Sign Ordinance Update Discussion; LindahlMEMO
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Jason Lindahl, AICP
Date: September 12, 2017
Subject: Sign Ordinance Update Discussion
Proposed Action: Staff requests the City Council review Hopkins existing sign ordinance and
provide feedback.
Overview
This item was initiated by staff to review and update the City’s sign regulations. The current sign
regulations were last updated in 2005 and contain outdated policies and do not reflect the City’s
current vision for signs. This memo details the history of the current sign regulations, unique legal
issues to consider, reviews the existing sign regulations and outlines a list of items to consider when
updating the sign regulations. During the meeting, staff will present this information and review the
sign examples submitted by Planning & Zoning
Supporting Documents
• Hopkins City Code Section 570 – Signs
• Hopkins City Code Section 556.04 – Downtown Overlay District Sign Standards
• Hopkins City Code Section 557.04 – West Mainstreet Overlay District Sign Standards
• Assistant City Attorney Sign Ordinance Review Memo, August 4, 2017
Background. The City’s sign regulations were last updated in 2005. Prior to this update, a lawsuit
was filed against the City of Hopkins challenging the constitutionality of the sign ordinance. The
constitutionality issues were primarily related to First Amendment free speech issues (see legal
authority below). In that case, the judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing the City from
enforcing the sign ordinance. In response the City Council instituted an emergency interim
ordinance preventing the erection of any sign over six square feet for the period of the interim
ordinance. In August of 2005, the City Council approved a new comprehensive, constitutionally-
sound ordinance regulating the construction, installation and maintenance of signs. This ordinance
remains in effect today.
Planning & Zoning Commission Action. The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the
sign ordinance during their July and August meetings. Comments from those meetings are detailed
below.
• Don’t want “planned community” look. What’s nice about Hopkins is the character and
difference of signs.
• City should take a more active approach to maintenance of signage and signage that is no longer
relevant being left up.
• Want the new regulations to conform to what the market is driving.
• East and west sections of Mainstreet have different regulations—should be reconsidered to have
same regulations from 5th through end at west. These signs should be designed for pedestrians.
• Glen Lake area in Minnetonka is favorable example.
• Encourage more historic-looking signs.
• Shady Oak station shares area with Minnetonka; pedestrian needs should be considered.
• Be sure regulations don’t cause too much expense for starter businesses.
• Painting of window in child care building was discussed regarding whether it was considered
signage.
• Blake Road/Excelsior corner signage was discussed—standards that require individual letters
could be required.
• Is it appropriate to have a tiered approach such as requirements vs. guidelines?
Legal Issues.
Within the category of zoning code amendments, the regulation of signs is unique in that it entails
constitutionally-protected First Amendment free speech issues. As part of the City’s update of the
sign regulations, staff asked the City Attorney to review the ordinance to determine compliance with
constitutional law principles and recent case law. The City Attorney’s legal analysis focused on
content neutrality and staff discretion and generally finds the current sign ordinance in compliance
with the law. The City Attorney also offers some recommendations related to abandoned signs and
removal of unlawful signs.
Hopkins Sign Regulations. Hopkins regulates signs in three sections of the City Code. Section
570 – Signs contains the overall sign construction, installation and maintenance regulations for the
community. In addition, the City has specific sign regulations for both Downtown and West
Mainstreet. These regulations are detailed in Section 556.04 Downtown Overlay District – Signs
and Section 557.04 West Mainstreet Overlay District – Signs. Downtown is defined as the area on
the south side of First Street North to the north side of First Street South and the west side of 6th
Avenue to the east side of 13th Avenue. The West Mainstreet overlay district applies to Mainstreet
properties from the west side of 13th Avenue to Shady Oak Road Zoned B-3, General Business.
These regulations are attached for your reference and staff will review them with the Commission
during the meeting.
Sign Issues to Consider. Since the development of the current ordinance in 2005, staff has
noticed a number of issues that could be revised and updated to improve and streamline
administration of these regulations.
• Organization. The current sign ordinance is divided into 25 subdivisions and lacks organization.
Staff recommends reorganizing, condensing and simplifying the sign ordinance to streamline the
regulations and make them easier to understand and interpret.
• Development standards. The sign regulations include standards for the size, height, type,
placement and scale for signs. A key point of discussion during this review will be “Do the
current regulations reflect the City’s current vision for signs?”
• Temporary signs. Temporary signs typically include banners, pennants, portable, changeable
copy signs, searchlight signs, yard signs, real estate signs and garage sale signs that promote brief
business, professional, commodity, service or entertainment activities. The City allows
temporary signs without specific standards for number, duration, size or location.
• Window signs. Window signs are typically placed inside a window or upon the window panes or
glass and are visible from the outside. Window signs may cover up to one-third of the surface
area of the window, and this area is also counted toward the total allowable signage for a site.
• Electronic signs. Electronic signs (also known as dynamic signs) include signs that appear to
have movement or change without changing or removing the physical components of the sign.
These signs are allowed provided they don’t change more than once every 24 hours. Hopkins
standards do not address typical modern elements of electronic signs including text size, mode,
brightness and operation.
• Billboards. Billboards are not allowed, based a provision that prohibits signs over 250 square
feet. Several billboards exist in Hopkins and are considered non-conforming or
“Grandfathered.”
• Amount of signage. Hopkins regulates the amount of total signage on a property rather than
placing more specific limits on wall or ground signs. The total allowable signage for a given site
is based on building frontage in the B-2 Central Business District or lot frontage in all other
commercial or industrial districts. Each zoning district also places limitations on the maximum
size of any one sign. Residential districts are allowed between 16 to 24 square feet of total
signage provided no individual sign exceeds between 8 to 12 feet. The challenge with this
approach is that it tends to promote a greater number of small signs, and these signs are not
proportional to either the building or lot on which they are located.
• Ground signs. Ground signs include both monument and pylon type signs. Ground signs are
allowed in all zoning districts except the B-2 Central Business District. In commercial and
industrial areas, ground signs may be no higher than the roof of the associated building or 35
feet (whichever is greater). Setback standards range from one to twenty feet depending on the
zoning district and type of road the sign abuts.
• Wall Signs. Wall signs are defined as any building sign attached parallel to, but within two (2)
feet of a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an
outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which
displays only one (1) sign surface.
