Sign Permits

Sign Permits are required for new, relocated, or redesigned exterior signs within the City of Fridley. Before a permanent sign may be constructed, the sign erector must submit an application for Contractor license to the City.

Apply for a Sign Contractor License Application

There are two different types of signs that require a permit in Fridley - Permanent and Temporary. Certain types of signs are allowed without a permit, including small temporary signs on private property in one- and two-family residential districts.


Types of Signs

Permanent Signs - Permit Required

A permanent sign is constructed of durable materials, including wood, acrylic and metal. Permanent signs are durable, easily maintained, and are intended to be used for an indefinite period of time.

Permanent Sign Permit Fees

  • $100 for wall signs
  • $200 for free-standing signs, including free-standing Static Display Area Static Display Area Signage

Changing Sign Messaging

There is no permit required to change the message on a permanent sign that has been previously approved, including approved Static Display Area Signage. Static Display Area Signage is defined as a durable, non-moving sign or grouping of signs constructed of plywood, rigid plastic, or similar durable weatherproof materials.

Apply for a Permanent Sign Permit

A City Sign Erector Contractor License is required before applying for a permanent sign permit.

Apply online for a Permanent Sign Permit.

Temporary Signs - Permit Required

A temporary sign is fabricated of paper, plywood, fabric or other light, impermanent material intended to be displayed for a short period of time. Examples include banners, pennants, feather flags, porta-panel signs, beacons, walking sings, balloons and sandwich boards. Temporary signs may be displayed after a permit has been issued.

Temporary Sign Permit Fees

The fee for a temporary sign permit is $100 per 14 days, with a $200 deposit. There is no longer a limit on the number of temporary sign permits allowed per year.

Apply for a Temporary Sign Permit

Apply for a temporary sign permit. Permits will be reviewed within five days of receiving a complete application.

Signs Allowed without a Permit

Certain types of signs may be displayed without a permit:

  • Address signs
  • Bench signs
  • Noncommercial Flags
  • Government signs
  • Window signs, covering up to 40% of the window where they are displayed
  • Small Directional signs of four square feet or less, spaced 20 feet apart
  • Small Incidental Signs with a message not visible off the premises
  • Temporary Signs, six square feet or less, on private property in one- and two-family residential districts
  • Political & noncommercial signs during an election period. - The period begins 46 days before the state primary election and ends 10 days after the state general election.

Prohibited Signs

The following signs are prohibited throughout the City:

  • Signs erected and displayed on any public right-of-way along streets, sidewalks and alleys, except official traffic control signs
  • Signs posted in the public right-of-way are considered abandoned property and may be removed by the City. Please report unauthorized signs in the Right of Way to the Community Development Department.
  • Signs containing obscene material
  • Motion or flashing signs
  • Abandoned signs or signs with obsolete sign copy

Report Unauthorized Signs

Please report unauthorized signs online in the Right-of-Way via Citizenserve.

Electronic Signs

Permanent Freestanding Signs may have an electronic changeable message provided:

  • The sign display does not change more than once every eight seconds.
  • The sign never flashes or has animations.

Sign Code

See Chapter 506 of the City Code for the entire sign code.

To provide a reasonable interpretation of the provisions of the Sign Code, any person or business aggrieved by a decision made by the City regarding the Sign Code may appeal the decision according to the provisions in City Code Chapter 506: Appeals.