Lighting Regulations in Summerset, South Dakota: Balancing Growth with Community Standards

Introduction

Nestled near Rapid City, Summerset stands as one of South Dakota's youngest cities, officially incorporated in 2005. From its origins as a railroad stop called "Williamsport" to its current status as a growing community, Summerset has maintained its commitment to thoughtful development.

As this vibrant city continues to expand its residential and commercial sectors, lighting regulations play a crucial role in preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality. These standards reflect Summerset's dedication to managing growth in a way that respects both the city's historical essence and the needs of its growing population.

Quick Reference Guide to Summerset's Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know:

• Maximum Light Levels:
• 3 foot candles at property lines (non-residential/multi-family)
• 10 foot candles maximum on-site (20 foot candles for loading areas)
• Height Restrictions:
• 25 feet maximum height near residential property
• 30 feet maximum height in other areas
• Time Restrictions:
• No illuminated signs after 11:00 p.m. without special permit
• Outdoor recreational facilities must turn off lights after 11:00 p.m.
• Light Fixtures:
• All non-exempt fixtures require proper shielding
• Metal halide lighting requires filters and enclosures
• 90-degree cut-off fixtures required for canopies
• Required Minimum Illumination:
• Building surrounds (non-residential): 1.0 foot candle
• Parking areas: 1.0 foot candle
• Residential areas: 0.5 foot candles

Understanding Summerset's Lighting Philosophy

Community Values and Lighting Intent

Summerset's lighting regulations aim to balance the functional needs of businesses and residents with the preservation of the community's character. The regulations specifically seek to:

• Eliminate glare onto neighboring properties
• Limit light trespass over property lines, especially onto residential areas
• Set appropriate maximum light levels for various areas
• Ensure lighting standards are met before building permits are issued
• Promote safety and crime prevention through effective lighting

The Balance of Growth and Character

As one of South Dakota's fastest-growing communities, Summerset recognizes that proper lighting plays a significant role in maintaining quality of life. The regulations reflect the city's commitment to fostering economic development while preventing the negative impacts of over-illumination.

Technical Specifications for Outdoor Lighting

Light Level Requirements

Summerset has established specific illumination levels for different areas:

• Maximum Levels:
• 3 foot candles at property lines adjacent to residential areas
• 10 foot candles maximum on-site
• 20 foot candles maximum for loading/unloading platforms
• Minimum Levels:
• Non-residential building surrounds: 1.0 foot candle
• Parking areas: 1.0 foot candle
• Residential areas: 0.5 foot candles
• Park walkways: 0.5 foot candles
• Pedestrian stairways: 0.3 foot candles
• Playgrounds: 5.0 foot candles

Height and Fixture Requirements

Light fixture height and design must conform to these standards:

• Height Limitations:
• 25 feet maximum when within 150 feet of residential property
• 30 feet maximum in all other areas
• Fixture Specifications:
• Well-shielded luminaires required for on-site lighting
• 90-degree cut-off fixtures required for canopies and lights over 2,000 lumens
• Fully shielded fixtures (no light above horizontal plane) for many applications
• Light poles must be anodized or coated to minimize glare

Canopy Lighting Calculations

For canopy lighting, Summerset provides a specific formula:

• Maximum number of canopy luminaires = Canopy length (ft) × Canopy width (ft) × 3
• Under-canopy maximum illumination: 20.0 foot candles (average maintained)
• Initial installation maximum: 26.0 foot candles

Sign Illumination Standards

Location and Timing Restrictions

Sign placement and hours of operation are strictly regulated:

• No illuminated signs within 1,500 feet of residential areas without a conditional use permit
• No sign illumination after 11:00 p.m. without special permission
• All signs must minimize light spillage outside the sign face

Light Quality and Design

Sign illumination must meet specific quality standards:

• No flashing or intermittent lighting (less than six seconds between changes)
• Must not direct beams toward roadways
• Must not cause glare that impairs driver vision
• Dark backgrounds with light lettering are preferred
• Total lamp wattage per property should be less than 160 watts

Mounting Requirements

Sign lighting must be properly installed:

• Fixtures must be mounted on top of the sign structure
• Signs may be internally illuminated with translucent materials
• All fixtures must comply with shielding requirements

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Entertainment and Public Venues

Different venues have specific requirements:

• Adult entertainment venues: Minimum illumination of 5 foot candles at floor level
• Outdoor recreational facilities: No illumination after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude specific events
• Vehicle display lots: Must reduce illumination within 30 minutes after closing

Metal Halide Lighting

Metal halide lighting has additional restrictions:

• Cannot be used for security lighting after 11:00 p.m.
• Must be installed in enclosed luminaries
• Requires filtering (glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosure)

What Property Owners Should Know

Permitting Process

Before installing or modifying outdoor lighting, property owners should:

• Submit photometric plans with site plan checks for building permits
• Provide specifications showing angles of cut-off for proposed fixtures
• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes before installation

Exemptions and Special Cases

Not all lighting is subject to the same regulations:

• Exempt lighting includes:
• Fossil fuel light (natural gas or other fossil fuels)
• Public recreation facilities
• Historic period lighting
• Federal and state facilities (voluntary compliance encouraged)
• Temporary exemptions may be granted with proper application

Non-Compliance Issues

Property owners should be aware that:

• Mercury vapor lamps are prohibited
• Bottom-mounted outdoor advertising sign lighting is not permitted
• Existing lighting installed before the ordinance must be brought into compliance within two years

Supporting Summerset's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique challenges faced by growing communities like Summerset. We share in Summerset's commitment to balancing necessary growth with the preservation of community character.

Our team appreciates the thoughtful approach Summerset has taken in developing lighting regulations that protect residential areas while promoting safe, functional commercial spaces. As lighting professionals, we can serve as a resource for community members seeking to understand and implement these standards.

Bock Lighting recognizes that Summerset's relatively young municipal status presents both opportunities and challenges. Our experience working with communities undergoing similar growth trajectories has given us insight into how lighting can enhance public spaces while respecting neighborhood character.

We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Summerset's vision for its future development, focusing on solutions that serve the community's long-term interests.

Conclusion

Summerset's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to thoughtful growth and development. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture design, and usage restrictions, the city has created a framework that promotes safety and functionality while limiting negative impacts on residents and roadways.

Property owners and businesses operating in Summerset should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying lighting systems. Understanding these requirements early in the planning process can save time and resources while contributing to the community's overall quality of life.

As Summerset continues to grow, these lighting standards will help ensure that the city maintains its attractive character while meeting the needs of its expanding population and commercial sector.