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.00
Replaced8-16-05)
Section570 - Signs
Preamble:
TheCityCouncil findsthatthelackofacomprehensive, constitutionallysoundordinance
regulating signs intheCityofHopkins constitutesan emergencythreatening publichealth, safety
andwelfarebecause, amongother concerns, (1) signscouldbeerected withoutregardtothe
manner inwhichthesizeorlocation ofthesignorsignsinterferes withtrafficsightlines,
endangering ordistracting driversandpedestriansalike, therebycausingtraffichazardsand; (2)
signscould beconstructed inamannerorfromsuchmaterials asarestructurally unsound
vulnerable tocollapse, endangering personsorpropertyinthevicinity ofthesigns.
ThefollowingordinanceisadoptedasSection 570oftheHopkins CityCode:
570.01Findings, purposeandeffect.
Subd. 1. Findings. TheCityCouncil hereby findsasfollows:
a. Exterior signshaveasubstantial impact onthecharacter andqualityoftheenvironment.
b. Signsprovideanimportantmediumthroughwhichindividualsmayconveyavarietyof
messages.
c. Signscancreatetraffichazards, aesthetic concerns anddetriments topropertyvalues,
thereby threateningthepublic health, safetyandwelfare.
d. Thecity'szoningregulationshave, sinceasearlyas1966, includedtheregulationof
signsinanefforttoprovide adequatemeans of expressionandtopromotetheeconomic
viability ofthebusiness community, while protectingtheCityandits citizens froma
proliferation ofsignsofatype, size, locationandcharacterthatwouldadversely impact
upontheaesthetics ofthecommunity and threatenthehealth, safetyandwelfareofthe
community. Theregulationof thephysical characteristics ofsignswithintheCityhashad
apositive impactontrafficsafetyandtheappearanceofthecommunity.
Subd. 2. Purpose andintent. Itisnotthepurposeorintentofthissignordinance toregulatethe
message displayedonanysign; nor isit thepurpose orintentofthisordinancetoregulateany
buildingdesign oranydisplay notdefinedasasign, oranysignwhichcannotbeviewedfrom
outsideabuilding. Thepurposeandintent ofthisordinance isto:
Section 570 Page1
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.01 Subd. 2
Replaced8-16-05)
a. Regulate thenumber, location, size, type, illumination andotherphysical
characteristics ofsignswithinthecityinordertopromote thepublichealth,
safetyandwelfare.
b. Maintain, enhance andimprovetheaestheticenvironmentofthecityby
preventing visualclutterthatisharmfultotheappearanceofthecommunity.
c. Improve thevisualappearanceoftheCitywhileproviding foreffective meansof
communication, consistent withconstitutional guaranteesandtheCity’sgoals of
publicsafetyandaesthetics.
d. Provide forfairandconsistent enforcement ofthesignregulationssetforherein
under thezoningauthority oftheCity.
Subd. 3. Effect. Asignmaybeerected, mounted, displayedormaintainedinthecityifitisin
conformance withtheprovisions ofthis ordinance. Theeffectofthisordinance, asmore
specifically setforthherein, isto:
a. Allowawidevarietyofsigntypesincommercial zones, andamorelimited
variety ofsignsinotherzones, subjecttothestandardssetforthinthissign
ordinance.
b. Allowcertain small, unobtrusivesignsincidental totheprincipaluseofasitein
allzoneswhenincompliancewiththerequirements ofthissignordinance.
c. Prohibitsignswhose location, size, type, illumination orotherphysical
characteristics negatively affecttheenvironmentandwhere thecommunication
canbeaccomplished bymeanshaving alesserimpactontheenvironmentand
thepublichealth, safetyandwelfare.
d. Providefortheenforcementofthe provisions ofthissignordinance.
570.03. Severability.
Ifanysection, subsection, sentence, clause, orphrase ofthisSignOrdinanceisforanyreasonheldtobe
invalid, suchinvalidity shallnotaffectthevalidity orenforceability oftheremainingportionsofthis
SignOrdinance. TheCityCouncilherebydeclares thatitwouldhaveadoptedtheSignOrdinance in each
section, subsection, sentence, orphrase thereof, irrespective ofthefactthatanyoneormoresections,
subsections, sentences, clauses, orphrases bedeclaredinvalid.
Section 570 Page2
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.05 Subd. 1
Replaced8-16-05)
570.05. DefinitionsSubdivision 1. Thefollowingwords andphrases, whenusedinthisSection570, shall
havethefollowingmeanings, unlessthecontextclearlyindicatesotherwise:
Subd. 2 “Abandoned sign” - anysignand/oritssupportingsignstructurewhichremainswithouta
messageorwhosedisplaysurface remains blankforaperiodofone (1) yearormore, oranysignwhich
pertainstoatime, eventorpurpose whichnolongerapplies, shallbedeemedtohavebeenabandoned.
Signsapplicabletoabusinesstemporarily suspendedbecause ofachange inownershipormanagement of
suchbusinessshall notbedeemedabandonedunless thepropertyremainsvacant foraperiodofone (1)
year ormore. Anysignremaining afterdemolitionofaprincipalstructureshallbedeemedtobe
abandoned. Signswhicharepresentbecause of beinglegallyestablished nonconformingsignsorsigns
whichhaverequiredaconditionalusepermitoravariance shallalsobesubjecttothedefinition of
abandonedsign.
Subd. 3 “Awning” - aroof-likecover, oftenoffabric, plastic, metalorglassdesignedandintendedfor
protection fromtheweatherorasadecorativeembellishment, andwhichprojectsfromawallorroofofa
structure primarily overawindow, walk, orthelike. Anypartofanawningwhichalsoprojectsovera
doorshallbecounted asanawning.
Subd. 4 “Awningsign” - a building signorgraphicprinted on orinsomefashionattacheddirectlytothe
awning material.
Subd. 5 “Balloonsign” - asignconsistingofabagmadeoflightweightmaterialsupportedbyhelium,
hot, orpressurized airwhichisgreaterthantwenty-four (24) inches indiameter.
Subd. 6 “Buildingsign” - anysignattached orsupported byanyBuilding.
Subd. 7 “Cabinetsign” - anywallsignthatis notofchannel orindividuallymounted letterconstruction.
