Temporary Banner Permits

The City of Saint Paul allows temporary banners to be installed on eligible light poles. However, not all street lights are equipped to support banners.

For banners proposed in downtown Saint Paul, refer to the Downtown Street Light Map to identify light poles that may be suitable for banners. Inclusion on the map does not guarantee that a light pole is available or capable of supporting banners.

Application Requirements

Submit the following items by email to banners@stpaul.gov:

  • A copy of your certificate of insurance.
  • An electronic sample of the proposed banner design, provided to scale.
  • A detailed list and/or map identifying the specific locations where the banners are proposed to be installed.

Permit Review and Approval Process

Application deadline: Submit your request at least 10 business days before the proposed banner installation date. Incomplete applications or late submissions may result in processing delays.

Step 1: Mayor's Office Review

Within 5–7 business days of receiving your application, a representative from the Mayor's Office will contact you by email or phone regarding the status of your request. The representative may ask about the purpose of the event associated with the banners.

Step 2: DSI Review

The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) will review the proposed banner design and certificate of insurance to verify that:

  • Sponsorship advertising does not exceed 15% of the banner area, as required by Sec. 64.419.
  • The submitted liability insurance meets City requirements.

Step 3: Approval and Installation

If the application satisfies the applicable requirements, you will be notified of its approval and instructed to coordinate directly with the Public Works Traffic Operations Division for banner installation.

Public Works has final discretion over whether to complete the banner installation. Following removal, banners must be picked up by the applicant. Unclaimed banners will be disposed of.

Fees and Payment

The following fees apply to temporary banner permits and installation:

1. DSI Permit Fee: $79

A non-refundable permit fee is due upon approval of the banner permit. Payment must be made to the Department of Safety and Inspections using one of the following methods:

  • By phone: Call the DSI main line at 651-266-8989 and ask to speak with a clerk regarding a sign permit payment. Credit card payments only.
  • In person: Pay by cash, check, or credit card at the Department of Safety and Inspections, 375 Jackson St., Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55105.

  • By mail: Send a check payable to the Department of Safety and Inspections to:

    Department of Safety and Inspections
    Attention: Sign Permit Payment
    375 Jackson St., Suite 220
    Saint Paul, MN 55105

2. Banner Installation and Removal: $84 per banner

This fee covers installation and removal of each banner. Payment is due to Public Works when the banners are delivered for installation.

3. Banner Bracket Equipment: $339 per light pole

An additional equipment fee may apply if a light pole requires a set of banner brackets. This fee is assessed per light pole and is payable to Public Works when the banners are delivered.

Credit and Debit Card Service Fee: All credit and debit card transactions are subject to a 2.49% service fee, which will appear as a separate charge on your statement.

Additional Information

For information about other types of signs or assistance determining which permit your project requires, visit the DSI Temporary Sign Permit webpage.

Please check this webpage each time you apply for a temporary banner permit for the most current application requirements, review procedures, and fees.