Lighting Regulations in Briny Breezes, Florida: Preserving Coastal Charm While Protecting Sea Turtles

Introduction: A Small Town with a Unique Lighting Vision

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Briny Breezes is a distinctive coastal town with a character all its own. Incorporated in 1963, this tiny municipality of just 0.1 square miles began as a haven for "tin can tourists" in the 1950s and has maintained its Old Florida charm ever since.

What makes Briny Breezes truly unique is its configuration as a three-in-one entity: town, corporation, and mobile home park community. This distinctive structure has allowed the community to preserve its relaxed, small-town atmosphere amid South Florida's broader urban development.

The town's lighting regulations reflect both its commitment to maintaining its quaint character and its responsibility as a coastal community, particularly regarding the protection of sea turtles during nesting season.

Quick Reference Guide to Briny Breezes Lighting Regulations

• Sea Turtle Protection Period: March 1 to October 31, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Oceanfront Property Lighting: Must use long wavelength light (560 nm or greater - amber, orange, or red) OR be shielded from beach visibility
• Street Lighting: Must direct illumination away from beach areas
• Park & Beach Access Lighting: Must be shielded or not used during turtle season
• Sign Lighting: No glare-producing or flashing illuminated signs
• Property Boundaries: Operations producing glare must not extend beyond property lines

Sea Turtle Protection: The Heart of Briny Breezes' Lighting Regulations

Understanding the Turtle Protection Mandate

Briny Breezes' most detailed lighting regulations revolve around protecting sea turtles during their critical nesting period. Located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, the town plays an important role in preserving these threatened species.

Oceanfront Property Requirements

According to §91.16 of the town code, all oceanfront property owners must ensure:

• No artificial light illuminates beach areas that may be used for sea turtle nesting
• All artificial lighting must either:
• Produce only long wavelength light (560 nm or greater) - amber, orange, or red colors
• Be positioned or shielded so the light source is not visible from the beach
• These requirements apply during the night period from March 1 to October 31 (10:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m)

Future Development Standards

Section §91.19 requires that all future oceanfront development comply with applicable provisions of Palm Beach County's turtle protection regulations, ensuring this commitment continues with new construction.

Public Lighting Requirements

Street Lighting Design

The town code (§91.17) provides specific guidance for street lighting:

• Street lights must be positioned so illumination travels away from the beach
• They must either:
• Produce only long wavelength light (560 nm or greater)
• Be equipped with shades or shields to prevent backlighting
• Exceptions may be authorized by Town Council upon recommendation of the Chief of Police when public safety requires

Parks and Access Points

For lights at parks and beach access points, the regulations require:

• Proper positioning or shielding to minimize beach impact
• Lights not necessary for public safety should not be utilized during the turtle protection period (March 1 to October 31)

Sign Lighting and Glare Control

Illuminated Sign Regulations

The town code includes specific definitions and regulations for lighted signage:

• Illuminated signs use artificial light sources (internal or external)
• Neon signs use internally illuminated tubing with neon or other electrically charged gas
• Signs that produce glare are prohibited
• Flashing signs are prohibited
• Sign permits must specify any "high voltage tube lighting"
• All permanent signs with lighting fixtures must be maintained according to building codes

Controlling Light Trespass

To maintain good neighbor relations, Briny Breezes requires:

• Operations producing intense glare must be performed within completely enclosed buildings
• No operation should cause annoyance from glare extending beyond property lines
• Development should "preserve adequate light and air to adjacent properties"

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for New Development

If you're planning development in Briny Breezes, lighting considerations must be part of your initial application. Development plans must include:

• Proposed location, direction, and type of outdoor parking lighting
• Proposed security lighting specifications
• Lighting and signage details on preliminary plats for subdivisions

Technical Requirements to Remember

When selecting fixtures and planning lighting installations:

• For oceanfront properties, choose fixtures producing wavelengths of 560 nm or greater (amber/orange/red spectrum) during turtle season
• Ensure all sign lighting is static (non-flashing) and produces no glare
• Position all lighting to prevent spillover to neighboring properties
• Remember that all permanent lighting fixtures must be maintained according to building codes

Seasonal Adjustments

Oceanfront property owners should develop a seasonal lighting plan:

• March 1 - October 31: Implement turtle-friendly lighting practices
• Consider using timers to automatically adjust lighting during the 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. period
• Consult with lighting professionals about shields or positioning that can meet regulations while maintaining necessary illumination

Supporting Briny Breezes' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates the unique character of coastal communities like Briny Breezes. With roots dating back to 1918, our company recognizes the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community preservation and environmental protection.

We particularly appreciate Briny Breezes' commitment to sea turtle conservation through thoughtful lighting regulations. Our experience with turtle-friendly lighting solutions can help property owners comply with regulations while maintaining adequate illumination for safety and enjoyment.

As a resource for understanding lighting regulations, Bock can help community members navigate the technical aspects of wavelength requirements and shielding options. We share Briny Breezes' vision of maintaining its distinctive Old Florida charm while embracing responsible, environmentally-conscious lighting practices.

Our commitment extends beyond products to education and support for coastal communities seeking to balance illumination needs with their environmental responsibilities.

Conclusion

Briny Breezes' lighting regulations reflect its unique character as a small coastal community committed to preserving both its charm and natural environment. The focus on sea turtle protection demonstrates how even a tiny municipality can make a significant environmental impact through thoughtful regulations.

For property owners, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for both compliance and good community citizenship. By following these guidelines, residents help maintain the distinctive character that makes Briny Breezes one of Florida's most unique coastal towns.

Whether you're a long-time resident or considering development in this charming community, these lighting regulations are an important part of what keeps Briny Breezes special for generations to come.