Sign Regulations in Oldham, South Dakota
Oldham, South Dakota has specific sign regulations covering 15 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Off-site Contractor Sign, On-site Sign (Freestanding, Projecting, Portable, or Wall), On-site Identification 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 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Oldham, South Dakota
Sample Sign Requirements in Oldham
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-site Sign (Freestanding, Projecting, Portable, or Wall) | 30 feet | 18 square feet (with max 2 sq ft extraneous advertising matter) | — |
| On-site Identification Sign | — | 2 square feet | — |
| Off-site Contractor Sign | 5 feet | 6 square feet | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
15
- Off-site Contractor Sign
- On-site Sign (Freestanding, Projecting, Portable, or Wall)
- On-site Identification Sign
- On-site Identification Sign (Churches, Chapels, Public and Quasi-public Buildings for Cultural Use)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Oldham, wall signs can be up to 30 feet and monument signs are limited to 30 feet. 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 Oldham, 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 Oldham, regulated sign types include Off-site Contractor Sign, On-site Sign (Freestanding, Projecting, Portable, or Wall), On-site Identification Sign, On-site Identification Sign (Churches, Chapels, Public and Quasi-public Buildings for Cultural Use), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Oldham vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Oldham are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Oldham has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Oldham, South Dakota Sign Rules at a Glance
Oldham, South Dakota regulates 15 sign types across 4 zoning districts. On-site Sign (Freestanding, Projecting, Portable, or Wall)s in the Agricultural Districts zoning district are capped at 30 feet tall and 18 square feet (with max 2 sq ft extraneous advertising matter) (Sec. § 153.03 (A) (1)-(4)). Most commercial signs in Oldham require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Oldham, South Dakota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Oldham (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Districts | 3 | 30 feet | 18 square feet (with max 2 sq ft extraneous advertising matter) | — |
| Residential Districts | 5 | 5 feet | 20 square feet | — |
| Commercial Districts | 2 | 50 feet | 200 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 8 feet | 312 square inches | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Oldham(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Agricultural Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-site Sign (Freestanding, Projecting, Portable, or Wall) | 30 feet | 18 square feet (with max 2 sq ft extraneous advertising matter) | — | — | — | Entirely on the premises; no part of the sign may extend past the property line | — | Unlock | § 153.03 (A) (1)-(4) |
| On-site Identification Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | Entirely on the premises | — | Unlock | § 153.03 (A) (5) |
| Off-site Contractor Sign | 5 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | — | On an agricultural lot only while contractor is working at that lot | — | Unlock | § 153.03 (B) (1) |
Residential Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-site Sign (Freestanding, Projecting, Portable, or Wall) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | Entirely on the premises | — | Unlock | § 153.04 (A) (1)-(2) |
| On-site Identification Sign (Churches, Chapels, Public and Quasi-public Buildings for Cultural Use) | — | 20 square feet | — | — | — | Entirely on the premises | — | Unlock | § 153.04 (A) (2) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 1 square foot | — | — | — | Flat against building | — | Unlock | § 153.04 (A) (3) |
| On-site Real Estate Sign | — | 6 square feet | — | — | — | Entirely on the lot; not in the right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 153.04 (A) (4) |
| Off-site Contractor Sign | 5 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | — | On a residential lot only while contractor is working at that lot | — | Unlock | § 153.04 (B) (1) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| 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 | — | — | — | — | — | May be located anywhere on the wall of a building | — | Unlock | § 154.53 (B)(2)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Shall not project over public property | — | Unlock | § 154.53 (B)(2)(b) |
| Temporary Sign (for public/private institutions, educational, cultural, religious, recreational use) | 8 feet | 60 square feet | — | — | — | On-premises or off-premises | — | Unlock | § 154.53 (B)(2)(c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Corner Location) | — | — | — | — | — | Corner of two intersecting streets | — | Unlock | § 154.53 (B)(2)(d) |
| Sign (Over public street/sidewalk) | — | — | — | — | — | Hung, suspended, or placed over street or sidewalk used for vehicle or pedestrian travel | — | Unlock | § 154.53 (B)(2)(f) |
| Political Sign (Vacant lot, non-residential zone, on-site advertising use only) | — | 32 square feet | — | — | — | On their own rented or leased space of a vacant lot in use zone allowing on-site advertising, not in residential zoning | — | Unlock | § 153.07 (A)(1) |
| Political Sign (Boulevard/right-of-way, adjacent to private property) | — | 312 square inches | — | — | — | Private property or in the boulevard area of the street right-of-way adjacent to private property | — | Unlock | § 153.07 (A)(2) |
| Political Sign (Vehicle or Trailer) | — | 32 square feet | — | — | — | Placed in a vehicle or on a trailer parked on public streets and parking lots (not in residential zoning) | — | Unlock | § 153.07 (A)(3) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Oldham — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Oldham — start freeProhibited Signs in Oldham
- All signs must comply with the standards in the ordinance regardless of character or message content.
- Signs may not create a hazard due to collapse, decay or lack of maintenance.
- Signs may not be placed so that they become a traffic hazard by impairing driver visibility at intersections, driveways, or for pedestrians, obstacles or other vehicles.
- Signs may not be confusing to motorists or hinder their ability to see and interpret any official traffic sign, signal, or device.
- Unsafe and abandoned signs or banners must be removed or brought into compliance within five calendar days after notice from the Finance Office.
- No signs shall be erected that create a nuisance to persons using the public right-of-way.
- No signs shall be erected that constitute or create a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by brightness, size, height, appearance, or purpose.
- No private sign may be erected or maintained which creates a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay, or abandonment.
- No private sign may confuse or distract motorists, impair visibility for drivers, or mimic/obstruct official traffic controls.
- No sign, awning, or display may be suspended or placed to hang over any part of a street or sidewalk used for vehicular or pedestrian travel, unless a written application for a permit is made and granted.
- Freestanding signs may not project over public property.
- It is unlawful to willfully deface, injure, move, obstruct, or interfere with any official traffic sign or signal.
- It is unlawful to place or maintain or display upon or in view of any street any unofficial sign, signal or device which resembles or imitates any official traffic sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic.
Exempt Signs in Oldham
- Governmental agencies may place informational, directional, and traffic signs within their own jurisdiction as deemed necessary.
- Temporary road construction and warning signs approved by the State Department of Transportation or the City Council are allowed.
- Temporary signs for public or private institutions, schools, nonprofit membership organizations, and philanthropic institutions that are educational, cultural, religious or recreational in nature may display temporary on-premises or off-premises signs without a permit, provided: (1) size does not exceed 60 square feet; (2) height does not exceed eight feet.
- Utility fixtures or holiday decorations are exempt from the requirement against hanging signs/displays over street or sidewalk.
- Official notices issued by a court or in connection with public duty, and bulletin boards for meetings held on the premises, are not considered 'billboards' or restricted as such.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Oldham
- No explicit requirement for a master sign plan, sign plan, or variance meeting in the provided ordinance text. Permits may be required for signs projected over streets or sidewalks.