Sign Regulations in Custer, South Dakota
Custer, South Dakota has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Murals, A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign, Window Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 19, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Custer, South Dakota
Sample Sign Requirements in Custer
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign); total parcel allotment two (2) sq ft per 1 ft lineal frontage | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless mounted on structure not meeting setback. |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign) | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless mounted on structure not meeting setback. |
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign | — | 6 sq ft (2 ft x 3 ft) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Murals
- A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign
- Window Sign
- Flag
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Custer, wall signs can be up to 25 ft and monument signs are limited to 25 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Custer, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Custer, regulated sign types include Murals, A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign, Window Sign, Flag, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Custer, monument signs typically require a 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless mounted on structure not meeting setback. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Custer are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Custer has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Custer, South Dakota Sign Rules at a Glance
Custer, South Dakota regulates 19 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Wall Signs in the Central Business Zone District zoning district are capped at 25 ft tall and 100 sq ft (per sign); total parcel allotment two (2) sq ft per 1 ft lineal frontage, with a 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless mounted on structure not meeting setback. setback (Sec. 17.38.060.L; 17.38.060.I). Most commercial signs in Custer require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Custer, South Dakota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Custer (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Business Zone District | 11 | 25 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign); total parcel allotment two (2) sq ft per 1 ft lineal frontage | — |
| Medical Zone District, Highway Commercial Zone District, Industrial Zone District | 12 | 25 ft | 400 sq ft (per sign); overall parcel allotment 3 sq ft per 1 ft of front footage (min 75 sq ft) | — |
| Residential Zone District | 7 | ≤25 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Park Zone District | 2 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | — | <4 sq ft (up to 20 sq ft if City Planner approves for community event) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Custer(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Central Business Zone District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign); total parcel allotment two (2) sq ft per 1 ft lineal frontage | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless mounted on structure not meeting setback. | — | On the wall/storefront of building | — | Unlock | 17.38.060.L; 17.38.060.I |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft (per sign) | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless mounted on structure not meeting setback. | — | Private property, 5 ft from property/right-of-way line unless on existing structure. | — | Unlock | 17.38.060.L; G |
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign | — | 6 sq ft (2 ft x 3 ft) | — | — | 1 per business | On property or sidewalk; displayed only during business hours. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.E |
| Feather Flag | — | — | — | — | 1 per business | On private property or per Maintenance and Encroachment Agreement. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.H |
| Flag | ≤25 ft | ≤15 sq ft | — | — | — | On property; must maintain required height if within State agreement area. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.I |
| Temporary Sign (≤10 sq ft) | — | ≤10 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless on permitted building. | 2 per property | ≥5 ft from property lines, unless on permitted building | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.A |
| Temporary Sign (>10 sq ft and <20 sq ft) | — | <20 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless on permitted building. | 2 per property | ≥5 ft from property lines, unless on permitted building | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.A |
| Banner | — | ≤30 sq ft | — | — | — | With City Planner approval, 7 days before/3 days after event. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.G |
Medical Zone District, Highway Commercial Zone District, Industrial Zone District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 25 ft | 400 sq ft (per sign); overall parcel allotment 3 sq ft per 1 ft of front footage (min 75 sq ft) | — | 5 ft from property/right-of-way lines unless on structure not meeting setback. | — | On wall of building, facing qualifying frontage. | — | Unlock | 17.38.060.K, 17.38.060.I |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 400 sq ft (per sign); overall parcel allotment 3 sq ft per 1 ft of front footage (min 75 sq ft) | — | 5 ft from property/right-of-way lines unless on structure not meeting setback. | — | Private property, 5 ft from property/right-of-way lines unless on structure not meeting setback. | — | Unlock | 17.38.060.K, 17.38.060.G |
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign | — | 6 sq ft (2 ft x 3 ft) | — | — | 1 per business | On property; displayed only during business hours. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.E |
