Lighting Regulations in Banks, Oregon: Preserving Small-Town Character While Ensuring Safety

In the heart of Washington County, the city of Banks balances its historical timber town roots with modern development needs. With a population that has grown from just 563 residents in 1990 to 1,837 by 2020, this small community faces the challenge of maintaining its rural charm while accommodating growth. The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance, aiming to preserve Banks' night sky and small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide

For property owners and businesses in Banks, here are the key lighting regulations to know:

• All exterior lighting must be shielded and reflected downward to minimize glare
• Sign illumination in commercial zones must use downward-facing light sources
• Light trespass onto adjacent properties, buildings, or public rights-of-way is prohibited
• Flashing, strobing, or rotating lights are prohibited in all situations
• Electronic reader boards have specific size and placement restrictions
• Accessway illumination must provide at least 2 foot candles when required
• Bicycle parking areas must be at least as well lit as vehicle parking

The Purpose Behind Banks' Lighting Regulations

Preserving Rural Character

Banks began as a meeting place for trappers and early settlers, eventually becoming an important hub for the timber industry. Despite its growth and proximity to larger cities like Portland and Hillsboro, Banks has retained its small-town atmosphere and connection to its historical roots.

Environmental Protection

The city's lighting ordinances specifically aim to:

• Reduce light pollution across the community
• Preserve the night sky for astronomy
• Protect local flora and fauna from the negative effects of artificial light
• Conserve energy through thoughtful lighting practices

Safety Without Sacrifice

Banks recognizes that proper lighting is essential for safety, but believes this can be achieved without sacrificing the town's rural character or creating unnecessary light pollution.

Sign Lighting Requirements

Residential Areas

Banks takes a conservative approach to lighting in residential neighborhoods:

• Illuminated signs are generally prohibited in residential zones
• Small exceptions exist for addresses or wall plaques less than two square feet

Commercial Areas

In commercial zones, the regulations focus on controlling light direction:

• Signs must be externally illuminated by downward-facing light sources
• Lights must aim downward and not shine directly onto adjacent properties
• Lighting should not cast glare into the eyes of pedestrians or motorists
• Sign lights cannot substitute for required security or safety lighting

Electronic Signs

For businesses considering electronic signage, the city allows:

• One LED electronic reader board per property
• Maximum sign message area of 20 square feet
• Maximum height of 25 feet above grade
• No flashing, blinking, or animated lights
• No video display reader boards

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Universal Application

The outdoor lighting standards in Banks apply to all new development in all zones, ensuring consistent lighting practices throughout the community.

The Downward Direction Principle

The fundamental requirement for all exterior lighting in Banks is simple:

• All exterior lighting must be shielded and reflected downward
• This approach minimizes glare and prevents light trespass on adjacent properties

Planning Considerations

When reviewing development proposals, the city examines:

• Location, type, and height of proposed outdoor lighting
• Potential light and glare impacts on neighboring properties
• Mitigation measures for any negative lighting impacts

Special Lighting Requirements

Bicycle Parking Areas

To ensure cyclist safety:

• Bicycle parking areas must be at least as well lit as vehicle parking

Accessways and Pedestrian Areas

For pedestrian safety in subdivisions:

• If streets within the subdivision are lighted, all accessways must also be lighted
• Accessway illumination must provide at least 2 foot candles

Parking Area Design

Large parking areas must incorporate:

• Pedestrian-oriented lighting along access ways
• Lighting that complements other "street-like features" including raised sidewalks, curbs, and tree wells

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance for New Development

If you're planning new construction or significant alterations:

• Include lighting details in your site plan submission
• Specify the location, type, and height of all outdoor lighting fixtures
• Ensure all exterior lighting is shielded and downward-facing

Nonconforming Lighting

For existing properties with nonconforming lighting:

• Nonconforming development includes situations where lighting doesn't meet current code requirements
• Any expansion must not increase the nonconformity
• Expansions exceeding 30% of the development area require site design review

Conditional Uses

For conditional use permits:

• The Planning Commission will evaluate light and glare impacts
• Nonresidential uses must avoid or minimize light impacts to adjacent properties

Supporting Banks' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character that makes Banks special. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value their historical identity while embracing thoughtful modernization.

We share Banks' commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving the natural night sky that has been part of this community's experience since its founding. Our expertise in downward-directed, shielded lighting solutions aligns perfectly with Banks' regulations.

As a resource for property owners and businesses, we're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting choices. We understand that in a small town with deep historical roots, every detail matters – including how we light our spaces after dark.

Our team stays current with lighting regulations across the Pacific Northwest, allowing us to provide guidance that helps maintain Banks' balance of safety, functionality, and small-town charm.

Conclusion

Banks' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality. By requiring downward-directed lighting, limiting sign illumination, and preventing light trespass, the city maintains its rural charm and protects its night sky.

For property owners and businesses, understanding these regulations is essential for both compliance and contributing to the community's vision. Whether you're installing new lighting or modifying existing fixtures, keeping these guidelines in mind will help preserve what makes Banks special for generations to come.