Lighting Regulations in Bingham County, Idaho: Preserving Rural Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in the fertile lands of southeastern Idaho, Bingham County has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1885 to become one of the world's leading potato producers. The county's unique blend of agricultural heritage and technological advancement, influenced by the nearby Idaho National Laboratory, has shaped its approach to development and regulation.

Bingham County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing rural character preservation with practical needs for safety and function. These guidelines aim to maintain the area's natural beauty while supporting growth in both agricultural and residential sectors.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a summary of Bingham County's most important lighting regulations:

• Residential Energy Efficiency: 75% of permanently installed lighting fixtures must use high-efficacy lamps
• Parking Areas: Lights must be shielded and directed away from residential properties and highways
• Signage: Lighting must not cause hazardous driving conditions or glare onto adjacent properties
• Home Occupations: External lighting alterations not customary for residences are prohibited
• Industrial Areas: Landscaping must buffer and screen lighting from view
• Public Facilities: Walkways, laundry, and restroom facilities require adequate interior and exterior lighting

Residential Lighting Requirements

Energy Efficiency Standards

Bingham County places emphasis on energy-efficient lighting solutions for residential properties. According to the building code:

• A minimum of 75% of lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures must be high-efficacy lamps
• Alternatively, at least 75% of permanently installed lighting fixtures must contain only high-efficacy lamps

Home Occupation Restrictions

For residents operating businesses from their homes, the county has specific lighting limitations:

• No external lighting alterations that aren't customarily associated with family residences
• Storefront-style lighting is prohibited
• Only one sign is permitted, which must be unlighted and no larger than 4 square feet

These restrictions help maintain the residential character of neighborhoods while allowing for small business operations.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

When lighting parking areas, commercial and industrial property owners must ensure:

• Lights are properly shielded
• Illumination is directed away from residential properties
• Lighting is directed away from highways to prevent driver distraction

Industrial Development Standards

Industrial parcels have specific requirements to minimize their visual impact:

• Park-like surroundings must be developed using landscaping
• Existing woodlands should be utilized as buffers
• Lighting must be screened from view along with parking areas, loading docks, and outdoor storage

These measures ensure industrial areas blend more harmoniously with Bingham County's predominantly rural landscape.

Signage Lighting Regulations

Safety Considerations

Sign lighting in Bingham County is regulated primarily for safety considerations:

• Must not cause hazardous or unsafe driving conditions for motorists
• Must not glare, reflect, or spill onto adjacent business or residential areas

Limited Lighting for Home-Based Businesses

For home-based businesses:

• Signs must be unlighted
• Maximum size is limited to 4 square feet

Public and Shared Facilities

Health and Safety Standards

Facilities accessible to the public have specific lighting requirements:

• Laundry and restroom facilities must be well-lit both inside and outside
• All walkways must be well-lit and maintained in a safe manner

Dog Facility Requirements

Facilities housing dogs must have:

• Ample lighting (natural, artificial, or both) of good quality
• Uniformly distributed illumination sufficient for routine inspection and cleaning
• Primary enclosures positioned to protect dogs from excessive illumination

Street Lighting Guidelines

Subdivision Development

Street lighting requirements primarily apply to new developments:

• For subdivisions near the City of Shelley (within 1/4 mile of city limits): City-approved street lights are required
• Maximum distance between street lights: 300 feet
• Monthly bills for these lights are paid by the City of Shelley
• For all other developments, street lights are the responsibility of the developer

Special Structures Regulations

Tower Lighting Limitations

Towers in Bingham County have strict lighting limitations:

• All lighting on towers is prohibited except when required by the FAA or other applicable authority
• This helps minimize light pollution and preserve the night sky

Glare Prevention

The county specifically addresses glare as an adverse effect that must be mitigated:

• Development must reduce direct or reflected glare detectable by human senses without instruments
• Setbacks, buffers, and other measures should be employed to minimize unwanted light effects

Supporting Bingham County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with preserving community character. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with experience in diverse communities, we recognize Bingham County's unique blend of agricultural heritage and technological advancement.

We appreciate Bingham County's approach to lighting regulations that maintain rural character while supporting growth and development. Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices aligns with the county's balanced regulatory approach.

For residents navigating lighting regulations, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource, helping to interpret requirements while respecting the county's vision. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and functional needs allows us to support communities like Bingham County in maintaining their distinctive character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing or updating lighting on your property in Bingham County, remember these key points:

• Focus on energy efficiency by choosing high-efficacy lamps for permanent fixtures
• Consider your neighbors by properly shielding and directing light away from adjacent properties
• Prevent highway hazards by ensuring lights don't create distractions for drivers
• Maintain residential character by avoiding commercial-style lighting in residential areas

Common Questions

Do I need special lighting for home businesses?

Actually, the opposite is true. Home businesses in Bingham County are restricted from adding external lighting not typical for residential properties.

What about outdoor lighting for security?

While security lighting isn't specifically addressed in the regulations, all outdoor lighting should follow the general principles of being shielded and directed away from neighboring properties and roadways.

Conclusion

Bingham County's lighting regulations reflect its agricultural heritage and community values, balancing practical needs with preservation of rural character. While not as extensive as regulations in more urban areas, they focus on key concerns like energy efficiency, safety, and minimizing light pollution.

By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to maintaining Bingham County's distinctive character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and function. These thoughtfully designed regulations help preserve the county's unique blend of agricultural tradition and modern development for future generations.