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Rapid City City Zoning Code

17.18 GC

General Commercial District

17.18.010 General description.

This commercial district is for personal and business services and the general retail business of the city.

(Prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (A)))

17.18.020 Uses permitted.

The following uses shall be permitted in the GC general commercial district:

1. Retail and distribution establishments, including the manufacture, compounding, processing, packaging or treatment of products for human consumption; sales and display rooms and lots, not including yards for storage of new or used building materials, or yards for any scrap or salvage operations, or for storage or display of any scrap, salvage or secondhand materials. The storage, display and sale of used, repossessed or traded-in merchandise incidental to a retail operation engaged primarily in the sale of new merchandise is permitted;

2. Eating establishments, including drive-in establishments and fast-food restaurants;

3. Service and repair establishments, not to include vehicle repair establishments;

4. Personal service establishments, including barber and beauty shops, shoe repair shops, funeral homes, cleaning, dyeing, laundry, medical and/or dental clinics or offices, pressing, dressmaking, tailoring and garment repair shops with processing on the premises;

5. Hotels, motels and manager’s residence of motels, rooming and boarding houses, and restaurants;

6. Commercial recreational structures and uses, such as theaters, bowling alleys, poolrooms, but not including miniature golf courses, driving ranges, and similar uses;

7. Commercial parking lots and garages;

8. Offices, studios, clinics and laboratories;

9. Financial institutions;

10. Private clubs and lodges, except on- sale liquor establishments;

11. Utility substations;

12. On-premises signs as regulated by §§ 17.50.080 through 17.50.100;

13. Art galleries and museums;

14. Veterinary establishments; provided that all animals shall be kept inside soundproof, air-conditioned buildings;

15. Building materials sales yard and lumber yards; provided that all outdoor storage shall be screened by a 7-foot fence, wall or mass planting;

16. New and used car, truck, motorcycle, snowmobile and boat sales and rentals. Repair shall be permitted as an accessory use to the establishments, provided that all body and/or mechanical repair work shall be completed within an enclosed area. All inoperable vehicles shall be stored within a side yard or rear yard which is screened with an opaque fence at least 6 feet in height. The number of inoperable vehicles stored within a screened yard shall not exceed 1 per 400 square feet of building floor area used for vehicle repair. A minimum of 2 inoperable vehicles per establishment shall be permitted to be stored in a screened yard;

17. Public buildings and grounds other than elementary or high schools;

18. Churches;

19. Business and vocational schools not involving operations of an industrial character;

20. Wholesale and distributing centers not involving over 5,000 square feet for storage of wares to be wholesaled or distributed, nor the use of any delivery vehicle rated at more than 1-1/2-ton capacity, nor a total of more than 5 delivery vehicles;

21. Dwelling units above ground floor and dwelling units other than above ground floor to provide residences for managers of motels, and other uses and structures which are customarily accessory to, and clearly incidental to, permitted or permissible uses and structures;

22. Any other store or shop for retail trade or for rendering personal, professional or business service which does not produce more noise, dust, odor, vibration, blast or traffic than those previously enumerated in this section;

23. Travel parks as permitted by the Rapid City travel park ordinance;

24. Service establishments and filling stations, not to include vehicle repair. Repair shall be permitted as an accessory use to the establishments, provided that all body and/or repair work shall be completed within an enclosed area. All inoperable vehicles shall be stored within a building or within a side or rear yard which is screened with an opaque fence at least 6 feet in height. The number of inoperable vehicles stored within a screened yard shall not exceed 1 per 400 square feet of building floor space used for vehicle repair. A minimum of 2 inoperable vehicles per establishment shall be permitted to be stored in a screened yard;

25. Vehicle repair establishments, provided that all body and/or mechanical repair work shall be completed within an enclosed area. All inoperable vehicles shall be stored within a building or within a side or rear yard which is screened with an opaque fence at least 6 feet in height. The number of inoperable vehicles stored within a screened yard shall not exceed 1 per 400 square feet of building floor area used for vehicle repair. A minimum of 2 inoperable vehicles per establishment shall be permitted to be stored in a screened yard;

