Signs long have been a heated issue in St. Paul, perhaps more than most cities.
A local group called Scenic St. Paul has vigorously championed billboard removal and tighter sign regulations. The City Council typically has balked at allowing large and flashing signs to advertise products or companies; most of those seen now, such as the iconic "1st" on top of the First National Bank building, have been around for a long time and were grandfathered in.
But the council may be ready to carve out an exception for the new city-owned Lowertown ballpark, recently named CHS Field, where the St. Paul Saints will play starting next season.
An ordinance has made its way to the council that would amend city code to permit two roof signs at the ballpark. Roof signs are defined as either those mounted on a roof, or projecting above the top of a building.
The first version of the ordinance would have permitted roof signs anywhere downtown, subject to a conditional use permit. That was too much for City Council Member Dave Thune, who asked last week that the ordinance be reworked to permit only the ballpark signs. The council agreed with Thune, striking out what could have the most controversial of the signage ideas.
The council is making other provisions for CHS Field. The proposed ordinance would allow sponsor signs at the new ballpark and let them be bigger than usual, as well as advertising signs.
City Parks Director Mike Hahm told the Planning Commission that a roof sign "will be a great identifier for the ballpark and the neighborhood. Saints Vice President Thomas Whaley said ballpark roof signs "will add to the visual experiences of fans attending events at the park and visitors to the neighborhood." Whaley wanted a four-sided sign, which the current ordinance version doesn't permit.
The ordinance also would allow sponsor signs at transit stop stations and for bike sharing facilities, such as Nice Ride. The council is expected to vote on the ordinance next week.
