Lighting Regulations in Brigham City, Utah: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction: Brigham City's Lighting Approach

Founded in 1851 by Mormon settlers under the direction of Brigham Young, Brigham City has a rich historical heritage that continues to influence its development policies today. The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving its unique historical character while ensuring the safety and functionality of its public and private spaces.

Brigham City, with its population of approximately 19,000 residents, has developed lighting regulations that support its community values of historical preservation and aesthetic harmony. These regulations help maintain the city's distinctive ambiance while providing adequate illumination for safety and security.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of the most important lighting regulations in Brigham City:

General Requirements:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Property line adjoining public roadway: 0.5 footcandles maximum
• Property line adjoining non-residential property: 0.3 footcandles maximum
• Property line adjoining residential property: 0.1 footcandles maximum

Fixture Requirements:

• Shielding: Most outdoor lighting fixtures must be fully shielded
• Height Restrictions: Building-mounted, plaza, open space, parking lot, and landscape lighting fixtures cannot exceed 30 feet in height
• Direction: Exterior area lighting must be directed downward and screened from adjacent properties

Prohibited Lighting:

• Mercury vapor fixtures (explicitly prohibited)
• Non-cutoff wall packs
• Drop lenses that change a luminaire from cutoff to non-cutoff
• Upward-directed sign, building, or landscaping lighting (unless properly shielded)

Special Uses:

• Public outdoor recreational facilities must not be illuminated after 11:00 p.m.
• Private outdoor recreation facilities must not be illuminated after 10:00 p.m.

Understanding the North Shore Development Planned District Regulations

The most comprehensive lighting regulations in Brigham City appear in the North Shore Development Planned District code section (§ 156.303), which provides detailed requirements aimed at protecting the night sky while ensuring adequate illumination.

Purpose of the Lighting Regulations

The regulations in this district are designed to:

• Protect against direct glare and excessive lighting
• Provide safe roadways for all users
• Ensure adequate lighting for public safety and security
• Preserve the ability to view the night sky
• Protect the experience of tourists visiting the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Shielding Requirements by Light Source

Different types of lighting have specific shielding requirements:

• Fully Shielded Required:
• Fluorescent
• High pressure sodium
• Incandescent greater than 100W
• Low pressure sodium
• Metal halide
• Quartz
• No Shielding Required:
• Fossil fuel lighting
• Glass tubes filled with neon, argon, or krypton
• Not Permitted:
• Mercury vapor fixtures

Technical Specifications

The North Shore Development regulations include specific technical requirements:

• Maximum Height: 30 feet from grade (including pole base) for building mounted, plaza, open space, parking, and landscape lighting
• Illumination Standards: All installations may meet the Illumination Engineering Society of North America minimum standards, plus 30% maximum
• Metal Halide: Must be in enclosed luminaries
• Light Source Preference: Warm white natural lamps are preferred to minimize detrimental effects

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Documentation Requirements

Commercial lighting installations require detailed documentation for approval:

• Site Plans: Must show location of premises and all illuminating devices
• Technical Descriptions: Must include manufacturer's catalog cuts, footcandle plots (in tenths), and detailed drawings
• Compliance Evidence: May require certified test reports from a recognized testing lab

Parking Area Lighting

For commercial parking areas:

• Minimum Illumination:
• 0.5 horizontal footcandles
• 0.25 vertical footcandles
• Design Considerations:
• Must reflect light away from adjacent properties
• Maximum intensity at adjoining residential properties: 0.1 footcandles
• Must account for shadow effects from trees, signs, and buildings
• Must provide sufficient illumination to promote safety and prevent crime

Specialized Lighting Regulations

Residential Areas and Pools

Family swimming pools have specific lighting requirements:

• Lights used to illuminate pools or accessories must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises

Signs and Digital Displays

Digital sign lighting has specific restrictions:

• Must adhere to curfew periods (typically 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) when near residences
• Cannot blink, flash, pulse, or twinkle
• Must have automatic dimmer controls
• Cannot exceed a maximum illumination of three-tenths footcandles above ambient light
• Must have ambient light monitors for automatic brightness adjustment

Special Use Lighting

Special use facilities have tailored requirements:

• Cabarets and Nightclubs:
• Must maintain a minimum of two candlepower light measured at five feet above the floor
• Sexually-Oriented Businesses:
• Interior premises must be equipped with overhead lighting of not less than one foot candle as measured at floor level

Supporting Brigham City's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand how lighting regulations help preserve the unique character of historic communities like Brigham City. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the balance between modern lighting needs and historical preservation.

Our team recognizes that Brigham City's regulations seek to maintain the city's distinctive atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality. We share the community's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution and respect the city's historical heritage.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource to help property owners navigate lighting regulations. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and historical contexts allows us to provide guidance that supports Brigham City's vision for appropriate illumination that enhances rather than detracts from its character.

We're committed to supporting communities as they work to preserve their unique identities through thoughtful lighting approaches.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When planning a lighting installation in Brigham City:

• Check District Requirements: Different districts may have different requirements
• Consider Light Trespass: Ensure your lighting doesn't exceed permitted levels at property lines
• Choose Compliant Fixtures: Select fully shielded fixtures for most applications
• Document Your Plan: For commercial projects, prepare detailed lighting plans

Common Compliance Challenges

Property owners should be aware of several common compliance challenges:

• Fixture Height: Ensure your lighting doesn't exceed maximum height restrictions
• Direction: Direct light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Shielding: Make sure fixtures have appropriate shielding based on light source
• Light Levels: Maintain appropriate illumination levels without creating excessive brightness

Conclusion

Brigham City's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while providing safe, functional lighting for residents and businesses. By balancing practical illumination needs with protections against light pollution and trespass, the city maintains its distinctive ambiance and protects the quality of life for its residents.

Property owners and developers can support this vision by understanding and following the lighting requirements that apply to their specific district and use. While navigating these regulations may seem complex, they ultimately contribute to the preservation of Brigham City's unique character and community atmosphere.