Subd. 8 “Canopy” - aroof-likecover, oftenoffabric, plastic, metal, orglassonasupport, whichprovides
shelter overadoorway.
Subd. 9 “Canopysign” - anysignthatispartoforattached toacanopy, madeoffabric, plastic, or
structuralprotectivecoveroveradoororentrance. Acanopysignisnotamarqueeandisdifferentfrom
service areacanopy signs.
Section 570 Page3
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.05 Subd. 10
Replaced8-16-05)
Subd. 10 “Changeable copysign” - asignorportionthereofwithcharacters, letters, orillustrations that
canbechangedorrearranged without altering thefaceorthesurface ofthesign. Changeable copysigns
donotincludesignsuponwhichcharacters, lettersorillustrationschangeorrearrange onlyonceina 24-
hourperiod.
Subd. 11 “Commercial Speech” – speech advertising abusiness, profession, commodity, serviceor
entertainment.
Subd. 12 “Elevation” - theviewoftheside, front, orrearofagivenstructure(s).
Subd. 13 “Elevation area” - theareaofallwalls thatfaceanylotline.
Subd. 14 “Erect” - activity ofconstructing, building, raising, assembling, placing, affixing, attaching,
creating, painting, drawing oranyotherwayofbringingintobeingorestablishing.
Subd. 15 “Flag” - anyfabricorsimilarlightweightmaterial attachedatoneendofthematerial, usuallyto
a stafforpole, soastoallow movementofthematerialbyatmospheric changesandwhichcontains
distinctive colors, patterns, symbols, emblems, insignia, orother symbolicdevices.
Subd. 16 “Flashingsign” - adirectly orindirectlyilluminatedsignwhichexhibitschanginglightorcolor
effect byanymeans, soastoprovideintermittentilluminationwhichincludestheillusionofintermittent
flashinglightby means ofanimation. Alsoanymode oflighting whichresembles zooming, twinkling, or
sparkling.
Subd. 17 “Freestandingsign” - anysignwhichhassupportingframeworkthatisplacedon, oranchored
in, thegroundandwhichisindependent fromanybuilding orother structure.
Subd. 18 “Grade” - gradeshallbeconstruedtobethefinalgroundelevationafterconstruction. Earth
mounding criteriaforlandscapingandscreeningisnotpartofthefinalgradeforsignheightcomputation.
Subd. 19 “Groundsign” - anyfreestandingsignwithitssignfacemounted onthegroundormounted ona
baseatleastaswideasthesignandwhich hasatotalheight notexceedingeight (8) feet.
Subd. 20 “Height ofsign” - theheightofthesignshallbecomputedastheverticaldistancemeasured
fromthebase of thesignatgradetothetopofthehighestattachedcomponent ofthesign.
Section 570 Page4
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.05 Subd. 21
Replaced8-16-05)
Subd. 21 “Illuminatedsign” - anysignwhichcontains anelementdesigned toemanate artificial light
internallyorexternally.
Subd. 22 “Interiorsign” - asignwhichislocatedwithintheinteriorofanybuilding, orwithinanenclosed
lobbyorcourtofanybuilding, andasignforandlocatedwithintheinnerorouterbody, courtorentrance
ofanytheater.
Subd. 23 “Legallyestablished nonconforming sign” - anysignanditssupportstructurelawfullyerected
priortotheeffective dateofthisordinance whichfailstoconform totherequirements ofthisordinance.
Asignwhichwas erectedinaccordance withavariancegrantedpriortotheadoptionofthisordinance
andwhichdoesnotcomplywiththisordinanceshall bedeemedtobealegalnonconforming sign. Asign
whichwasunlawfullyerectedshallbedeemedtobeanillegalsign.
Subd. 24 “Marquee” - anypermanentroof-like structureprojecting beyondatheater buildingorextending
alongandprojecting beyondthewallofthatbuilding, generallydesignedandconstructedtoprovide
protection fromtheweather.
Subd. 25 “Marqueesign” - anybuildingsignpainted, mounted, constructedorattachedinanymanner, on
a marquee.
Subd. 26 “Monument sign” - anyfreestanding signwithits signfacemountedonthegroundormounted
onabaseatleastaswideasthesignandwhichhasaheight exceeding eight (8) feet.
Subd. 27 “Multipletenantsite” - anysitewhichhasmorethanone (1) tenant, andeachtenanthasa
separate ground levelexteriorpublicentrance.
Subd. 28 “Non-commercial speech” – disseminationofmessagesnotclassifiedasCommercial Speech
whichinclude, but arenotlimitedto, messagesconcerningpolitical, religious, social, ideological, public
serviceandinformational topics.
Subd. 29 “Off-premisesign” – acommercialspeech signwhichdirectstheattentionofthepublictoa
business, activityconducted, orproductsoldoroffered atalocationnotonthesamelotwheresuchsign
islocated. Forpurposesofthissignordinance, easements andotherappurtenances shallbeconsidered to
beoutsidesuchlot andanysignlocatedorproposed tobelocatedinaneasementorotherappurtenance
shall beconsidered anoff-premise sign.
Section 570 Page5
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.05 Subd. 30
Replaced8-16-05)
Subd. 30 “On-premisemessages” – identify oradvertise anestablishment, person, activity, goods,
productsorserviceslocated onthepremises wherethesignisinstalled.
Subd. 31 “ Owner” – Inthecaseofalot, thelegalownerofthelot asofficiallyrecordedbyHennepin
County, andincludingfeeowners, contractfordeedpurchasers andgroundlessees. Inthecaseofasign,
theownerofthesignincludinganylessees.
Subd. 32 “Polesign” - seePylonSign.
Subd. 33 “Portablesign” - anysignwhichismanifestlydesigned tobetransported, includingbytraileror
onitsownwheels, eventhoughthewheels ofsuchsignmaybe removed andtheremainingchassis or
support isconvertedtoanother signorattachedtemporarilyorpermanently tothegroundsincethis
characteristic isbasedonthedesign ofsuchasign.
Subd. 34 “Portecochere” - aroofedstructureorroof-likecover, extendingfromtheentranceofabuilding
andwhichprovidesshelteroveradoorway.
Subd. 35 “Projectingsign” - anysignwhichisaffixedtoabuildingorwallinsuch amannerthatits
leadingedgeextends morethantwo (2) feetbeyondthesurfaceorsuchbuildingorwallface.
