Lighting Regulations in Blossburg Borough, Pennsylvania: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tioga County, Blossburg Borough has a rich heritage dating back to the early 19th century. Founded by Aaron Bloss in the early 1800s and officially incorporated in 1871, this charming community has deep roots in coal mining and manufacturing that have shaped its development over generations.

The borough's approach to lighting regulations reflects its dual commitment to preserving historical character while addressing contemporary needs. These regulations, though limited in scope, aim to maintain the aesthetic integrity of Blossburg while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Blossburg Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here's a snapshot of Blossburg's key lighting regulations:

• Public Property Protection: It's unlawful to damage or tamper with street lights or other lighting fixtures on public property
• Interior Lighting Requirements: Specific standards for habitable rooms and common areas
• Glare Restrictions: Classified as a general nuisance; industrial glare must not be visible beyond 100 feet
• Area Lighting Direction: Must be reflected away from adjoining properties
• Sign Illumination: Restrictions on flashing, intermittent, or colored lighting near intersections
• Multiple Dwelling Requirements: Different standards based on number of units

Interior Lighting Requirements

Residential Specifications

Blossburg Borough maintains clear standards for interior lighting to ensure safety and functionality in residential settings. These requirements establish minimum standards while allowing flexibility in implementation.

Each habitable room, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room, and public hall must feature at least one ceiling fixture OR two separate floor/wall-type electric outlets. This requirement ensures adequate lighting options for all essential spaces.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and ongoing maintenance are key aspects of Blossburg's lighting regulations:

• All fixtures and outlets must be properly installed
• Equipment must be maintained in good and safe working condition
• All connections must be made to the source of electric power in a safe manner

Multiple Dwelling Standards

For buildings with multiple dwelling units, Blossburg applies tiered requirements based on building size:

• Buildings with 5+ dwelling units: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with 4 or fewer units: Public halls and stairways may use conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system rather than full-time lighting

Exterior Lighting Considerations

Glare Management

Blossburg Borough specifically identifies glare as a general nuisance in its regulations. Property owners should be mindful that creating excessive glare could result in nuisance violations.

For industrial properties, the regulations are more specific: no glare shall be evident at any point more than 100 feet from the source of light. This creates clear boundaries for light trespass in industrial contexts.

Directional Requirements

When installing roadway or area lighting, the borough requires that illumination be reflected away from adjoining properties. This helps minimize light trespass and respects neighboring property owners' right to control their lighting environment.

Sign Illumination Standards

Traffic Safety Considerations

When placing illuminated signs near intersections, Blossburg emphasizes traffic safety through several requirements:

• Signs must not obstruct free and clear vision
• Signs located within direct line of vision of traffic control signs/signals must not have:
• Flashing or intermittent lighting
• Red, green, or amber illumination

These restrictions help prevent confusion with traffic signals and maintain roadway safety.

Public Infrastructure Protection

Street Light Preservation

The borough explicitly prohibits actions that would damage public lighting infrastructure. It is unlawful to:

• Destroy or injure street lights in any way
• Tamper with or deface any lighting fixtures on public property

This protection extends to all public property, including ornamental work and other infrastructure elements that contribute to the borough's character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Application

For Blossburg property owners, these lighting regulations provide general guidance while allowing flexibility in implementation. The requirements focus primarily on:

• Safety considerations for interior spaces and public areas
• Minimizing negative impacts like glare and light trespass
• Preserving public infrastructure including street lighting

Development Considerations

For those undertaking new development, street lights may be required as part of the development process. Developers should be prepared to:

• Install street lights as required by borough ordinances
• Potentially provide financial security to cover the costs of such improvements

Supporting Blossburg's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting's Community Alignment

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique challenges faced by historic communities like Blossburg. We share Blossburg's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing appropriate modern technology.

Our experience with communities throughout the region has given us appreciation for the balance Blossburg seeks to maintain between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. This perspective allows us to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

Preserving Community Character

Blossburg's coal mining heritage and 19th-century origins have created a distinctive community character worth preserving. Thoughtful lighting choices play an important role in maintaining this character while meeting contemporary needs.

Bock Lighting's understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a partner who can help maintain the integrity of Blossburg's historic areas through appropriate lighting solutions.

Conclusion

Blossburg Borough's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the community's practical approach to balancing historic preservation with modern functionality. By focusing on safety, nuisance prevention, and protection of public infrastructure, these regulations provide a framework that respects both community character and individual property rights.

For property owners in Blossburg, understanding these lighting requirements helps ensure compliance while contributing to the overall quality of life in this historic Pennsylvania borough. As the community continues to evolve, these lighting standards help preserve the unique character that makes Blossburg special.