Lighting Regulations in Garretson, South Dakota: Preserving Small-Town Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

In the charming town of Garretson, South Dakota, lighting plays an essential role in maintaining both the safety and historical character of this community. Founded in the late 1880s, Garretson developed as a bustling railroad hub, and today its lighting regulations reflect both practical concerns and a deep appreciation for the town's unique heritage.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

• Residential Properties: At least one lighting fixture required in every habitable room, bathroom, hallway, stairway, and at outdoor entrances/exits
• Property Maintenance: Trees must be pruned to avoid obstructing street lights
• Business Establishments: Special lighting requirements for closing procedures
• Public Dance Halls: Full illumination required for all adjoining grounds during nighttime events
• New Developments: Subdividers must install street lighting according to city standards

Historical Context: Why Lighting Matters in Garretson

Garretson's development as a railroad town in the 1880s helped shape its approach to illumination. With a rich history that includes connections to the legendary outlaw Jesse James and the dramatic landscape of Devil's Gulch, the town has always balanced practical lighting needs with preservation of its distinctive character.

From Railroad Hub to Modern Community

The town's early prosperity brought hotels, banks, an opera house, and various businesses to Garretson. This development created a need for thoughtful lighting regulations that would maintain safety while preserving the town's historical ambiance.

Today, with its modest 1.49 square mile area and tight-knit community, Garretson's lighting regulations reflect both practical safety concerns and a commitment to maintaining the town's unique charm and historical integrity.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Essential Fixture Placement

The city code specifies that at least one lighting fixture shall be provided in:

• Every habitable room
• Bathrooms
• Hallways and stairways
• Attached garages
• Detached garages with electrical power
• Utility rooms and basements used for storage or containing equipment requiring service
• Outdoor entrances and exits

Property Owner Responsibilities

Property owners must maintain landscapes to support effective street lighting. Specifically, it is the duty of any person owning or occupying real property bordering on any street or alley to prune trees in such a manner that they will not obstruct or shade street lights.

Business Lighting Regulations

Establishments with On-Sale Liquor Licenses

Garretson has specific lighting requirements for businesses serving alcohol:

• Businesses must flash lights at 1:45 a.m. as a warning that the premises will close within 15 minutes
• At 2:00 a.m., all doors must be locked and all lights turned off except an approved "nightlight"
• The nightlight must remain illuminated from 2:00 a.m. until daylight of the following day

Public Dance Halls

The town maintains unique lighting requirements for public dances:

• Adequate illumination is required for all adjoining grounds used by participants or attendants
• All grounds adjoining dance halls must be fully lit during nighttime events
• It is unlawful to allow dancing with dimmed or extinguished lights or to use what is called "The Moonlight Dance"

Lighting for New Developments

Subdivision Requirements

When new areas are developed within Garretson:

• Subdividers must install street lighting in accordance with existing city standards
• Any additional costs for lighting fixtures requested beyond city standards shall be borne by the subdivider

Trailer Court Requirements

For trailer courts, developers must provide:

• Detailed plot plans showing provisions for lighting of roadways, driveways, and pedestrian walks

Temporary Lighting

The code also addresses temporary decorative lighting, which must be:

• Listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting

Railroad Lighting Requirements

Given Garretson's railroad history, specific requirements exist for railway companies:

• Railway companies must keep and maintain lights during night hours at crossings as directed by City Council
• Companies must display a lighted red lantern at night and a red flag during daytime at designated public street crossings
• These signals must be displayed when trains are 1,500 feet from crossings and remain visible until the train has passed

What Property Owners Should Know

Maintaining Compliance

To ensure compliance with Garretson's lighting regulations:

• Regular tree maintenance is essential to prevent obstruction of street lights
• Proper fixture installation in all required locations within your property
• For businesses, particularly those serving alcohol, understanding and following specific lighting requirements for closing procedures

Community Funding for Lighting

A portion of property fees goes toward lighting maintenance:

• A special street maintenance fee is levied upon all lots fronting and abutting streets maintained by the city
• Revenue from this levy is placed in a "Street, Sidewalk, Lighting Maintenance Fund"

Supporting Garretson's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of preserving small-town character while meeting modern lighting needs. Our experience working with historic communities like Garretson has given us insight into balancing safety requirements with aesthetic preservation.

As a manufacturer who appreciates Garretson's rich railroad heritage and commitment to historical preservation, we recognize the unique lighting challenges faced by property owners in communities with such distinctive character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for those seeking to enhance their properties while respecting local regulations.

Bock shares Garretson's commitment to responsible lighting practices that maintain the town's charming atmosphere while providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Garretson's lighting regulations reflect both practical considerations and the town's commitment to preserving its historic character. From residential requirements to business-specific rules, these guidelines help ensure that illumination enhances safety while maintaining the town's unique charm.

For property owners and businesses, understanding these regulations is an important part of contributing to the community's distinctive atmosphere. By following these guidelines, residents help preserve the special character that makes Garretson a truly unique place in South Dakota's landscape.

Whether you're a homeowner, business operator, or developer, these lighting regulations provide a framework for illuminating Garretson in ways that honor its past while lighting the way toward its future.