Study Session Monday to Examine Sign Ordinance and Review Results from Spring Survey

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud City Council will hold a study session today to review results from a spring survey on downtown redevelopment.

In March, the city surveyed residents, business owners, property owners, developers, and other downtown stakeholders to help shape the area’s future. The online survey gathered feedback as St. Cloud crafts a new vision to guide downtown development, growth, and investment.

The survey focused on how people use downtown, how frequently they visit, and opinions on housing, entertainment, parking, and aesthetics. Participants could even design their vision for downtown using an interactive mapping tool. The city also held an in-person workshop in May to engage the community further.

Both the survey results and workshop feedback will be presented to the council during the study session.

Also Monday night, the panel will take a second swing at clarifying language around yard signs after a recent attempt caused significant confusion and backlash.

Earlier this month, the council tried to clean up some statutory language around yard signs, but the proposed changes caused so much confusion that they denied the change entirely. Many council members said they received multiple emails from people accusing them of trying to limit free speech.

Under St. Cloud’s current ordinance, most non-commercial yard signs are prohibited on residential properties. Signs that are allowed can announce property owners (like “The Anderson’s House” on the home itself) or must be commercial signs such as cars for sale, homes for rent, garage sales, real estate signs, or contractor signs. Political signs are also allowed, but only during campaign season defined as 46 days before a primary election through 10 days after a general election.

Signs that are not allowed include graduation celebration signs, community pride signs, and most other non-commercial yard signs.

The city investigates violations only when complaints are filed. Violators receive a mail notice and a chance to comply. If they don’t remove prohibited signs, the city can remove them and potentially assess fines or removal fees.

The council hopes to develop clearer language that addresses residents’ concerns while maintaining appropriate sign regulations.

During a study session, the council only discusses topics and no votes are taken. The meeting gets underway at 6:00 p.m. on Monday at city hall.

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