Sign Regulations in Whitewood, South Dakota
Whitewood, South Dakota has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Roof Sign, Pole Sign, Billboard. 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 Whitewood, South Dakota
Sample Sign Requirements in Whitewood
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Sign | 24 feet above roof level; shall not exceed height limit of zoning district | — | — |
| Pole Sign | — | 30 square feet | 10 feet from street right-of-way; 5 feet from other property line |
| Billboard | 20 feet above ground level | 50 feet length max | At least front yard depth; increase 0.5 ft per sq ft over 100 ft² (max 300 ft); 100 ft min from Residential District |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
20
- Roof Sign
- Pole Sign
- Billboard
- Wall Sign (Advertising only for use on premises)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
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 Whitewood 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 Whitewood, 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 Whitewood, regulated sign types include Roof Sign, Pole Sign, Billboard, Wall Sign (Advertising only for use on premises), 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 Whitewood 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 Whitewood are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Whitewood has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Whitewood, South Dakota Sign Rules at a Glance
Whitewood, South Dakota regulates 20 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Billboards in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 20 feet above ground level tall and 50 feet length max, with a At least front yard depth; increase 0.5 ft per sq ft over 100 ft² (max 300 ft); 100 ft min from Residential District setback (Sec. § 155.064(A)(4), (6), § 151.006). Most commercial signs in Whitewood require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Whitewood, South Dakota
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Whitewood (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | 24 feet above roof level; shall not exceed height limit of zoning district | 150 square feet | — |
| Residential Districts | 3 | — | 30 square feet | — |
| Commercial/Industrial District | 4 | — | No less than 50 sq ft per property | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Whitewood
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Sign | 24 feet above roof level; shall not exceed height limit of zoning district | — | — | — | — | On roof, clear space of at least 6 feet between roof level and lowest part of sign; no projection beyond exterior wall | — | Unlock | § 155.064(A)(5), § 151.006 |
| Pole Sign | — | 30 square feet | — | 10 feet from street right-of-way; 5 feet from other property line | — | At least 10 feet from street right-of-way, at least 5 feet from other property line | — | Unlock | § 155.064(A)(13), § 151.006 |
| Billboard | 20 feet above ground level | 50 feet length max | — | At least front yard depth; increase 0.5 ft per sq ft over 100 ft² (max 300 ft); 100 ft min from Residential District | — | — | — | Unlock | § 155.064(A)(4), (6), § 151.006 |
| Parking Area Entrance/Exit Sign | — | 2 square feet (entrance/exit identification); 9 square feet (conditions of use) | — | — | One entrance/exit sign per entrance/exit; one conditions of use sign per lot | On parking area (entrance/exit and conditions of use) | — | Unlock | § 155.064(D)(1) |
| For Sale/For Rent Sign | — | 4 square feet (typical); up to 200 square feet (larger properties) | — | 20 feet from street line | One per property | On premises for sale/rent; may be ground or wall sign | — | Unlock | § 155.064(D)(2) |
| Real Estate Subdivision Sign | — | 100 square feet | — | Not in required yard | One per subdivision | On property being advertised; not in required yard | — | Unlock | § 155.064(D)(3) |
| Construction Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | One per lot | On lot under construction | — | Unlock | § 155.064(D)(4) |
| Special Event Sign | — | 24 square feet (event sign); 3 square feet (directional) | — | — | One event sign per event; multiple directional possible | On site of special event (main sign); directional signs off-site | — | Unlock | § 155.064(D)(6) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate (Single-family/Multi-family Dwelling) | — | 2 square feet | — | — | One per dwelling unit | On dwelling unit | — | Unlock | § 155.064(B)(1) |
| Identification Sign (Multi-family and Group Dwelling) | — | 9 square feet | — | — | One per building | On principal building | — | Unlock | § 155.064(B)(2) |
| Bulletin Board/Identification Sign (Church, School, Public Building) | — | 30 square feet | — | At least half of required setback from property line | One per street frontage | Church, School, or Public Building property | — | Unlock | § 155.064(B)(3) |
Commercial/Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulletin Board / Identification Sign (Public Recreation/Community/Medical Facilities) | — | 20 square feet | — | — | — | On property for permitted use | — | Unlock | § 155.064(C)(1) |
| Pole Sign (Gasoline Service Station) | — | 30 square feet per sign | — | — | 2 pole signs per site | On gasoline service station property | — | Unlock | § 155.064(C)(2) |
| Business Signs (Gasoline Service Station) | — | — | — | — | — | On gasoline service station property | — | Unlock | § 155.064(C)(2) |
| Business Signs (All Other Permitted Principal Uses) | — | No less than 50 sq ft per property | — | Not closer than half the required setback | — | Mounted on buildings or on permanent sign display devices affixed to ground | — | Unlock | § 155.064(C)(4) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Whitewood are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Whitewood
- No unauthorized person shall erect or maintain, upon any highway, any warning or direction sign, marker, signals, or light in imitation of any official sign, marker, signal, or light.
