Lighting Regulations in Spearfish, South Dakota: Balancing Heritage, Safety, and Natural Beauty

Introduction

Nestled at the base of the Black Hills, Spearfish, South Dakota carries a rich history dating back to 1876 when it was established during the Black Hills Gold Rush. The city, named after the creek where Native Americans historically speared fish, has evolved from a supplier of foodstuffs to mining camps into a community that values both its historical roots and natural surroundings.

Home to the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, Spearfish demonstrates a commitment to preserving its heritage while accommodating growth. This balance between development and preservation is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to maintain Spearfish's unique character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide

• General Outdoor Lighting:
• All lighting must be fully shielded, 85% full cut-off fixtures
• Outdoor lighting must not interfere with adjacent land uses or streets
• Activities causing "glare" are prohibited as nuisances
• Lighting from all sources shall not unreasonably affect adjacent property
• Sign Illumination:
• Maximum light levels: 0.3 foot-candles above ambient
• Maximum luminance: 5,000 NITS during day, 500 NITS at night
• No flashing or blinking lights allowed
• External sign lighting limited to 1,750 lumens
• Street Lighting:
• Residential lights placed at intersections
• Additional lights when distance exceeds 400 feet between intersections
• Commercial lighting determined by Public Works Department

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Light Fixture Specifications

Spearfish takes a measured approach to outdoor lighting to preserve its picturesque setting. The regulations specify that all lighting shall be fully shielded, 85% full cut-off fixtures. This requirement helps minimize light pollution and maintain the natural beauty of the night sky—an important consideration given the city's location at the base of the Black Hills.

Light Trespass Prevention

The regulations clearly state that outdoor lighting "shall have an arrangement of reflectors and an intensity of lighting which will not interfere with adjacent land uses or the use of adjacent streets." This provision emphasizes Spearfish's commitment to preventing light trespass, which can be disruptive to neighbors and wildlife.

Prohibited Lighting

Any activity that may become an annoyance or nuisance by reason of "glare" is explicitly prohibited. This regulation helps maintain the quality of life for residents while preserving the city's visual character.

Adjacent Property Protection

The regulations further stipulate that "lighting from all sources shall be designed so that it does not unreasonably affect adjacent property." This requirement reflects Spearfish's community values of considerate development and good neighborliness.

Street Lighting Standards

Residential Areas

In residential neighborhoods, Spearfish's approach to street lighting is strategic and efficient:

• Street lights are typically placed at intersections
• When intersections are more than 400 feet apart, or on dead-end streets over 400 feet with a cul-de-sac, the Public Works Department determines the need and optimal location for additional lighting
• These determinations are then recommended to the Public Works Committee

Commercial and Major Thoroughfares

For commercial areas and major thoroughfares, the approach is more tailored:

• The Public Works Department determines light locations and spacing
• Determinations are based on recommendations from the applicable electric company regarding candle power and coverage
• Efficiency and economy for the city are prioritized

Private Streets

For private streets in developments, the regulations specify that:

• Developers must furnish and install street lights in accordance with city standards
• On private streets, lights must be operated and maintained by the developer

Sign Illumination Regulations

Light Level Restrictions

Spearfish has detailed regulations governing sign illumination to maintain its aesthetic quality:

• Maximum light increase: Signs must not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light levels
• Property line limit: No sign may produce a light level exceeding the ambient light level at the property line
• Luminance limits: Signs must not exceed 5,000 NITS during daylight hours and 500 NITS during evening hours (defined as one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise)

Measurement Standards

The city provides specific guidance on how light levels should be measured:

• Measurements must be taken with a foot-candle meter facing the sign
• Readings are taken with the sign turned off and again with it turned on
• For electronic message centers, measurements are taken with the sign displaying a full white, amber, or red image
• Measurement distances vary based on sign size according to Table 3 (ranging from 32 feet for 10 square foot signs up to 63+ feet for signs larger than 35 square feet)

Electronic Sign Requirements

Electronic signs have additional requirements:

• Automatic adjustment: All electronic message signs must automatically adjust brightness with ambient light conditions
• Malfunction failsafe: Signs must revert immediately to a black screen if they malfunction
• No animation: No flashing or blinking light may be used to display a message or image

External Lighting Restrictions

For externally lit signs:

• Lighting fixtures must be positioned to prevent the light source from being visible except from the sign face
• Total illumination must not exceed 1,750 lumens

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult-Oriented Businesses

Adult-oriented businesses have specific lighting requirements:

• License applications must include a diagram showing the location of all overhead lighting fixtures
• Premises must have overhead lighting of sufficient intensity to illuminate every accessible area at not less than five foot-candles measured at floor level
• This illumination must be maintained at all times when patrons are present

Airport Vicinity Regulations

Properties near airports have special lighting restrictions:

• Pulsating, flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights intended as attention-getting devices are prohibited
• Flood lights and spotlights must be shielded to prevent upward illumination
• Any light constituting a "misleading light" under FAA regulations is prohibited
• Land use that makes it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others is not permitted

Wind Towers

Wind towers and generators have a simple lighting restriction:

• They shall not be lighted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration

Enforcement and Compliance

Non-Compliance Procedures

Spearfish has established clear procedures for addressing non-compliant lighting:

• If a sign's illumination does not comply with regulations, the Zoning Administrator provides written notice to both the sign owner and property owner
• The notice allows 30 days for either compliance or removal of the sign

Complaint Process

When lighting creates a nuisance:

• Complaints must be initiated by the city or affected property owner
• Complaints must be submitted in writing to the City Administrator
• The city will notify the sign owner of required corrective measures

Maintenance Responsibility

The responsibility for maintaining proper lighting is clearly assigned:

• Both the sign owner and the property owner are jointly responsible for keeping signs in safe repair and properly maintained

Supporting Spearfish's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Spearfish, where preserving historical heritage while ensuring modern safety standards is paramount. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate Spearfish's balanced approach to lighting regulations that protect both its picturesque setting and community needs.

Our expertise in architectural lighting can serve as a resource for Spearfish property owners navigating these regulations. We understand the importance of fully shielded fixtures that minimize light pollution while providing appropriate illumination. Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices aligns with Spearfish's vision of preserving its natural beauty and historical character.

For communities balancing development with preservation, having access to knowledgeable lighting resources can make compliance easier. Bock Lighting's understanding of regional needs and architectural styles enables us to support Spearfish's lighting goals through education and responsible lighting solutions.

Conclusion

Spearfish's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its unique character while ensuring public safety and appropriate development. From the general requirements for shielded fixtures to the specific standards for street lights and sign illumination, these regulations help maintain the visual quality that makes Spearfish special.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the technical specifications for outdoor lighting, especially regarding shielding requirements and light trespass prevention. For signs, the detailed illumination standards provide clear guidance on acceptable light levels and measurement procedures.

By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Spearfish's vision of a community that honors its historical roots while embracing appropriate development—ensuring that this gem at the base of the Black Hills continues to shine in just the right way.