Custer County commissioners deny 24-square-foot sign variance for Church of Christ on Highway 69

Custer County commissioners on Oct. 29 rejected a request to allow a 24-square-foot (4-by-6-foot) sign for the Church of Christ on private property adjacent to Highway 69.

The variance sought to exceed the county’s zoning resolution limit of 20 square feet (4-by-5-foot). Commissioners discussed whether the requested size was justified by local conditions — the applicant cited cattle that rub signs and routinely damage posts — and whether approving a variance would create inconsistent precedent given a previously allowed larger sign in the Westwood area.

Commissioners argued over consistency and process. Some said the county should adhere to the resolution’s limits to avoid ad hoc approvals; others noted there may be circumstances that justify a variance. Several commissioners also raised concerns about the application fee (noted in the staff process as $200) and whether the fee discourages applicants from seeking guidance before ordering signs.

No formal tally with named votes appears in the record; the chair called the vote and announced the motion did not pass.

The board did not approve changes to the zoning resolution at the meeting. Staff and several commissioners suggested that if the community wants broader sign allowances, the proper remedy is to amend the zoning resolution through a formal amendment rather than through repeated individual variances.

Next steps: the applicant may revise the proposal to comply with the 20-square-foot limit or seek a future zoning amendment; planning staff will handle permitting inquiries and advise applicants on the permit fee and the variance process.