600:000    LICENSES, PERMITS, AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS
600:200    SIGNS
600:205    DEFINITIONS
600:215    OFF-SITE SIGNS
600:225    ON-SITE SIGNS IN COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
600:235    ON-SITE SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL, AGRICULTURAL, RIVER CONSERVATION, AND RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
600:245    NOTICE OF VIOLATION; ORDER TO REPAIR OR REMOVED SIGN
600:255    REMOVAL OF SIGNS BY TOWNSHIP
600:265    APPEALS

600:000    LICENSES, PERMITS, AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS.
600:200    SIGNS.
600:205    DEFINITIONS.

    Abandoned Sign - a sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found. 600:215

    Area - (See "Sign, Area of")

    Awning - a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework. (Compare "Marquee")

    Awning Sign - a sign painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning.

    Banner Sign - a sign made of fabric or any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.

    Billboard - a sign erected and used for the purpose of advertising a product, event, place, person, or subject not related to the premises on which the sign is located. (See off-premises sign)

    Building Face - the exposed face of a building, including windows and doors, from ground level to the eave line.

    Canopy - a rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric, metal, or other material and supported by a building at one or more points or extremities and by columns or posts embedded in the ground at other points or extremities.  May be illuminated by means of internal or external sources. (Compare "Marquee")

    Canopy Sign - a sign affixed or applied to the exterior facing surface or surfaces of a building or freestanding canopy.

    Construction Sign - a temporary sign identifying an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.

    Copy - the graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.

    Double-faced Sign - a sign with two faces, essentially back-to-back or v-construction, provided the angle of separation does not exceed 30 degrees.

    Electrical Sign - a sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures are used.

    Facade - the entire building front including the parapet.

    Face of Sign - the area of a sign on which the copy is placed.

    Freestanding Sign - any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in, the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.

    Height (of a Sign) - the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, excluding decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less.

    Illegal Sign - a sign which does not meet the requirements of this code and which has not received legal non-conforming status.

    Incidental Sign - a small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business.

    Institutional Sign - any sign erected and maintained by a church or other religious institution for the identification of said church or religious property, or facility.

    Marquee - a permanent roof-like structure of canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building. (compare "Awning")

    Marquee Sign - any sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure.

    Monument Sign - a sign where the extent of the sign surface is attached to the ground or a foundation in the ground; and where there are no poles, braces, or other visible means of support other than attachment to the ground.

    Non-conforming sign - a sign which was erected legally, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.

    Off-premise Sign - a sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located, e.g., "billboards" or "outdoor advertising."

    On-premise Sign - a sign which pertains to the use of the premises and/or property on which it is located.

    Owner - a person recorded as such on official records.  For the purposes of this ordinance, the owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the Administrator, e.g., a sign leased from a sign company.

    Painted Wall Sign - any sign which is applied with paint or similar substance on the surface of a wall.

    Point of Purchase Display - advertising of a retail item accompanying its display, e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser, tire display, etc.

    Political Sign - a temporary sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum.

    Portable Sign - any sign designed to be moved easily and not permanently affixed to the ground or to a structure or building.

    Projecting Sign - a sign, other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.

    Real Estate Sign - a temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located being for rent, lease, or sale.

    Sandwich sign - two sign faces that are back-to-back and are connected together at the top and apart from each other at the bottom.

    Sign - any device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphic, symbols, and/or written copy for the primary purpose of identifying, providing directions, or advertising any establishment, product, goods, or services.

    Sign, Area of - includes the space inside a continuous line drawn around and enclosing all letters, designs, and background materials exclusive or border, trim and structural supports.

    Special Event - an event of limited duration.  Examples of special events include but are not limited to: grand openings, anniversary celebrations, community celebrations, tournaments.

    Temporary Sign - a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use.  Such sign is intended for special events, prior to a permanent sign, etc.

    Under-canopy Sign - a sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof, or marquee.

    Wall Sign - a sign attached essentially parallel to and extending not more than twenty-four (24) inches from the wall of a building or beyond the edge of the eave with no copy of the sides or edges.  Wall signs shall not extend horizontally beyond the edges of the wall the sign is attached to.  This definition includes painted, individual letter, or cabinet signs.

    Window Display - use of the window area for display of merchandise, seasonal scenes, or similar.  If advertising is including in a window display, it shall be included in the calculation of wall signage.

    Window Sign - lettering placed directly on a window surface.  The area of permanent window signs shall e included in the calculation of wall signage.  Window signs shall not cover more than 40% of the window area.

