Lighting Regulations in Elizabethtown, Kentucky: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Elizabethtown has evolved from its founding in 1793 to become the vibrant "Hub City" we know today. With historic landmarks like the Brown-Pusey House standing alongside modern development, E-town exemplifies a community that values both its rich heritage and forward progress.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balanced approach – designed to preserve Elizabethtown's historic character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These standards address everything from street illumination to commercial signage, helping maintain the city's unique aesthetic as it continues to grow.

As we explore these regulations, you'll discover how they contribute to Elizabethtown's commitment to balancing growth with historical preservation.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Essential Lighting Requirements:

• Commercial Spaces: Minimum 5 footcandles illumination when patrons are present
• Common Halls/Stairways: 60-watt standard incandescent (or equivalent) per 200 sq ft
• Egress Routes: Minimum 1 footcandle at floors, landings, and treads
• Parking Areas: Lighting must reflect away from residential zones
• Warning Lights: Yellow flashing lamps required for nighttime obstructions
• Required Fixtures: Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room and furnace room must have at least one electric luminaire

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Elizabethtown's building code includes specific requirements for interior lighting to ensure safety and proper illumination. These standards apply to various residential settings:

• Common Areas: In multi-family dwellings (not one- and two-family residences), common halls and stairways must be lit at all times with:
• Minimum 60-watt standard incandescent bulb (or equivalent) for each 200 square feet
• Maximum spacing of 30 feet between light fixtures

Room-Specific Requirements

The code specifies which rooms must have dedicated lighting fixtures:

• Required Luminaires: Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room, and furnace room must contain at least one electric luminaire
• Pool and Spa Safety: Luminaries over 15V must have ground fault circuit interrupter protection

Exterior Considerations

Property owners should be aware that the city has specific rights regarding street lighting visibility:

• Tree Maintenance: Owners must prune branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• City Authority: The city has the right to prune trees on private property if they interfere with street light illumination

Commercial Property Lighting Standards

Customer Safety Requirements

Business owners have specific responsibilities regarding lighting for customer safety:

• Interior Illumination: Minimum 5 footcandles measured at floor level whenever patrons are present
• Exterior Lighting: Adequate outside lighting must be provided for:
• Safe parking area utilization
• Promoting safety, health, and welfare of the general public

Egress Lighting

Non-residential properties must maintain proper illumination of exit pathways:

• Minimum Standard: 1 footcandle at floors, landings, and treads
• Timing Requirement: Illumination required whenever the building space is occupied
• Scope: Includes both interior and exterior means of egress

Sign Illumination Regulations

Zone-Specific Sign Lighting

Elizabethtown's regulations for sign illumination vary by zone and sign type:

• Generally Permitted: Assembly, Commercial, and Institutional use signs in most zones
• External Only: Many residential use signs limited to external illumination
• Prohibited Areas: Some specific sign types (tract signs, sidewalk food vendor signs, etc.)

Special Considerations

The code provides additional guidance for specific illumination methods:

• Neon and Exposed Light: Permitted where direct illumination is allowed
• Message Boards: May be illuminated but restricted to manually changeable copy in certain areas
• Restricted Lighting: Not permitted if it causes glare or interferes with driver vision

Parking and Public Way Lighting

Parking Area Requirements

Lighting in parking areas must be thoughtfully designed:

• Reflection Control: Arranged to reflect away from adjoining residential zones or private rights-of-way
• Vehicular Use Areas: Automobile, truck, mobile home, boat, trailer or camper sales lots and service stations must follow lighting requirements regardless of size

Obstruction Warning Lights

When public ways are obstructed at night, proper warning illumination is required:

• Basic Requirement: At least two yellow flashing lamps and barricades at each end
• Extended Obstructions: One additional lamp for every additional 50 feet (or portion thereof)

Design Considerations for Development

Pedestrian-Friendly Lighting

The code encourages thoughtful lighting design in development areas:

• Pedestrian Ways: Should include pedestrian light fixtures as special design features
• Other Architectural Elements: May include towers, arcades, porticos, bollards, and planter walls
• Purpose: To define circulation ways and outdoor spaces

Landscape Integration

Lighting should complement landscape design with these considerations:

• Environmental Benefits: Lighting standards aim to reduce visual pollution and artificial light glare
• Height Exemptions: Lighting fixtures are exempt from the 48-inch maximum height limitation for corner posts and columns

Supporting Elizabethtown's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that communities like Elizabethtown strive to maintain between preserving historic character and meeting modern lighting needs.

As a manufacturer with experience in historic districts throughout Kentucky and the broader region, we appreciate Elizabethtown's efforts to remain a vibrant "Hub City" while honoring its history dating back to 1793. The city's approach to lighting regulations – from street illumination to sign standards – reflects a community that values both heritage and progress.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners, contractors, and city officials navigating lighting regulations. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting solutions allows us to support communities in meeting safety and functionality requirements while respecting the distinctive character that makes places like Elizabethtown special.

We're committed to sustainable, responsible lighting practices that align with community values – illuminating paths forward while honoring the past.

Conclusion

Elizabethtown's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing growth and modernization with historical preservation. From commercial properties to residential spaces, these standards ensure adequate illumination for safety while respecting the community's aesthetic values.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the specific requirements for their zone and property type. Whether maintaining proper illumination in commercial spaces, ensuring adequate egress lighting, or following sign illumination guidelines, understanding these regulations helps contribute to the city's vision.

As Elizabethtown continues to grow as a "Hub City," these lighting standards play an important role in maintaining its unique character and ensuring a safe, vibrant community for residents and visitors alike.