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Isanti staff to pursue community sign permit; off-premise liquor-store sign faces MnDOT permitting limits
Summary
City staff told the Committee of the Whole that MnDOT permitting limits off-premise advertising at a Highway 65 site but the city can pursue a community sign and should continue legal work on the parcel.
City staff updated council members on progress toward installing a dynamic community sign along Highway 65 and on possibilities for a liquor-store advertisement sign.
Staff said the legal description for the parcel is still being finalized and that the city—s current application seeks approval for a community sign rather than an off-premise commercial advertisement. City staff explained that MnDOT rules impose additional requirements on off-premise signs; those restrictions mean an off-premise liquor-store advertisement at the target location would require a different permitting path.
Why it matters: Council members said a sign on Highway 65 could increase public awareness of city meetings and events and help attract customers to local businesses. Council members discussed whether to authorize staff to purchase a smaller portable or trailer sign once MnDOT and other permitting are complete so the city can have a presence before a larger permanent dynamic sign is installed.
Discussion points
- Permit type: City staff said the current approval being pursued is for a community sign (city information and events). Off-premise commercial advertising requires different permitting under MnDOT rules.
- Liquor store signage: Staff said a liquor-store advert might be possible on a different corner nearer the store; if the liquor-store sign is permitted it could reduce the net cost of a larger community sign because revenues from a commercial sign could help offset installation expenses.
- Timing: Council members requested staff to try to have a sign in place by summer traffic if permitting and legal descriptions allow; staff said the legal-description work and probate on a parcel are still in progress.
Next steps
Council directed staff to continue work with the city attorney to finalize the legal description, to verify MnDOT permitting constraints and, when permission is granted, to consider purchasing a portable sign to place on the site quickly. Staff will report back with updated legal and permitting information.
