Lighting Regulations in Campbellsville, Kentucky: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Public Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Campbellsville boasts a rich history dating back to its settlement around 1800 and official establishment in 1817. Named after Andrew and Adam Campbell, the city has grown while maintaining its historical roots, visible in landmarks like the Romanesque Merchant Tower and the vibrant Historic District.

As Campbellsville balances preservation of its architectural heritage with modern development needs, lighting regulations play a crucial role in maintaining this delicate equilibrium. These regulations ensure safety and functionality while preserving the aesthetic appeal that makes Campbellsville special.

Quick Reference Guide: Campbellsville Lighting Requirements

• Warning Lights for Obstructions: Two illuminated red lamps at each end of street obstructions, with additional lamps for every 50 feet • Vendor Lighting: Must be permanently/semi-permanently affixed with no glare; no flashing/strobe lights • Alcohol Sales Properties: Directional lighting required to prevent illumination of adjoining residential properties • Business Lighting: Adequate outside lighting required for customer parking areas • Advertising Displays: No flashing lights (except white), no rotating beams, no lights resembling emergency signals

Public Safety Lighting Requirements

Warning Lights for Street Obstructions

Anyone excavating or obstructing a portion of any street, sidewalk, or public way must install and maintain proper warning lighting:

• Minimum Requirement: At least two illuminated red lamps • Placement: Securely and conspicuously posted on, at, or near each end of the obstruction • Additional Lighting: If the obstruction exceeds 50 feet, at least one additional lamp for each added 50 feet • Timing: Must be maintained during all nighttime hours

These requirements ensure that pedestrians and drivers can safely navigate around construction zones or other temporary obstructions in Campbellsville's public spaces.

Business Lighting for Public Safety

Businesses in Campbellsville have responsibility for "providing adequate outside lighting to permit customers to utilize the parking area and to promote the safety, health and welfare of the general public utilizing the licensed premise."

This regulation doesn't specify exact illumination levels, but the intent is clear: business owners must ensure their customers can safely navigate parking areas after dark.

Commercial and Advertising Display Lighting

Restrictions on Light Fixtures and Effects

Outdoor advertising displays in Campbellsville face several lighting-related restrictions to ensure public safety:

• Prohibited: Placement where illumination may interfere with traffic signals or confuse drivers • Prohibited: Lights resembling danger or emergency lights • Prohibited: Flashing, moving or intermittent lights (except white) • Prohibited: Rotating or revolving beams of light

Special Vendor Lighting Requirements

Mobile vendors operating in Campbellsville must adhere to specific lighting guidelines:

• Lighting must be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the vendor unit • Lighting must not cause glare that could be considered a public hazard, nuisance or distraction • No flashing or strobe lighting is permitted under any circumstances

Residential Considerations and Protections

Alcohol Sales Properties

Properties selling alcohol must follow specific lighting rules when located near residential areas:

• Parking lot and driveway lighting must be directional to prevent illuminating adjoining residential properties • Lighted advertising signage cannot face residential property that adjoins the rear property line

Tiny Home Villages

For tiny home developments, Campbellsville requires:

• A comprehensive plan for electrical lighting of lots and spaces as part of the site plan approval process

Special Exception Uses

The Board of Zoning Adjustment may either permit or prohibit:

• Any industrial process which cannot demonstrate that it will contain bright light within the limits of its property

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Your Lighting Responsibilities

As a Campbellsville property owner, your lighting responsibilities vary based on how you use your property:

For Business Owners: • You must provide adequate lighting for customer parking areas • Lighting should promote public safety while avoiding light pollution

For Construction Projects: • Any street obstruction requires warning lights at night • Proper placement and quantity of lights depends on the size of the obstruction

For Alcohol-Selling Establishments: • You must prevent light trespass onto neighboring residential properties • Your lighted signs have placement restrictions

Limited Storage Areas in Flood Zones

If you maintain a limited storage area in a flood zone, regulations specify that only essential lighting is permitted, with no other utilities allowed.

Supporting Campbellsville's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate the balance Campbellsville strives to maintain between preserving its historic character and meeting modern lighting needs. With roots dating back to 1918, our experience with historical communities gives us unique insight into the lighting challenges faced by cities like Campbellsville.

We share Campbellsville's commitment to preserving architectural heritage while ensuring public safety through appropriate lighting. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and appreciation for historical aesthetics allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting is committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and historical context. We emphasize education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that align with Campbellsville's vision for its future.

Conclusion

Campbellsville's lighting regulations reflect the city's dual commitment to public safety and historical preservation. From warning lights on construction sites to directional lighting requirements for businesses near residential areas, these regulations help maintain the character and functionality of this historic Kentucky community.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with the specific lighting requirements applicable to their situation, whether they're operating a business, planning a construction project, or developing residential property. By understanding and following these regulations, Campbellsville residents contribute to the safety, beauty, and historical integrity of their community.

Remember that these regulations serve a purpose beyond compliance—they help preserve the unique character and charm that has defined Campbellsville since its founding over two centuries ago.