How Saint Paul Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Saint Paul maintains 208 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Saint Paul falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Garage Sale Signs

Saint Paul regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through its sign ordinance. Signs may be placed on private property but are prohibited in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, and on city property. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale ends.

Key details: Placement: Private property only. Prohibited: Public ROW, utility poles, city property. Removal: Must remove after sale ends. Enforcement: Code enforcement.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Holiday Displays

Saint Paul does not impose specific restrictions on residential holiday displays beyond general safety requirements. Holiday lights and decorations on private property are permitted. Displays must not create electrical or fire hazards or obstruct the public right-of-way.

Key details: Residential: Generally permitted. Duration: No specific time restrictions. Safety: Must not create electrical or fire hazards. ROW: Cannot obstruct sidewalks or streets.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

Saint Paul is more permissive than most cities when it comes to holiday displays. That said, there are still limits.

Political Signs

Saint Paul allows political signs on private property subject to First Amendment protections. Minnesota law (MN Statutes §211B.045) specifically protects the display of political signs on residential property during election periods. Signs may be displayed from 46 days before a primary through 10 days after the general election.

Key details: State Law: MN Statutes §211B.045. Display Period: 46 days before primary to 10 days after general. Private Property: Protected on residential property. Public ROW: Generally prohibited. First Amendment: Content-based restrictions prohibited.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

Saint Paul is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Saint Paul gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Saint Paul's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.