Subd. 36 “Publicnotices” - officialnoticespostedbypublicofficers, employees ortheiragentsinthe
performance oftheirduties, orasdirectedbysuchofficers, employees oragents.
Subd. 37 “PublicStreetRightofWay” - Theentirerightofwayofanypublicstreet.
Subd. 38 “Pylonsign” - anyfreestanding signwhichhasitssupportive structure(s) anchored inthe
ground andwhichhasasignfaceelevatedabovegroundlevelbypole(s) orbeam(s) andwiththearea
belowthesignfaceopen.
Subd. 39 “Residentialdistrict” - anydistrictzonedforresidential uses.
Subd. 40 “Roof” - the exteriorsurface and itsupporting structure onthetopofabuildingorstructure.
Thestructuralmake-upofwhichconformstotheroofstructures, roofconstructionandroofcovering
sections oftheUniform BuildingCode.
Subd. 41 “Roofline” - theupper-mostedgeoftherooforinthecaseofanextendedfacade orparapet, the
upper-mostheightofsaidfacade.
Section 570 Page6
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.05 Subd. 42
Replaced8-16-05)
Subd. 42 “Roofsign” - anysignerectedandconstructed whollyonandabovetheroofofabuilding,
supported bytheroofstructure, andextending verticallyabove thehighestportionoftheroof.
Subd. 43 “Roofsign, integral” - anybuilding signerectedorconstructedasanintegraloressentially
integral partofanormalroofstructureofanydesign, sothatnopartofthesignextends verticallyabove
the highestportion oftheroofandsothatnopartofthesignisseparatedfromtherestoftheroofbya
spaceofmorethansix (6) inches.
Subd. 44 “Rotatingsign” - asignorportion ofasignwhichturnsaboutonanaxis.
Subd. 45 “Shimmeringsigns” - asignwhichreflectsanoscillatingsometimes distortedvisualimage.
Subd. 46 “Sign” – anyletter, wordorsymbol, poster, picture, statuary, readingmatterorrepresentation in
the natureofadvertisement, announcement, messageorvisualcommunication, whether painted, posted,
printed, affixedorconstructed, includingallassociatedbrackets, braces, supports, wiresandstructures,
whichisdisplayedforinformational orcommunicativepurposes.
Subd. 47 “Signface” - thesurfaceofthesignupon, against, orthrough whichthemessageofthesignis
exhibited.
Subd. 48 “Signstructure” - anystructureincludingthesupports, uprights, bracingandframeworkwhich
supports oriscapableofsupportinganysign.
Subd. 49 “Site” - alot orcombinationofcontiguous lots whichareintended, designated, and/or
approved tofunctionasan integrated unit.
Subd. 50 “Stringer” - alineofstring, rope, cording, oranequivalent towhichisattachedanumberof
pennants.
Subd. 51 “Suspendedsign” - anybuildingsignthatissuspended fromtheunderside ofahorizontal plane
surfaceandisconnectedtothissurface.
Subd. 52 “Totalsitesignage” - themaximum permittedcombinedareaofallfreestanding andwall
identification signs allowed onaspecific property.
Section 570 Page7
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.05 Subd. 53
Replaced8-16-05)
Subd. 53 “Visible” - capableofbeingseenbyapersonofnormalvisualacuity (whether legible ornot)
withoutvisualaid.
Subd. 54 “Wall” - anystructurewhichdefinestheexteriorboundariesorcourts ofabuildingorstructure
andwhichhasaslopeofsixty (60) degreesorgreater withthehorizontalplane.
Subd. 55 “Wallsign” - anybuildingsignattachedparallel to, butwithintwo (2) feetofawall, paintedon
the wallsurfaceof, orerectedandconfinedwithinthelimitsofanoutsidewallofanybuildingor
structure, whichissupportedbysuchwallorbuilding, andwhichdisplaysonlyone (1) signsurface.
Subd. 56 “Windowsign” - anybuildingsign, pictures, symbol, orcombination thereof, designedto
communicateinformation about anactivity, business, commodity, event, sale, orservice, thatisplaced
inside awindowor uponthewindowpanesorglass andisvisiblefromtheexteriorofthewindow.
Thedefinitions setforthinthisSection570.05areinadditiontothedefinitions setforthinSection
515.07, whichshallapplytothisSection 570, exceptthatintheeventofaconflict betweentheSections,
thedefinitionin Section570shallapply.
570.07. Permitrequired.
Nosignshallbeerected, altered, reconstructed, maintained ormovedinthecitywithoutfirstsecuringa
permitfromthecity. Thecontent ofthemessageor speechdisplayed onthesignshallnotbereviewedor
considered indetermining whether toapproveordenyasignpermit. Applicationforapermitshallbein
writingaddressed tothezoningadministratorandshallcontainthefollowinginformation:
a. names andaddresses oftheapplicant, ownersofthesignandlot;
b. theaddressatwhichanysigns aretobeerected;
c. thelot, blockandadditionatwhichthesignsaretobeerectedandthestreet onwhich
theyaretofront;
d. acompletesetofplansshowing thenecessary elevations, distances, sizeanddetailsto
fullyandclearlyrepresent theconstructionandplaceofthesigns;
e. thecostofthesign;
f. typeofsign (i.e. wallsign, monument sign, etc.);
g. certification byapplicantindicatingtheapplicationcomplieswithall
requirements ofthesignordinance; and
Section 570 Page8
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.07 (h.)
Replaced8-16-05)
h. iftheproposedsignisalongstatetrunkhighway orinterstatehighway, theapplication
shallbeaccompanied byproof thattheapplicanthasobtained apermitfromthestatefor
thesign.
Thezoningadministrator shallapproveordeny thesignpermitinanexpeditedmanner nomorethan30
daysfromthereceiptofthecompleteapplication, includingapplicablefee. Allpermitsnotapproved or
deniedwithin30daysshallbedeemedapproved. Ifthepermitisdenied, theissuingauthorityshall
prepare awrittennotice ofdenial within10daysitsdecision, describingtheapplicant’sappealrights
under Section525.15, andsenditbycertified mail, returnreceipt requested, totheapplicant.
