Lighting Regulations in Custer, South Dakota: Preserving Dark Skies in the Black Hills

Introduction: Lighting in the Oldest Town of the Black Hills

Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Custer holds the distinction of being the region's oldest town. Founded in 1875 following Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer's expedition and the subsequent discovery of gold in French Creek, this historic community has evolved from a mining hub to a cherished tourist destination.

Today, Custer balances preserving its 19th-century architectural heritage with meeting modern needs. The town's lighting regulations reflect this balance - protecting the stunning night skies that draw visitors to the Black Hills while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

With tourism driving the local economy and the natural beauty of nearby Custer State Park attracting visitors year-round, thoughtful lighting practices help maintain the town's historic charm and natural assets.

Quick Reference Guide to Custer's Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a summary of key lighting regulations in Custer:

• Exterior Lighting: Must be shielded, directed downward, and designed for minimal impact on adjacent properties
• Business-Specific Requirements:
• Body piercing/tattooing facilities: 30 foot-candles for procedure areas, 10 foot-candles for general lighting
• Camping cabins: Must provide interior and exterior lighting
• Sign Illumination:
• Internally illuminated signs require automatic dimming technology
• Maximum brightness: 0.3-foot candles above ambient light
• Manufactured housing park signs may use indirect lighting only
• Prohibited Lighting:
• Revolving/rotating beams that simulate emergency devices
• Flashing lights (except in scrolling message signs)
• Lighting that creates glare interfering with traffic safety

Commercial and Business Lighting Standards

Professional Service Lighting Requirements

Businesses providing specialized services must meet specific lighting standards. For body piercing and tattooing establishments, lighting requirements are particularly stringent:

• Procedure Areas: A minimum of 30 foot-candles of light must be provided
• General Areas: A minimum of 10 foot-candles for general lighting throughout the facility

These requirements ensure adequate visibility for safety and sanitation during detailed procedures.

Camping Cabin Requirements

Custer's regulations specify that camping cabins must provide both interior and exterior lighting. While the specific brightness levels aren't detailed, electrical permits or documentation may be required for these installations.

Home Occupation Restrictions

For residents operating businesses from their homes, the regulations specifically address light pollution:

• No equipment or processes may create glare deemed offensive to the general public
• Glare is measured at property lines contiguous to where the equipment operates
• No visible evidence of the home occupation is permitted from the exterior (with limited exceptions for signage)

Sign Illumination Regulations

Types of Illuminated Signs

Custer's code addresses several types of illuminated signage:

• Lit Signs: Require both sign permits and building permits
• Electronic Signs: Subject to specific requirements for brightness and operation
• Scrolling Message Signs: Cannot exceed 30 square feet in any zone district

Sign Brightness and Safety Controls

To prevent light pollution and driving hazards, illuminated signs must follow these requirements:

• Automatic Dimming: Internally illuminated or electronic variable message signs must include technology that adjusts brightness based on ambient light conditions
• Brightness Limits: Cannot exceed 0.3-foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle meter
• Glare Prevention: No lighting of such brilliance that creates glare interfering with traffic control devices or driver visibility

Technical Requirements for Electrical Signs

All illuminated signs must comply with safety standards, including:

• Proper Marking: Must display manufacturer's name, voltage input, and current rating in a visible location
• Grounding: All metal parts must be properly grounded per National Electrical Code
• Accessible Disconnect: Each sign must have an externally operable disconnect located within sight of the sign transformer

Exterior Lighting for Properties

General Guidelines

Custer's regulations emphasize considerate lighting design:

• Minimal Impact: Lighting shall be designed to present minimal impact to adjacent property
• Shielding Requirement: All exterior light sources must be shielded
• Direction Control: Lights must be directed downward

These requirements help preserve Custer's night sky while maintaining adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Manufactured Housing Parks

Manufactured housing parks have specific signage lighting requirements:

• Each park is permitted one identification sign
• Signs may be lit by indirect lighting only

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

The town has detailed regulations for lighting telecommunications towers:

• Height Limitations: No tower shall exceed a height that would require artificial lighting
• Lighting Prohibition: Facilities shall not be artificially lighted except as required by law
• Lighting Plans: If lighting is legally required, applicants must provide a detailed plan for lighting that is as unobtrusive as possible while complying with state and federal regulations

Supporting Custer's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we deeply appreciate Custer's commitment to preserving its historical character while embracing practical modern lighting solutions. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing functionality with preservation.

The Black Hills region presents unique lighting challenges - from preserving dark skies for stargazing tourists to maintaining the historical ambiance of 19th-century architecture. Our experience with communities like Custer has given us insight into how thoughtful lighting can enhance rather than detract from a town's character.

We're committed to supporting communities like Custer through education about lighting regulations and best practices that align with local values. Our team understands that proper lighting isn't just about compliance - it's about honoring the community's heritage and natural environment.

What Property Owners Should Know

Navigating Compliance

Understanding Custer's lighting regulations helps property owners avoid potential issues:

• Plan Before Installing: Before installing new exterior lighting or illuminated signs, review the regulations
• Consider Neighbors: Remember that lighting must have minimal impact on adjacent properties
• Shield Appropriately: All exterior lighting must use proper shielding to direct light downward
• Business-Specific Requirements: Special businesses like tattoo parlors have specific foot-candle requirements

Documentation Requirements

Some lighting installations may require permits or documentation:

• Illuminated signs require both sign permits and building permits
• Electrical permits may be needed for certain installations

Conclusion

Custer's lighting regulations reflect its unique position as a historic Black Hills community balancing preservation with modern needs. By carefully controlling artificial lighting, the town protects its remarkable night skies – a valuable asset for both residents and the tourism industry.

These thoughtful regulations help maintain Custer's distinctive character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. From specific requirements for businesses to general guidelines for all properties, the regulations create a framework for responsible lighting that respects both history and neighbors.

By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners contribute to preserving what makes Custer special – a charming historic town where the stars still shine brightly overhead, just as they did when gold was first discovered in 1875.