Lighting Regulations in Bonner County, Idaho: Preserving Rural Dark Skies in the Gem State's North

Introduction: Bonner County's Commitment to Natural Beauty

Nestled in northern Idaho with the majestic Lake Pend Oreille at its heart, Bonner County has long been treasured for its natural splendor and historical significance. Established in 1907 with Sandpoint as its county seat, this picturesque region blends rural charm with small-town character across communities like Priest River, which sits along the shores of the Pend Oreille and Priest rivers.

The county's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving the distinctive rural character and natural beauty that defines the region. With a population of approximately 45,000 spread across its scenic landscapes, Bonner County's lighting guidelines aim to balance modern development needs with the preservation of its treasured dark skies and natural environment.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

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

• Directional Requirements: All lighting must be shielded and downward directed to confine light to the premises • Light Trespass: Lighting must produce no glare on adjacent properties or rights of way • Sign Illumination: Illuminated signs cannot beam light upon public thoroughfares or sidewalks • Height Restrictions: Freestanding light fixtures limited to 14 feet in height • Prohibited Fixtures: Mercury vapor light fixtures and backlit awnings are not permitted • Special Use Requirements: Additional requirements exist for adult entertainment businesses, racetracks, airports, and home occupations

General Lighting Principles and Requirements

Core Philosophy: Preserving Rural Dark Skies

Bonner County's lighting regulations are guided by a fundamental principle: "To preserve rural dark skies by reducing nighttime glare and light pollution." This commitment reflects the community's values and its desire to maintain the natural beauty that makes the region special.

Basic Requirements for All Lighting

The county's approach to lighting emphasizes containment and direction:

• All lighting must be shielded and downward directed • Lighting must be designed to confine illumination to the premises • Installations should produce no glare on adjacent properties or rights-of-way • Broadcast lighting fixtures that project light outward rather than downward are discouraged • Temporary high-intensity construction lights should be oriented to reduce or eliminate glare onto adjoining properties

Height and Fixture Restrictions

Bonner County places specific limitations on lighting fixtures:

• Freestanding light fixtures cannot exceed 14 feet in height • Mercury vapor light fixtures are prohibited entirely • Backlit awnings are not permitted

Energy Efficiency Considerations

The county encourages energy-efficient lighting solutions:

• When using decorative miniature lighting strings, bulbs larger than 11 watts each shall not be used • Low wattage and LED lighting that reduces electrical consumption is encouraged

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Bonner County has specific regulations governing how signs may be illuminated:

• Illuminated signs cannot direct beams or illumination upon public thoroughfares, highways, sidewalks, or navigable water • All internally illuminated signs are prohibited, with these exceptions:

• Neon signs
• Dark opaque signs where light only shines through individual letters
• Logos no more than 10 square feet in size

• Externally illuminated signs that are downwardly directed are encouraged • All wiring and materials must comply with state electrical codes

Dynamic Sign Elements

The county restricts dynamic sign elements:

• Moving, rotating, or flashing signs (or parts thereof) are prohibited • The only exception is for time and temperature displays

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult Entertainment Businesses

Adult entertainment businesses face specific lighting requirements:

• All off-street parking areas, walkways, and building entries must be illuminated during all business hours • Lighting system must provide a minimum maintained horizontal illumination greater than one foot-candle on parking surfaces and walkways

Racetracks

Racetrack facilities must address lighting impacts:

• Facilities must be located to minimize impacts to adjacent properties from lights • Applications must include a racetrack operations plan addressing various environmental factors

Home Occupations

Home-based businesses must ensure:

• No equipment or process used in home occupations may create objectionable glare or electrical interference

Airport Areas

Special considerations apply near airports:

• No land use may make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others • Uses must not result in glare affecting pilots using the airport • Lighting must not impair visibility or create hazards for aircraft

Application and Compliance Requirements

Documentation Requirements

Bonner County requires specific documentation related to lighting:

• Applicants for zone or comprehensive plan map changes must submit a narrative addressing "the effects of elements such as light glare on adjoining property" • Site and building plans must demonstrate compliance with applicable lighting standards

Conditional Use Considerations

For certain conditional uses:

• One on-premises sign, not exceeding 32 square feet, which may be lighted from the exterior, is permitted when included in conditional use permit applications • Specified conditions regarding light and glare emissions may be prescribed differently from standard district requirements to ensure compatibility with state and federal standards

Supporting Bonner County's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Bonner County's commitment to preserving its rural character and dark skies. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we recognize the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with environmental stewardship and community character.

Bonner County's emphasis on downward-directed lighting and reducing light pollution aligns with our own philosophy of responsible lighting design. We believe that effective lighting can enhance safety and functionality while respecting the natural environment and rural aesthetics that make communities like those in Bonner County special.

Our experience working with communities that value their dark skies has given us insight into practical solutions that comply with regulations while meeting residents' and businesses' practical needs. From energy-efficient options to properly shielded fixtures, we understand how thoughtful lighting choices can support both compliance and community values.

We're committed to serving as a resource for communities like Bonner County, helping property owners navigate lighting regulations while preserving the character that makes northern Idaho such a treasured place to live and visit.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're a property owner in Bonner County planning new lighting installations:

• Focus on downward direction: Ensure all fixtures direct light downward and are properly shielded • Consider height restrictions: Remember the 14-foot limit on freestanding fixtures • Be mindful of neighbors: Design your lighting to prevent spillover onto adjacent properties • Choose permitted technologies: Avoid prohibited fixtures like mercury vapor lights and backlit awnings

Understanding Special Circumstances

Different requirements may apply depending on your property use:

• Commercial properties: Pay special attention to sign illumination restrictions • Home-based businesses: Ensure lighting doesn't create objectionable glare • Properties near airports: Take extra precautions to avoid interfering with aviation safety

Seeking Guidance

When in doubt about compliance:

• Consult county officials: The planning department can provide guidance on specific requirements • Maintain documentation: Keep records of your lighting plans and specifications • Consider professional assistance: Lighting designers familiar with rural dark sky requirements can help ensure compliance

Conclusion

Bonner County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the natural beauty and rural character that make it special. By focusing on downward-directed light, minimizing glare, and limiting light trespass, these regulations help maintain dark skies while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and function.

As property owners and businesses navigate these requirements, understanding both the technical specifications and the underlying values they represent can lead to lighting solutions that enhance the community while respecting its distinctive character and natural environment.

Whether you're planning a new development, updating existing lighting, or simply curious about the regulations that shape your community's nighttime appearance, a thoughtful approach to lighting helps preserve what makes Bonner County a treasured part of northern Idaho.