- No person shall erect or maintain, upon any highway, any traffic or highway sign or signal bearing any commercial advertising.
- No person shall willfully deface, injure, move, obstruct, or interfere with any official traffic sign or signal.
- No person shall deface, remove, change, mar, interfere with, or obliterate, wholly or in part, any sign, signboard, or card lawfully placed by the city or any person.
- No sign, awning, or display shall be suspended, hanged, or placed to hang over any part of a street or sidewalk used for vehicular or pedestrian travel unless a permit is granted.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained where its position, wording, illumination, size, shape, or color may obstruct or interfere with the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic-control sign, signal, or device.
- No sign shall be erected to obstruct or physically interfere with the driver's view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic.
- No illuminated sign where the light source moves or is not of constant intensity and color, or where any light bulb can shine directly into the eyes of a vehicle occupant, or into a residence window within 300 feet, or interferes with traffic signs or devices.
- No illuminated sign is permitted within 50 feet of a Residential District unless it does not shine or reflect light onto such property.
- No advertising sign shall be located in any area designated by the Common Council as one of scenic beauty or historical interest.
- No building walls shall be used for advertising except for advertising pertaining to the use on the premises.
- No sign shall be suspended across public streets or other public places except as permitted by the Common Council.
- No sign shall be placed in any public right-of-way except publicly-owned signs (e.g., traffic or directional signs).
- All signs overhanging sidewalks must be at least nine feet above the sidewalk and may not extend over sidewalk more than two-thirds its width, or ten feet total.
- No flashing or intermittent illumination signs in Residential Districts.
- Billboards and other advertising structures are prohibited in Residential Districts.
- Unsafe or unlawful signs must be made to conform or removed within ten days of written notification by the Building Inspector.
Exempt Signs in Whitewood
- Nothing in § 73.03 prohibits signs, markers, or signals erected by organizations authorized by the Common Council.
- Utility fixtures and holiday decorations are exempt from permit requirements for overhanging streets or sidewalks.
- Signs established by, or by order of, any governmental agency are permitted in any district.
- Non-illuminated "For Sale" or "For Rent" signs (up to 4 sq.ft.), with allowances for larger lots, are permitted in any district under specified conditions.
- Real estate subdivision signs (up to 100 sq.ft.) for approved subdivisions are permitted under specified conditions.
- Construction or development signs (up to 12 sq.ft.) are permitted while construction is actively underway.
- For each permitted or required parking area with capacity over four cars, certain non-illuminating entrance/exit and condition-of-use signs are permitted.
- One sign for special events of public interest (up to 24 sq.ft.) on the site of the event, with removal timing, plus small directional signs (up to 3 sq.ft.).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Whitewood
- Permits must be obtained for signs, awnings, or displays suspended, hanged, or placed over streets or sidewalks; applications are made to and approved by the City Maintenance Superintendent or Street Commissioner.
- Permits and fees for signs are regulated by § 150.006.
- Any sign not conforming to code or declared unsafe by the Building Inspector must be corrected or removed within ten days of notice.