Lighting Regulations in Burtchville Township, Michigan: Preserving Natural Beauty Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: A Township Committed to Tranquility

Nestled along the shores of Lake Huron in St. Clair County, Burtchville Township has carefully maintained its peaceful residential character since its founding in the mid-1800s. Originally inhabited by the Otchipwes before white settlements emerged in the nineteenth century, this community of 15.6 square miles has developed with a profound respect for its natural surroundings.

The township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the serene environment that residents cherish. With its proximity to Lake Huron and emphasis on maintaining a small-town atmosphere, Burtchville has developed illumination standards that balance safety needs with environmental preservation and residential comfort.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know in Burtchville Township:

• Light Trespass Limits: No more than 1/4 foot-candle at side/rear property lines between non-residential and residential districts; no more than 1/2 foot-candle at front property line
• Height Restrictions: Maximum 20 feet for parking lots and private roadways; 15 feet for pedestrian ways
• Directional Requirements: All outdoor lighting must be shielded to reduce glare and directed away from residential areas
• Sign Illumination: White light at constant intensity only; no flashing, animated or intermittent lighting
• Light Intensity Limits: Vary by zone and usage, ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 foot-candles

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Shielding and Direction Requirements

Burtchville Township places strong emphasis on directing light appropriately to minimize disruption:

• All outdoor lighting in all use districts must be shielded to reduce glare
• Lights must be arranged to reflect away from adjacent residential districts or residences
• Outdoor lighting must be directed toward and confined to ground areas such as lawns and parking lots
• Building illumination in non-residential districts must be placed and shielded to prevent interference with vision on adjacent highways or properties

Light Trespass Limitations

The township has established specific measurements to prevent excessive light spillover:

• No light measured (at five feet above ground) at property lines between non-residential and residential districts shall exceed 1/4 foot-candle at side and rear property lines
• Light at front property lines shall not exceed 1/2 foot-candle or the intensity of available street lighting, whichever is greater

Height Restrictions

To maintain aesthetic consistency and prevent overwhelming illumination:

• Light standards shall not exceed 20 feet for parking lots and private roadways
• Light standards shall not exceed 15 feet for pedestrian ways
• Different standards apply in industrial districts, where heights are limited to the district's structure height limit

Illumination Intensity Standards

Burtchville Township has established specific maximum illumination levels (measured in foot-candles) by both property type and area:

Residential Properties

• General areas: 0.5 foot-candles
• Driveways: 1.0 foot-candles
• Parking areas: 1.0 foot-candles
• Walkways: 0.5 foot-candles
• Protective lighting: 0.5 foot-candles
• Building illumination: 0.5 foot-candles

Commercial Properties

• General areas: 0.5 foot-candles
• Driveways: 1.0 foot-candles
• Parking areas: 1.0 foot-candles
• Walkways: 1.0 foot-candles
• Protective lighting: 1.0 foot-candles
• Building illumination: 5.0 foot-candles
• Loading areas: 1.0 foot-candles

Office and Public Buildings

• General areas: 0.5 foot-candles
• Driveways: 1.0 foot-candles
• Parking areas: 1.0 foot-candles
• Walkways: 0.5 foot-candles
• Protective lighting: 1.0 foot-candles
• Building illumination: 3.0 foot-candles
• Loading areas: 1.0 foot-candles

Industrial Properties

• General areas: 0.5 foot-candles
• Driveways: 1.0 foot-candles
• Parking areas: 1.0 foot-candles
• Walkways: 1.0 foot-candles
• Protective lighting: 1.0 foot-candles
• Building illumination: 5.0 foot-candles
• Loading areas: 1.0 foot-candles

Sign Illumination Requirements

Illumination Specifications

Burtchville Township maintains strict standards for sign lighting to ensure safety and aesthetic harmony:

• Illumination must be by white light at constant intensity only
• Signs may be internally or externally illuminated
• All illumination must be shielded, directed or shaded downward to prevent interference with driver visibility
• No flashing, animated or intermittent type signs are permitted
• Artificial light must remain stationary and constant in intensity and color when in use
• No bare bulb illumination is allowed (exceptions for one-family residences, seasonal decorations, and approved neon sign features)

Sign Maintenance Standards

• All bulbs, components, electrical switches, boxes, and wiring used in illuminated signs must be well-maintained and in good repair

Street Lighting Standards

Public Street Lighting

The township maintains specific provisions for street lighting:

• Street lights are required at intersections throughout subdivisions
• All street lighting must conform to township requirements and the standards of the public lighting utility
• Easements (6 feet wide, 3 feet from each parcel) must be provided along side lot lines for street light dropouts
• A special assessment may be levied against parcels within designated Light Districts to cover costs

Community and Development Lighting

For communities, condominiums, and other developments:

• Access points from public roads must be lighted
• Illumination level shall not exceed the average illumination of adjacent illuminated thoroughfares
• Minimum illumination requirements:
• 0.15 foot-candle at internal road intersections and pedestrian crosswalks
• 0.05 foot-candle for internal roads, parking bays, and sidewalks
• 3.15 horizontal foot-candles for community directories

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Home Occupations

• Lighting must not alter the residential character of the premises

Recreational and Entertainment Venues

• Outdoor theaters: All lighting must be confined within and directed onto the premises
• Large scale outdoor recreational uses: Exterior lighting must be deflected away from adjacent properties
• Landing fields: Lights must be arranged to not reflect toward adjoining non-landing field uses

Other Special Uses

• Bed and breakfast establishments: Lighting must be directed away from residential uses
• If lighting is required by the FAA in the future, it must be dual mode day/night type (red at night, strobe during day) and designed to refract upward, limiting ground scatter to a maximum of 75 candela

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Installation

When planning exterior lighting for your property in Burtchville Township, remember to:

• Include lighting details in your site plan submissions
• Ensure all electrical connections comply with township codes
• Consider light trespass limits when positioning fixtures
• Choose appropriate fixture heights based on your property type
• Select illumination levels that comply with the standards for your property type

Balancing Functionality and Compliance

Finding the right balance between effective illumination and regulatory compliance is key:

• Focus on directing light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Consider using timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary illumination
• Maintain all lighting fixtures regularly to ensure proper function and compliance
• Remember that specialized uses may have additional lighting requirements

Supporting Burtchville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Burtchville Township's commitment to preserving community character while providing functional illumination. We understand the unique balance that communities like Burtchville seek to maintain between safety, functionality, and preserving natural beauty.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to appreciate Burtchville's approach to lighting regulations. As a resource for communities throughout the region, Bock Lighting focuses on helping property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that respect local regulations while meeting practical needs.

We believe that thoughtful lighting enhances community character rather than detracting from it. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Burtchville's vision of maintaining its peaceful residential environment and natural surroundings.

Conclusion

Burtchville Township's lighting regulations reflect its historical commitment to maintaining a serene residential community that respects its natural surroundings. By establishing clear standards for illumination intensity, fixture height, light direction, and special uses, the township preserves its character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to the collective vision of Burtchville as a peaceful community where thoughtful development enhances rather than detracts from the natural environment. Through careful attention to lighting design and implementation, residents and businesses alike can help maintain the township's distinctive charm for generations to come.