26. Hotel apartment;

27. Drop-off centers for household recyclables; such centers do not involve processing;

28. Garden centers, provided that all outdoor storage be screened with a 6-foot fence or wall;

29. Hospitals;

30. Mircrocell wireless communications facilities on buildings as defined in § 17.50.400A.;

31. Indoor used or secondhand merchandise sales, provided that merchandise that is for sale, stored or displayed cannot be located outside;

32. Pet stores;

33. Other temporary, seasonal, and continuous retail business or structure as defined in § 17.50.230H., I., and J.; and

34. Car wash subject to the following considerations:

a. The property shall not be located within 250 feet of a residential district or dwelling; and

b. Car washes that do not meet the above consideration shall be reviewed as a conditional use.

35. Medical cannabis dispensary, if the following requirements are met:

a. The property shall not be located within 1,000 feet of a public or private school.

b. The property shall not be located within 500 feet of a child care center, church, public park, or property zoned as a residential district.

c. The dispensary is operated completely within an enclosed structure.

d. The dispensary submits the following plans demonstrating compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, administrative rules, and ordinances, including but not limited to § 17.50.105:

i. An operating plan;

ii. A waste management plan; and

iii. An odor control plan.

e. The dispensary complies with all requirements of the Fire Code adopted as Chapter 8.24 of the Rapid City Municipal Code.

36. Medical cannabis testing facility in compliance with § 17.50.105.

37. Indoor shooting range, if the following requirements are met:

a. The range shall not be located within 250 feet of a public or private school, a child care center, church, public park, or property zoned as a residential district. An indoor shooting range that does not meet this requirement shall be reviewed as a conditional use;

b. The range shall be located completely within an enclosed structure and separated from all other uses including those accessory to the indoor shooting range, with a separation that prevents projectiles from straying from the shooting range;

c. An operational plan shall be submitted identifying the:

1) range features and floor plan;

2) operating hours;

3) safety plan;

4) security plan;

5) ammunition storage plan; and

6) any other plans or information as required by the Director.

d. A scaled site plan showing of the subject property shall be submitted;

e. The range shall be soundproof;

f. Separate shooting stalls with bulletproof dividers at least 48 inches apart shall be provided to protect each shooter from potential misfires in neighboring stalls;

g. The range shall have a permanent and fixed backstop and bullet trap system that is capable of stopping and containing the bullets or projectiles from any firearms discharged at the shooting range. Mobile and temporary bullet traps and backstops may not be used in lieu of permanent and fixed backstops;

h. The range shall have special ballistic protectives that include ceiling baffles, deflector plates and floor guards of appropriate materials to protect against ricochets or back splatter and to redirect the projectiles to the backstop to function safely for the type and caliber of firearms and ammunition used within the shooting range;

i. The range shall have a separate, sealed, negative pressure ventilation and exhaust system that ensures that the air in the shooter’s personal breathing zone remains clean at all times. The ventilation system shall prevent the build-up of noxious gases, and the exhausted air shall be filtered and cleaned to remove lead particulate before exhausting to the open atmosphere; and

j. The range shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including all requirements of the Fire Code adopted as Chapter 8.24 of the Rapid City Municipal Code.

(Ord. 6586, 2023; Ord. 6500, 2021; Ord. 6301, 2019; Ord. 5678, 2010; Ord. 5097, 2005; Ord. 3797, 2002; Ord. 3773, 2002; Ord. 3772, 2002; Ord. 3734, 2001; Ord. 3551, 2000; Ord. 3360, 1997; Ord. 3004, 1993; Ord. 2931, 1992; prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (B)))

17.18.030 Conditional uses.

The following uses may be permitted in the GC general commercial district upon compliance with §§ 17.54.030 and 17.50.050, as applicable:

1. Water slides;

2. Miniature golf courses;

3. Driving ranges;

4. Laboratories and establishments for production and repair of jewelry, eye glasses, hearing aids, prosthetic appliances and dental appliances. Retail trade of these activities must accompany the wholesale or production process;

5. Missions, subject to the following:

a. Provide a detailed program and services plan at time of application, including but not limited to, hours of operation, and type and extent of supervision;

b. Must meet fire, building and health requirements; and

c. Any significant modification in the program and services place will require a new application.

