Lighting Regulations in Bloomington, Minnesota: Balancing Urban Development with Environmental Stewardship

Quick Reference Guide to Bloomington's Lighting Standards

• Color Requirements: Lights must have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of at least 50
• Color Temperature: Minimum of 2,500K required for most lighting
• Cut-off Requirements: Most lighting must be "90 degree cut-off with a flat lens design"
• Fixture Efficacy: Parking lot lighting must have at least 70 lumens per watt
• Uniformity Ratios: Range from 6:1 to 10:1 max:min, depending on use
• Illumination Levels: Various requirements based on specific use (1.0-25.0 footcandles)
• Maximum Light Output: Ranges from 3,000-70,000 initial lumens depending on fixture type and location
• Documentation: Professional lighting plan required for most exterior lighting installations

Introduction: Why Lighting Matters in Bloomington

Bloomington, Minnesota has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1858. From its early days as a new state community to its current status as home to the iconic Mall of America, Bloomington has balanced urban development with environmental stewardship. The city's commitment to its extensive parks system—encompassing 97 parks and numerous natural areas—reflects core community values that extend to its approach to lighting.

With approximately 90,000 residents and over 9,700 hotel rooms serving visitors, Bloomington's lighting regulations serve multiple purposes: ensuring safety, reducing light pollution, preventing glare, and maintaining the aesthetic quality of both commercial and residential areas.

These carefully crafted lighting standards reflect Bloomington's dedication to creating a community that functions well at all hours while respecting both natural environments and neighboring properties.

Purpose of Exterior Lighting Regulations

Bloomington's exterior lighting regulations (Section 21.301.07) aim to:

• Promote public health, safety and welfare
• Establish efficient, cost-effective lighting requirements for safety and security
• Reduce light pollution, light trespass, glare and offensive light sources
• Provide an environmentally sensitive nighttime environment
• Discourage inappropriate or poorly designed lighting
• Protect people and adjacent land uses from glare

The city recognizes that while adequate lighting is essential for safety and security, excessive or poorly designed lighting creates problems for residents, wildlife, and the overall community atmosphere.

General Requirements for Exterior Lighting

Professional Documentation Required

For most exterior lighting installations (except single and two-family dwellings), Bloomington requires:

• Professional lighting plan signed by a registered electrical engineer or lighting certified (LC) professional
• Two photometric plans showing both initial and maintained at-grade foot candle levels
• Luminaire schedule table indicating uniformity ratios and fixture specifications
• Detailed information on each fixture including manufacturer's catalog information and shielding details
• Energy use calculations showing compliance with State Energy Code

Installation and Inspection Requirements

The city maintains oversight throughout the lighting installation process:

• Pre-installation inspection to verify delivery of approved lamps, fixtures and pole heights
• Post-installation inspection prior to certificate of occupancy to verify compliance
• Compliance verification: Individual points may not vary more than 20% with the average of all points within 10% of approved plans

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following lighting types are prohibited in Bloomington:

• Low CRI lighting: Lights with Color Rendering Index below 50 (except approved architectural lighting)
• Low color temperature: Lights below 2,500K (except approved architectural lighting)
• Dynamic lighting: Blinking, flashing, moving, revolving, flickering, changing intensity/color, and chase lighting (except for temporary seasonal displays, public safety, or air traffic requirements)
• Most upward lighting: Including searchlights, beacons and laser source fixtures (with specific exceptions)
• Inefficient fixtures: Parking lot lighting with efficacy less than 70 lumens per watt

Technical Specifications for Different Uses

Standard Height and Power Restrictions

Illumination Requirements for Specific Areas

Parking Areas

• Residential Zones/Uses: Minimum 1.0 footcandles
• Nonresidential Uses Near Residential: Minimum 1.0 footcandles
• Retail and Service Uses: Minimum 1.5 footcandles
• Enclosed Retail Parking Structures: Minimum 5.0 footcandles
• Enclosed Non-retail Parking Structures: Minimum 6.0 footcandles

Building Entrances and Exits

• Primary Building Entrances:
• 5.0 footcandles within 5 ft.
• 7.0 footcandles within 10 ft.
• 10.0 footcandles within radius extending twice the door opening width
• Secondary/Emergency Entrances:
• 2.0 footcandles within 3-5 ft.

