Saint Paul Sidewalk Sign Rules - City Bylaw
Saint Paul, Minnesota regulates sidewalk A-frame and sandwich-board signs through its sign and right-of-way rules. This guide summarizes what business owners need to know about allowable placement, required clearances, permits, enforcement contacts, and practical steps to comply. It draws on the City of Saint Paul municipal code and official city department permit pages to identify responsible offices and application pathways. Where exact fines or form numbers are not published on the cited pages, this guide states that the amount or form is "not specified on the cited page" and points to the enforcing department for confirmation.[1]
What counts as a sidewalk A-frame or sandwich board
Sidewalk A-frame and sandwich-board signs are portable advertising devices placed on sidewalks or in the public right-of-way that advertise a nearby business or event. They are typically temporary, double-sided, and not permanently affixed to the ground. The City regulates these signs to preserve pedestrian access, sightlines, and public safety.
Where you can place a sign
- Keep sign placement off travel lanes and maintain an unobstructed pedestrian path of at least 4 feet where feasible; exact clearance and setback requirements are set by local sign or right-of-way rules.[2]
- Do not place signs where they block curb ramps, crosswalks, transit stops, or fire hydrants.
- Some streets or business districts may prohibit any right-of-way signage depending on street design or special event restrictions.
Design, size, and safety rules
- A-frame signs must be stable and not create tripping hazards; reflective or illuminated signs may have additional restrictions.
- Materials that obstruct drainage or contain sharp projections are typically prohibited.
- Temporary signs used for short-term events may be subject to separate time limits or permitting.
Permitting and approval
Some sidewalk signs are allowed without a permit if they meet the dimensional and placement rules in the municipal sign regulations; others require a right-of-way or sign permit from the City. Businesses should consult the City of Saint Paul sign rules and the Public Works right-of-way permit process before placing signs in the public right-of-way.[1][3]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by City departments responsible for signs and right-of-way management, typically the Department of Public Works, Planning and Economic Development, or the Department of Safety and Inspections depending on the violation and location. Complaints can usually be submitted online or by phone; check the department contact pages for the correct complaint form.[2]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: the cited pages do not list a first/repeat/continuing offence schedule and so the escalation scheme is "not specified on the cited page".
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, abatement (city removal of the sign), and possible court action are described as enforcement remedies; specific procedures and timelines are set by city code or administrative rules.
- Enforcer and complaint pathway: contact the City of Saint Paul Public Works or the department listed on the sign ordinance pages to report violations or request inspections.[3]
- Appeals/review: the cited pages do not publish a uniform appeal timeline; check the enforcement notice or code section cited in any removal/violation notice for exact appeal deadlines.
Applications & Forms
Available forms: right-of-way permit applications and sign permit information are hosted on City web pages. Specific form numbers or fee schedules are not always shown directly on the summary pages; where a form or fee number is not published, it is "not specified on the cited page." Apply through the City of Saint Paul permits portal or the Public Works permitting page.[3]
Action steps for businesses
- Verify sidewalk width and local district rules before buying or placing an A-frame sign.
- If placement is in the public right-of-way, consult the Public Works right-of-way permit page and submit any required application.
- If a sign is removed or cited, contact the issuing department immediately to learn appeal steps and deadlines.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit for an A-frame sign?
- It depends on placement; signs on private property that meet size rules may not need a permit, but signs placed in the public right-of-way typically require a right-of-way or sign permit. Check the City sign and right-of-way pages for specifics.[1][3]
- What clearance must I leave for pedestrians?
- The City requires maintaining pedestrian access and avoiding obstruction of curb ramps and crosswalks; the cited summary pages discuss clearance goals but do not publish a single numeric standard on the summary pages, so consult the applicable ordinance section for the exact minimum distance.[2]
- Who do I contact to report a hazardous or illegal sign?
- Contact the City of Saint Paul Public Works or the department listed on the sign rules pages to file a complaint; use the official online complaint form for fastest processing.[3]
How-To
- Check the City of Saint Paul sign code and right-of-way permit pages to identify whether your proposed sign needs approval.[1]
- If a permit is required, complete the right-of-way or sign permit application and include site photos and measurements.
- Pay any permit fee listed on the application and await written approval before placing the sign.
- If cited, document compliance and contact the issuing department immediately to learn appeal or correction steps.
Key Takeaways
- Signs in the public right-of-way commonly require permits; check before you place anything.
- Enforcement can include removal and fines; specific amounts and appeal timelines may not be listed on summary pages.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Saint Paul - Public Works Permits & Licenses
- City of Saint Paul - Signs and Land Use Guidance
- Saint Paul City Code (Municode)