6. Sign contractor shop, subject to the following:

a. All outdoor storage shall be screened by a 6-foot fence, wall or mass planting. Such screening plans shall be approved by the Planning Commission; and

b. Any other conditions the Planning Commission shall deem appropriate.

7. Travel parks or recreational vehicle parks less than 5 acres as regulated by Title 15 of this code;

8. Carwashes subject to, but not limited to, the following considerations:

a. Adequate egress and ingress;

b. Appropriate landscaping and screening;

c. Drainage plan; and

d. Any other requirements the Planning Commission may deem appropriate.

9. Mini-warehousing for storage services, primarily for personal effects and household goods, subject to the following:

a. Plans shall be submitted showing ingress and egress, width of driveways, location of buildings, architectural elevations of all buildings indicating height and type of materials to be used, landscaping, screening and security fence and outdoor storage areas. No conditional uses may be granted until the Planning Commission, at its sole discretion, approves the plan submitted by applicant;

b. Exterior building material shall be masonry, concrete or wood or metal simulated wood siding;

c. Landscaping shall be required as regulated in § 17.50.300;

d. Security fencing and screen fencing shall not exceed 8 feet in height, and shall be constructed of wood, decorative block, or chain link fence with slats, as approved by the Planning Commission;

e. Outdoor storage yards shall be screened from view of surrounding properties;

f. A local manager shall be required and shall be responsible for maintaining the property and the operation of the facility in conformance with the conditions of approval. This shall not be construed to release the property owner from the ultimate responsibility for maintaining the operation of the facility in conformance with the conditions of approval; and

g. Any other conditions the Planning Commission shall deem appropriate;

10. Child care centers as regulated in § 17.50.150;

11. Planned Developments as regulated in § 17.50.050;

12. Planned Unit Developments as regulated in § 17.50.060;

13. Fraternities, sororities, and denominational student headquarters;

14. Manufacturing of sculptures or other artwork in conjunction with an art gallery, art studio or art school;

15. Dwelling unit, as part of the principal structure, to be used in conjunction with a permitted use or conditional use; however, a detached caretaker's residence may be permitted as a conditional use in conjunction with a facility when the lot area exceeds 5 acres, provided the unit meets all setbacks required for a residence. A manufactured home may be used as the caretaker's residence; provided it meets all the City of Rapid City requirements for manufactured homes;

16. On-sale liquor establishments;

17. Wholesale and distribution centers not otherwise authorized by § 17.18.020(20) of this code;

18. Radio, television and cellular communication station and transmission tower;

19. Adult day care centers subject to, but not limited to, the following considerations:

a. Proximity to major arterial;

b. Proximity to recreation facilities;

c. Traffic generated by the center;

d. Hours of operation of the center;

e. Existing or potential levels of air and noise pollution in the area;

f. Access from the center to adjacent areas which are used for commercial and industrial purposes;

g. Appropriateness of outdoor recreation areas. If outdoor recreational areas are permitted, fencing shall be not less than 4 feet in height;

h. Type of vehicular traffic common to the area; and

i. Any other requirements the Planning Commission may deem appropriate.

20. Assisted living centers subject to, but not limited to, the following considerations:

a. A lot area of not less than 5,000 square feet plus an additional 1,500 square feet for each assisted living suite or room. For those structures which provide all required off-street parking within the main structure, the lot area required may be reduced to 280 square feet per unit; and

b. There shall be usable open space provided for each suite/room of not less than 170 square feet. Open space does not include drives, parking, and service areas. Not more than 50% of the open space requirement shall be met with common interior spaces limited to community rooms, central dining areas and craft rooms.

21. Colleges and universities;

22. Antique and used furniture, including stripping and refinishing, provided there is no outside storage or display of merchandise;

23. Indoor craft and flea markets, provided there is no outside storage or display of merchandise;

24. Retail plumbing sales and service, provided all outside storage is screened by a minimum-7-foot-high fence or wall;

25. Piano repair, stripping and refinishing;

26. Off-premises signs as regulated by §§ 17.50.080 through 17.50.100 and in accordance with the requirements of § 17.50.090;

27. Outdoor firewood storage and sales lot, provided that no power equipment is used in processing the firewood;

28. Monument sales and engraving subject to, but not limited to, the following considerations:

a. Actual engraving work to be done in an enclosed area;

b. Provide detailed plan showing intended type of services and work to be done on site prior to approval;

c. No outdoor displays, inventory or sales;

d. No outdoor cranes or equipment used to load or unload monuments;

e. Any noise, dust or vibrations shall be completely confined within an enclosed building; and

f. Any other requirements the Planning Commission may deem appropriate.

