Lighting Regulations in Chesterton, Indiana: Preserving Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled near the Indiana Dunes State Park and National Park, Chesterton, Indiana boasts a rich heritage dating back to its settlement in 1834. Originally known as Coffee Creek and later as Calumet, the town officially became Chesterton in 1870. This charming community balances preserving its historical roots while accommodating modern growth.

Chesterton's lighting regulations reflect this careful balance - designed to maintain the town's aesthetic appeal and historical character while ensuring public safety and practical functionality. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers in this community that values its unique small-town charm.

Quick Reference Guide

Key lighting regulations in Chesterton include:

• Dynamic Signs: Must not cause glare and must have automatic dimming technology
• Sign Illumination: Restricted for certain business types; flashing and moving signs prohibited
• Parking Areas: Lighting must be confined to and directed onto the parking area only
• Street Lights: Developers must install town-approved street lights in new subdivisions
• Nuisance Prevention: No use shall produce glare that creates a nuisance beyond property lines
• Construction Safety: Proper lighting required at excavation/construction sites

Sign Illumination Requirements

Dynamic Sign Regulations

Digital and electronic signs in Chesterton must adhere to specific lighting regulations designed to minimize visual disruption:

• Must not cause glare that affects surrounding properties or creates unsafe driving conditions
• Must be equipped with adjustable light sensors that adapt to ambient light levels (day/night)
• Must utilize automatic dimming technology based on ambient light conditions
• Cannot exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light as measured from specified distances
• If glare issues are identified, must be corrected within 24 hours of notification

Measurement Requirements for Dynamic Signs

The town code provides specific measurement distances based on sign size:

| Sign Area (sq ft) | Measurement Distance (ft) | |-------------------|---------------------------| | 10 | 32 | | 20 | 45 | | 50 | 71 | | 100 | 100 |

For signs with areas not specifically listed, the measurement distance is calculated as: Square root of (area of sign × 100)

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Chesterton prohibits several types of sign illumination:

• Signs with lamps or lights for letters (except neon signs)
• Flashing signs (except those that give safety warnings)
• Moving signs with lighting elements
• Signs mounted on street lights

Special Business Restrictions

For sexually-oriented businesses, additional restrictions apply:

• Signs may be illuminated, but not by exposed neon or exterior lighting (such as spotlights)
• No flashing or animated lights permitted, either interior to the sign, on its exterior, or as a border

Commercial and Property Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

Chesterton requires that:

• All lighting used to illuminate off-street parking shall be installed to confine light within and direct it onto the parking area only
• Proposed lighting for parking or truck loading areas must be included in development plans

Nuisance Prevention

The town code protects residents from lighting nuisances:

• No home occupation shall create glare detectable to normal senses off the premises
• No use shall produce heat or glare in such a manner as to create a nuisance perceptible from any point beyond the lot lines
• Special exceptions shall not involve activities or equipment that could be detrimental through glare

Development and Infrastructure Requirements

Street Lighting for New Developments

Developers of subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) must:

• Enter into a street light agreement with the town
• Install street lights according to the style, quantity, and location designated by the Town Plan Commission
• Pay all expenses for installation of required street lights
• Pay the Chesterton Clerk-Treasurer a sum to cover street light utility costs for the first three years for lights in public right-of-way
• Be responsible for ongoing costs of lights on private property

Additional Development Considerations

• Developers must provide "off-street lighting" and other public improvements deemed necessary by the town
• Plans must include "proposed lighting for parking or truck loading areas"
• Streets must be designed to "afford adequate light and air"

Safety and Construction Lighting

Excavation Safety Requirements

When excavating in streets, alleys, or sidewalks, Chesterton requires:

• Sufficient guards, barriers, and lighting at excavation sites to protect persons using the street, alley or sidewalk
• All guards and barriers must conform to standards in the most current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• It is unlawful to remove any barrier, signal, or light placed at or near a trench or excavation

Other Safety Considerations

• The Street Commissioner can order pruning of trees or shrubs that obstruct light from street lamps
• Towers are generally not to be illuminated unless required by the FAA, though they may incorporate fixtures to illuminate surrounding areas

Supporting Chesterton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Chesterton's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern innovations. We understand the unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm that defines communities like Chesterton.

Our experience with regional architectural styles allows us to appreciate Chesterton's deliberate approach to development and preservation. As a resource to the community, we focus on helping property owners and businesses understand lighting regulations that maintain the town's distinctive character.

Bock Lighting values the balance Chesterton seeks between preservation and functionality. Our lighting solutions respect community standards while providing the safety and utility needed for modern life. We're committed to supporting communities like Chesterton that value their historical integrity and carefully manage growth to preserve their special character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Tips

• If you're developing property or installing new outdoor lighting, consult with Chesterton's Building Commissioner early in your planning process
• For businesses installing signs, pay careful attention to the dynamic sign requirements, particularly regarding light levels and automatic dimming
• Direct all parking area lighting onto the parking area only to avoid light trespass
• Be aware that creating glare beyond your property line could be considered a nuisance violation
• When in doubt about a specific lighting regulation, contact the town offices for clarification

Planning for the Future

Chesterton's regulations show a clear focus on maintaining community character while ensuring safety. When planning lighting for your property, consider both the technical requirements and the spirit of these regulations - preserving the town's unique charm while providing necessary illumination.

Conclusion

Chesterton's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining historical integrity while accommodating modern needs. From specific requirements for dynamic signs to broader guidelines about light trespass and nuisance prevention, these regulations help preserve the town's character.

Property owners, businesses, and developers who understand and follow these requirements contribute to the community values that make Chesterton special. By balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetics, the town ensures that lighting enhances rather than detracts from its natural beauty and historical charm.