570.09. Exemptions.
Thefollowingsignsshallnotrequire apermit. Theseexemptions, however, shallnotbeconstrued as
relievingtheowner ofthesignfromtheresponsibility ofitserectionandmaintenance, anditscompliance
withtheprovisionsofthisordinance oranyother laworordinance regulatingthesame.
a. Thechangingofthedisplay surfaceonapaintedorprintedsignonly. Thisexemption,
however, shall applyonly toposterreplacement and/oron-sitechangesinvolvingsign
painting elsewherethandirectlyona building.
b. Signssix (6) squarefeetorlessinsize.
570.11. Fees.
Signpermitfees aresetbyChapterX.
570.15. Violations.
Violation ofthissectionisamisdemeanor. Eachdaythattheviolationcontinues isaseparateoffense.
570.17. Size.
Nosignshallexceed250squarefeetinarea.
Section 570 Page9
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.19
Replaced8-16-05)
570.19. Regulations.
Subd. 1. General. Exceptashereinafterprovided, nosignsshallbeerectedormaintainedatanyangletoa
buildingorstructurewhichsignextendsorprojectsover thesidewalk, street orhighway. Nosignwhich
iserectedormaintained flatagainstanybuildingorstructureshallextend orprojectmorethanfifteen
inches overthesidewalk, streetorhighway.
Subd. 2. Exceptions. Theprovisionsofthissubsectiondonotprohibit:
a. theerectionandmaintenanceofsigns, eitherilluminatedornotilluminated, whichareon
thesidesofamarqueewhichisfirmlyattached toandapartofatheatre , providingsuch
signs areanintegralpartofthemarquee anddonotprojectaboveorbelowthemarquee;
or
b. theerection andmaintenance of signs, notilluminated, whichareattached tothemarquee
andwhichdonotprojectmorethan16inchesabovethemarquee.
570.21. Belowmarquee.
Nosign, either illuminatedornotilluminated, may projectbelowamarquee.
570.23. Electrical signs.
Electrical signsmustbeinstalledinaccordance with thecurrentelectricalcodeandaseparatepermitfrom
thebuilding officialmust beobtained priortoplacement.
570.25. Unauthorizedsigns.
Thefollowing signs areunauthorized signsandareprohibitedbythisSection:
a. Anysign, signal, markingordevicewhichpurportstobeorisanimitation ofor
resemblesanyofficialtraffic controldeviceorrailroadsignorsignal, oremergency
vehiclesignal, orwhichattemptstodirect themovementoftrafficorwhichhides from
viewor interfereswiththeeffectiveness ofanyofficialtraffic-controldevice orany
railroad signorsignal.
b. Alloff-premise signs.
c. Signspainted, attachedorinanyothermanneraffixedtotrees, rocks, orsimilarnatural
surfaces, orattachedtopublicutilitypoles, bridges, towers, orsimilarpublicstructures.
d. Portable signs.
e. Changeable copysigns.
Section 570 Page10
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.27
Revised7-27-06)
570.27. Setbacks.
Subd. 1. Signsshallconformtothefollowingsetbackregulationsforthezoningdistrictinwhichthe
signs arelocated except asotherwise specified in thissection.
B-1 B-2 B-3 B-3 Residential
Abutting
County Road
LotLineFront 10' 1 ' 1 ' 10' 5'
LotLineSide 5' 0' 0' 5' 5'
LotLineRear 5' 5' 10' 10' 5'
I-1 I-2
LotLineFront 10' 10'
LotLineSide 10' 10'
LotLineRear 10' 10'
LotLineRear - abuttingRDistrict 20' 20'
Institutional
Institutional AbuttingCountyRoad
LotLineFront 5' 10'
LotLineSide 5' 5'
LotLineRear 5' 10'
AddedOrd. 06-969)
570.29. Area.
Theareawithin theframeofasignshallbeusedtocalculate thesquarefootage exceptthatthewidthofa
frameexceeding12inchesshallconstitutesign face, andifsuchlettersorgraphicsbemounteddirectly
onawallorfasciaorinsuchwayastobewithoutaframethedimensionsforcalculating thesquare
footageshallbetheareaextendingsixinchesbeyondtheperipheryformedaroundsuchlettersorgraphics
inaplanefigureboundedbystraightlinesconnectingtheoutermostpointsthereof. Eachsurfaceutilized
todisplayamessageortoattractattentionshallbemeasuredasaseparatesignandshallbecalculatedin
the overallsquare footage. Symbols, flags, pictures, wording, figuresorotherformsofgraphics painted
onorattachedtowindows, walls, awnings, free-standingstructures, suspendedbyballoons, orkitesoron
persons, animals, orvehiclesareconsideredasignandareincludedincalculatingtheoverallsquare
footage.
Section 570 Page11
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.31
Replaced8-29-13)
570.31. Canopies, marquees andfixedawnings.
Canopies, marqueesandfixedawningsareanintegral partofthestructuretowhichtheyareattached.
Theyareallowed intheBusiness andIndustrialDistricts iftheymeetfollowingrequirementsandthe
applicable squarefootagerequirements.
a. anawning, canopy ormarqueemaynotproject intothepublicright-of-waynearer
than30inchestothestreet curborcurbline;
b. awnings, canopiesormarquees mayhavenopartofthestructureotherthan
supportsnearertheground surfacethan seven feet;
c. thearchitecturalstyleoftheawning, canopyormarqueemaybeconsistent with
thebuildingbeingserved;
d. awnings, canopyormarquees projecting intotherequired yardsmaynotbe
enclosedexceptwithatransparentmaterialpermitting throughvision; and
e. awnings, canopiesormarquees builtoverthe publicright-of-waymustbeincludedina
liabilityinsurance policyholding thecityfreeofallresponsibility.
570.32. Window signage. Temporary orpermanent signsshall beon theinside ofthewindow.
Temporary or permanent window signsare limited to one-thirdofthe surface areaofthe window
to which they areaffixed. (Added Ord. 13-1064)
570.33. Illumination
External illumination forsignsshallbesoconstructed andmaintained thatthesource oflightisnot
visiblefromthepublicright-of-wayorresidentialproperty.
