Lighting Regulations in Lincoln County, South Dakota: Balancing Rural Character with Modern Development

Introduction

The wide-open spaces and agricultural heritage of Lincoln County, South Dakota, have long defined its character. Established in 1867 and named after President Abraham Lincoln, the county has grown to become the third most populous in South Dakota with over 65,000 residents. As one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, Lincoln County faces the challenge of balancing new development with the preservation of its rural character and agricultural roots.

Lighting regulations play an important role in maintaining this balance, helping to preserve the county's natural beauty while ensuring safety and functionality. These regulations reflect the community's values and its commitment to responsible growth that respects both its historical identity and natural environment.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a quick overview of Lincoln County's key lighting regulations:

• Indoor Requirements: Lighting fixtures must be provided in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, hallways, stairways, garages with electrical power, utility rooms and basements used for storage or containing service equipment, and to illuminate outdoor entrances and exits.
• Light Trespass Prevention: Lighting fixtures must be arranged so light sources do not shine directly into adjacent properties or traffic.
• Security Lighting: Must be installed to limit light pollution with down-directional, sharp cut-off luminaries that prevent spillage beyond property boundaries.
• Sign Illumination: Light must be shielded and directed so intensity doesn't adversely affect surrounding premises or driver visibility.
• Flashing Lights: Blinking, flashing, or pulsating lights must not be located within 300 feet of residential districts (with exceptions for date, time, and temperature displays).
• Home Occupations: Cannot create glare detectable to normal senses off the property.

Residential and Basic Property Lighting Requirements

Indoor Lighting Standards

Lincoln County's building code establishes basic lighting requirements to ensure safety and functionality within buildings:

• Required Fixture Locations:
• Every habitable room
• All bathrooms
• Hallways and stairways
• Attached and detached garages with electrical power
• Utility rooms and basements used for storage or containing equipment requiring service
• Outdoor entrances and exits

Outdoor Lighting Principles

The county's approach to outdoor lighting focuses on minimizing negative impacts:

• Light Trespass Prevention: Fixtures must be arranged so the light source does not shine directly into adjacent properties or traffic.
• Security Lighting Design:
• Must limit light pollution
• Should feature down-directional, sharp cut-off luminaries
• Must ensure no spillage of illumination beyond property boundaries

Home Occupation Restrictions

For residents operating businesses from their homes, additional lighting limitations apply:

• Glare Restriction: No equipment or process shall create glare detectable to normal senses off the property.
• Signage Limitations:
• Non-illuminated nameplate not exceeding two square feet may be placed on the dwelling or accessory building
• One additional non-illuminated sign not exceeding four square feet may be located along the driveway

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Lincoln County has specific regulations governing how signs may be illuminated:

• Light Shielding: The light from any illuminated sign must be shielded, shaded, or directed so that light intensity does not adversely affect:
• Surrounding or facing premises
• Safe vision of vehicle operators on public or private roads

Restrictions by District and Type

Different areas of the county have varying restrictions:

• A-1 and RC Districts: Off-premises signs shall not be illuminated, and blinking or flashing lights are prohibited.
• Residential Proximity: Blinking, flashing, pulsating, or fluttering lights (or other devices with changing light) cannot be located within 300 feet of any residential district.
• Exceptions: The restriction on changing lights does not apply to signs displaying only the date, time, and temperature.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS)

Wind turbines and related facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• FAA Compliance:
• Illumination and markings limited to Federal Aviation Administration requirements
• No lights permitted on towers other than what the FAA requires
• FAA-approved red lights must be used from dusk until dawn
• Automatic Systems: Automatic obstruction lighting systems are mandatory for Commercial WECS with FAA lighting.
• Visual Impact Minimization: If multiple lighting alternatives are available, the option causing the least visual disturbance must be used.

Telecommunications Towers

Similar to wind energy systems, telecommunications towers have specific lighting restrictions:

• Limited Illumination: Towers shall not be artificially lighted except as required by the FAA.
• Distance Requirements: When FAA lighting regulations apply, towers must be located at least one-half mile from any residential zoning district or use, or Recreation/Conservation District.

Supporting Lincoln County's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique challenges faced by growing communities like Lincoln County. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the delicate balance between preserving rural character while accommodating growth and development.

Lincoln County's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to responsible development that honors its agricultural heritage. The emphasis on preventing light trespass and minimizing disruption aligns with sustainable lighting practices that Bock Lighting has championed for decades.

Our experience working with communities across the Midwest gives us insight into the specific needs of areas transitioning from primarily rural to more developed landscapes. We believe that thoughtful lighting design can enhance safety and functionality while respecting the natural environment that makes Lincoln County special.

As a resource for property owners, developers, and planners, we're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting solutions that comply with local regulations while meeting the practical needs of residents and businesses.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

If you're a property owner in Lincoln County, keep these guidelines in mind:

• For Outdoor Security Lighting:
• Choose fixtures with sharp cut-off designs that direct light downward
• Ensure light doesn't spill onto neighboring properties
• Position lights carefully to avoid shining into roadways
• For Business Signs:
• Use shielded lighting that directs illumination only onto the sign
• Be aware of proximity to residential areas for any changing or flashing displays
• Check your specific zoning district for additional restrictions
• For Home-Based Businesses:
• Keep signage modest and non-illuminated
• Ensure all lighting associated with your business doesn't create glare beyond your property

When Planning New Construction

For new builds or major renovations:

• Ensure your plans include lighting fixtures in all required interior locations
• Consider the direction and intensity of all exterior lighting
• Discuss lighting compliance with your contractor early in the planning process

Conclusion

Lincoln County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its rural character and agricultural heritage. As the third most populous county in South Dakota and one of the fastest-growing in the nation, these guidelines help ensure that development occurs in a way that respects both the community's history and its future vision.

The focus on preventing light trespass, minimizing glare, and regulating sign illumination demonstrates the county's thoughtful approach to managing the visual environment. By understanding and following these regulations, property owners can contribute to maintaining the quality of life that makes Lincoln County a desirable place to live.

Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, these lighting guidelines help preserve the character of this historic and rapidly evolving community for generations to come.