600:215    OFF-SITE SIGNS.

All signs located in the Commercial Zoning district which are not located on the tract of land where the business advertised is located or situation, shall meet the following requirements:

    1.      The size of the sign shall be a minimum of four (4) feet by eight (8) feet or thirty-two (32) square feet with a maximum size of twenty (20) feet by twenty (20) feet or four hundred (400) square feet.

    2.      The maximum height for an off-site sign shall be no more than twenty (20) feet above ground level.

    3.      The off-site signs may face on both sides, be back-to-back, or V-type.

    4.      Front, Rear and Side Setbacks.  Signs shall meet the following setback requirements:
             a.  Front yard, highway or service road right-of-way shall not be less than two (2) feet.
             b.  Rear yard shall not be less than thirty-five (35) feet.
             c.  Rear yard adjacent to public bodies of water shall not be less than fifty (50) feet.
             d.  Side yard shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
             e.  Rear and side yard adjacent to residential or agricultural zoned properties shall not be less than fifty (50) feet.

    5.      The horizontal distance between all off-site signs shall be at least six hundred (600) feet.

    6.      A building permit fee and a one-time conditional use fee may be charged for each sign constructed.  A fee schedule may be obtained from the Town Clerk.

    7.      Off-site signs shall be considered the principle use on the sites on which they are located.

    8.     Off-site signs existing at the time of enactment of this ordinance and not meeting the full requirements of this ordinance shall be deemed legal non-conforming entities.

    9.      All applications for off-site signs shall be made to the Princeton Town Clerk with all required information.  The application shall then be presented to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.  Following review, the Planning Commission shall submit its recommendations to the Princeton Town Board.  If approval is granted by the Town Board, a permit shall be issued to the applicant granting permission for the erection and maintenance of the sign.

600:225    ON-SITE SIGNS IN COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT
   
    1.    The maximum size shall be ninety-six (96) square feet of face.  Double sided signs are allowed with ninety-six (96) square feet on each side.
   
    2.    Only one free standing sign is permitted per site.

    3.    All commercial/industrial uses are allowed wall signs of two (2) square feet per lineal foot of wall not to exceed one-hundred fifty (150) square feet.  Signage may be increased for multi-tenant buildings by twenty (20) square feet per tenant.  Wall signs affixed to the exterior wall, awning, or canopy of a building or structure, shall not project more than twelve (12) inches from the surface to which it is attached, or above said surface.

    4.    Double stacking of advertising signs is prohibited.

    5.    Maximum height for free standing signs shall be no more than twenty (20) feet above ground level.

    6.    Front, Rear and Side Setbacks.  Signs shall meet the following setback requirements:
            a.    Front yard, highway or service road right-of-way shall not be less than two (2) feet.
            b.    Rear yard shall not be less than thirty-five (35) feet.
            c.    Rear yard adjacent to public bodies of water shall not be less than fifty (50) feet.
            d.    Side yard shall not be less than ten (10) feet.
            e.    Side yard adjacent to public bodies of water shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
            f.    Rear and side yard adjacent to residential or agricultural zoned properties shall not be less than (50) feet.

    7.    All light sources shall be diffused and directed toward the sign.  Sign lighting shall be zero (0) foot candle at all non-roadside property lines.

    8.    One (1) pylon sign is permitted for each gasoline service station, provided that said sign does not exceed thirty (30) feet in height, is no more than sixty-four (64) square feet in sign area and maintains a minimum setback of ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way.  Said gasoline service station pylon sign shall be allowed in addition to all other permitted signs.

    9.    Prohibited signs in Commercial/Industrial District.  The following signs are prohibited:

            a.    Abandoned Signs;
            b.    Billboards;
            c.    Roof Signs;
            d.    Off-premises Signs:
            e.    Stationary Vehicle Signs; and
            f.    Signs posted within the public right-of-ways and public property, excluding directional signs and signs expressly allowed herein and by other governmental agencies.

