Lighting Regulations in Bargersville, Indiana: Balancing Progress with Community Character

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, Bargersville has been evolving since it was first platted in 1850 and officially established in 1880. Named after Jefferson Barger, this charming town has always maintained a delicate balance between embracing development and preserving its close-knit community atmosphere.

Bargersville's approach to outdoor lighting reflects this balance. The town's lighting regulations aim to enhance safety and functionality while respecting the community's historical character. Areas like Old Bargersville serve as reminders of the town's rich heritage, and current regulations ensure that modern lighting complements rather than detracts from this legacy.

As organizations like Bargersville Main Street work to stimulate economic growth while preserving historical elements, the town's lighting standards play a crucial role in maintaining the visual character that residents and visitors appreciate.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here's a summary of Bargersville's most critical lighting requirements:

• Height Restrictions:
• Light standards cannot exceed building height or 25 feet (whichever is less)
• Standards within 90 feet of residential areas limited to 15 feet
• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.1 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Maximum 0.3 foot-candles at non-residential property lines
• Shielding Requirements:
• All lighting must use concealed or shielded fixtures
• Light fixtures must direct light downward
• Color Temperature:
• Must not exceed 3,500 Kelvin
• Curfew Times:
• Most outdoor lighting must be dimmed or turned off by 11:00 p.m.
• Community facilities: 10:00 p.m. (Sun-Thurs), 11:00 p.m. (Fri-Sat)
• Prohibited Lighting:
• Mercury vapor and low-pressure sodium lamps
• Searchlights and laser lighting for advertising
• Neon tubing or LED strips outlining buildings or structures

General Site Lighting Standards

Cohesive Design Principles

Bargersville emphasizes cohesive lighting design throughout properties. Site lighting should maintain consistency in design, materials, and color across the entire property to create visual harmony.

Height and Placement Requirements

The town has established clear height restrictions for lighting fixtures:

• Light standards cannot exceed the building height or 25 feet, whichever is less
• When light standards are within 90 feet of a residential use or district, they cannot exceed 15 feet

These height limitations help prevent light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security.

Shielding and Direction

Proper shielding is essential to minimize light pollution:

• All light fixtures must be fully shielded and direct light downward
• Lighting sources must be directed away from reflective surfaces to minimize glare
• Light fixtures must be positioned to direct light away from adjacent properties and rights-of-way

Technical Specifications

The regulations include specific technical requirements:

• Light Levels: Parking lots should have minimum illumination of one foot-candle throughout
• Uniformity Ratio: Should not exceed 3:1 (measured as ratio of average to lowest light level)
• Color Temperature: Must not exceed 3,500 Kelvin
• Light Trespass: Light meter readings must not exceed 0.1 foot-candles at residential lot lines and 0.3 foot-candles at non-residential lot lines

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Parking Facilities

Parking areas have specific lighting requirements to ensure safety while preventing light pollution:

• Light fixtures in parking facilities must be designed to confine light to the parking area
• Light pole height must not exceed 25 feet
• Parking lighting must be turned off or dimmed by at least 30% within 30 minutes of closing or by 11:00 p.m.

Canopies and Awnings

Canopy lighting, particularly at fueling stations, requires special attention:

• Canopy lighting must be recessed and not extend below the surface
• Light fixtures must be fully shielded and directed downward to prevent offsite glare
• Lighting under awnings must only illuminate the building facade, sign, or sidewalk – not the awning itself

Recreational Facilities

For community centers, parks, and playgrounds:

• Outdoor lighting must be extinguished when facilities are not in use
• Curfew times: 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Sports facilities must not be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude events in progress

Drive-Through Facilities

Drive-through lighting must be limited and fully shielded to prevent glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Sign illumination must follow these guidelines:

• Must comply with all general lighting standards in § 154.111
• Light sources must be shielded to prevent light trespass
• Exposed light sources are prohibited (except for marquee signs)

Illumination by Sign Type

Different sign types have specific illumination requirements:

• Monument Signs: May be illuminated with ground-mounted or bottom-mounted light fixtures if fully shielded
• Wall Signs: Internally illuminated signs must be turned off at 11:00 p.m. or when business closes
• Projecting Signs: May be internally or indirectly illuminated with decorative fixtures
• Awning Signs: May be indirectly illuminated or backlit with architecturally compatible fixtures
• Marquee Signs: May be internally or indirectly illuminated with decorative fixtures
• Residential Signs: Generally cannot be separately illuminated, with exceptions for subdivision entrance signs

Electronic Displays

Electronic changing message displays have additional requirements:

• May be full color but must not change more than once every eight seconds
• Must use instant change method (no fading, scrolling, etc.)
• Must incorporate automatic dimming technology
• Maximum brightness: 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light conditions

Street Lighting Requirements

Placement Standards

Street lights are required at:

• All intersections
• Development entrances
• Along internal streets
• Midpoint of blocks or every 15 lots (whichever provides shorter spacing)

Design Considerations

Street lighting must follow these guidelines:

• If the town has established a standard along a street, the development must use the same lighting
• Luminaires must be shielded to prevent glare on residential properties
• Decorative street lights may be used if approved by the Town Council, but must be maintained by the property owners' association

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Requirements

When submitting development plans, lighting details are required:

• A comprehensive lighting plan must be included in site plans
• The plan must show fixture locations, specifications, and illuminance levels
• Site plans must include size, height, and method of shielding for all lighting

Prohibited Lighting Types

Property owners should be aware of prohibited lighting:

• Mercury vapor or low-pressure sodium lamps
• Laser source lighting or searchlights for advertising
• Neon tubing or LED strips outlining buildings, walls, fences, or windows
• Flashing or blinking lights (with limited exceptions)

Special Considerations for Residential Areas

Home-based businesses must ensure:

• No light emissions carry beyond the property line
• The residential character of the property is maintained
• No offensive glare is noticeable at or beyond the property line

Supporting Bargersville's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance Bargersville strives to maintain between modern development and historic preservation. Since our founding in 1918, we've worked with communities across the Midwest to develop lighting solutions that respect local character while meeting contemporary needs.

We appreciate Bargersville's commitment to creating a cohesive visual environment through thoughtful lighting regulations. Our team is well-versed in the specific requirements of communities like Bargersville, including height restrictions, shielding requirements, and color temperature limitations.

As a regional manufacturer with deep roots in the Midwest, we understand the architectural heritage of towns like Bargersville and share the community's dedication to preserving historical character while improving safety and functionality. We're committed to serving as an educational resource to help property owners understand and comply with local regulations.

Conclusion

Bargersville's lighting regulations reflect the town's broader commitment to thoughtful development that respects community character. By establishing clear standards for height, shielding, illumination levels, and curfew times, these regulations help create a safe, attractive environment while minimizing light pollution.

Whether you're developing a new property or upgrading existing lighting, understanding these regulations is essential to creating lighting that enhances both your property and the broader community. By following these standards, property owners contribute to Bargersville's vision of a town that embraces progress while honoring its historic charm and close-knit character.