29. Microcell wireless communications facilities on poles as defined in § 17.50.400B.

30. Microbreweries subject to the following considerations:

a. A MICROBREWERY is defined as any manufacturer located in this state producing malt beverages, as defined in SDCL 35-15-1(2);

b. The operator of a microbrewery must obtain the malt beverage manufacturer’s microbrewery license required by SDCL 35-15-2;

c. Accessory uses to a microbrewery specifically include, but are not necessarily limited to, the selling of food, operation of a restaurant, and selling of products associated with the microbrewery or manufacture of malt beverages; and

d. If the operator of a microbrewery intends to sell or serve alcoholic beverages other than the malt beverages produced, the operator must obtain a conditional use permit and the appropriate alcoholic beverage licenses.

31. Farm winery subject to the following regulations:

a. A FARM WINERY is defined as any manufacturer located in this state producing wine, as defined in SDCL 35-12-13;

b. The operator of a farm winery must obtain the license required by SDCL 35-12-14;

c. If the operator of a farm winery intends to sell or serve alcoholic beverages other than the wines produced, the operator must obtain a conditional use permit and the appropriate alcoholic beverage licenses;

d. Accessory uses to a farm winery specifically include, but are not necessarily limited to, the serving of food, operation of a restaurant, and the selling of glassware, wine literature and accessories, and food products.

32. Non-overnight accessory dog kennels and horse corrals for transitory animals in a Planned Development (PD).

33. Group homes, subject to the following:

a. Applicant shall provide a detailed program and services plan at the time of application;

b. Must meet fire, building and health requirements;

c. The Planning Commission may add the following conditions:

1) Standard hours of operation;

2) Type and extent of the supervision to be provided;

3) Services and program to be provided;

4) Number of persons;

5) Proximity to other group homes; and

6) Any other condition the Planning Commission may deem appropriate.

d. Any significant modification in the program and services plan will require a new application.

34. Artisan distillery subject to the following considerations:

a. An ARTISAN DISTILLER is defined as any manufacturer located in this state producing, rectifying, or blending distilled spirits, as defined in SDCL Chapter 35-13-13(1);

b. The operator of an artisan distillery must obtain the license required by SDCL 35-13-14;

c. Accessory uses to an artisan distillery specifically include, but are not necessarily limited to, the sale of food, operation of a restaurant, and sale of products associated with the artisan distiller or manufacture of spirits;

d. If the operator of an artisan distillery intends to sell or serve alcoholic beverages other than the spirits produced, the operator must obtain a conditional use permit and the appropriate alcoholic beverage licenses.

35. Microcidery subject to the following considerations:

a. A MICROCIDERY is defined as any manufacturer located in this state producing cider, as defined in SDCL 35-14-1(2);

b. The operator of a microcidery must obtain the microcidery license required by SDCL 35-14-2;

c. Accessory uses to a microcidery specifically include, but are not necessarily limited to, the sale of food, operation of a restaurant, and sale of products associated with the microcidery or manufacture of cider;

d. If the operator of a microcidery intends to sell or serve alcoholic beverages other than the cider produced, the operator must obtain a conditional use permit and the appropriate alcoholic beverage licenses.

36. Medical cannabis dispensary that meets the requirements of applicable state law but does not qualify as a permitted use under § 17.18.020(35).

37. An indoor shooting range that does not meet the separation requirements set forth in § 17.18.020(37)(a) shall be subject to the following requirements:

a. Landscaping and/or fencing shall be installed in a manner that screens the use from the view of any: public or private school, child care center, church, public park, or property zoned as a residential district; and

b. Ingress and egress shall be oriented in a way that does not conflict with any: public or private school, child care center, church, public park, or property zoned as a residential district.

