Lighting Regulations in Flandreau, South Dakota: Preserving Historic Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Flandreau, South Dakota, with its rich historical tapestry dating back to 1857, stands as a testament to careful preservation and thoughtful development. Named after U.S. Indian Agent Charles E. Flandrau, the city grew around a Hudson's Bay Company trading post established in 1763. Today, Flandreau balances honoring its past—evident in landmarks like the Few House (1899) and the original Moody County Courthouse (1882)—while adapting to contemporary needs.

This careful balance extends to the city's approach to lighting. While Flandreau's lighting regulations are not extensive, they reflect the community's commitment to safety, aesthetics, and historical preservation. Understanding these requirements helps property owners contribute to the city's distinctive character while ensuring compliance with local standards.

Quick Reference Guide

• Sidewalk Café Lighting: Must not cause glare to motorists or pedestrians; tabletop lighting limited to candles and battery-operated fixtures
• Signs: Non-illuminated signs required for home occupations; definitions exist for illuminated, flashing, and electronic message signs
• General Requirements: No emissions of glare or light that create nuisances
• Small Cell Facilities: Limited illumination permitted (status LEDs only)
• Street Lights: Must conform to adopted streetscape design standards for the zoning district

General Lighting Principles

Preventing Nuisance and Distraction

Flandreau's code establishes that lighting should not create problems for others. Specifically, the regulations state that "lights associated with the use will not create a nuisance nor distract traffic."

This principle applies broadly across different settings, with the city requiring that "brightness, intensity, glare of lights will be similar to lighting which would be customarily used for permitted uses in the applicable zoning district."

Glare Prevention

The prevention of glare appears as a recurring theme in Flandreau's lighting regulations. The code explicitly prohibits:

• Lighting that causes glare to passing motorists or pedestrians
• Equipment or processes that create glare detectable to normal senses beyond property boundaries
• Emissions of heat, glare, or radiation visible beyond property lines

These requirements help maintain the visual comfort of public spaces while preserving the historic ambiance of the community.

Specific Application Requirements

Sidewalk Café Lighting

For businesses operating sidewalk cafés, lighting receives special attention:

• City Council Review: All proposed lighting undergoes review by the City Council
• Glare Prevention: Lighting must not cause glare to passing motorists or pedestrians
• Permitted Options: Tabletop lighting may include candles and battery-operated fixtures

Home Occupation Requirements

For home-based businesses, lighting and signage face specific limitations:

• Sign Restrictions: Only one on-premise sign is permitted
• Illumination Prohibition: Signs must be non-illuminated
• Size Limitations: Sign size requirements vary in different sections of the code (2 square feet in one section, 16 square feet in another)
• Glare Prevention: No equipment or process shall create glare detectable to normal senses off the property

Safety Applications

Safety remains a primary concern in specific contexts:

• Construction Sites: "All excavations for building sewer installations shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard"
• Cannabis Establishments: Must submit a detailed "lighting plan (including security lighting)" as part of their application process

Sign Illumination Standards

Sign Classifications

Flandreau's code provides clear definitions for different types of illuminated signage:

• Illuminated Sign: "A sign which has artificial light source directed upon it or which has an interior light source"
• Flashing Sign: An illuminated sign where "illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use"
• Electronic Message Center: "A sign whose message may be changed at intervals by electronic process or remote control and whose only movement is the periodic changing of information having a constant light level"

While these definitions establish categories of illuminated signs, property owners should note that home occupations are specifically limited to non-illuminated signs.

Infrastructure Lighting Requirements

Street Lighting

The city maintains specific standards for street lighting:

• Replacement Requirements: "Replacement street lights and poles shall conform to the adopted streetscape design standard for the zoning district"

This requirement helps ensure visual consistency throughout Flandreau's various districts while maintaining the city's historic character.

Small Cell Facilities

Modern telecommunications infrastructure must meet specific lighting limitations:

• Integration with Existing Lighting: "Small cell facilities are permitted as attachments to or replacements of existing parking lot light fixtures"
• Limited Illumination: "shall not be illuminated except for small status LEDs installed by the manufacturer"
• Distraction Prevention: Such LEDs may not distract vehicles or pedestrians "due to brightness, size, blinking, other similar condition, or any combination thereof"

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Your Zone's Requirements

While Flandreau's lighting code is not comprehensive, the standards emphasize that lighting should be appropriate for your specific zoning district. Before installing new exterior lighting, consider:

• Consulting with the City Council for guidance specific to your property type and location
• Reviewing the "adopted streetscape design standard" for your zoning district
• Ensuring your lighting won't create glare or nuisance beyond your property boundaries

Special Considerations for Businesses

If you operate a business in Flandreau, additional requirements may apply:

• Sidewalk Cafés: Subject to specific review and limitations on lighting types
• Home Occupations: Limited to non-illuminated signage
• Cannabis Dispensaries: Required to submit comprehensive lighting and security plans

Supporting Flandreau's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance that historic communities like Flandreau strive to maintain. With roots dating back to 1918, we share Flandreau's appreciation for historical preservation while embracing appropriate modern technology.

Our team recognizes the importance of lighting that respects Flandreau's distinctive character—from its historic Few House to the original Moody County Courthouse. We're committed to serving as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations while helping maintain the architectural integrity that makes Flandreau special.

As a manufacturer with deep regional experience, we understand how lighting contributes to community character and safety. Our approach aligns with Flandreau's thoughtful balance of preservation and progress, focusing on solutions that complement the city's historic ambiance while meeting contemporary needs.

Conclusion

Flandreau's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and preventing nuisance. The emphasis on controlling glare, limiting sign illumination for certain uses, and maintaining appropriate brightness levels all support the community's distinctive atmosphere.

Property owners can contribute to Flandreau's vision by understanding these requirements and considering how their lighting choices impact the overall character of this historically significant city. By thoughtfully approaching lighting decisions, residents and businesses help maintain the balance between honoring Flandreau's rich past and meeting its present needs.