Lighting Regulations in Burton, Michigan: A Guide to Illumination Standards for Property Owners

Introduction

Burton, Michigan has a unique story that shapes its approach to municipal regulations, including those governing lighting. Established as a city in 1972, Burton's incorporation was largely motivated by residents' desire to prevent annexation by neighboring Flint. As the second-largest city in Genesee County with a population of approximately 30,308 (as of the 2000 census), Burton has maintained its suburban character while carefully managing growth and development.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balanced approach—preserving the residential quality of life that makes Burton special while accommodating necessary infrastructure and development. These regulations help maintain the community's suburban atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality for all residents.

Quick Reference Guide to Burton's Lighting Requirements

Key lighting requirements all property owners should know:

• Directional Control: Outdoor lighting must be directed toward and confined to ground areas
• Residential Protection: Lighting must be shielded to reduce glare into adjacent residential properties
• Consistency: All illumination must remain stationary and constant in intensity and color when in use
• No Interference: Lighting must not interfere with vision of persons on adjacent highways or properties
• No Flashing Lights: Illumination must not be flashing, moving, or intermittent

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Residential Considerations

All outdoor lighting used to illuminate general areas must be thoughtfully designed with neighboring properties in mind. Burton's code specifically requires that lighting be shielded to reduce glare into adjacent residential dwellings.

In most zoning districts (with exceptions for R-1A, R-1B, and SE districts), lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjacent residential single-family zoned districts. This requirement demonstrates Burton's commitment to preserving residential quality of life.

Directional Requirements

The city takes a clear position on how lighting should be directed:

• All outdoor lighting must be directed toward and confined to ground areas of lawns or parking lots
• Lighting used for external illumination of buildings must be placed and shielded to prevent interference with vision on adjacent highways or properties
• Sign illumination must be directed or shaded downward to avoid visual interference

Prohibited Lighting Types

Burton prohibits disruptive lighting patterns that could disturb residents or create safety hazards:

• No flashing lights: All illumination of signs and outdoor features cannot be flashing, moving, or intermittent
• Stationary requirement: Artificial light must be maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color when in use

Street and Boulevard Lighting

Planning and Implementation

The City Council has authority to establish street and boulevard lighting systems throughout Burton. This important infrastructure decision follows specific procedures:

• The Council may provide lighting for the entire city or designated areas
• Cost assessments may be applied to properties abutting streets with lighting if a majority of property owners petition for it
• Street lighting is required for subdivisions containing lots under 150 feet in width

Technical Standards

Street lighting installations must meet specific design requirements:

• All design aspects—including pole spacing, height, lighting type, distribution pattern, and intensity—require prior approval from the City Engineer
• Installations must comply with standards and specifications set by the public utility company
• Subdividers must enter into special agreements with the City Council where street lights have been required

Commercial and Business Lighting Regulations

Retail and Restaurant Lighting

Businesses have specific requirements to ensure their lighting doesn't negatively impact surrounding properties:

• Drive-in restaurant parking areas must be adequately illuminated but arranged to direct light away from adjoining residential property
• All business-related lighting must reflect light away from adjoining residential buildings or zones
• Rear lighting must be placed at the inward edge of 30-foot rear or side setbacks and directed toward the building

Entertainment Venues

Special provisions apply to entertainment businesses:

• Drive-in theaters must provide suitable screening to ensure no highlight or illumination is directed toward residentially zoned or developed property
• Lighting facilities for businesses must be arranged to protect abutting streets and adjacent properties from unreasonable glare or hazardous interference

Signs and Displays

Commercial signage has specific illumination requirements:

• Signs must be illuminated only by continuous indirect white light
• No visible moving parts allowed in illuminated signs
• No flashing, electronic, oscillating, or intermittent illuminated signs within 100 feet of residential districts (with limited exceptions)
• All illuminated signs must prevent glare into residential districts

Special District Requirements

Parking Structures

Parking facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Exterior lighting, especially on roofs, must be glare-free
• Lighting must be arranged to reflect away from all residentially zoned or used properties
• No lighting is permitted on parking structure elevations facing residential properties

Central Business District

Downtown areas have unique lighting standards:

• Ornamental lighting consistent with established systems is required along public street frontages
• All lighting (except ornamental fixtures) must use downward-directed cut-off fixtures
• Site, building, and parking lot lighting must be at a scale appropriate for downtown and prevent off-site glare

What Property Owners Should Know

Home-Based Businesses

If you operate a business from your home, lighting considerations are important:

• No home occupation shall create a nuisance or annoyance to adjoining residents by reason of glare
• All general residential lighting requirements still apply

Planning Considerations

When developing property or modifying lighting:

• Lighting plans are required for site plan review
• Before approval of certain uses, suitability of lighting must be evaluated by planning officials
• The Board of Zoning Appeals considers whether proposed changes will impair adequate light to adjacent properties

Specialized Businesses

Some businesses face additional requirements:

• Medical marijuana facilities must provide detailed information about electrical systems, power demands of specialized lighting, and methods to prevent excessive heat build-up and fire risk
• Operations producing intense glare must be performed within enclosed buildings or behind solid fences

Supporting Burton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that communities like Burton strive to achieve. As a regional manufacturer with deep connections to Michigan's communities, we appreciate Burton's commitment to maintaining its suburban character while ensuring public safety through appropriate lighting standards.

Our team recognizes that lighting plays a crucial role in preserving the residential quality of life that makes Burton special. We're committed to helping property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that comply with local regulations while enhancing the community's character.

With our understanding of the region's architectural styles and suburban development patterns, Bock Lighting serves as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements. We believe in supporting communities like Burton that carefully manage development to protect their unique identity.

Conclusion

Burton's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining the suburban character that residents value. By directing light appropriately, shielding illumination from residential properties, and ensuring consistency in lighting applications, these standards help preserve quality of life while supporting necessary development.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing or modifying lighting systems. When in doubt, consulting with Burton's planning officials can help ensure compliance with local standards.

By working together to implement these thoughtful lighting practices, Burton residents and businesses can continue to enjoy a well-lit community that respects the suburban atmosphere that makes the city special.