sign is non-illuminated, dow ncast decorative lighting compatible
with the building architecture may be used.
(3)C ompany logos shall not occupy more than 30 percent of the sign display area
and are exempt from the individual dimension letter requirement.
(b)A ll permanent monument or pylon signs shall be designed and constructed in a
uniform manner and, to the extent possible, as an integral part of the building's
architecture. Multi-tenant commercial and industrial buildings shall have uniform
signage. When buildings or developments are presented for site plan review, proposed
signs for the development shall be presented concurrently for staff review. All planned
centers and multi-tenant buildings shall submit a comprehensive sign plan for approval
by the planning commission and city council.
(1)Letters on a monument sign A ll center, development name or an individual
tenant building signage on a monument or pylon sign shall use individual
dimension letters, at least one-half inch deep.
(2)
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Page 91
R egistered trademarks, company symbols, display messages (less than six
inches tall), pictorial presentations, illustrations, or decorations (anything other
than w ording) and less than 20 percent of the total sign display area are
exempt from the individual dimension letter requirement.
(3)In multi-tenant buildings, tenant panels may be used and shall be exempt from
the individual dimension letter requirement.
(4)C ompany logos shall not occupy more than 30 percent of the sign display area
and are exempt from the individual dimension letter requirement.
(5)A ll on-premise freestanding signs must have structural supports covered or
concealed w ith pole covers. The actual structural supports should not be
exposed, and the covers should be architecturally and aesthetically designed to
match the building.
(6)N o sign shall be attached or be allow ed to hang from any building until all
necessary w all and roof attachments have been approved by the building
official. Any canopy or aw ning sign shall have a minimum of an eight-foot
clearance.
(7)Illuminated signs shall be shielded to prevent lights from being directed at
oncoming traffic in such brilliance that it impairs the vision of the driver. N o
such signs shall interfere w ith or obscure an official traffic sign or signal; this
includes indoor signs w hich are visible from public streets. Illumination for a
sign or groups of signs shall not exceed one-half foot candle in brightness as
measured at the property line.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95; Ord. No. 423, § 11, 6-12-06; O rd. N o. 468, § 3, 8-11-08; O rd. N o.
485, § 2, 10-12-09; O rd. N o. 507, § 6, 6-28-10; O rd. N o. 544, § 1, 6-25-12)
SECTION 11: A MEN D MEN T “Sec 20-1275 C onstruction Standards” of the
Chanhassen Municipal C ode is hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1275 Construction Standards
(a)A freestanding sign or sign structure shall be constructed so that if the faces are not back to
back, then they shall not have an angle separating the faces exceeding 45 degrees, unless
the total area of both sides added together does not exceed the maximum allow able sign
area for that district.
45 D egree Maximum A ngle
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Page 92
(b)A ll on-premises freestanding signs must have structural supports covered or concealed
w ith pole covers. The actual structural supports should not be exposed, and the covers
should be architecturally and aesthetically designed to match the building. Pole covers
shall be a minimum height of eight feet. The exposed uprights, superstructure and/or
backside of all signs shall be painted a neutral color such as light blue, gray, brow n or
w hite, unless it can be illustrated that such part of the sign designed or painted in another
manner is integral to the overall design of the sign.
Shopping Center
(c)The installation of electrical signs shall be subject to the N ational Electrical C ode, as
adopted and amended by the city. Electrical service to such sign shall be underground.
(d)N o sign shall be attached or be allow ed to hang from any building until all necessary wall
and roof attachments have been approved by the building official. A ny canopy or awning
sign shall have a minimum of an eight-foot clearance.
(e)Illuminated signs shall be shielded to prevent lights from being directed at oncoming traffic
in such brilliance that it impairs the vision of the driver. N o such signs shall interfere w ith
or obscure an official traffic sign or signal; this includes indoor signs w hich are visible
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Page 93
from public streets. Illumination for a sign or groups of signs shall not exceed one-half foot
candle in brightness as measured at the property line.
SECTION 12: AME N D MEN T “Sec 20-1276 Electronic Message Center
Signs” of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is hereby am ended as follow s:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1276 Electronic Message Center Signs
Electronic message center (EMC) signs and time and temperature signs shall comply w ith the
follow ing standards:
(a)N o electronic message center sign may be erected that, by reason of position, shape,
movement or color interferes w ith the proper functioning of a traffic sign, signal or
w hich otherw ise constitutes a traffic hazard.
