In order to assist businesses that might want to place temporary signage indicating that they are “Open for Business” or other type wording, the City of Willmar has temporarily waived the sign and deposit fees. Brian Gramentz asks that the businesses contact Sarah Swedburg, City Planner sswedburg@willmarmn.gov to identify the business location/address of the temporary sign should there be any uniqueness or other issues related to the sign location before placing a temporary sign on the sidewalk in front of their business, stressing the point “in front of their business”.
Temporary business signs: The Ordinance would allow a temporary sign up to 32 square feet and it could be placed on your property for up to 30 days per quarter. Signs - 2 sided counts as "1" sign; we require an 8 foot setback from right-of-way (behind sidewalk, most often in business districts). To meet ADA compliance for businesses putting out a temporary sign on a sidewalk, there should be at least a 4' unblocked width to allow for the passage of pedestrians.
Temporary sign fees will be officially addressed in an emergency ordinance along with other issues that are identified at a future City Council meeting.
