Lighting Regulations in East McKeesport Borough, Pennsylvania: Guidelines for Property Owners

Introduction: Understanding East McKeesport's Lighting Approach

East McKeesport Borough, established in the early 20th century, developed as a residential community closely tied to the industrial growth of Western Pennsylvania. With its modest homes and community buildings reflecting working-class roots, the borough has maintained a careful balance between preserving its historical character and meeting modern needs.

The borough's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to community safety, residential comfort, and practical functionality. As a small community with approximately 2,343 residents (as of the 2000 census), East McKeesport's dense population makes thoughtful lighting standards particularly important for maintaining neighborhood harmony.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting regulations property owners should know:

• Light trespass limits: Lighting must produce no more than 0.2 footcandles at any property line
• No glare permitted: Lighting in all districts must be designed to avoid producing glare
• Height restrictions:
• 15 feet maximum in Residential, Neighborhood Use, and Mixed Use Districts
• 25 feet maximum in General Retail, Office and Manufacturing Districts
• Underground electrical: All electrical feeds to lighting standards must be underground
• Sign illumination hours: No sign illumination between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the business is open

General Lighting Standards Across All Districts

Glare Prevention Requirements

East McKeesport Borough prioritizes lighting designs that minimize glare. The borough code explicitly states that lighting in all districts shall be designed to avoid producing glare, recognizing how uncontrolled light can affect visibility, safety, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Light Trespass Limitations

To ensure lighting on one property doesn't negatively impact neighbors, the borough has established clear boundaries:

• Lighting must produce no more than 0.2 footcandles at any property line
• Exception: When adjoining property is under common ownership or part of a shopping center

Safety Considerations

Lighting should enhance safety, not compromise it. The borough prohibits:

• Colored lighting effects that could distract drivers
• Flashing or animated lighting that presents a nuisance to public safety

Infrastructure Requirements

All electrical feeds to lighting standards must be installed underground, promoting both safety and aesthetics throughout the borough.

District-Specific Lighting Standards

Residential, Neighborhood Use, and Mixed Use Districts

These primarily residential areas have stricter lighting standards to preserve neighborhood character:

• Maximum lighting height: 15 feet (whether freestanding or mounted to walls/buildings)
• Light intensity limits: Properties with single-family or duplex residential use cannot exceed 2 footcandles at any location
• Lighted wall signs: Subject to the same 15-foot height restriction

General Retail, Office and Manufacturing Districts

Commercial and industrial areas have modified standards to accommodate their operational needs:

• Maximum pole lighting height: 25 feet
• Cutoff angle requirement: All lighting must include a cutoff angle of at least 60 degrees to prevent glare
• Setback areas: Lighting installed within setbacks must adhere to single-family/duplex residential standards

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements for All Illuminated Signs

Sign lighting throughout East McKeesport must comply with:

• Light trespass prevention: Sign lighting cannot illuminate adjoining property areas
• Intensity limits: Signs cannot emit more than 0.2 foot-candles at any property line
• Hours of operation: No sign illumination between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the establishment is open

District-Specific Sign Lighting

For Neighborhood Use and Mixed Use Districts, the borough permits:

• Externally illuminated signs: Must have cutoff angles that prevent light spillage beyond the sign area
• Internally illuminated signs: Must be shielded to prevent direct light or glare onto residential properties

Sign Permit Requirements

When applying for sign permits, property owners must provide:

• Details of any proposed illumination of the sign

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Home-Based Businesses

For no-impact home-based businesses, the borough requires:

• No external indications: There shall be no outside appearance of a business, including lights

Drive-Through Facilities

Drive-through establishments must implement:

• Appropriate buffering designed to block the effects of headlights from vehicle operation

Communications Towers

The borough has specific restrictions for communications equipment:

• Minimal lighting: No communications tower shall be artificially lighted, except as required by law
• If lighting is required: Applicants must provide a detailed plan for sufficient lighting that is as unobtrusive and inoffensive as possible
• Maintenance reporting: Prompt reporting of any outage or malfunction of FAA-mandated lighting

Street Lighting Standards

Installation Requirements

The borough mandates:

• Street lighting within ten feet of the right-of-way in certain developments
• Height limitation: Maximum of 15 feet
• Design approval: Council must approve designs appropriate to residential and pedestrian scale
• Maintenance: Covenants in favor of the Borough required for ongoing maintenance

Municipal Infrastructure

East McKeesport has taken proactive steps to maintain and improve street lighting:

• Authorized Duquesne Light Company to furnish electric light for streets and highways
• Participated in grant programs to convert street lights to energy-efficient LED technology

Supporting East McKeesport's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique balance East McKeesport strikes between preserving its early 20th-century character and meeting modern community needs.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with Western Pennsylvania's architectural heritage, Bock appreciates East McKeesport's approach to lighting that prioritizes safety and neighborhood harmony. Our experience with similar communities has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community character while meeting practical needs.

We're committed to serving as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements in historic communities like East McKeesport. Our team understands how to implement lighting solutions that respect both the letter and spirit of local regulations while honoring a community's distinctive character.

Our commitment to sustainable and efficient lighting aligns with East McKeesport's initiatives, such as their LED street lighting conversion program, demonstrating a shared vision for responsible community development.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When planning lighting installations or modifications in East McKeesport:

• Consider your district: Different zones have different height and intensity requirements
• Focus on containment: Design lighting to keep illumination within your property boundaries
• Think about neighbors: Remember that screening may be required in setback areas
• Underground wiring: Budget for underground electrical feeds to all lighting standards

Special Considerations

Property owners should be particularly aware of:

• Sign lighting hours: Ensure timers or controls are in place to comply with after-hours restrictions
• Home business restrictions: If operating a home-based business, exterior lighting must not indicate commercial use
• Required documentation: When applying for permits, include detailed information about proposed lighting

Conclusion

East McKeesport Borough's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a livable, safe community while honoring its historical character. By establishing clear standards for light intensity, fixture height, and design, the borough helps ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from neighborhood quality of life.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to East McKeesport's continued status as a Banner Community, recognized for its dedication to transparency, accountability, and proactive community engagement. Through thoughtful lighting practices, residents and businesses alike can help preserve the borough's unique character for future generations.