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Outdoor Lighting in Lincoln County, SD (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Lincoln County, South Dakota.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Lincoln County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Light Trespass & Shielding

Lincoln County's zoning code requires illuminated signs and billboards to be shielded, shaded, or directed so their light does not adversely affect surrounding or facing properties, under County Code § 154.320(A). The same section separately bars blinking, flashing, or pulsating sign lighting within 300 feet of any residential district, protecting nearby homes from glare and light trespass.

Lincoln County, SD Sign Light Trespass Rule

Some Restrictions

Lincoln County Code § 154.320(A)

§ 154.320 ILLUMINATION. Regulations regarding the illumination of signs shall be as follows. (A) Shading. The light from any illuminated sign or billboard shall be so shielded, shaded, or directed so that the light intensity shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises or safe vision of operators of vehicles on public or private roads.

Billboard Lighting

Off-premises signs, the billboards Lincoln County allows in its C, I-1, and I-2 commercial and industrial districts, must have their light shielded, shaded, or directed so it does not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises or blind drivers, under County Code § 154.336(B)(6). Billboards in the A-1 and RC districts cannot be illuminated at all.

Lincoln County, SD Billboard Lighting Rule

Some Restrictions

Lincoln County Code § 154.336(B)(6)

(B) The following regulations shall apply to off-premises signs in the C, I-1, and I-2 Districts: ... (6) The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shielded, shaded, or directed so that the light intensity shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises or the safe vision of operators of vehicles on public roads.

All Lincoln County ordinances

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