Lighting Regulations in Dover Township, Pennsylvania: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Dover Township, Pennsylvania, with its rich history dating back to 1743, has carefully developed lighting regulations that balance modern safety needs with respect for the community's historical character. Originally settled by German immigrants, the township has preserved much of its rural charm and agricultural heritage while accommodating necessary development.

The township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining the peaceful rural atmosphere that has defined Dover for generations. From the historic Salem Church to the fields that once hosted Confederate cavalry under Jeb Stuart during the Civil War, Dover Township's character is worth preserving.

These regulations serve multiple purposes: preventing light pollution, ensuring safety, respecting neighboring properties, and maintaining the township's aesthetic integrity.

Quick Reference Guide to Dover Township Lighting Regulations

Before diving into the details, here's a quick summary of the most important lighting requirements:

• Maximum Illumination Levels: 3 foot candles maximum
• Light Fixture Heights: Maximum 20 feet for parking lots, 16 feet for pedestrian walkways
• Mobile Home Parks: Minimum illumination of 0.2 foot candles for streets and walkways
• Night Restrictions: Non-essential exterior lighting prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. for certain facilities
• Light Trespass Limits: Indirect light glare limited to 0.3 foot candles (maximum) and 0.1 foot candles (average)
• Shielding Requirements: Luminaires must be hooded and shielded to control light direction
• Sign Illumination: Specific restrictions on brightness, internal lighting, and proximity to traffic controls

Exterior Lighting Requirements

General Illumination Standards

Dover Township has established clear standards for exterior lighting to prevent unwanted light trespass while ensuring adequate illumination:

• Maximum illumination shall not exceed 3 foot candles
• Light must be shielded to avoid adverse effects on adjoining properties
• Deliberately induced sky-reflected glare for advertisement purposes is prohibited

Light Fixture Specifications

The township code includes specific technical requirements for light fixtures:

• Height restrictions:
• Maximum 20 feet for parking lots
• Maximum 16 feet for pedestrian walkways
• Shielding requirements:
• For luminaries 0-16 feet above ground: Hooded and shielded with maximum cone angle of 60° from perpendicular
• For luminaries less than 4 feet above ground: Cone may increase to 90°
• Installation requirements:
• Lighting fixtures must be installed along all walking paths/sidewalks
• Parking facilities lighting must comply with §27-509 of the Township Code

Light Trespass Prevention

Dover Township defines and restricts two types of light trespass:

Direct Light Glare

• Defined as illumination beyond property lines caused by direct or reflected rays
• Sources include incandescent, fluorescent, or arc lighting
• Also includes high-temperature processes like welding or petroleum refining
• Not permitted except in parking lots and walkways

Indirect Light Glare

• Defined as illumination beyond property lines caused by diffuse reflection
• Reflective surfaces include walls or roofs
• Limited to:
• 0.3 foot candles (maximum)
• 0.1 foot candles (average)

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements to ensure resident safety:

• Streets, access drives, and walkways must maintain minimum illumination of 0.2 foot candles
• Lighting fixtures must provide adequate illumination for safe pedestrian and vehicle movement
• Fixtures must be shielded to avoid glare on adjacent properties

Commercial Recreation Facilities

Dover Township places additional restrictions on lighting for commercial recreation facilities:

• Exterior lighting must be arranged to prevent objectionable impact on neighboring properties
• Non-essential exterior lighting prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Outdoor recreation areas only permitted between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Special Event Venues

Special event venues must follow similar restrictions:

• Exterior lighting systems must prevent objectionable impact on neighboring properties
• Non-essential lighting prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Applicants must furnish evidence that lighting will not be detrimental to adjoining properties

Wireless Communication Facilities

Tower-based WCFs and pole facilities have specific lighting limitations:

• No artificial lighting except as required by law
• If lighting is required, it must be as unobtrusive as possible while meeting regulations
• Outages of FAA-mandated lighting must be promptly reported to authorities and Township Secretary

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Dover Township has detailed regulations for sign illumination:

• Prohibited lighting types:
• Flashing lights
• Rotating lights
• Intermittent lights
• Sign illumination must be screened from residences within 100 feet
• Illumination must not obstruct motorists' vision

Color and Placement Restrictions

• Signs illuminated in red, green, or amber (by bulbs, tubing, or fluorescent materials) face location restrictions:
• Cannot be within 200 feet of highway traffic lights
• Cannot be within 200 feet of street intersections

Internal Illumination Guidelines

• Internally illuminated signs must have reduced brightness at night to prevent glare
• Freestanding internally lit signs must be dimmable at night
• No single flat wall sign exceeding 32 square feet may be internally lit
• Name plates can only use indirect lighting
• Free-standing business advertising signs should incorporate ground lighting or up-lighting with landscaping

Interior Lighting Requirements

While most regulations focus on exterior lighting, Dover Township does specify basic interior lighting requirements:

• All public areas must contain at least one electric luminaire, including:
• Halls
• Stairways
• Toilet rooms
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Boiler rooms
• Furnace rooms

What Property Owners Should Know

Documentation Requirements

Property developers should be aware of lighting documentation requirements:

• Preliminary landscape plans must include the location of site lighting
• Planned industrial parks require a comprehensive lighting plan
• Street light specifications (dimensions, materials, elevations) must be documented for improvement plans

Balancing Safety and Nuisance Prevention

The township recognizes lighting as both essential for safety and a potential nuisance:

• Control of lighting is explicitly listed as a method to prevent nuisance effects
• Lighting should provide adequate illumination for safety while respecting neighboring properties
• For certain facilities, only lighting essential for safety is permitted during late night hours

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should pay special attention to:

• Light trespass onto neighboring properties - a common source of complaints
• Fixture height and shielding requirements - technical specifications that are easy to overlook
• Documentation requirements for new development - lighting plans are mandatory
• Hours of operation restrictions - facilities with outdoor areas have specific limitations

Supporting Dover Township's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Dover Township, where preserving historical heritage while providing modern lighting solutions is essential. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate Dover Township's commitment to maintaining its agricultural character and German heritage.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to support the balance that Dover Township seeks between safety, functionality, and preservation of rural aesthetics. We recognize the importance of lighting that complements historical structures like the Salem Church while meeting modern illumination standards.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations and can help residents understand how to achieve compliant, effective lighting while respecting Dover Township's unique character. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Dover Township's vision for controlled development that respects its historical roots.

Conclusion

Dover Township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its rural character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents. By carefully controlling illumination levels, fixture heights, and light trespass, the township maintains its historical ambiance while meeting modern needs.

Property owners and developers should pay careful attention to these requirements, particularly regarding light trespass prevention, documentation requirements, and specific use restrictions. Understanding and following these regulations helps maintain the quality of life that Dover Township residents value.

These thoughtful lighting regulations ensure that as Dover Township grows and evolves, it will continue to honor its rich German heritage while providing safe, functional spaces for its community.