St. Cloud Planning Commission Approves Revised Sign Ordinance Allowing Personal Yard Signs for First Time

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Planning Commission has approved a revised sign ordinance that would allow residents to display personal yard signs for the first time after the city council rejected an earlier proposal last month.

The new ordinance allows homeowners to display up to two personal yard signs, each measuring no more than five square feet, provided they’re placed at least ten feet back from the road. The signs can display any message that isn’t legally obscene.

It’s a significant change from current rules, which ban personal yard signs on residential properties altogether, including graduation celebration signs and community pride displays. Property owners can display commercial signs advertising cars for sale, rental properties, garage sales, real estate listings, and contractor services. Political signs occupy a middle ground and are allowed without any restriction to size or number, but only during designated campaign periods.

The city only looks into potential violations when residents file formal complaints. A written notice is first sent by mail with an opportunity to comply voluntarily. Those who refuse to remove prohibited signs may face potential removal and possible fines.

The planning commission’s approval is only a recommendation. The city council will hold a public hearing in August on the proposed changes and will make the final decision on whether to adopt the new rules.

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