(Ord. 6613, 2024; Ord. 6586, 2023; Ord. 6500, 2021; Ord. 6435, 2021; Ord. 6208, 2017; Ord. 5678, 2010; Ord. 5672, 2010; Ord. 5570, 2010; Ord. 5370, 2008; Ord. 5353, 2007; Ord. 5327, 2007; Ord. 5097, 2005; Ord. 4058, 2004; Ord. 3773, 2002; Ord. 3760, 2001; Ord. 3755, 2001; Ord. 3734, 2001; Ord. 3481, 1999; Ord. 3387, 1998; Ord. 3381, 1997; Ord. 3344, 1997; Ord. 3260, 1996; Ord. 3152, 1994; Ord. 3014, 1993; Ord. 2931, 1992; Ord. 2920, 1991; Ord. 2899, 1992; prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (J)))

17.18.040 Temporary uses.

A. The Planning Commission shall have discretion to issue temporary use permits for a period not to exceed 1 year to allow a use permitted in light industrial zoning districts provided the Planning Commission finds that the following criteria are met:

1. The structure for which the temporary use permit is to be granted is vacant and is expected to remain vacant if the temporary use permit is not granted;

2. All area, setback and parking requirements of general commercial and light industrial zoning districts are met without the granting of a variance;

3. The proposed use does not produce more noise, dust, odor, vibration, blast or traffic than uses specifically permitted in general commercial zoning districts; and

4. The granting of a temporary use permit is in the best interests of the city.

B. Temporary use permits issued under this section shall not be renewed more than twice.

C. The procedure for granting temporary use permits under this section shall be the same procedure as for authorizing conditional uses as established under § 17.54.030.

(Ord. 6435, 2021; Ord. 3760, 2001; prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (G)))

17.18.050 Area regulations.

The following regulations shall apply to all uses permitted in this district:

A. Front yard. All buildings shall set back a minimum of 25 feet from the front property line.

B. Side yard. No side yard is required except that the width of a side yard which abuts a residential district shall not be less than 25 feet.

C. Rear yard. Where a commercial building is to be serviced from the rear, there shall be provided an alleyway, service court, rear yard or combination thereof of not less than 30 feet in depth. The depth of a rear yard which abuts a residential district shall be not less than 15 feet. In all other cases no rear yard is required.

D. Setback from section lines. Principal and accessory buildings and structures shall be set back no less than 58 feet from any section line. No setback is required from any legally vacated section line; however, if the vacated section line forms a property line, the applicable side, rear or front yard setbacks shall be observed.

E. Maximum lot coverage. Main and accessory buildings shall cover not more than 75% of the lot area.

(Ord. 3744, 2001; prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (C)))

17.18.060 Height regulations.

No building or structure shall exceed 4 stories or 45 feet in height except as provided in § 17.50.260.

(Prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (D)))

17.18.070 Off-street parking.

As regulated in § 17.50.270.

(Prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (E)))

17.18.080 Screening requirements.

When a general commercial zoning district abuts a residential district, an opaque ornamental screening fence not less than 5 nor more than 8 feet in height shall be constructed along the adjoining property lines and shall be maintained in good condition. The screening fence shall consist of an opaque fence not to include chain link fencing with slats. Only a 4-foot high fence may be located in the front yard or side yard abutting a street. No fences shall encroach into sight triangles. The Director may grant an exception to allow the relocation and/or elimination of the screening fence along the property line when there is a conflict due to easements, topography, drainage, floodplain, or other issues.

(Ord. 6613, 2024; Ord. 6299, 2019; Ord. 3872, 2002; prior code Appendix A, Art. N (§ 6 (H)))

17.18.090 Landscaping.

Landscaping shall be provided as regulated in the landscape regulations adopted by § 17.50.300. When adjacent to a residential district, at least 50% of the plant material shall be visible from the residential district whenever possible.

(Ord. 6435, 2021; prior code Appendix A, Art. N (§ 6 (I)))

17.18.100 Flood fringe building district.

Any land that is within the flood fringe building district as provided for in Chapter 15.32 of this code must comply with the additional requirements of that district.

(Prior code Appendix A, Art. IV (§ 6 (F)))