Lighting Regulations in Bedford Borough, Pennsylvania: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Bedford Borough, Pennsylvania, with its rich colonial heritage dating back to 1751, stands as a testament to America's historical past. Originally known as Raystown, this charming borough was laid out in 1766 and later incorporated in 1795. The town's historical significance is rooted in its frontier military history, particularly Fort Bedford, an important 18th-century military installation from the French and Indian War.

Today, Bedford Borough carefully balances preserving its architectural heritage while meeting modern infrastructure needs. This balance is reflected in the borough's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to maintain the town's historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for its residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Bedford Borough Lighting Requirements

• Property owners must prune trees that obstruct or shade street lights
• Sign illumination must be designed to prevent glare and distraction
• Emergency lighting required in specific residential settings
• Barricades around construction areas must have adequate illumination
• Business activities must not create detectable glare in neighborhoods
• Protection of public lighting is mandated with penalties for damage
• Sign illumination must be indirect, shielded, or arranged to prevent direct glare

Property Owner Responsibilities

Tree Maintenance Around Street Lights

Bedford Borough places responsibility on property owners to maintain trees that might interfere with public lighting. Property owners must:

• Prune trees that obstruct or shade street lights
• Ensure vegetation doesn't compromise the effectiveness of public lighting

Protection of Public Lighting

The borough strictly prohibits interference with public lighting infrastructure:

• No person shall destroy, injure, tamper with, or deface any street light on public property
• These protections extend to temporary safety lighting, as no person shall destroy, remove, deface, obliterate, or cover any lamp or barricade erected as a warning of danger
• Violations of these protections may result in penalties

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Bedford Borough's sign regulations include specific requirements for illumination to maintain both safety and aesthetic standards:

• § 150.43 specifies that illuminated signs must be designed and placed to avoid:
• Interfering with or distracting motor vehicle operators
• Creating glare on adjacent properties
• Causing visual disruption to the surrounding area

Types of Sign Illumination

The borough recognizes two primary types of sign illumination, each with specific regulations:

Directly Illuminated Signs

• Signs designed to give forth artificial light directly from an internal source
• Includes signs with exposed lamps
• Requires a sign permit
• Must comply with zoning district regulations

Indirectly Illuminated Signs

• Signs with external light sources that illuminate the sign
• Light must be directed so that no direct rays are visible elsewhere on the property
• Requires a sign permit
• Must be shielded or arranged to prevent direct glare

Special Considerations

• Neon lighting requires a sign permit
• Churches, libraries, schools, and nonprofit institutions may have changeable copy signs if they comply with lighting standards
• Portable signs cannot have illumination or electrical parts and must be removed from public view during non-business hours

Residential and Commercial Lighting Requirements

Emergency Lighting

Bedford Borough has specific emergency lighting requirements for residential properties:

• Owner-occupied dwelling units with five or fewer guestrooms must provide emergency lighting in all locations required by the International Building Code
• Non-owner-occupied lodging houses require emergency lighting and other life safety features

Business Activity Lighting Restrictions

To maintain neighborhood quality of life, the borough restricts lighting impacts from businesses:

• Business or commercial activities must not use any equipment or process that creates glare detectable in the neighborhood
• Certain uses are permitted only when they are not offensive by reason of illumination

Development and Construction Lighting Requirements

Construction Safety Lighting

Safety is paramount during construction activities in Bedford Borough:

• Substantial barricades with adequate illumination must be provided and maintained for any open trench or hole in improved areas
• This requirement ensures public safety around construction zones, particularly at night

Development Requirements

The borough includes lighting as part of required infrastructure improvements:

• Street lights are listed among the "improvements" required for development projects
• These improvements must be installed in accordance with borough requirements
• Developers may deposit financial security with the borough to cover required improvements, including street lighting

Understanding Bedford Borough's Lighting Philosophy

Historical Preservation Through Thoughtful Lighting

Bedford Borough's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to preserving its unique historical character while ensuring modern safety and functionality. The town's colonial architecture and layout, including buildings like the "Rising Sun" hotel built in 1750, create a distinctive historical ambiance.

The lighting regulations help maintain this character by:

• Preventing harsh, modern lighting that would detract from the historical atmosphere
• Ensuring signs are illuminated in ways that complement rather than overwhelm the streetscape
• Balancing the need for safety lighting with aesthetic considerations

Community Character and Modern Needs

With a modest population of 2,841 (as of 2010) spread across 1.2 square miles, Bedford Borough maintains a small-town feel while addressing modern lighting needs:

• Street lighting systems are recognized as essential utilities serving the public
• Requirements focus on preventing light pollution and nuisance to neighbors
• Regulations support both public safety and preservation of community character

Conclusion

Bedford Borough's lighting regulations reflect the community's dual commitment to preserving its rich historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From sign illumination standards to requirements for emergency lighting and construction safety, these regulations help maintain the borough's unique identity.

Property owners and businesses should familiarize themselves with these lighting requirements to ensure compliance while contributing to the preservation of Bedford Borough's distinctive historical ambiance. By balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation, Bedford Borough continues to honor its past while looking toward its future.