Lighting Regulations in Blackfoot, Idaho: Preserving the "Grove City" Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in Bingham County, Blackfoot, Idaho has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1878. Known as the "Grove City" due to its distinctive tree-lined streets that stand in contrast to the surrounding sagebrush landscape, Blackfoot has long demonstrated a commitment to preserving natural beauty and creating appealing urban spaces.

This commitment extends to the city's approach to lighting. While Blackfoot's lighting regulations aren't as extensive as some municipalities, they reflect the community's values of balancing growth with preservation of its natural and historical assets. The regulations primarily focus on sign illumination, with specific provisions to protect residential areas from light pollution.

Quick Reference Guide to Blackfoot Lighting Regulations

• Sign Illumination Limits: 100 nits between half hour before sunset and half hour after sunrise; 1,000 nits during other times
• Residential Protection: Maximum 2 foot-candles at property lines shared with residential parcels
• Off-Street Parking: Lighting must be directed away from residential properties
• Preferred Sign Lighting: External illumination or reverse pan channel with halo illumination (eligible for size bonuses)
• Electronic Signs: Only allowed on monument signs in Commercial and Industrial zones
• General Requirement: All lights must be designed, positioned, and shielded to prevent glare on adjoining properties

Sign Illumination Standards

Digital Sign Brightness Limits

Blackfoot's regulations place specific limits on how bright illuminated signs can be:

• Nighttime Maximum: Signs cannot exceed 100 nits (candela per square meter) from one-half hour before sunset to one-half hour after sunrise
• Daytime Maximum: Signs cannot exceed 1,000 nits during other times
• Automatic Dimming: Signs must include automatic dimmer controls to adjust brightness levels
• Residential Protection: Signs near residential areas must be "located, shielded, and screened to prevent direct light or glare onto adjacent uses or properties"

Preferred Illumination Types

The city encourages certain types of sign illumination through incentives:

• External Illumination: Signs using gooseneck or similar fixtures qualify for a 50% increase in allowed sign area
• Halo Illumination: Wall, projecting, canopy or freestanding signs using reverse pan channel lettering with halo illumination qualify for a 50% increase in sign area and placement of one sign per wall above first story

Special Sign Lighting Restrictions

Different areas and sign types have specific illumination requirements:

• Residential Zones: Only externally illuminated or reverse pan channel with halo illumination is allowed
• Electronic Message Signs: Allowed only as part of monument signs in Commercial and Industrial zones
• Transit-Stop Shelters: Sign lighting must be constant (no flashing, blinking, or color changes)
• Transit-Stop Benches: Sign illumination is not allowed

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Blackfoot's code includes several provisions regarding general outdoor lighting beyond signage:

Preventing Light Pollution

• Directional Control: All lights must be "designed, positioned, shielded, directed and located to prevent glare from falling on adjoining properties"
• Illumination Limits: Light levels cannot exceed 2 foot-candles as measured one foot above ground at property lines shared with residential parcels
• Parking Areas: Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be directed away from residential properties

Special Use Lighting

• Cell Towers: "Towers shall not be artificially lighted except as required by the federal aviation administration (FAA)"
• Communication Facilities: "Facility lighting shall be designed so as to meet but not exceed minimum requirements for security, safety or FAA regulations"
• Drive-Through Facilities: "Landscaping shall screen drive-up aisles from the public right of way and shall be used to minimize the visual impact of vehicular lights"

Infrastructure Requirements

• Subdivisions: "Streetlights shall be installed throughout the subdivision. A subdivider shall conform to the requirements of the city and the public utility providing such light."

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Lighting Projects

When developing lighting plans for your property in Blackfoot, consider these key points:

• Conditional Use Permits: Applications must address the effects of "glare" on adjoining properties
• Site Plans: Must include information about "fences, signs, exterior lighting and storm drainage"
• Sign Design Review: Sign illumination will be evaluated for compatibility with buildings, structures, and other features on the site

Understanding Compliance Requirements

Non-compliance with lighting regulations can have consequences:

• Nonconforming Signs: Must be removed or brought into compliance when specific conditions occur
• Variances: Available for specific sign standards including illumination, but not for prohibited signs

Benefits of Preferred Lighting Types

Blackfoot's code offers incentives for certain lighting approaches:

• Size Bonuses: External illumination and halo-lit signs qualify for 50% more sign area
• Placement Flexibility: Halo-lit signs can be placed above the first story on multi-story buildings

Supporting Blackfoot's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Blackfoot's commitment to preserving its unique "Grove City" character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we value the balance between historical character preservation and modern technological advancement.

We recognize that Blackfoot's lighting regulations aim to protect residential areas from light pollution while allowing businesses to effectively illuminate their properties and signage. Our expertise in designing lighting solutions that comply with local regulations can help property owners navigate the specific requirements of Blackfoot's code.

Bock Lighting shares Blackfoot's commitment to responsible lighting practices that enhance the community's aesthetic while minimizing negative impacts. Our approach aligns with Blackfoot's values of preserving natural beauty and promoting thoughtful development.

Conclusion

Blackfoot's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while accommodating modern needs. While the regulations focus primarily on sign illumination, they also address general lighting concerns, particularly regarding light trespass onto residential properties.

Property owners should pay special attention to brightness limitations, directional requirements, and special incentives for preferred lighting types. By understanding and following these requirements, you can ensure your lighting projects contribute positively to Blackfoot's community aesthetic.

For the most current and comprehensive information, always consult with the Blackfoot city planning department before beginning any lighting project. Local officials can provide guidance on interpreting and applying the regulations to your specific situation.