(b)Public/Community signs, eElectronic and nonelectronic message center space used on
a sign shall not exceed the follow ing display area:
Sign display area EMC D isplay
0—24 sq. ft.50%
25—64 sq. ft.45%
65—80 sq. ft.40%
(c)Electronic message center signs for gas stations shall meet the follow ing requirements:
(1)O ne single or double-sided EMC display area is permitted but shall not exceed
8 square feet per side of a monument or pylon sign.
(d)Electronic message center displays shall not exceed 5,000 N its betw een the hours of
civil sunrise and civil sunset and shall not exceed 500 N its betw een the hours of civil
sunset and civil sunrise.
(e)Electronic message center signs shall not cause direct glare, nor become a distraction
due to excessive brightness.
(f)The lamp w attage and luminance level in candelas per square meter (Nits) shall be
provided at the time of permit applications.
(g)There shall be no electronic message center signs in the front setback area within 50
feet of a street intersection (as measured from intersecting right-of-w ay lines) except
w here lighting for such sign is indirect or diffused and in no way constitutes a traffic
hazard.
(h)There shall be no electronic message center signs within 125 feet of a residential
district.
(i)Flashing, special effects or animated scenes on electronic message center signs shall be
prohibited.
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(j)Electronic message center signs shall not be located in agricultural or residential
zoning districts.
(k)Electronic message center sign display use for signs w ithin 500 feet of single-family
residential homes shall be limited to the hours betw een 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(O rd. N o. 482, § 2, 8-10-09)
SECTION 13: AME N D MEN T “Sec 20-1302 N eighborhood Business,
Fringe Business A nd O ffice A nd Institutional D istricts” of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is
hereby amended as follows:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1302 N eighborhood Business, Fringe Business A nd O ffice A nd Institutional D istricts
The follow ing signs shall be allow ed by permit in any OI, BF or BN districts:
(a)G round low profile business signs. O ne ground low profile business or institutional
sign not exceeding 24 square feet of sign display area shall be permitted. Such sign
shall be located at least ten feet from any property line and shall not exceed five feet in
height.
(b)Wall business signs.
(1)O ne w all business sign shall be permitted on the street frontage for each
business occupant within a building. In buildings w here individual entrances
do not front on a public street, a w all sign may be permitted on the entrance
facade consistent w ith the approved comprehensive sign plan.
(2)The sign may contain the name, logo, company symbols, display messages,
pictorial presentations, illustrations, or decorations of the business only and
shall have a sign display area that is in compliance w ith the district standards.
Wall business signs shall not be mounted upon the w all of any building which
faces any adjoining residential district without an intervening building or
street.
(3)The total of all wall mounted sign display areas for each business shall not
exceed the square footage established in the follow ing table:
Maximum Percentage of Wall Area Wall A rea in Square Feet
15%0—600
13%601—1,200
11%1,201—1,800
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9%1,801—2,400
7%2,401—3,200
5%3,201—4,500
3% not to exceed 275 square feet 4,500+
(4)Wall A rea in Square Feet Maximum Percentage of Wall A rea
0-600 15%
601-1,200 13%
1,201-1,800 11%
1,801-2,400 9%
2,401-3,200 7%
3,201-4,500 5%
4,501+3% not to exceed 275 square feet
(c)Wall signs shall not include product advertising. Wall signs shall only include tenant
identification, tenant logo or registered trademark, center name, or any combination of
the three.
(d)Public/community signs on property ow ned or leased by a governmental unit and
operated by a governmental unit.
(1)O ne monument sign shall be permitted per site for each street frontage. Such
sign shall not exceed 120 square feet in display area nor be greater than eight
feet in height.
(2)Electronic message center signs may be permitted as part of the sign display
area. Such sign does not require a conditional use permit.
