Rapid City, SD Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Brightness cap
- 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light
- Dimming requirement
- Automatic ambient-light dimming technology
- Directional duty
- Light shielded away from adjacent property
- Digital billboard limit
- Static copy only, no full motion
- Governing sections
- §§ 17.50.080N, 17.50.090C
Summary
Off-premises signs (billboards) in Rapid City must direct light away from adjacent properties and traffic under § 17.50.090C, and any internally illuminated or digital sign face must carry automatic dimming technology capped at 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light under § 17.50.080N.
N. Sign brightness. 1. Any sign that is internally illuminated, or which displays electronic variable messages through light emitting diodes, liquid crystal display, plasma image display, or any other light emitting mechanism must be equipped with automatic dimming technology that automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based upon ambient light conditions. The brightness level for signs shall not exceed a brightness level of 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured using a foot candle (Lux) meter at a preset distance depending on sign area. ... ... C. Lighting of off-premises signs. In addition to any applicable requirements of § 17.50.080N., the light from any light source intended to illuminate an off-premises sign, shall be so shaded, shielded, directed or of such an intensity that the brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises, nor adversely affect safe vision of pedestrians or operators of vehicles moving on public or private streets, driveways or parking areas.
Full Breakdown
Rapid City regulates billboard lighting through two linked provisions of its sign code. 080N already requires. 3 foot-candles above ambient light. 3 foot-candles or less. 080O and may not show full motion video, with static copy changeable no more often than every 8 seconds.
Violations & Fines
A billboard whose lighting spills onto adjacent property or impairs drivers' vision violates § 17.50.090C, and one whose internally illuminated face exceeds the 0.3-foot-candle brightness differential violates § 17.50.080N. Either violation lets the Building Official declare the sign unlawful under § 17.50.080C, order it corrected or removed at the owner's expense, and pursue the general penalty under § 1.12.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
How bright can a Rapid City billboard be at night?
Does Rapid City limit which direction billboard lighting can point?
Can a digital billboard in Rapid City show video?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
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