FAQs • Blaine, MN • CivicEngage

Do I need a permit if I am simply changing the wording or legend of my sign?: Yes, a permit is required for refacing or changing the wording (legend) of a sign. It is important to keep in mind that if an older sign is refaced and that sign does not meet current ordinance requirements, that sign will need to be brought into conformance with current signage standards.

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Planning - Signage FAQs

Please apply for your permit online.

2. Can I have temporary signage?: Yes, please refer to our sign information handout.

3. Do I need a permit for simply refacing my sign?: Yes, you will need a permit to reface a sign.

4. How much signage is allowed on my property?: The first step is to determine the zoning designation on your property. You are able to type in any address and get the zoning designation for the property. Once you have determined the zoning designation for your property, please refer to the Sign Information handout. This will tell you what you are allowed to have for square footage for wall signage and monument signage. It also provides the general requirements for the signs. View Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 34.

5. Am I allowed to have temporary signs on my property?: Many businesses wish to have signage on their property that is temporary in nature and that can be used for special events or promotions. These types of signs may include banners, flags, sign trailers etc. The city allows sites to have 8 weeks of temporary signage per year. If a tenant in a multi-tenant building wishes to have temporary signage, it is important to remember that the whole building shares the 8 weeks of temporary signage, and not just the tenant requesting the temporary signage. For more information, please refer to our Sign Information handout. View Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 34.

6. Do I need to have a contractor license to install any signage within the City of Blaine?: No person, firm, or corporation shall engage in the business of erecting, altering, extending, repairing or maintaining signs or sign structures within the city without first having procured a license as required in Section 6-40 of the Blaine Code, except that the owner, lessee or occupant of the property upon which the sign is located may perform the actual work himself provided he had obtained a permit for the sign.

7. Do I need a permit if I am simply changing the wording or legend of my sign?: Yes, a permit is required for refacing or changing the wording (legend) of a sign. It is important to keep in mind that if an older sign is refaced and that sign does not meet current ordinance requirements, that sign will need to be brought into conformance with current signage standards.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.