Lighting Regulations in Connersville, Indiana: Balancing Heritage and Modern Needs

Introduction

Connersville, Indiana, founded in 1813 by John Conner, carries a rich industrial legacy, particularly from its heyday as a hub for automotive manufacturing. Once home to vehicle brands like Lexington, Empire, and Auburn, this historic city has weathered significant economic changes since the deindustrialization of the 1980s and 1990s.

Despite these challenges, Connersville has maintained its commitment to preserving its historical character while adapting to modern needs. This balance is evident in the city's approach to exterior lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety and functionality while respecting the community's architectural heritage.

Quick Reference Guide to Connersville Lighting Regulations

Key lighting requirements in Connersville include:

• Airport Overlay District: Full cutoff fixtures required; no upward or horizontal light projection permitted
• Park Lighting: 0.3 footcandle average illumination (0.6 for hazardous areas)
• Parking Areas: Lights must be shielded to prevent glare onto adjacent properties
• Glare Control: Multiple ordinances prohibit light causing nuisance or hazard beyond property lines
• Pools: Lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties and streets
• Board Approval: Many special uses require Board approval for outdoor artificial lighting
• WECS Lighting: Red strobe lights required for night-time illumination; must adhere to FAA requirements

Airport Overlay District Lighting Requirements

Safety and Aircraft Operations

The Airport Overlay District (APO) contains some of Connersville's most specific lighting regulations, designed to protect aircraft operations while maintaining necessary ground illumination.

Technical Specifications

Within the APO District:

• Lighting plans must receive Airport Board approval
• No lighting may project upward or horizontally
• All mounted lighting (pole, structure, or building) must use full cutoff fixtures
• Prohibited features: Spinning, oscillating, or blinking lights (except airport equipment)

Purpose-Driven Regulations

These strict requirements exist to prevent lighting that could:

• Make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others
• Result in glare affecting pilots
• Impair visibility in the vicinity of the airport

Park and Recreation Area Lighting

Balancing Safety and Environmental Impact

Public parks in Connersville require specific lighting levels to ensure visitor safety while minimizing light pollution.

Technical Requirements

• Interior driveways: Average illumination of 0.3 footcandle
• Hazardous locations (steps, ramps): Average illumination of 0.6 footcandle
• Exterior lights: Must be located and shielded to prevent direct illumination beyond park boundaries

Parking Area Lighting Requirements

Preventing Glare and Traffic Interference

Connersville's regulations for off-street parking lighting focus on minimizing negative impacts on neighboring properties and traffic safety.

Key Provisions

• Lighting facilities must be properly shielded and directed upon the parking area
• Lighting must not reflect or cause glare onto adjacent properties
• Lighting must not interfere with street traffic
• Bare unshaded bulbs are expressly prohibited for parking illumination

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Board of Zoning Appeals Oversight

Many specialized uses in Connersville require Board approval for exterior lighting, including:

• Assembly halls and grounds
• Auction arenas and sales yards
• Cemeteries
• Filling stations and car washes
• Heliports
• Junk yards
• Public parks and recreational facilities
• Transmission towers
• Wholesale produce and truck terminals

Produce Stand Lighting Variations

Interestingly, Connersville has specific lighting regulations for different types of produce stands:

• Seasonal produce stands: No artificial lighting allowed
• Year-round produce stands: No artificial lighting allowed
• Resale produce stands/green grocers: Artificial lighting allowed, must meet Indiana Electric Code requirements
• Transient produce stands: Artificial lighting allowed, must meet Indiana Electric Code requirements

Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) Lighting

Aircraft Safety and Environmental Considerations

WECS installations have specialized lighting requirements that balance aviation safety with environmental impacts.

Technical Requirements

• Intensity and frequency: Must adhere to FAA permits and regulations
• Night illumination: Red strobe lights required to reduce harm to migrating birds
• Prohibited: Red pulsating incandescent lights expressly forbidden
• Shielding: All lighting (except FAA-required) must be shielded to prevent glare beyond WECS boundaries

Nuisance Prevention and Light Trespass

Protecting Neighboring Properties

Several provisions across Connersville's regulations address light trespass and nuisance concerns:

• No operation or structure shall cause glare that creates a public nuisance beyond district boundaries
• Exterior lighting for certain developments must be limited to safety and operational purposes
• Flood lights must be directed upon the premises and not be detrimental to adjacent properties
• Pool lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises and streets

Historic District Lighting Considerations

Preserving Architectural Character

For Connersville's historic districts, lighting fixtures are considered important architectural elements:

• Changes to light fixtures on historic buildings require a certificate of appropriateness
• Light fixtures must be maintained, altered, or reconstructed in a manner that preserves historical and architectural character
• The Historic Preservation Commission considers light fixtures when evaluating appropriateness of alterations

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidance for Compliance

If you're planning lighting installations or modifications in Connersville, consider these key points:

• Check zoning district requirements: Different areas have different lighting standards
• Seek Board approval when required for special uses
• Focus on shielding to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Consider historic character when installing or modifying lighting in historic districts
• Airport vicinity properties have particularly strict lighting requirements
• Prevent nuisance conditions by directing light appropriately

When in Doubt, Ask First

Before installing new exterior lighting, contact Connersville's planning department for guidance on specific requirements for your location and use case.

Supporting Connersville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique challenges faced by communities like Connersville that are balancing historical preservation with modern lighting needs.

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with deep appreciation for regional architectural styles, Bock shares Connersville's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing appropriate modern technology. Our experience with communities that value their industrial heritage helps us provide relevant guidance on lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community character.

We understand how proper lighting can enhance safety and functionality while maintaining the distinctive architectural elements that define Connersville's identity. Our team appreciates the careful balance needed in communities with both historic districts and modern development needs.

Conclusion

Connersville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and preservation of community character. While not comprehensive, the existing regulations address key concerns around light trespass, glare, and special use considerations.

Property owners should particularly note the requirements for shielded fixtures, Board approval processes, and special considerations for historic properties. As Connersville continues to honor its rich industrial heritage while adapting to modern needs, thoughtful lighting practices remain an important element in maintaining the city's unique character and ensuring quality of life for all residents.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, always consult with Connersville's planning department to ensure compliance with current regulations.