(3)Electronic message center signs shall comply w ith the following standards as
stated in 20-1276:
a.Electronic message center space used on a sign shall not exceed a
total of 40 square feet.
b.No electronic message center sign may be erected that, by reason of
position, shape, movement or color interferes with the proper
functioning of a traffic sign, signal or w hich otherw ise constitutes a
traffic hazard.
c.Electronic message center displays shall not exceed 5,000 N its
betw een the hours of civil sunrise and civil sunset and shall not
exceed 500 Nits betw een the hours of civil sunset and civil sunrise.
d.Electronic message center signs shall not cause direct glare, nor
become a distraction due to excessive brightness.
e.The lamp w attage and luminance level in candles per square meter
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(N its) shall be provided at the time of permit application.
f.There shall be no electronic message center signs w ithin 50 feet of a
street intersection (as measured from intersecting right-of-w ay lines)
or w ithin 125 feet of a residential district, except w here lighting for
such sign is indirect or diffused and in no w ay constitutes a traffic
hazard.
g.Flashing, special effects or animated scenes on electronic message
center shall be prohibited.
h.Electronic message center sign display use for signs w ithin 500 feet of
single-family residential homes shall be limited to the hours betw een
6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95; Ord. No. 377, § 143, 5-24-04; O rd. N o. 409, § 7, 1-9-06; Ord.
No. 409, § 7, 1-9-06; O rd. N o. 468, §§ 4, 5, 8-11-08; O rd. N o. 482, § 3, 8-10-09)
SECTION 14: AME N D MEN T “Sec 20-1303 H ighw ay, G eneral B usiness
Districts And Central B usiness Districts” of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is hereby
am ended as follow s:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1303 H ighw ay, G eneral B usiness D istricts And Central B usiness D istricts
The follow ing signs shall be allow ed by permit in any "BH " and, "BG" or "C B D " D istrict:
The follow ing table lists the standards for freestanding and ground low profile signs in the B H
or, BG or CBD zone.
Principal Structure
Pylon Ground Low Profile
H eight
(feet)
Sign Size (square
feet)
H eight
(feet)
Sign Size (square
feet)
50,000 sq. ft. or
greater 20 80 10 80
Less than 50,000 sq.
ft.16 64 8 64
(a)Pylon business sign. Pylon signs are permitted on parcels that abut state highway
corridors only. O ne pylon identification sign shall be permitted. This sign may identify
the name of the center or the major tenants. The height and square footage of the sign
shall be based on the square footage of the principal structure as show n in the table.
Such signs shall be located at least ten feet from any property line.
(b)G round low profile business signs. O ne ground low profile business sign shall be
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permitted per each outlot or separate building pad that has street frontage. The height
and square footage of the sign shall be based on the table above. Such signs shall be
located at least 300 feet from any other pylon or ground sign on the parcel and at least
ten feet from any property line.
(c)Wall business signs.
(1)O ne w all business sign shall be permitted on the street frontage for each
business occupant within a building. In buildings w here individual entrances
do not front on a public street, a w all sign may be permitted on the entrance
facade consistent w ith the approved comprehensive sign plan.
(2)The sign may contain the name, logo, company symbols, display messages,
pictorial presentations, illustrations, or decorations of the business only and
shall have a sign display area that is in compliance w ith the district standards.
Wall business signs shall not be mounted upon the w all of any building which
faces any adjoining residential district without an intervening building or
street.
(3)The total of all wall mounted sign display areas for each business shall not
exceed the square footage established in the follow ing table:
Maximum Percentage of Wall Area Wall Area in Square Feet
15%0—600
13%601—1,200
11%1,201—1,800
9%1,801—2,400
7%2,401—3,200
5%3,201—4,500
3% not to exceed 275 square feet 4,500+
(4)Wall A rea in Square Feet Maximum Percentage of Wall A rea
0-600 15%
601-1,200 13%
1,201-1,800 11%
1,801-2,400 9%
2,401-3,200 7%
3,201-4,500 5%
4,501+3% not to exceed 275 square feet
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(d)D rive-Through Sign Menu board. O ne menu board sign per restaurant drive-through
aisle is permitted w ith a drive-through facility. Such sign shall not exceed 45 square
feet in size, nor greater than eight feet in height. Such sign is permitted in addition to
any other sign permitted in the zoning district.
