Lighting Regulations in Boone County, Indiana: Balancing Growth with Historic Character

Introduction

Established in 1830 and named after the famous American pioneer Daniel Boone, Boone County sits approximately 25 miles northwest of Indianapolis. This strategic location has positioned the county for steady growth while maintaining its distinctive charm. From Lebanon's picturesque courthouse square to Zionsville's quaint village atmosphere and brick main street, Boone County demonstrates a clear commitment to preserving its historical character.

This dedication to balancing growth with preservation is evident in the county's approach to lighting regulations. As the county continues to develop, these lighting standards help ensure that new construction and modifications harmonize with the established aesthetic that makes Boone County special.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Outdoor Lighting Design: Must be harmonious with building design, land use, and adjacent properties
• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.1 footcandles beyond residential property lines
• Maximum 0.3 footcandles beyond non-residential property lines
• Parking Area Lighting: Must be shielded and directed to prevent glare onto adjacent properties
• Residential Lighting: Public halls and stairways in multi-family dwellings must provide at least 6 footcandles at floor level
• Commercial Requirements: Special lighting requirements for specific businesses (e.g., tattoo establishments)
• Gas Station Lighting: Must use "down lighting" with completely shielded fixtures
• Sign Lighting: Strict regulations on illumination methods and intensity

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Harmonious Design Principle

Boone County's regulations emphasize that outdoor lighting should complement rather than detract from the community's character. All outdoor lighting must be of a design and size that harmonizes with the building design, land use type, and adjacent land uses.

Directional Control

The regulations are clear about controlling the direction of light:

• Flood lights and other lighting shall be directed upon the premises
• Light must not be detrimental to adjoining properties
• Light sources should be shielded and restrained to prevent illumination or intrusion on surrounding properties

Brightness and Color Limitations

Maintaining the county's charming atmosphere involves controlling lighting characteristics:

• Excessive brightness is not permitted
• Flashing lights are prohibited
• Brilliant colors are not allowed
• No glare shall be seen from any street or residential area

Light Intensity and Trespass Regulations

Measurable Standards

Boone County has established specific, measurable standards for light trespass:

• Residential boundaries: Lighting shall not cause illumination beyond any residential lot line or road right-of-way line in excess of 0.1 footcandles
• Non-residential boundaries: Lighting shall not cause illumination beyond any non-residential tract or parcel line or road right-of-way line in excess of 0.3 footcandles

These precise measurements help ensure that lighting remains contained to the property where it originates, minimizing disruption to neighbors and preserving the night atmosphere.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

The county code specifies minimum requirements for residential interior lighting:

• Every habitable room must have at least:
• Two separate wall-type duplex electric convenience outlets, OR
• One duplex convenience outlet and one wall/ceiling electric light fixture
• Every non-habitable room (bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc.) must have:
• At least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture

Public Area Lighting

For multi-family dwellings, common areas have specific requirements:

• Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted to provide at least 6 footcandles at floor level
• For buildings with only two dwelling units, convenient light switches may be used instead of full-time lighting

Safety Considerations

• Bathroom electrical fixtures must be designed and maintained to minimize electric shock danger

Commercial and Special Use Lighting

Tattoo and Body Modification Establishments

These businesses have specific lighting requirements for health and safety:

• General illumination must be at least 20 foot-candles at 30 inches above the floor throughout the establishment
• Areas where tattooing is performed require minimum 40 foot-candles of light
• Spotlighting may be used to achieve these requirements

Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturing processes must not create any objectionable glare that could affect surrounding areas.

Parking Lot and Streetlight Standards

Design Uniformity

• All lighting standards within development areas must be of uniform design and materials
• Parking lot streetlights must be of uniform height
• Height limit: 24 feet in some areas, 30 feet in others

Pole Specifications

• For poles up to 12 feet: Minimum 6-inch diameter
• For poles between 12-24 feet: Minimum 8-inch diameter
• Luminaries must be proportional to pole diameter and height

Direction and Shielding

• Parking area lighting must be arranged, shielded, and directed to prevent glare onto adjacent properties or traffic
• Gas station canopy lighting and lights near residential areas must use "down lighting" with light elements completely shielded on all sides and top

Sign Lighting Regulations

General Requirements

• Signs are limited to one per business
• Signs must be externally illuminated with one non-flashing light
• Window signs are prohibited

Zoning Restrictions

• Animated signs, exposed bulbs, or neon lighting is prohibited in AG, R1, and R2 zones
• Internal/external illumination is permitted with a sign permit in R1, R2, R3, R4, MF, LB, PB, GB, UB, AB, I1, and I2 zones

Light Trespass Control

• No direct light or significant glare from signs may be cast onto adjacent residential lots
• Signs may be illuminated, but not by exterior lighting such as spot or floodlights

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Requirements

Property development in Boone County requires careful consideration of lighting:

• Lighting plans are required as part of development plan applications
• Site layout drawings must indicate lighting location, size, and design
• Street lights may be required at subdivision intersections
• Buildings with multiple storefronts must have unified lighting consistent with the overall building style

Flexibility for Appropriate Design

The Area Plan Commission (APC) may approve decorative lighting if it's more appropriate to the overall site design, providing some flexibility while maintaining standards.

Safety and Welfare Considerations

When evaluating conditional land uses, authorities consider whether lighting would be detrimental or hazardous to persons, property, or public welfare.

Supporting Boone County's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the delicate balance Boone County maintains between growth and preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value their historical character while accommodating necessary development.

Boone County's thoughtful lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining the charm of areas like Lebanon's courthouse square and Zionsville's village atmosphere. These standards ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community's distinctive character.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a resource for property owners navigating these regulations. We share Boone County's commitment to lighting solutions that respect community character while meeting modern needs for safety and functionality.

As Boone County continues to grow, sustainable and responsible lighting practices become increasingly important. We're proud to support communities that prioritize thoughtful development and preservation of their unique heritage.

Conclusion

Boone County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to growth that respects community character and neighboring properties. By establishing clear standards for light intensity, direction, and design, the county helps ensure that development enhances rather than detracts from its distinctive charm.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations early in the planning process, as lighting considerations are an integral part of development approvals. While technical in nature, these standards serve the practical purpose of creating a community where lighting supports safety and functionality while preserving the aesthetic qualities that make Boone County special.

As the county continues to grow, these thoughtful lighting standards will help maintain the balance between progress and preservation that has defined Boone County's approach to development.