Apple Valley, MN Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Chapter 154, Sign Regulations, of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances handles window signs inside its wall coverage rule. Section 154.03(H) says the total area of all signs on any side of a building shall not exceed 20% of the total area of that particular side of the building, as measured from the ground to the bottom edge of the roof. Inside window signs are excluded from that computation, but they shall not exceed 50% of the coverage of the window area along any side of a building. The section was last amended by Ord. 1128, passed 1-11-24, and the City of Apple Valley, Dakota County, Minnesota, applies it to businesses citywide.

Two separate measurements therefore apply on a storefront. The 20% figure is measured against the whole side of the building and does not count window signs. The 50% figure is measured against the window area along that side, so a window sign is judged against glass, not brick. Section 154.03 lists signs allowed without a permit or payment of permit fees, provided the standards in the section are met, so an inside window sign within the 50% limit needs no sign permit.

Other rules in the chapter reach windows. Section 154.05(B) prohibits paper, cardboard or similar signs, notices or flyers pasted, tacked or otherwise affixed to the exterior wall or window of any building. Section 154.05(C) prohibits sequential flashing copy and flashing, rotating or strobe lights, and § 154.06(A)(2) prohibits flashing signs in any district.

The City Building Official and inspectors, or any other employee duly appointed by the City Council, are the enforcing officer under § 154.07(B). Where a business wants more than the code allows, § 154.07(E) lets the Council approve a variance when an exception would not be inconsistent with the intent of the sign regulations, and § 154.07(G) requires the request in writing with the fee specified in the appendix to Chapter 35.