Lighting Regulations in Winner, South Dakota: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Winner, South Dakota, established in 1909 when the Chicago North Western Railroad expanded westward, has grown from a strategic railroad hub into a vibrant community of approximately 2,800 residents. The city serves as a regional center for surrounding rural areas, balancing growth with preservation of its small-town atmosphere.

Winner's approach to lighting regulations reflects its practical, community-oriented values and commitment to sustainability. Though the city doesn't have designated historical districts, its regulations aim to support both functionality and maintaining the character that makes Winner special.

Let's explore the specific lighting requirements that property owners and businesses in Winner should know about.

Quick Reference Guide

• Security Lighting Costs: $7.47 per light per month (effective January 2023)
• Commercial Buildings: Vacant properties must maintain lit interiors at night
• Off-Street Parking: Lighting must be directed away from residential areas
• Property Numbers: Must be visible at night
• Airport Areas: Lighting cannot interfere with pilot visibility or airport operations
• Telecommunications Towers: Cannot be artificially lit unless required by FAA
• Ball Fields: Organizations must submit schedules to use city-provided lighting

Residential Property Requirements

Address Visibility Requirements

All properties in Winner must display address numbers in a manner that makes them visible at night as well as daylight. This seemingly simple requirement serves an important public safety function, allowing emergency services to quickly locate properties when responding to calls.

Trees and Lighting Obstructions

The city maintains the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property that obstructs the view of street lighting. This ensures adequate illumination of public areas for safety and security purposes.

• Property owners should monitor vegetation that might block street lights
• Proactive trimming can prevent city intervention
• This regulation helps maintain visibility and safety throughout Winner

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Vacant Commercial Buildings

Winner has specific regulations to ensure vacant commercial properties don't become eyesores or security risks:

• Commercial buildings showing evidence of vacancy must be maintained to appear occupied
• This includes maintaining a lit interior at night with the first floor easily visible to law enforcement
• The lighting requirement can be satisfied using battery-operated string lighting
• This measure helps maintain downtown vitality and security

Parking Area Illumination

When lighting off-street parking areas, property owners must ensure that:

• Lighting is arranged to reflect away from adjoining premises in any R District
• This prevents light trespass into residential areas
• Thoughtful fixture placement and shielding may be necessary to comply

Cannabis Dispensaries

Cannabis dispensaries in Winner face additional requirements:

• Must submit a comprehensive site plan that includes a lighting plan
• Security lighting must be specifically addressed in this plan
• This ensures proper security measures are in place

City-Managed Lighting Systems

Ball Field Lighting

Winner provides electrical power to lights at several recreational facilities:

• Leahy Bowl
• Softball complex
• McDonald's and Bailey Park

Organizations wishing to use these lighting systems must:

• Submit a schedule of games and practice sessions to the City Finance Officer
• Make arrangements for access to the locked electrical system
• Follow procedures determined by the City Council

Airport Lighting

The city furnishes and maintains all exterior lighting at the airport. The Airport Manager has specific duties:

• Check airport lighting at least once weekly
• Ensure runway lighting systems are in good working order
• Verify all light bulbs, fixtures, and markers are functioning properly
• Replace burned-out bulbs promptly (supplied by the city)
• Make minor repairs and notify the city of major repair needs
• Analyze lighting system performance and recommend improvements

Special Use Lighting Considerations

Telecommunications Facilities

Winner has specific lighting restrictions for telecommunications towers:

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA
• Security or safety lighting for equipment facilities is permitted
• New support structures cannot exceed the height of surrounding utility poles or street lights
• Telecommunications facilities should utilize existing structures where possible

Conditional Use Applications

When considering conditional use permits, the Board of Adjustment evaluates proposed exterior lighting with reference to:

• Glare
• Traffic safety
• Economic effect
• Compatibility with properties in the district

These considerations help ensure new developments don't create lighting nuisances for existing properties.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Winner's lighting requirements helps ensure compliance while contributing to the community's safety and character:

• Be mindful of light trespass – particularly when your property borders residential areas
• Maintain visibility of address numbers during nighttime hours
• Consider the impact of your lighting on neighboring properties
• Commercial property owners should ensure vacant buildings maintain appropriate interior lighting
• Organizations using recreational facilities need to follow proper procedures for lighting access

The city's practical approach to lighting regulations balances safety needs with cost considerations, reflecting Winner's reputation for efficient utility management.

Supporting Winner's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the values that small communities like Winner embrace. We appreciate Winner's practical approach to regulations that balance safety needs with sustainability and community character.

As a manufacturer with experience in regional architectural styles and community lighting needs, Bock shares Winner's commitment to functionality and efficiency. We recognize the importance of lighting solutions that respect both practical necessities and community standards.

While Winner may not have extensive lighting regulations, the thoughtful requirements it does maintain reflect a community that values safety, security, and good neighbor practices – values that align with Bock's approach to community-centered lighting solutions.

Our expertise in helping communities maintain their distinctive character while meeting modern needs positions us as a resource for understanding how lighting can enhance both functionality and community aesthetics.

Conclusion

Winner, South Dakota's lighting regulations reflect its practical, community-oriented approach to municipal governance. While not extensive, these regulations aim to ensure safety, security, and consideration for neighboring properties.

From maintaining visible address numbers to preventing light trespass into residential areas, Winner's lighting requirements focus on practical matters that support community well-being. Commercial property owners, organizations using recreational facilities, and residential property owners each have specific responsibilities that contribute to the overall character and functionality of this vibrant small city.

By understanding and following these lighting regulations, property owners help maintain Winner's reputation as a community that balances growth with preservation of its small-town atmosphere and practical values.