Fargo sign permit requirements

Yes, a permit is required for all signs unless exempt under Section 20-1306. Certain signs are exempt from permits (e.g., temporary signs 14 days or less, nameplates, directional signs, warning signs, replacement of same-size sign face).

“Permits shall be required for all signs unless a sign is exempt as provided by Section 20-1306 .”

In general commercial (GC/GC-type) districts, aggregate sign face area per parcel shall not exceed 2.5 sq ft per linear foot of street frontage or 30% of the primary structure facade, whichever is greater. No separate wall-sign-specific cap is stated.

“In all zoning districts other than the foregoing, the aggregate sign face area allowed per parcel shall not exceed 2. 5 square feet of signage per one linear foot of street frontage or 30 % of the façade of the primary structure, whichever is greater.”

In general commercial districts, aggregate signage may equal up to 30% of the primary structure facade (as an alternative to the 2.5 sq ft per linear foot of frontage measure, whichever is greater).

“the aggregate sign face area allowed per parcel shall not exceed 2. 5 square feet of signage per one linear foot of street frontage or 30 % of the façade of the primary structure, whichever is greater.”

Governed by setback steps: 25 ft at 0-25 ft from property line; 35 ft at 25-100 ft; 50 ft at 100+ ft; 60 ft adjacent to Interstate (no setback required).

No freestanding sign shall be located in, project over, or into the right-of-way or adjoining property. Sign height is tied to distance from property line, but no fixed minimum setback is stated for commercial districts (0 ft allowed at Step 1).

“No freestanding sign shall be located in or project over or into the right-of-way or into any adjoining property.”

A projecting sign may extend up to six feet from the face of the building if the base of the sign is at least eight feet above ground level.

“A projection sign may extend up to six feet from the face of the building if the base of the sign is at least eight feet above the ground level.”

No maximum percentage stated; window signs are entirely exempt from the article, including limits on size, location, and number.

“Window Sign. A sign affixed to a window of a structure, including the window or glass area of a door.”

Signs may be illuminated. Light must be shaded/shielded so as not to generate glare onto nearby residential areas between 8:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. No exposed reflective bulbs or incandescent lamps exceeding 40 watts on the exterior surface. Must not create traffic hazard.

“The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded and directed that the light intensity does not generate glare onto nearby residential areas between the hours of 8:00 P. M. and 8:00 A. M.”

Electronic Messaging Centers allowed in GI, LI, GC, LC, GO, PI, and DMU districts. In GC, max area 300 sq ft (Interstate), 200 sq ft (principal/minor arterial), 48 sq ft (collector), 25 sq ft (local). Within 100 ft of residential, no background animation/frame effects between 10:30 p.m.-6:00 a.m. with min 7-second hold. Must have automatic dimming; brightness not to exceed 0.3 foot-candles over ambient.

“Electronic Messaging Centers that otherwise satisfy all other requirements of this ordinance are allowed in the GI, LI, GC, LC, GO, PI, and DMU zoning districts, subject to the following additional conditions:”

A temporary sign is exempt from permit if it does not remain in place more than 14 days; after 14 days at least 60 days must pass before another temporary sign may be placed. No temporary sign may exceed 100 sq ft in sign face area. A banner sign must be affixed flat against the facade so as not to flap/move with wind.

“a temporary sign shall be considered as temporary for purposes of the exemption from the permit requirement pursuant to §20-1306 (B)(2), provided that it does not remain in place more than 14 days. Once 14 days has expired from the time the temporary sign is placed, a minimum of 60 days must pass before another temporary sign may be placed.”

Prohibited: obscene/indecent signs, animal signs (live animal), beacon signs, extending signs, flashing/strobing signs, non-mounted (portable/tent/string-light) signs, roof signs, rotating signs, illusion signs, snipe signs, signs similar to official signs, signs with emissions, swinging signs, unauthorized signs on public property, unsafe signs, vehicular signs (parked 24+ hrs as advertising), and video signs.

“H. Roof Sign A sign that is erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or structure.”

Values describe General Commercial (GC). Standards vary materially by district: SR/MR-1/MR-2/AG capped at 64 sq ft total (8 sq ft per sign); NC/NO at 1 sq ft per 100 sq ft building coverage; UMU at 2 sq ft per linear foot frontage or 15% facade (lesser); all other districts (including GC) at 2.5 sq ft per linear foot frontage or 30% facade (greater). EMC area limits also vary by district and adjacent road classification.

“In all zoning districts other than the foregoing, the aggregate sign face area allowed per parcel shall not exceed 2. 5 square feet of signage per one linear foot of street frontage or 30 % of the façade of the primary structure, whichever is greater.”