Lighting Regulations in Mitchell, South Dakota: Preserving Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Mitchell, South Dakota, a city rich in historical significance and community pride, has established lighting regulations that reflect its unique character and needs. Founded in 1881, Mitchell has grown around landmarks like the iconic Corn Palace (established 1892) and the Prehistoric Indian Village, a National Historic Landmark.

The city's approach to lighting balances modern needs with respect for its historical assets. These regulations aim to enhance safety, reduce light pollution, and maintain the aesthetic character that makes Mitchell special.

With approximately 15,000 residents, Mitchell continues to honor its agricultural heritage while adapting to contemporary standards. The lighting regulations explored below help preserve the city's distinctive atmosphere while ensuring functional illumination for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide to Mitchell's Lighting Requirements

• Outdoor dining areas must be sufficiently lit during low light conditions for pedestrian safety
• Signs have specific illumination restrictions regarding brightness, flashing, and direction
• Electronic message centers must not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light levels
• Driveways and sidewalks require minimum illumination of 5 foot-candles at ground level
• Parking lot lighting must direct light away from residential and institutional properties
• Canopy lighting requires fully shielded fixtures to prevent glare onto adjacent properties
• Residential electronic message signs cannot be illuminated between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM

Sign Illumination Standards

Types of Illuminated Signage

Mitchell's code defines several types of illuminated signs:

• Illuminated Sign: "Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, symbols, or its outline illuminated by electric light, luminous tubes, or other artificial lighting sources."
• Animated Sign: "A sign that uses movement, electronic messaging, or the change of lighting either natural or artificial, that depicts action or creates a special effect of scenes."
• Beacon: "A stationary revolving light which flashes or projects single color or multicolored illumination, in any manner which is intended to attract or divert attention."

Light Direction and Shielding Requirements

Proper light containment is essential for both safety and aesthetics in Mitchell:

• Light shielding must be implemented so that illumination doesn't adversely affect surrounding premises
• Light trespass prevention is required, with light sources shielded to prevent direct emission onto adjoining properties
• Vehicle and pedestrian safety considerations prohibit lighting that could affect safe vision for drivers or pedestrians
• Yard ornaments may be illuminated by floodlights only if the direct light source is not visible from public right-of-way or adjacent residential property

Prohibited Lighting Features

Mitchell specifically prohibits certain lighting features to maintain community standards:

• Illuminated flashing signs are not permitted
• Animation, flashing, or blinking that doesn't provide constant illumination is prohibited (with exception for electronic message centers)
• Signs that interfere with traffic control signs, signals, or lights in the public right-of-way

Electronic Message Centers & Digital Billboards

Brightness Standards

Mitchell has established specific technical standards for electronic displays:

• Maximum brightness differential of 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light conditions
• Measurement procedure requires testing at least 30 minutes after sunset or 30 minutes before sunrise
• Automatic dimming technology must adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions

Measurement Distance Requirements

For electronic message signs, measurement distances for brightness levels vary by sign size:

| Area Of Sign (Square Feet) | Measurement Distance (Feet) | |----------------------------|----------------------------| | 10 | 32 | | 20 | 45 | | 30 | 55 | | 40 | 63 | | 50 | 71 | | 60 | 77 | | 70 | 84 | | 80 | 89 | | 90 | 95 |

Digital billboards have specific measurement distances:

• 11 x 22 feet signs: 150 feet measurement distance
• 10.5 x 36 feet signs: 200 feet measurement distance
• 14 x 48 feet signs: 250 feet measurement distance
• 20 x 60 feet signs: 350 feet measurement distance

Display Requirements

Electronic message displays must adhere to specific timing and transition standards:

• Standard electronic message centers must display static images for at least 1 second before transitioning
• Digital off-premises billboards must display static images for at least 6 seconds before transitioning
• Transition effects may include dissolving, fading, scrolling, or traveling
• Sudden movements including blinking and flashing are prohibited
• Residential district restrictions prohibit illumination between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM

Outdoor Area Lighting Requirements

Pedestrian Areas

Safety is a primary concern for pedestrian areas in Mitchell:

• Driveways and sidewalks must be illuminated at night to provide a minimum illumination at ground level of 5 foot-candles
• Outdoor dining areas require sufficient lighting during low light periods to ensure safe pedestrian passage

Parking and Commercial Areas

Mitchell's code addresses commercial lighting needs while minimizing impact:

• Parking lot lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential districts or public/institutional uses
• Canopy lights shall contain fully shielded (cutoff) light fixtures to prevent glare onto adjacent property or street rights of way, except for focus lighting
• Light trespass over property lines onto residential property must be limited
• Glare elimination onto neighboring property or street right of way is required

Infrastructure and Specialty Lighting

Street Lighting

Mitchell maintains specific standards for public lighting:

• Replacement street lights and poles must conform to the adopted streetscape design standard for the zoning district
• No unauthorized interference with electric light posts, poles, or apparatus is permitted

Small Cell Facilities

Modern telecommunications infrastructure has specific lighting limitations:

• Small cell facilities shall not be illuminated except for small status LEDs installed by the manufacturer
• Status LEDs may not be of a nature likely to distract vehicles or pedestrians due to brightness, size, or blinking
• Parking lot light fixtures may include small cell facilities as attachments or replacements, with pole extenders up to 5 feet in height permitted

Solar Energy Systems

• Screening may be required to address glare from SES panels

What Property Owners Should Know

Permits and Applications

When applying for lighting-related permits in Mitchell:

• Sign permits in the Historic Commercial District must include information on illumination
• Electronic message centers in residential districts require a conditional use permit
• Electrical signs must be properly marked with manufacturer information and have an external disconnect

Compliance Considerations

To ensure compliance with Mitchell's lighting regulations:

• Brightness testing for electronic displays should be conducted using a foot-candle meter at the prescribed distance
• Maintenance of lighting shields is essential to prevent light trespass
• Focusing illumination away from residential areas and public rights-of-way will help avoid violations
• Time restrictions for illuminated signs in residential areas must be observed

Supporting Mitchell's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Mitchell seeks to maintain between modern lighting needs and the preservation of its rich historical character. As a regional manufacturer, Bock appreciates communities that value both functionality and aesthetic harmony.

Mitchell's blend of historic preservation—exemplified by the iconic Corn Palace and Prehistoric Indian Village—alongside contemporary development aligns with Bock's philosophy of respectful illumination. Our company shares Mitchell's commitment to lighting solutions that enhance safety while minimizing light pollution and preserving community character.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource to help property owners navigate lighting regulations. We understand the technical requirements for preventing light trespass while still providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality—a priority in Mitchell's regulations.

Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable partner for Mitchell residents seeking to comply with local lighting standards while honoring the city's distinctive agricultural and historical heritage.

Conclusion

Mitchell's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, shielding requirements, and electronic displays, the city ensures that lighting enhances rather than detracts from its unique character.

Property owners in Mitchell should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying exterior lighting or illuminated signs. While technical in nature, these requirements ultimately serve to create a more harmonious and visually appealing environment for all residents and visitors.

By respecting these lighting standards, community members contribute to preserving Mitchell's distinctive atmosphere—a blend of historical richness and modern convenience that makes this South Dakota city special.