Permitting Process Changes

The City of Blaine is enacting minor changes to the City of Blaine's sign permitting process. These changes include:

1. Contact information is required for the business owner including an email address and phone number. This will be used to contact the business owner about zoning or occupancy issues associated with the business if applicable.
2. Permits will go through an administrative review prior to a content review. Permit applications will not be deemed complete until the property owner consent has been provided and a licensed contractor has been identified.

If you would like a preliminary review prior to submitting a permit application, you can continue to request that by sending sign proofs (including wall dimensions) to EShowalter@BlaineMN.gov.

Help Videos

Videos are now available on the City website walking through creating an account, submitting a contractor license, and submitting a sign permit. 

Common Questions

Why can’t I apply for a sign permit?

The most common reason a permanent sign permit application cannot be submitted is that the contractor license associated with the account submitting the application is expired or the insurance certificate is expired. Log in and either renew your contractor license or upload a new insurance certificate.

Why can’t I find a sign contractor in the list?

The contractor either does not have a current license or has an expired insurance certificate. Ask the contractor to update their license.

What can be submitted as owner consent?

Owner consent can be provided through a completed owner consent form (available at BlaineMN.gov/OwnerConsent), an authorization letter from the owner, a signature on the sign proof, or an email from the owner.

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required for any freestanding sign over ten feet in height. Refaces of existing signs do not require a building permit, but structural modifications to existing signs do require a building permit. Stamped engineered plans must be submitted with the building permit application.

If you have additional questions please reach out using the contact information provided.