| Feather Flag | — | — | — | — | 1 per business | On private property or per Maintenance and Encroachment Agreement. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.H |
| Temporary Sign (≤10 sq ft) | — | ≤10 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless on permitted building. | 2 per property | ≥5 ft from property lines, unless on permitted building | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.A |
| Temporary Sign (>10 sq ft and <20 sq ft) | — | <20 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless on permitted building. | 2 per property | ≥5 ft from property lines, unless on permitted building | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.A |
| Temporary Sign (≤30 sq ft) | — | ≤30 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless on permitted building. | 2 per property | ≥5 ft from property lines, unless on permitted building | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.A |
| Banner | — | ≤30 sq ft | — | — | — | With City Planner approval, 7 days before/3 days after event. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.G |
Residential Zone District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Sign | 6 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per parcel | Private property | — | Unlock | 17.38.060.J |
| Identification Sign for Housing Development | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At entry to subdivision/community, on private property | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.K |
| Temporary Sign (≤10 sq ft) | — | ≤10 sq ft | — | 5 ft from all property/right-of-way lines unless on permitted building. | 2 per property | ≥5 ft from property lines, unless on permitted building | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.A |
| A-Frame (Sandwich Board) Sign | — | 6 sq ft (2 ft x 3 ft) | — | — | 1 per business | On property; displayed only during business hours. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.E |
| Window Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Interior portion of a window. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.J |
| Murals | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.F |
| Flag | ≤25 ft | ≤15 sq ft | — | — | — | On property; must maintain required height if within State agreement area. | — | Unlock | 17.38.050.I |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Custer — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Custer — start freeProhibited Signs in Custer
- Full Motion Signs as defined in Section 17.38.030.
- Signs mimicking Traffic Signal Signs and Governmental Signs.
- Signs with obscene material as defined in SDCL 22-24-27(11).
- Unshielded or excessively bright Lit or Illuminated Signs that exceed the standards set forth in subsection 17.38.060.I.
- Signs placed in a location which creates a traffic or pedestrian hazard.
- Billboard Signs.
- Merchandise intended to be used as permanent signage (except temporarily displayed merchandise that complies with Custer Municipal Code Section 12.04.040E).
- Signs in the Floodway, except for approved Governmental Signs.
- Signs that are not explicitly allowed by this chapter are subject to review and approval of the Planning Office and/or City Council.
- Signs shall not overhang into or be placed in any dedicated public right-of-way except as allowed by the governmental entity having jurisdiction.
- Signs shall not overhang or extend over any adjacent property without documented written approval from the respective property owner.
- No sign shall obstruct the visual clearance triangle at road or street intersections.
- All sign structures shall display a message; failure to display a message for thirty (30) consecutive days shall result in corrective action.
- Signs must be maintained in good repair to prevent deterioration, damage, decay, and/or abandonment.
Exempt Signs in Custer
- Campaign signs during a relevant local, state, or federal election timeframe are exempt from the requirements of this Chapter and are subject to South Dakota Codified Law.
- Permanent and temporary signs placed by a Federal, State, or Local government are exempt from permitting requirements if they do not pose a safety hazard.
- Temporary signs on private property meeting the definition of 'Temporary Sign' do not require a sign permit, subject to other general and prohibited sign requirements.
- Sign benches are allowed without a permit in designated districts, subject to placement requirements.
- A-Frame Signs (one per business, under size limit) are allowed in all zone districts without a permit.
- Murals are allowed without a permit (subject to content and zone rules).
- Banners not exceeding 30 square feet associated with a regional or community event are allowed with City Planner permission and no more than 7 days before or 3 days after an event.
- One feather flag per business is allowed in certain districts without a permit if proper placement agreements are met.
- Flags (≤15 sq ft and ≤25 ft height) are allowed in all zone districts.
- Window signs mounted to the interior portion of a window are allowed in all zone districts.
- Identification sign for housing development (up to 100 sq ft per entrance in subdivisions of >5 lots or manufactured housing community) is allowed without a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Custer
- No explicit requirement of a master sign plan, general sign plan, or variance meeting is specified within this ordinance chapter. The variance process follows Custer Municipal Code 17.48.
- Signs not explicitly allowed by the ordinance are subject to review and approval of the Planning Office and/or City Council.
- Signs that require both a sign permit and a building permit include those over 100 square feet, monument signs, roof-mounted signs (which also require engineered plans for wind and snow loads), and lit/electronic signs.