Adopt Ordinance #25-07: Sign Code Update

This case pertains to the repeal of a portion of Ramsey City Code Chapter 117 and a portion of the COR Framework, and the concurrent establishment of Ramsey City Code Chapter 108, as part of the Sign Code Update.

The Sign Code is intended to work in tandem with Zoning and Building Codes to regulate all types of signage in the City of Ramsey. The current Sign Code is split between two documents: Chapter 117 of Ramsey City Code, and the COR Design Framework. These separate Codes have been updated for various issues and topics over the years, but sign regulations have not had a major overhaul since 1994, with a smaller restructuring in 2008. The existing Code is hard to navigate, has many inconsistent and undefined terms, has some complex and burdensome regulations, and lacks other necessary regulations to address new types of signage. Behind the scenes, City Staff have met weekly to discuss various aspects of the existing Code and determine what should be kept, modified, or deleted in the proposed Code. These meetings include representatives from the Building Inspection and Economic Development divisions of Community Development, and they center around the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of the existing Code while addressing Ramsey's vision for the future.

The goals of updating the Code include the following:

• Consistency in terms and definitions
• Clear purpose and intent of the sign code
• Clear distinctions between what sign types and sizes are allowed in each zoning district
• Consistency with how the Sign Code is interpreted and administered
• Reorganization of Chapter 117 and the COR Framework language to eliminate redundancies and contradictions
• Streamline processes
• Create an improved Sign Code that is easier to read and understand for all users, including property owners, developers, businesses, and City Staff.

Over the past few months, starting in September 2024, the Planning Commission has also had several meetings discussing various topics and sections of the Sign Code. Staff also met with City Council at the April 8, 2025, work session to discuss various topics, primarily relating to temporary signage. Feedback and comments from the Planning Commission and City Council have been incorporated into the draft Code.

There are two attached draft codes for reference. The clean draft is in ordinance form. The marked-up draft is color-coded to show where the language came from for transparency.

• Existing text to be retained is noted in black font.
• New text to be added is noted in blue font.
• Text that is rephrased or restructured, but that retains the general intent of current regulations, is noted in gold font.
• Text that is proposed for deletion is noted in red strike-through font.

Much of the language is retained from the existing Code, with some rearrangements and consolidations of duplicated language. There is also a substantial amount of new language added to the Code. These sections were created by City Staff and cross-referenced with various Codes of nearby cities. There are several portions that are proposed for deletion. The current marked-up draft has several parts shown in a red strike-through font for transparency that Staff did not propose to keep these portions of Code language. The clean draft and Ordinance are in black typeface with all deleted text removed for clarity.

As was the case with the Zoning Code update in 2023, most properties will not experience any negative impacts as bulk standards will remain essentially the same or become slightly less restrictive. Some properties may experience changes that will result in an existing sign on the property being considered "legal nonconforming." This designation allows the sign to continue operating as-is, while ensuring that any expansion or intensification of the sign follows the new Code requirements.

The Sign Code Ordinance was introduced at the April 22nd City Council meeting, with 4 members voting in favor and 1 member voting against the ordinance.

Alternatives to consider:

1. Adopt Ordinance #25-07 as introduced by City Council on April 22, 2025.
2. Adopt Ordinance #25-07 with modifications based on discussion.
3. Deny the ordinance and keep the existing language in place.

The Sign Code Update is being handled through Staff's normal duties. All work has been done in-house without the use of consultants, aside from assistance by the City Attorney.

At their regular meeting on March 27th, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the Sign Code Update. The final draft code has been updated with City Council's consensus and input during the April 8th Work Session meeting, where several items were discussed pertaining to temporary signage. City Council voted 4-1 to introduce the Sign Code Ordinance at their regular meeting on April 22nd.

Motion to adopt Ordinance #25-07, Amending Chapter 117 of City Code and the COR Design Framework and Creating Chapter 108 of City Code for Sign Regulations.