(O rd. N o. 314, § 2, 3-26-01; O rd. N o. 377, §§ 144, 145, 5-24-04; O rd. N o. 409, § 8, 1-9-06;
Ord. No. 468, § 4, 8-11-08; Ord. No. 628, § 49, 12-11-17)
SECTION 15: AME N D MEN T “Sec 20-1304 Industrial Office Park Signs”
of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is hereby am ended as follow s:
A M E N D M E N T
Sec 20-1304 Industrial O ffice Park Signs
The follow ing signs shall be allow ed by permit in any IO P district:
(a)Pylon business signs. Pylon signs are permitted on parcels that abut state highw ay
corridors only. O ne pylon or one ground low profile industrial office park
identification sign shall be permitted. A pylon sign shall not exceed 80 square feet on a
state highway in sign area and shall not exceed 20 feet in height. Such sign shall be
located at least ten feet from any property line.
(b)G round low profile business signs. O ne ground low profile business sign shall be
permitted per site for each street frontage. Such sign shall not exceed 64 square feet,
except on a state highway, in display area nor be greater than eight feet in height. Such
sign shall be located at least ten feet from any property line. A ground low profile on a
state highway may not exceed 80 square feet and eight feet in height. Such sign shall
be located at least ten feet from any property line.
(c)Wall business signs.
(1)O ne w all business sign shall be permitted on the street frontage for each
business occupant within a building. In buildings w here individual entrances
do not front on a public street, a w all sign may be permitted on the entrance
facade consistent w ith the approved comprehensive sign plan.
(2)The sign may contain the name, logo, company symbols, display messages,
pictorial presentations, illustrations, or decorations of the business only and
shall have a sign display area that is in compliance w ith the district standards.
Wall business signs shall not be mounted upon the w all of any building which
faces any adjoining residential district without an intervening building or
street.
(3)The total of all wall mounted sign display areas for each business shall not
exceed the square footage established in the follow ing table:
Maximum Percentage of Wall Area Wall Area in Square Feet
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15%0—600
13%601—1,200
11%1,201—1,800
9%1,801—2,400
7%2,401—3,200
5%3,201—4,500
3% not to exceed 275 square feet 4,500+
(4)Wall A rea in Square Feet Maximum Percentage of Wall A rea
0-600 15%
601-1,200 13%
1,201-1,800 11%
1,801-2,400 9%
2,401-3,200 7%
3,201-4,500 5%
4,501+3% not to exceed 275 square feet
(O rd. N o. 231, § 1, 1-9-95; Ord. No. 314, § 3, 3-26-01; Ord. No. 377, §§ 146, 147, 5-24-04;
Ord. No. 409, § 9, 1-9-06; O rd. N o. 452, § 4, 7-9-07; Ord. No. 459, § 2, 9-24-07; Ord. No.
468, § 4, 8-11-08)
SECTION 16: ADOPTION “Sec 20-1305 C entral Business D istrict Signs”
of the Chanhassen Municipal Code is hereby added as follows:
A D O P T I O N
Sec 20-1305 Central Business D istrict Signs(Added)
Sec 20-1305 Central Business D istrict Signs
(a)O ne w all sign shall be permitted on the street frontage for each business occupant
w ithin a building. In buildings w here individual entrances do not front on a public
street, a w all sign may be permitted on the entrance façade.
(b)
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Wall Area in Square Feet Maximum Percentage of Wall A rea
0-600 9%
601-1,200 8%
1,201-1,800 7%
1,801-2,400 6%
2,401-3,200 5%
3,201-4,500 4%
4,501+3% not to exceed 275 square feet
(c)A projecting sign may be permitted in accordance w ith the standards listed below.
(1)Must provide a clearance of 8’ from the adjacent sidew alk or finished surface.
(2)Projecting signs shall only be located on the first floor and shall not exceed 6
square feet in sign area.
(3)Projecting signs are limited to a projection distance of not more than four (4)
feet. This is measured from edge of building face to outer edge of the
projecting sign furthest from the building face.
(d)Canopy signs may be permitted as follows:
(1)A canopy sign shall not be installed in addition to a w all sign.
(2)Shall be limited to one per street frontage for each business occupant w ithin a
building.
(3)Signs shall adhere to permitted wall sign area.
(e)Aw ning Signs subject to the follow ing conditions:
(1)Each business occupant or ow ner shall be limited to one aw ning sign.
(2)Shall not exceed 30% of the aw ning area, not to exceed 8 square feet.
(3)Shall not project from the surface of the awning.
(f)Signage shall adhere to the D owntown Design G uidelines.
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