    10.    Permitted Signs in Commercial/industrial District.  The following signs are permitted in commercial/industrial district.  A sign permit is required for each sign.

            a.    Signs on Construction Sites.  Two signs shall be permitted upon a construction site.  Each sign shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet in area per surface; shall be limited to a single surface; shall be located upon the subject construction site; shall be set back ten (10) feet from the right-of-way; and shall be removed upon completion of the construction site improvements and release of the financial guarantee.
            b.    Temporary Signs.  No sign permit shall be issued for a temporary sign for a duration of more than twenty-one (21) days at one time or for more than three (3) twenty-one (21) day periods in any calendar year.  Permit periods may run consecutively without interruption if approved by the Town Board.  Only one (1) temporary sign shall be allowed on a property at one time.  In cases of properties with multiple tenants, one (1) temporary sign per tenant shall be allowed at one time.
            c.    Portable Signs.  No sign permit shall be issued for a portable sign for a duration of more than fourteen (14) days at one time and no more than one time per quarter of a calendar year.

    11.    Signs Permitted Without Sign Permit.

            a.    Temporary real estate or construction signs.  Such signs shall be removed when property is sold, developed, or occupied.
            b.    Political signs per Minnesota Statute 160.27 or current state law.
            c.    Banners of pennants commemorating a special event not connected with a business when installed not more than twenty-five (25) days prior to the event and removed within five (5) days following the event.  Exception used only once per calendar year.
            d.    Banners or pennants for business anniversaries, grand openings, and other special events and promotions are allowed only for a maximum of ten (10) days.  Exception used only once per calendar year.

600:235    ON-SITE SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL, AGRICULTURAL, RIVER CONSERVATION, AND RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.

No signs shall be permitted in Residential, Agricultural, River Conservation, and Rural Residential Zoning Districts with the following exceptions:

    1.    Home Occupation signs located on the property wherein the Home Occupation is engaged, provided that the signs shall not exceed two (2) feet by three (3) feet in size and shall contain only the name and occupation of the occupant of the building.   Home Occupations are occupations engaged in by the occupant of one's own dwelling, including also the office of a person engaged in a professional occupation and located in his or her own building, provided that the appearance of the dwelling may not be changed.

    2.    Signs not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area and pertaining to the lease, hire, or sale of a building or premises on which the sign is located.  In the erection and maintenance of such signs, for purposes of set-back requirements, the signs shall be deemed a building which must comply with such set-back requirements.

    3.    Front, Rear and Side Setbacks.  Signs shall meet the following setback requirements:
            a.    Front yard, road right-of-way shall not be less than two (2) feet.
            b.    Rear yard shall not be less than fifty (50) feet.
            c.    Side yard shall not be less than twenty (20) feet.
  
    4.    Agricultural related signs, provided they do not exceed 8 square feet, and no more than 3 per parcel.

600:245    NOTICE OF VIOLATION; ORDER TO REPAIR OR REMOVE SIGN
 
The Township may cause the following action to be taken:

    1.    When, in the opinion of the Town Board, a violation of the Code exists, the Town Board shall issue a written order to either the owner of the sign of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed.  The order shall specify those sections of the Code involved, shall describe the violation and shall direct that the violation be corrected within thirty (30) days from the date of the order.

    2.    If, upon inspection, the Town Board finds that a sign is abandoned or is structurally or electrically defective, or in any way endangers the public, the Town Board shall issue a written order to the owner of the sign and occupant of the premises stating the nature of the violation and requiring repair of removal of the sign within thirty (30) days of the date of the order.

600:255    REMOVAL OF SIGNS BY TOWNSHIP

    1.    The Town Board may cause the removal of any illegal sign, any sign remaining after a business closes, or any sign not properly maintained in cases of emergency, or after failure to timely comply with written orders for removal or repair.  After removal or demotion of the sign, a notice shall be mailed to the sign owner and owner of the property where the sign was located stating the nature of the work and the date on which it was performed and demanding payment of the costs together with an additional 50% for inspection and incidental costs.  If the amount specified in the notice is not paid within thirty (30) days after mailing of the notice, it shall become a lien against the property where the sign was located an shall be certified as an assessment against the property together with 10% interest for collection in the same manner as the real estate taxes.

    2.    The owner of the property upon which the sign is located shall be presumed to be the owner of all signs thereon unless facts to the contrary are brought to the attention of the Town Board, as in the case of a lease sign.

    3.    For purposes of removal, a sign shall be deemed to include all sign embellishments and structures designed specifically to support the sign.

    4.    In case of emergency, the Town Board may cause the immediate removal of a dangerous or defective sign without notice.  Signs removed in this manner must present a hazard to the public safety as defined in the most current State Building Code.

600:265    APPEALS

Any failure to respond to an application within fourteen (14) days of receipt or any decision rendered by the Town Board in denying a permit or in alleging a violation of this subdivision may be appealed as provided in Section 300:190 of the Zoning Regulations.