Permanent signs on private property require a permit in all zone districts, and are subject to the following provisions (unless they are specifically exempted in Section 17.38.050):
A. Signs shall be placed at least five (5) feet from all property lines and right-of-way lines, unless placed on a structure that does not meet these setbacks.
B. Signs may overhang onto bordering property with the permission of all property owners as stated in Section 17.38.040, but the base shall be at least five (5) feet from all property lines and right-of-way lines, unless the base is on an existing structure that does not meet these setbacks.
C. Signs, such as "Hanging Sidewalk Signs" or "Projecting Signs" (not including "Wall Signs") shall have an eight (8) foot clearance above the sidewalk and shall not extend beyond the outer edge of the sidewalk.
D. Signs require a permit and are subject to the permitting requirements of the zone district in which the sign is placed.
E. Sign permit fees and building permit fees are set by the fee schedule.
F. Signs that exceed one hundred (100) square feet require both a sign permit and a building permit.
G. Signs that are considered "Monument Signs" as defined in Section 17.38.030 require both a sign permit and a building permit.
H. Signs that are mounted to a structure's roof require both a sign permit and a building permit and require engineered plans to demonstrate that wind and snow loads are met.
I. Lit and Electronic Signs require both a sign permit and building permit and are subject to the following requirements:
1. In Zone Districts where illuminated or electronic signs are permitted:
a. No revolving or rotating beams of light simulating an official emergency device are permitted. Signs with flashing lights of any color are not permitted, except for Scrolling Message Signs.
b. External lighting, such as floodlights, thin line and gooseneck reflectors is permitted, if it is shielded so as to prevent the direction of rays of light to any part of the main traveled way.
c. No lighting is permitted which is of such brilliance or intensity so as to establish glare or reflection which would interfere with the effectiveness of any official traffic control device or official sign or interfere with the motorist's view of traffic conditions.
d. Scrolling Message Signs shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet in any zone district and must comply with specific zone district requirements.
e. Any sign that is internally illuminated, or which displays electronic variable messages through light emitting diodes, liquid crystal display, plasma image display, or any other light emitting mechanism must be equipped with automatic dimming technology that automatically adjusts the display's brightness based upon ambient light conditions. The brightness level for signs shall not exceed a brightness level of 0.3-foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter at standard preset distances.
f. Electrical Signs and outline lighting shall be marked with the manufacturer's name, voltage input, and current rating. The marking required by this section and the label of a recognized testing lab shall be located in a visible location and readable from both grade and the sign's electrical disconnect.
g. All metal parts of Electrical Signs and outline lighting shall be grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code.
h. Each Electrical Sign or outline lighting system shall have an externally operable disconnect means located within sight of the sign or outline lighting transformer.
2. Projecting Signs may extend up to a maximum of seven (7) feet beyond the front of the building, provided that any portion of the projecting sign, or any appurtenance thereto, may not be closer than three (3) feet to the face of the street curb as measured vertically from the adjacent grade and shall be at least eight (8) feet above the adjacent grade to the lowest part of the sign.
J. Residential Zone District Regulations:
1. Signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet inclusive, except for Identification Signs for Housing Development as outlined in Section 17.38.050K.
2. One (1) sign is allowed per parcel.
3. Lit Signs and Electronic Signs are not allowed in the Residential zone district, unless it is Identification Signs for Housing Development, in which case the sign may be lit.
4. Monument Signs are not allowed in the Residential zone district unless it is an Identification Sign for Housing Development.
5. Signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height, except for Identification Signs for Housing Development as outlined in Section 17.38.050K.
K. Medical, Highway Commercial and Industrial Zone District Regulations:
1. Wall mounted Signs shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet.
2. Other types of signs shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet inclusive (total sign area) per sign. In the instance of Double-Faced Signs, the total sign area is the combined square footage of both sides.
3. Sign area allotment is three (3) square feet for every one (1) foot of lineal road frontage of the parcel, except that no sign allotment shall be less than seventy-five (75) square feet of sign space.
a. Signs shall be placed on the road frontage in which the square footage is calculated.
b. Where a parcel of land has reduced street frontage because it is located or partially located behind another parcel that abuts the street, the sign allotment shall be calculated from the width of the rear parcel for the length that is parallels the street it is accessed from.
4. Signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
L. Central Business Zone District Regulations:
1. Wall mounted Signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet and shall not project more than six inches from the store front.
2. All other signs shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet of sign area. In the instance of Double-Faced Signs, the total sign area is the combined square footage of both sides.
3. Sign allotment shall be limited to two (2) square feet of sign area per one (1) foot of lineal road frontage, except that no sign allotment shall be less than fifty (50) square feet per parcel.
4. Signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height.
5. Signs shall conform to the provisions of the Maintenance and Encroachment Agreement between the State of South Dakota and the City of Custer where applicable.
M. Park Zone District Regulations.
1. Signs, unless installed by a governmental agency, are not allowed in the Park Zone District.
(Ord. 915 (part), 2024)