570.35. Height.
Thetopofasign, includingitssuperstructure, ifany, shallbenohigherthantheroofofthebuildingto
whichsuchsignmaybe attachedor35feetaboveground level, whicheverheightisless. Signs, including
anysuperstructure standing orerectedfreeofanybuilding orotherstructure, shallnotexceedanoverall
height of35feetfromgroundlevelandshallbelocatedonlandinanareawhichislandscapedorifsuch
landispartofanapproved parkingarea, itshall besurfacedorpavedasrequiredinthezoningcode.
570.37. Retroactive effect.
Thissignordinanceshallapplytoallsignapplicationsapplied forand/orpendingpriortoitsenactment.
570.39. Non-commercialspeech.
Notwithstanding anyother provisionsofthissignordinance, allsignsofanysizecontainingNon-
CommercialSpeechmaybepostedfromAugust1inanygeneralelectionyearuntilten (10) days
following thegeneralelectionandthirteen (13) weekspriortoanyspecial electionuntilten (10) days
followingthespecial election.
Section 570 Page12
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.41
Revised7-27-06)
570.41. Permitted signsbydistrict.
Subd. 1. Residential Districts
a. Withinresidentialzoningdistricts, signs arepermittedasfollows:
District Maximumsignareaofsinglesign Totalareaofallsigns
R-1, R-2 8squarefeetpersurface 16squarefeet
R-3, R-4, 12squarefeetpersurface 24squarefeet
R-5, R-6
b. Thefollowingtypesofsigns arenotpermittedinresidentialzoningdistricts:
1. Awning signs; 5. Marqueesigns;
2. Balloonsigns; 6. Polesigns;
3. Canopysigns; 7. Pylonsigns; and
4. Flashingsigns; 8. Shimmeringsigns.
Subd. 2. Business Districts
a. Withinbusinesszoningdistricts, signsarepermittedasfollows:
District Maximumsignareaofsinglesign Totalareaofallsigns
B-1, B-2 60squarefeet 2squarefeetperfrontfootofbuilding
abuttingapublicright-of-way50feetor
more inwidth.
B-3, B-4 80squarefeet 3square feetperfrontfootof
lot (narrowest footageonacornerlot)
abuttingpublicright-of-way
50feetormoreinwidth.
Subd. 3. IndustrialDistricts
a. Withinindustrialzoningdistricts, signs arepermitted asfollows:
District Maximumsignareaofsinglesign Totalareaofallsigns
I-1, I-2 250square feet 4squarefeetperfrontfootoflot
plus1squarefootperfootof
sideyardabuttingapublicright-
of-wayof 50feetormore.
Leastwidthoffrontageshall
beconsidered frontyard.
Subd. 4. Institutional Districts
a. Withininstitutional zoningdistricts, signs arepermitted asfollows:
District Maximumsignareaofsinglesign Totalareaofallsigns
Institutional 60squarefeet 3square feetperfrontfootof lot
narrowestfootage onacorner
lot) abuttingpublicright-of-way
50feetormoreinwidth.
AddedOrd. 06-969)
Section 570 Page13
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.42
Revised 4-28-11)
570.42. Permittedsigns: Business Parkdistrict.
Subd. 1. WallSigns. Eachtenantotherthanthoseinmulti-tenant buildingsmayhaveoneflatwallsign,
notextending morethan18inchesfromtheface ofthebuilding, exceptthatsuchsignagemayextend
fromthefaceofthe roofoveracoveredwalk. Suchwallsigns shallnotexceed15% oftheareaofthe
walltowhichthesignisattached, toamaximum of96squarefeet.
Subd. 2. Monument signs. Usesotherthanthoseinmulti-tenant buildingsmayhaveamonumentsignthat
shallnotexceed80square feetpersurface area, and15feetinheight, andissetbackaminimum20feet
fromthepropertylines.
Subd. 3. Multi-tenantsigns. Eachtenantinamulti-tenantbuildingmayhaveaflatwallsign, not
extendingmorethan18inchesfromthefaceofthebuilding. Theaggregateareaofsuchsignsshallnot
exceed5% oftheareaofthewalltowhich theyareattached.
Subd. 4. Multi-tenantmonument signs. One monument signshall bepermittedforeachmulti-tenant
building provided thesurfaceareaofthesigndoesnotexceedtwosquarefeetperfrontfootoflot. Signs
shallnotbeover150squarefeet, or20feetinheight, andshall besetback20feetfromtheproperty
lines. (AmendedOrd. 11-1026)
Subd. 5. Canopies andAwnings. Thedesignofcanopiesshall beinkeepingwiththeoverall building
design intermsoflocation, size, andcolor. Nocanopieswithvisiblewallhangersshallbepermitted.
Signage oncanopiesmay besubstitutedforallowedbuildingsignageandshallbelimitedto25% ofthe
canopy area. Internallyilluminatedcanopiesmustbecompatiblewiththeoverallcolorschemeofthe
building.
570.43. Non-conforming signs: compliance.
It isrecognizedthatsignsexistwithinthezoningdistrictswhichwerelawfulbeforethissignordinance
wasenacted, butwillbeprohibitedunderthe termsofthissection. Itistheintentofthissignordinance
thatnonconforming signsshallnotbeenlargeduponor expanded , norbeusedasgroundsforadding
othersignsor usesprohibitedelsewhereinthesamedistrict. Itisfurthertheintentofthissignordinance
topermitlegalnonconforming signsexistingon theeffectivedateofthissignordinancetocontinueas
legalnonconforming signsprovidedsuchsignsaresafe, aremaintained soasnottobeunsightly, and
havenotbeenabandonedorremoved subjecttothefollowingprovisions:
a. Nosignshall beenlarged oralteredinawaywhichincreases itsnonconformity
b. Iftheuseofthenonconforming signorsignstructureisdiscontinued foraperiodof one
year, thesignorsignstructure shallnotbereconstructed orusedexceptinconformity
withtheprovisions ofthisordinance.
c. Shouldsuchnonconforming signorsignstructurebedamagedorstructurebedestroyed
byanymeanstoanextent greaterthanfifty (50) percentofitsmarketvalueandall
requiredpermitsforitsreconstruction havenotbeenapplied forwithin180daysofwhen
thesignorsignstructure wasdamaged, itshallnotbereconstructedorusedexceptin
conformitywiththeprovisions ofthisordinance.
Section 570 Page14
HopkinsCityCode (Zoning) 570.43 (d.)
