Lighting Regulations in Cressona Borough, Pennsylvania: Balancing Historical Character with Practical Safety Needs

Introduction: Illuminating Cressona's History and Modern Needs

Nestled in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Cressona Borough's charm stems from its rich industrial heritage dating back to its founding in 1857. Named after John Chapman Cresson, this small community of approximately 1,600 residents has deep roots in coal and railroad industries that shaped its development throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The architectural landscape of Cressona reflects this industrial past, with historic structures continuing to define the borough's unique character. The lighting regulations established by the borough serve an important purpose: maintaining the historical ambiance while ensuring public safety and functionality for modern residents.

These lighting standards aim to preserve Cressona's small-town aesthetic while providing adequate illumination for safety and navigation.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Important lighting regulations at a glance:

• Parking and loading areas:
• Must be illuminated when necessary for public safety
• Light sources must be shielded from residences and residential streets
• Illumination cannot cause excessive brightness or hazardous glare
• Signs:
• Flashing, rotating and intermittent lights are prohibited in all zones
• R-1, R-2, R-3 and C Zones: signs may only use indirect lighting
• Signs illuminated in red, green or amber cannot be within 100 feet of traffic lights
• Billboards:
• Lighting must not cause glare onto adjoining properties or roads
• Electronic billboards must maintain messages for minimum 8 seconds
• Night illumination levels must be adjusted to prevent glare
• Special use requirements:
• Adult businesses: minimum 5 footcandles illumination at floor level

Parking and Loading Area Illumination Requirements

Safety-Focused Lighting Standards

Cressona Borough's regulations specify that parking and loading areas must be illuminated whenever necessary to protect public safety. This practical approach recognizes that adequate lighting is essential for preventing accidents and enhancing security during evening hours.

Residential Protection Measures

The borough has implemented thoughtful protections for residential areas adjacent to parking facilities. Light sources must be specifically designed and located to shield adjoining residences and residential streets from direct light impact.

Preventing Hazardous Conditions

The regulations specifically prohibit illumination of "excessive brightness" that might cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers. This balanced approach ensures sufficient light for safety without creating new hazards through overly intense lighting.

Sign Illumination Standards

Borough-Wide Prohibitions

Across all zones in Cressona Borough, the regulations clearly prohibit flashing, rotating, and intermittent lights on signs. This restriction helps maintain the borough's historic character while preventing distractions that could affect traffic safety.

Zone-Specific Requirements

In residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) and Commercial (C) zones, all permitted signs may be illuminated only by indirect lighting. This approach ensures a softer, more aesthetically pleasing illumination style that complements the borough's character.

Freestanding Sign Specifications

Freestanding signs have specific illumination options:

• May be illuminated by back lighting
• May use accent lighting if properly screened
• Must not direct or reflect light toward adjacent residences
• Must not cause glare upon adjacent streets

Traffic Safety Considerations

Signs illuminated in red, green, or amber colors (whether through colored bulbs, tubing, or high-reflection materials like fluorescent paint) face location restrictions. These signs cannot be placed within 100 feet of a street traffic light to prevent confusion with official traffic signals.

Billboard Illumination Controls

Preventing Light Pollution and Distraction

Cressona Borough has implemented comprehensive regulations for billboard illumination that balance visibility with community impact. Lighting for billboards must not cause glare onto adjoining properties or public roads, nor interfere with or obscure official traffic signs, signals, or devices.

Electronic Billboard Specifications

For billboards with electronically controlled changeable messages, the borough has established detailed technical standards:

• Message duration: All displays must remain unchanged for minimum 8 seconds
• Transition speed: Maximum 1 second to change between messages
• Visual effects prohibited:
• No visual dissolve or fading effects
• No flashing or sudden bursts of light
• No animation, movement or flow of the display
• Illumination consistency: Light levels must remain constant throughout the sign face
• Night adjustments: Illumination levels must be adjusted at night to prevent glare

Special Use Requirements

Adult Business Illumination Standards

Sexually oriented businesses in Cressona Borough must adhere to specific lighting requirements designed to ensure safety:

• Minimum illumination level: 5 footcandles measured at floor level
• Premises must be equipped with overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity
• Licensee must ensure required illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present
• License applications must include diagrams showing location of all overhead lighting fixtures

These requirements are explicitly designed to advance "a substantial governmental interest in curbing illegal and unsanitary sexual activity occurring in sexually oriented businesses."

Development Review Process

Cressona Borough evaluates proposed exterior lighting as part of its development review process. This evaluation specifically considers:

• Potential glare impacts
• Traffic safety implications
• Economic effects
• Compatibility and harmony with properties in the district

This review process helps ensure that new development lighting aligns with community standards and maintains the borough's aesthetic character.

Public Lighting Infrastructure Protection

Preservation of Public Lighting Assets

Cressona Borough prohibits the destruction, injury, tampering, or defacement of public property, specifically including street lights and other lighting infrastructure. This prohibition extends to:

• Defacing or removing any lamp or lighting fixture on public property
• Covering up lamps or warning signs erected by borough authorities
• Removing barricades or warning lights placed for public safety

These protections help ensure the ongoing functionality of the borough's public lighting systems.

Supporting Cressona's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates the unique balance Cressona Borough has established between preserving its historical character and addressing contemporary lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Cressona's commitment to honoring architectural heritage while embracing appropriate modern technologies.

Our experience with communities throughout Pennsylvania has given us insight into the specific challenges faced by historic boroughs like Cressona. We understand how proper lighting can enhance safety and functionality while respecting the aesthetic qualities that make Cressona special.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. We're committed to helping property owners understand how lighting choices impact both compliance and community character, particularly in regions with rich architectural history like Schuylkill County.

Our approach emphasizes sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with community visions - focusing on solutions that provide adequate illumination while minimizing light pollution and preserving the small-town charm that makes Cressona unique.

Conclusion: Illuminating Cressona's Future While Honoring Its Past

Cressona Borough's lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful approach to balancing modern needs with historic preservation. By establishing clear standards for illumination of parking areas, signs, and special use facilities, the borough helps ensure safety while maintaining its distinctive character.

Property owners in Cressona should familiarize themselves with these regulations before undertaking lighting projects. The specific requirements for different zones and applications help create a cohesive community aesthetic while preventing light pollution and hazardous conditions.

These lighting standards contribute to the preservation of Cressona's small-town charm while providing the illumination necessary for a safe, functional community. Through careful attention to these regulations, residents and business owners can play their part in maintaining the unique character that makes Cressona special.