Lighting Regulations in Bedford, Indiana: Preserving Limestone City's Historic Character

Introduction

Bedford, Indiana, famously known as the "Limestone Capital of the World," is a city with a rich architectural heritage dating back to its founding in 1825. The city's distinctive character is defined by its historic districts, including the Bedford Courthouse Square Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The nineteenth and early twentieth-century commercial buildings, many featuring magnificent limestone facades from local quarries, reflect Bedford's unique architectural identity.

The city's lighting regulations are designed to preserve this historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, particularly those in historic districts where additional requirements apply.

Quick Reference Guide

• Historic Districts: Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) required for changes to light fixtures visible from public ways
• Parking Areas: Minimum 2.0 footcandles required with lighting standards no more than 80 feet apart
• Light Shielding: All lighting must be completely shielded from traffic and residential areas
• Sign Illumination: Prohibited after 11:00 p.m. near residential areas (except for businesses open later)
• Construction Sites: Red warning lights required at obstructions, placed at 25-foot intervals
• Glare Control: Lighting devices producing objectionable glare on adjoining properties are not permitted
• Multi-dwelling Units: Public halls and stairways in buildings with 5+ units must be adequately lit at all times

Historic District Lighting Requirements

Preserving Architectural Character

Bedford takes pride in its limestone heritage, which is reflected in the careful regulation of lighting in historic districts. Any changes to exterior elements, including light fixtures, are subject to review to ensure they harmonize with the historical aesthetics.

Key Requirements:

• A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required before any work begins on "conspicuous changes" to light fixtures visible from public ways
• Historic light fixtures must be maintained in a manner that preserves their historical and architectural character
• Reconstruction, alteration, and maintenance of light fixtures must preserve historical integrity
• Decorative lamp posts are considered important elements of the streetscape

Historical Context and Architectural Harmony

The regulations recognize lighting as an essential component of Bedford's historical ambiance. The intent is to maintain visual continuity in historic areas, particularly around the Courthouse Square Historic District and the Zahn Historic District.

When selecting lighting for historic properties, owners should consider fixtures that complement the building's architectural period and style, using designs that harmonize with Bedford's limestone aesthetic.

Commercial and Parking Area Lighting

Illumination Standards

Bedford's code includes specific requirements for commercial properties and parking areas to ensure adequate visibility while preventing light pollution.

Technical Requirements:

• Parking areas, driveways, and loading areas must provide a minimum of 2.0 footcandles during hours of operation
• Lighting standards in parking areas must be located no more than 80 feet apart
• All lighting must be completely shielded from traffic on public rights-of-way
• All lighting must be completely shielded from residential districts
• Site development plans must include the specific location of all lighting facilities

Commercial Development Considerations

For commercial and industrial developments, the regulations emphasize:

• Park-like surroundings utilizing landscaping and existing woodlands
• Screening of lighting from adjoining residential areas
• Harmonious and integral design of lighting with the overall development

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multi-dwelling Buildings

Bedford's code includes specific requirements for apartment buildings and multi-family dwellings:

• Every public hall and stairway in buildings with five or more dwelling units must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with four or fewer dwelling units may use conveniently located light switches instead of full-time lighting
• All dwellings must have adequate illumination to protect the health and safety of occupants
• Light switches and controls must be in accessible locations

Sign Illumination Regulations

Safety and Nuisance Prevention

Bedford's sign illumination regulations focus on preventing traffic hazards and nuisances to neighboring properties.

Key Restrictions:

• Illuminated signs with flashing reflective spots or flood lamps of 25-watt tungsten or greater intensity are prohibited as traffic hazards
• No sign shall be illuminated in a manner causing undue glare, distraction, or hazard to traffic
• Signs in or adjacent to residential districts cannot be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. (except for businesses open later, which must cease illumination upon closing)

Safety Lighting Requirements

Construction and Hazard Warnings

For public safety, Bedford requires appropriate warning lights at construction sites and hazards:

• Red lights must be securely and conspicuously posted at excavations or obstructions on streets, alleys, or sidewalks
• For obstructions 50 feet or more in length or width, additional lights must be placed at intervals of not more than 25 feet
• Warning lights must be maintained from dusk until daylight
• Alarm devices with light signals must automatically shut off within 30 minutes of activation

Street Light Protection

The code includes several provisions to ensure street lighting effectiveness:

• Tree branches overhanging streets must be pruned to avoid obstructing light from street lamps
• A clear space of 8 feet above street or sidewalk surfaces must be maintained
• The city has the right to prune trees on private property if they interfere with street light spread
• Damaging lamp posts or affixing notices to them is prohibited

Solar Energy and Glare Control

For solar energy projects located within 500 feet of an airport or within approach zones, Bedford requires:

• Completion of a glare analysis through qualitative analysis, field testing, or geometric analysis
• Consultation with the FAA Office of Airports
• Compliance with FAA guidelines for solar projects near airports

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When considering new lighting installations or modifications, property owners should:

1. Check location: Determine if your property is in a historic district, which requires additional approvals
2. Review visibility: Consider whether light fixtures will be visible from public ways
3. Assess impact: Ensure lighting will not cause glare or light trespass to neighboring properties
4. Include in plans: For new developments, include detailed lighting plans in site development submissions
5. Consider historical context: In historic areas, select fixtures that complement Bedford's architectural character

Common Compliance Challenges

Property owners often face challenges with:

• Balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation requirements
• Properly shielding commercial lighting from residential areas
• Maintaining adequate safety lighting while preventing glare
• Understanding the different requirements for different zoning districts

Supporting Bedford's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Bedford's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern technology. We understand the unique architectural heritage of communities like Bedford, where limestone facades and historic streetscapes define the city's identity.

Our expertise includes helping property owners navigate lighting regulations while respecting the historical integrity of their buildings. We appreciate Bedford's balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation, particularly in the historic Courthouse Square and Zahn districts.

As a regional manufacturer, Bock Lighting has experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations. We're committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Bedford's vision of preserving its limestone heritage while meeting modern needs.

Our team can serve as an educational resource for property owners seeking to understand lighting requirements, particularly in historically sensitive areas where appropriate fixture selection is crucial to maintaining the city's distinctive character.

Conclusion

Bedford's lighting regulations reflect the city's dedication to preserving its unique limestone heritage while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. Property owners, particularly those in historic districts, should familiarize themselves with these requirements before making changes to exterior lighting.

By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Bedford's distinctive character as the "Limestone Capital of the World" while creating well-lit, safe environments for the community.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the Bedford Planning Department or consult with lighting professionals familiar with local regulations.