Replaced8-16-05)
d. Shouldsuchsignorsignstructure bemoved foranyreasonforanydistancewhatsoever,
itshall thereafterconformtotheregulations forthezoning districtinwhich itislocated
afterit ismoved.
e. Noexisting signdevoted toausenotpermittedbythezoningcodeinthezoningdistrict
in whichitislocatedshall beenlarged, expandedormovedexceptinchangingthesignto
asignpermittedinthezoning districtin whichisitlocated.
f. Whenabuildinglosesitsnonconforming statusallsignsdevotedtothestructureshallbe
removed andallsignspainted directlyonthestructureshallberepaintedinaneutral
colororacolorwhichwillharmonizewiththestructure.
570.45. Substitution Clause.
Theownerofanysign whichisotherwise allowedby thissignordinancemaysubstitutenon-commercial
speechinlieuofanyothercommercialspeechornon-commercial speech. Thissubstitutionofcopymay
bemadewithout anyadditionalapproval orpermitting. Thepurposeofthisprovisionistoprevent any
inadvertent favoring ofcommercial speechovernon-commercialspeech, orfavoringofanyparticular
non-commercial speech overanyothernon-commercialspeech. Thisprovision prevailsoveranymore
specificprovisiontothecontrary.
Section 570 Page15
Section 556 Page 2
Hopkins City Code (Zoning) 556.03, Subd. 3
(Revised 8-29-13)
Subd. 3. Materials. Awnings must be constructed of durable, protective, and water
repellant materials. Plastic or fiberglass awnings are not allowed.
Subd. 4. Lighting. Backlit or illuminated awnings are not allowed.
Subd. 5. Projecting. Awnings must project a minimum of 36” from the building.
556.04. Signs . Subdivision 1. Signs will be architecturally compatible with the style,
composition, materials, colors, and details of the building to which they are affixed and with other
signs on nearby buildings, while providing for adequate identification of the business.
Subd. 2. Lighting. Internally illuminated signs (not including neon) are proh ibited
except for theater signage.
Subd. 3. Prohibited. Pylon and monument signs are prohibited on Mainstreet.
Subd. 4. Window signage. Temporary window signs shall be on the inside of the
window. Temporary window signs are limited to one-third of the surface area of the window to
which they are affixed. (Amended Ord. 13-1064)
Subd. 5. Size. The combination of neon, permanently painted, and temporary window
signs shall not exceed a total of two-thirds of the window surface area for that facade.
Subd. 6. Projecting. Projecting signs will have a maximum size of 12 square feet and a
maximum width of three feet. Projecting signs cannot extend beyond the first floor of the
building. No less than 10 feet of clearance shall be provided between the sidewalk surface and
the lowest point of the projecting sign.
Subd. 7. Distance. Maximum distance between sign and building face is one foot.
Subd. 8. Design details. Signs cannot block or obliterate design details, windows or
cornices of the building upon which they are placed.
556.05. Building height. Subdivision 1. New buildings, building and additions and redeveloped
or remodeled buildings will complement the existing pattern of building heights.
Subd. 2. Height . Buildings in the overla y district may not exceed four stories or 45 feet
in height.
556.06. Buildings. Subdivision 1. Buildings in the overlay district
will together create the “wall of buildings” effect associated with traditional “Main Street” areas.
HopkinsCityCode Zoning 55703 Subd 4
Subd 4 Lighting Backlitorilluminated awningsarenotallowed
Subd 5 Projecting Awnings mustproject aminimumof36 fromthebuilding
55704 Signs Subdivision1 Signswillbearchitecturally compatiblewiththestyle
composition materials colors anddetailsofthebuildingtowhichtheyareaffixed andwithother
signs onnearbybuildings while providingforadequateidentification ofthebusiness
Subd 2 Lighting Internallyilluminated signs notincludingneon areprohibited
exceptfor theatersignage
Subd 3 Prohibited PylonsignsareprohibitedonMainstreet
Subd 4 Monumentsigns Monumentsigns nomorethatninesquarefeetareallowed
Thebaseofthemonument signshall benotmorethanninesquarefeet
Subd 5 Windowsignage Temporarywindowsignsarelimitedtoonethirdofthe
window surfacearea
Subd 6 Size Thecombination ofneon permanently painted andtemporary window
signs shallnotexceedatotaloftwo thirdsofthewindowsurfacearea forthatfacade
Subd 7 Projecting Projectingsigns willhaveamaximumsizeof12square feetanda
maximumwidthofthreefeet Projectingsignscannot extendhigherthanthefirstfloorofthe
building Nolessthan10feetofclearanceshallbeprovidedbetweenthesidewalksurfaceand
thelowestpointoftheprojectingsign
Subd 8 Distance Maximumdistance betweensignandbuildingfaceisonefoot
Subd 9 Designdetails Signscannot blockorobliterate designdetails windowsor
cornices ofthebuilding uponwhichtheyareplaced
55705 Buildingheight Subdivision 1 Newbuildings buildingandadditionsandredeveloped
orremodeledbuildingswillcomplementtheexisting patternofbuildingheights
Subd 2 Height Buildings intheoverlaydistrictmaynotexceedfourstoriesor45feet
inheight
55706 Setbacks Subdivision1 Newconstruction andinfillbuildings willabutMainstreet
right ofwayexcept forthefollowing
a AportionofthebuildingmaybesetbackfromMainstreetinordertoprovide
anarticulatedfaçadeoraccommodate abuildingentrance feature providedthatthetotal
areaofthespace createdmustnotexceedonesquare footforeverylinearofbuilding
frontage
Section 557Page 2
1
504887v1 DTA HP145-9
Kennedy 470 U.S. Bank Plaza
200 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis MN 55402-1458
(612) 337-9300 telephone
(612) 337-9310 fax
sriggs@kennedy-graven.com
http://www.kennedy-graven.com
Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer
&
Graven
C H A R T E R E D
__________________________________________________________________
DAVID T. ANDERSON
Attorney at Law
Direct Dial (612) 337-9274
Email: danderson@kennedy-graven.com
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 4, 2017
To: Jason Lindahl, Hopkins City Planner
From: David T. Anderson, Assistant City Attorney
Re: City of Hopkins – Sign Ordinance Review Comments
I. Introduction
This memorandum provides comments related to my review of the Hopkins Sign Ordinance,
codified at section 570 of the Hopkins City Code (hereinafter, the “Ordinance”). Per your
request, I have reviewed the Ordinance to determine its compliance with constitutional law
principles and, more specifically, recent court decisions interpreting the First Amendment. My
focus was twofold, first to identify any significant First Amendment issues which may exist, and
second to determine the sufficiency of the City’s enforcement mechanisms contained within the
Ordinance. This memorandum does not opine as to the appropriateness of the Ordinance’s actual
sign regulations from a planning perspective (non-legal issues), as those matters are left to the
discretion of the City’s planning staff and governing body.
