Sign Regulations in Salem, South Dakota
Salem, South Dakota has specific sign regulations covering 23 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, ≤9 sq ft), Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, >9 sq ft up to 200 sq ft), Wall, Roof, or Projecting Sign (Permanent). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Salem, South Dakota
Sample Sign Requirements in Salem
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Permanent - Single-Family Dwelling or Attached Dwelling) | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent - Single-Family Dwelling or Attached Dwelling) | 2 ft | 2 sq ft | — |
| Wall Sign (Permanent - Multiple-Family Dwelling) | — | 10 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
23
- Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, ≤9 sq ft)
- Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, >9 sq ft up to 200 sq ft)
- Wall, Roof, or Projecting Sign (Permanent)
- Freestanding Sign (Permanent)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Salem
Other Cities in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
In Salem, monument signs are limited to 2 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 Salem, 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 Salem, regulated sign types include Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, ≤9 sq ft), Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, >9 sq ft up to 200 sq ft), Wall, Roof, or Projecting Sign (Permanent), Freestanding Sign (Permanent), 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 Salem 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 Salem are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Salem has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Salem, South Dakota Sign Rules at a Glance
Salem, South Dakota regulates 23 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Permanent - Single-Family Dwelling or Attached Dwelling)s in the R-1, R-2 zoning district are capped at 2 ft tall and 2 sq ft (Sec. 11.06(F)(2)). Most commercial signs in Salem require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Salem, South Dakota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Salem (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-1, R-2 | 14 | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| NRC | 4 | 6 ft | 200 sq ft (cumulative per lot) | — |
| CB | 4 | 18 ft | 200 sq ft (cumulative) | — |
| GB | 4 | 30 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| LI, HI | 5 | 5 ft (freestanding) | 200 sq ft or larger | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | Adequate height not to interfere with pedestrians and vehicles | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Salem(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
R-1, R-2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent - Single-Family Dwelling or Attached Dwelling) | 2 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot plus 1 per approved home occupation | On each lot with a single-family detached dwelling or single-family attached dwelling; one additional per approved home occupation. | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(2) |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent - Multiple-Family Dwelling) | 6 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(4)b |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent - Multiple-Family Dwelling Unit w/ Exterior Access) | 2 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per unit plus 1 per unit with approved home occupation | Per dwelling unit with immediate exterior access; one additional per unit if home occupation. | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(4)c |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent - Not Containing Dwelling, Manufactured Home Park, House of Worship, School) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(7)b |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Permanent - Manufactured Home Park Individual Space) | 2 ft for Freestanding | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per space plus 1 per approved home occupation | 1 per manufactured home space; 1 additional per approved home occupation | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(3)a |
| Freestanding or Wall Sign (Permanent - Manufactured Home Park Entrance) | 6 ft (freestanding only) | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to manufactured home park | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(3)b |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, ≤9 sq ft) | 4 ft (freestanding only) | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 permanent; 2 extra for special event; 1 extra for sale/lease/rent | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(G)(3)a |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, >9 sq ft up to 32 sq ft) | 4 ft (freestanding only) | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(G)(2)a |
NRC
| 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 (Permanent, Not Containing Dwelling, House of Worship, School) | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per principal building | 1 per principal building | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(6)a |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent, Not Containing Dwelling, House of Worship, School) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(6)b |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, ≤9 sq ft) | 5 ft (freestanding only) | 9 sq ft | — | — | 2 per lot; 2 more for special event; 1 more for sale/lease/rent | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(G)(3)b |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, >9 sq ft up to 200 sq ft) | — | 200 sq ft (cumulative per lot) | — | If >9 sq ft, must be at least 10 ft from all lot lines | 2 per lot | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(G)(2)b |
LI, HI
| 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, Roof, or Projecting Sign (Permanent) | — | — | — | — | — | Attached to building/structure | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(10)a |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent) | — | — | — | — | 1 per street frontage; if frontage ≥ 200 ft, then 2 | Freestanding; per street frontage | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(10)b |
| Freestanding or Wall Sign (≥ 200 sq ft) | — | 200 sq ft or larger | — | At least 500 ft from residential district or another large sign | — | — | — | Unlock | 11.06(F)(10)c |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, ≤9 sq ft) | 5 ft (freestanding) | 9 sq ft (single sign); up to 200 sq ft total (per lot, for temp signs per year) | — | — | 2 per lot; 2 more for special event; 1 for sale/lease/rent | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(G)(3)b |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Temporary, >9 sq ft up to 200 sq ft) | — | 200 sq ft (cumulative per lot) | — | If >9 sq ft, must be at least 10 ft from all lot lines | 2 per lot | Per lot | — | Unlock | 11.06(G)(2)b |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Salem — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Salem — start freeProhibited Signs in Salem
- No sign may be erected, altered, or relocated without first obtaining a permit from the city, unless specifically exempted.
- Signs that imitate an official traffic sign or signal or that are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination that may be reasonably confused with or construed as a traffic control device are prohibited.
- Signs attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, streetlights, street signs, or otherwise placed on any public property or within the public right-of-way are prohibited (with exception for signs integrated into support structure by design).
- Signs which obstruct any required ingress or egress from a building or structure are prohibited.
- Abandoned signs are prohibited.
- Signs placed on vehicles or trailers which are parked or otherwise located on a lot for the primary purpose of displaying the signs are prohibited.
- Any sign that is not protected by either federal or state law, or otherwise allowed by the ordinance, is prohibited.
- Except as required by law, no sign may be displayed without the consent of the legal owner of the lot on which the sign is located.
- Except as required by law or otherwise permitted by the city, any sign installed or placed on public property shall be deemed illegal and subject to confiscation as a nuisance.
- No wall or projecting sign may project over the public right-of-way or sidewalk unless the building is less than five feet from the right-of-way or sidewalk, and even then, the sign must be placed at an adequate height not to interfere with pedestrians, traffic, or snow removal.
- No temporary sign may be illuminated in any manner.
- Any permanent sign not constructed of permanent materials, not permanently attached, not maintained in a safe and legible condition, or not able to withstand a wind load of 30 pounds per square foot is prohibited and may be declared a nuisance.
- Unsafe, unlawful, or abandoned signs are declared a nuisance and must be remedied.
Exempt Signs in Salem
- Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like, of permanent-type construction and made an integral part of the building structure.
- Street address, street name, and/or building identification signs necessary for first responders to locate the building, structure, or lot for emergency response.
- Signs located entirely inside of a building or other enclosed place.
- Signs affixed to or painted on a display window.
- Signs erected by the city or other governmental entity.
- Signs regulated, approved, or otherwise required by federal or state agencies, including, but not limited to, historical marker signs and official traffic control devices.
- Holiday lights and decorations displayed during the appropriate time of year.
- National, state, or historical flags or their emblem or insignia.
- Maintenance of legally permitted signs or signs existing prior to the effective date is allowed and exempt from permits, as long as like-for-like material, color, and design are used (repair, replacement, maintenance).
- Temporary signs that meet certain criteria by zone/size/duration as specified in section 11.06(G)(3) do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Salem
- There is no direct reference to a required 'master sign plan' or a sign plan required for all signage in all zones.
- Permit applications require submission of forms and information sufficient for complete review, but no mention of a required comprehensive sign plan or planning commission hearing in the general sign ordinance.
- If a conditional use permit, building permit, or other permit has already been issued pursuant to this chapter, the applicant is not required to obtain a sign permit for the sign until such time as the sign is altered or changed from its depiction on the plans used to approve the permit.
Source: municode municipal code