Other Areas

• Pedestrian Plaza or Park: Minimum 2.0 footcandles
• Designated Pedestrian Crosswalks: 2 times the minimum illumination level of surrounding area
• Public Areas in Body Art Establishments: Minimum 20 footcandles at 3 feet above floor
• Body Art Procedure Areas: Minimum 100 footcandles where procedures are performed and where sterilization occurs

Special Lighting Considerations

Building Facade and Landscape Lighting

• Upward Aimed Lighting:
• Maximum 22,500 initial lumens per source
• Cannot exceed 15 initial lumens per square foot for each facade
• Must be fully shielded from public view
• Downward Aimed Lighting:
• Maximum 45,000 initial lumens per source
• Cannot exceed 20 initial lumens per square foot
• Must have 90 degree cut-off with flat lens
• Combined Lighting: Cannot exceed 25 initial lumens per square foot for each facade
• Landscape Lighting: Less than 500 initial lumens per source or must be fully shielded and limited to 3,000 initial lumens per fixture

Flagpole Lighting

• Maximum of three upward aimed, fully shielded spotlight fixtures per flag
• For flagpoles up to 35 feet in height: fixtures must not exceed combined 40,000 initial lumens
• For taller flagpoles: additional 500 initial lumens allowed for each foot over 35 feet, up to maximum of 75,000 initial lumens
• Fixtures must be placed close to flagpole base and recessed into ground

Canopy Lighting

• Light fixtures under canopies must be recessed so the lens cover is flush with the bottom surface
• Must be shielded to restrain light to no more than 85 degrees from vertical
• Lights cannot be mounted on top or sides of canopy

Sign Lighting Regulations

Bloomington has specific requirements for sign illumination to prevent excessive brightness and light pollution:

General Sign Lighting Requirements

• All illuminated signs must have a dimmer to control brightness
• Underground electrical service required for illuminated freestanding identification signs
• No lighting may direct beams or rays at roadways, bikeways, trails, or residential properties
• Temporary signs generally cannot be illuminated (with limited exceptions)
• Illuminated signs must have minimum 100-foot separation from residentially zoned and used properties

Electronic and Video Signs

• Must not exceed maximum luminance specified in § 21.301.07
• Must have automatic dimmer control for nighttime hours
• When near residential areas, must be static or turned off between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Video signs must be oriented away from residential structures

Brightness Standards for Signs and Decorative Lighting

• In residential districts or within 500 feet of residential property: 350 nits maximum
• In other zoning districts more than 500 feet from residential property: 425 nits maximum
• Adjacent to I-494, I-35W or within South Loop District (not visible from residential property): 500 nits maximum
• Absolute maximum for all signs and decorative lighting: 6,500 nits

Supporting Bloomington's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Bloomington's commitment to balancing modern development needs with environmental stewardship. We understand the importance of lighting that enhances safety while respecting community character and natural surroundings.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to appreciate Bloomington's thoughtful approach to lighting regulation. We recognize how proper lighting contributes to both the functionality and aesthetic quality of spaces—from the bustling Mall of America area to peaceful residential neighborhoods adjacent to the city's extensive park system.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, Bock Lighting is committed to supporting Bloomington's vision through education and expertise. We believe in sustainable, responsible lighting practices that align with community values and meet specific local requirements.

Conclusion: Achieving Balance Through Thoughtful Lighting

Bloomington's comprehensive lighting regulations reflect its commitment to being a vibrant, livable community that balances urban development with environmental consciousness. From specific technical requirements to thoughtful restrictions on light pollution, these standards help maintain the city's character while ensuring safety and functionality.

For property owners, businesses, and developers, understanding and following these regulations is essential not just for compliance, but for contributing to the community's overall quality of life. Whether illuminating a storefront, parking area, or residential property, proper lighting enhances safety, aesthetics, and energy efficiency while respecting neighboring properties and natural environments.

By embracing these standards, Bloomington continues its tradition of thoughtful planning that has helped it evolve from its 1858 origins to the thriving suburban community it is today.