II. Review
From a legal perspective, there are generally two distinct areas of specialized concern related to
local sign ordinances. The first is content neutrality, and the second is staff discretion. Each
issue, as it relates to the Ordinance, is addressed separately below.
&
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504887v1 DTA HP145-9
a) Content Neutrality
The general rule for sign regulations is that if a government agent must read the content on the
sign (i.e. the message) in order to apply a local regulation, the regulation itself is content-based
and likely to raise First Amendment concerns. Therefore, rather than regulating based on content,
cities should regulate signs based on physical attributes, such as size, location, quantity,
illumination, and other physical characteristics that do not require reference to the actual
message contained on signs.
With respect to content neutrality, the Ordinance is extremely content neutral. There are no
readily identifiable content-based regulations that cause significant concern. There is, however,
one rather minor content-based provision contained within the definition of the term “abandoned
sign” at section 570.05, subd. 2. Although it is not egregious, determining whether a sign is
abandoned may require City staff to reference the content to determine if it “pertains to a time,
event or purpose which no longer applies….” Interestingly, other than defining what an
abandoned sign is, the Ordinance does not further regulate abandoned signs in any way, which
was likely unintentional. Therefore, I suggest either removing the definition of abandoned sign
altogether, or, if you intend to prohibit or further regulate abandoned signs, which is probably a
good idea, I suggest slightly tweaking the definition to read as follows:
Any sign and/or its supporting sign structure which has been removed or whose
display surface remains blank for a period of one (1) year or more. Signs
applicable to a business temporarily suspended because of a change in ownership
or management of such business shall not be deemed abandoned unless the
property remains vacant for a period of one (1) year or more. Any sign remaining
after demolition of a principal structure shall be deemed to be abandoned. Signs
which are present because of being legally established nonconforming signs or
signs which have required a conditional use permit or a variance shall also be
subject to the definition of abandoned sign.
Additionally, while the Ordinance does expressly impose regulations based on whether a sign is
“on-premise” or off-premise,” current case law suggests that such regulations do not violate the
First Amendment. While this type of regulation is content-based and, thus, more vulnerable to
legal challenges, distinguishing between on-premise and off-premise signs is something that
courts have generally upheld as a valid content-based sign regulation.
Overall, it appears the Ordinance was carefully drafted to avoid any content-based regulations.
Furthermore, the Ordinance contains a well-written message-substitution clause (section 570.45)
and severability clause (section 570.03), both of which may help avoid issues when dealing with
sign challenges. Other than the recommendation above regarding abandoned signs, I do not
suggest any other modifications in terms of content-neutrality.
b) Staff Discretion
The second area of sign regulation that commonly leads to legal challenges relates to the amount
of discretion afforded to staff members in charge of issuing permits. In other words, how much
3
504887v1 DTA HP145-9
leeway does City staff have to deny a sign permit application? Strictly speaking, if all of the
requirements of the code are met (e.g., the proposed sign meets physical, lighting, placement
specifications, etc.), a sign permit should be granted. After merely applying the Ordinance’s
regulations, staff should have no additional discretion to deny a permit.
In this respect, the Ordinance’s permitting scheme appears generally fine. It does not seem to
afford City staff with unbridled discretion to deny permits, and it further makes clear that the
content of the message or speech displayed on the sign shall not be reviewed or considered in
determining whether to approve or deny a sign permit. It may be useful, although not necessary,
to expressly clarify in the Ordinance that if a proposed sign meets the various requirements, a
permit shall be issued.
c) Enforcement Mechanisms
The Ordinance’s enforcement section appears relatively thin. Section 570.15 provides that a
violation of the Ordinance is a misdemeanor, authorizing the City to enforce the Ordinance by
way of criminal charges. However, there does not appear to be an express mechanism or
procedure in place for the removal of unlawful signs. The City should have a clear way to
remove signs that violate the Ordinance.
There are different ways to implement procedures that might allow sign removal, including
deeming unlawful signs a public nuisance (subject to abatement under section 615 of the City
Code), or merely authorizing City staff, following notice, to remove unlawful signs and hold
them for a period of time for pickup.
Finally, the Ordinance might benefit from a provision that addresses signs that are poorly
maintained, unsightly, or in disrepair, but otherwise meet the City’s requirements. Put
differently, the City should have a way to intervene when a sign that is entirely lawful under the
Ordinance is poorly maintained by its owner or operator. Under these circumstances, the City
should have the ability to require that the owner make necessary repairs or risk losing the sign.
An example of this type of provision is below:
Signs which may be or may hereafter become rotted, unsafe or unsightly shall be
repaired or removed by the owner or lessee of the property upon which the sign
stands upon reasonable notice by the city. The owner, lessee or manager of any
sign that contacts the ground and the owner of the land on which the same is
located shall keep grass, weeds and other growth cut and shall remove all debris
and rubbish from the area beneath the sign. If the owner, lessee or manager of the
property fails to act in accordance with this paragraph, such failure to act shall
constitute a public nuisance, and the city may seek injunctive relief through a
motion for summary enforcement, or obtain an administrative search and seizure
warrant for removal of the sign in question. All costs incurred for removal may
be charged to the owner of the sign and/or property owner and if unpaid, certified
to the county auditor as a lien against the property on which the sign was located.
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By amending the Ordinance to include the types of provisions suggested above, City staff will
have more flexibility when it comes to enforcing its sign regulations.
III. Conclusion
Other than the recommendations contained herein, the Ordinance appears relatively well-written.
If you have any questions regarding this information or if you would like additional information,
please contact me. In the event that the City would like to amend the Ordinance based on any of
these comments, I would be happy to either draft the amendments or otherwise be involved in
any way that might be helpful.
DTA:jms