Sioux Falls, SD Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)
Key Facts
- Shielding required
- Must not affect neighboring premises or drivers
- Blinking/flashing
- Prohibited
- Message change rate
- No faster than every 6 seconds
- Animation
- Prohibited; message must be static
- Default penalty
- Up to $500 fine / 30 days jail
Summary
Sioux Falls requires off-premises sign (billboard) illumination to be shielded from neighboring property and bans blinking or flashing lights, limiting electronic message changes to six-second intervals.
(i) 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 safe vision of operators of vehicles on public or private roads. (j) Blinking or flashing lights are prohibited. Electronic message signs are permitted. The message shall be static; animation is prohibited. The frequency of message change shall be not less than six- (6-) second intervals.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-135: Current through local ordinance 54-26, passed 7-14-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the zoning code's off-premises sign standards, light from any illuminated billboard must be shielded, shaded, or directed so it doesn't adversely affect surrounding or facing premises or a driver's safe vision on public or private roads. Blinking or flashing lights are prohibited outright; electronic message billboards are allowed but the message must be static, with no animation, and changes no more frequent than every six seconds. Off-premises signs are only permitted in designated zoning forms and must also hold a sign permit through the Planning and Building Services Department.
Violations & Fines
Violating the shielding, blinking/flashing, or message-frequency rules is a Code violation; absent a specific penalty, § 10.999 sets a fine up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in the county jail, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Sioux Falls billboard use LED animation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sioux Falls
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