Sign Regulations in Spearfish, South Dakota
Spearfish, South Dakota has specific sign regulations covering 13 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign, Permanent Sign, Temporary Sign (General). 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 Spearfish, South Dakota
Sample Sign Requirements in Spearfish
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Signs (General) | Not to exceed 35 feet from grade to highest portion (for freestanding signs); at street intersections in visibility triangle max 2.5 ft height, post-supported signs require 10 ft minimum clearance above grade | — | — |
| Temporary Sign - General | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — |
| Directional/Informational Church Signs | — | 720 sq in (5 sq ft) per sign, each side | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
13
- Temporary Sign
- Permanent Sign
- Temporary Sign (General)
- Permanent Signs (General)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
10
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Spearfish vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Spearfish, 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 Spearfish, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign, Permanent Sign, Temporary Sign (General), Permanent Signs (General), 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 Spearfish 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 Spearfish are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Spearfish has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Spearfish, South Dakota Sign Rules at a Glance
Spearfish, South Dakota regulates 13 sign types across 10 zoning districts. Permanent Sign - Wall or Freestandings in the Central Commercial (C-1), Highway Service Commercial (C-2), Commercial Office (C-3), Light Restrictive Industrial (I-LR), Heavy Industrial (I-H), Airport (APZ), Development Review District (DRD commercial outside Central Core zoning) zoning district are capped at Not to exceed 35 ft (freestanding signs) tall and 150 sq ft per sign (Sec. §156.065(D), Table 2, (6)). Most commercial signs in Spearfish require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Spearfish, South Dakota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Spearfish (10 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | Not to exceed 35 feet from grade to highest portion (for freestanding signs); at street intersections in visibility triangle max 2.5 ft height, post-supported signs require 10 ft minimum clearance above grade | — | — |
| Public right-of-way | 2 | — | 720 sq in (5 sq ft) per sign, each side | — |
| CC Central Core (CC), Central Core (CC) | 2 | — | 32 sq ft per sign (private property); 6 sq ft per sign (public ROW, but not permitted in CC Central Core) | — |
| Central Commercial (C-1), Highway Service Commercial (C-2), Commercial Office (C-3), Light Restrictive Industrial (I-LR), Heavy Industrial (I-H), Airport (APZ), Development Review District (DRD commercial outside Central Core zoning) | 3 | Not to exceed 35 ft (freestanding signs) | 150 sq ft per sign | — |
| DRD nonresidential | 2 | — | 100 sq ft per street frontage for all signs (allocated to each individual tenant) | — |
| DRD multi-family residential, R-3, AG | 2 | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
| AG, RLS-1, R-1, R-2, DRD one and two family residential | 1 | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — |
| Residential zoning districts, Residential District (RLS-1, R-1, R-2, R-3, DRD residential) | 2 | — | 32 sq ft per sign | — |
| Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts (CC, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-LR, I-H, APZ) | 2 | 35 ft (for freestanding signs) | 150 sq ft per sign | — |
| Nonresidential zoning districts | 1 | — | 100 sq ft per street frontage for all signs | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Spearfish(sample of 3 of 10 zones)
Public right-of-way
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign - General | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 sign (general); 2 signs (60 days before, 48 hrs after an election) except not permitted in CC Central Core | Public rights-of-way; must not impede sidewalks or streets; permission of property owner maintaining street frontage required. | — | Unlock | §156.065(C), Table 1 |
| Directional/Informational Church Signs | — | 720 sq in (5 sq ft) per sign, each side | — | — | 2 per church | Public right-of-way | — | Unlock | §153.033 |
Central Commercial (C-1), Highway Service Commercial (C-2), Commercial Office (C-3), Light Restrictive Industrial (I-LR), Heavy Industrial (I-H), Airport (APZ), Development Review District (DRD commercial outside Central Core zoning)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | — | 32 sq ft per sign (private property) | — | — | 1 per lot/unit (general); 2 per lot/unit near elections | Private property | — | Unlock | §156.065(C), Table 1 |
| Permanent Sign - Wall or Freestanding | Not to exceed 35 ft (freestanding signs) | 150 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per street frontage | On private property | — | Unlock | §156.065(D), Table 2, (6) |
| Permanent Monument Sign (for >10,000 sq ft bldgs) | 20 ft | Per formula (see previous), example: 75 ft × 2 = 150 × 1.2 = 180 sq ft | — | — | — | On private property, within landscape setting | — | Unlock | §156.065(D)(6)-(7) |
Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts (CC, C-1, C-2, C-3, I-LR, I-H, APZ)
| 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 (Wall/Freestanding, <10,000 sq ft bldgs) | 35 ft (for freestanding signs) | 150 sq ft per sign | — | — | 2 per street frontage | On private property | — | Unlock | §156.065(D), Table 2, (6)-(7) |
| Permanent Monument/Wall Sign (bldgs 10,000 sq ft+) | 20 ft | Per formula (e.g., 75 x 2 x 1.2 = 180 sq ft) | — | — | — | On private property, in landscaped setting | — | Unlock | §156.065(D)(6)-(7) |
PermitPal covers all 10 zoning districts in Spearfish — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 10 zones for Spearfish — start freeProhibited Signs in Spearfish
- No sign may be attached to a tree, utility pole or box, vending machine, benches, street fixtures/furnishings or other unapproved structure.
- No flashing or blinking light may be used to display a message or image or be used during the change from one message or image to another.
- No such illuminated sign may interfere with the traveled way of streets or obscure traffic signs or devices.
- Illuminated signs containing flashing, intermitting or moving light that interfere with the traveled way of streets or obscure traffic signs or devices are prohibited.
- Signs that constitute pedestrian or vehicular traffic hazards or which could be confused with any governmental regulatory, directional or warning sign are prohibited.
- Signs with moving parts; signs and logos printed on or attached to a moving surface (does not include images and text painted on the body of a licensed motor vehicle) are prohibited.
- Tethered, airborne devices located within the required front setback are prohibited.
- No sign may contain obscene or pornographic imagery or language.
- No person shall place, maintain or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal.
- No person shall place or maintain nor shall any public authority permit upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising.
Exempt Signs in Spearfish
- Changing the sign face or the copy or message on signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy.
- Painting, repainting, cleaning or minor maintenance of a sign provided that no structural alteration is made.
- Signs placed on the interior side of a building window.
- A flag, pennant or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political unit.
- Signs placed by a governmental agency on property owned or regulated by that agency.
- Commemorative plaques placed by recognized historical agencies and commissions.
- Signs which can be viewed only from within the confines of a structure, or other clearly defined space or location where legibility of the sign is not possible from a public street.
- Notwithstanding any ordinance or zoning regulation to the contrary, each church located within the city shall be allowed to use the public right-of-way to place two directional and informational signs not exceeding 720 square inches per sign on each side. No fee or permit is required for such sign.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Spearfish
- All requests for a sign permit, when required, must provide a complete application form, drawn information that depicts dimensions and location of sign(s), plus any necessary details required to correctly identify the sign being issued a permit.
- Permit fees as established by resolution of the City Council are required for all sign permits.
- Applicants requesting to place a sign on a public sidewalk in the Central Core (CC zoning) must apply for a sign permit and submit a copy of their certificate of commercial liability insurance policy with the city listed as an additional insured.
- A footing design must be submitted for freestanding signs taller than 15 feet measured from grade at the bottom of the support, to the highest part of the sign. The footing design may require a professional engineer’s design, at the discretion of the Building Official.
- For conditional use permit or nonresidential use within a residential zoning district, Planning Commission approval is required for signs greater than 3 square feet (up to 32 square feet).