Lighting Regulations in Ellettsville, Indiana: Balancing Community Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Quick Reference Guide

• Gatherings & Events: Adequate lighting required for safety; must not reflect unreasonably beyond property boundaries • Historic Buildings: Light fixture changes require Commission approval to preserve historical character • Parking Areas: Lighting must be shielded, directed properly, and avoid glare; no bare unshaded bulbs permitted • Signs: External lighting must be shielded to minimize light trespass; electronic signs limited to 0.5 foot candles above ambient light • Sports Facilities: Lighting must not directly illuminate off-site structures • Street Lighting: Required at intersections; developers responsible for costs

Introduction: Ellettsville's Lighting Legacy

Founded in 1837 and incorporated in 1866, Ellettsville, Indiana has always balanced preserving its historical character while addressing modern community needs. Named after Edward Ellett, the town's first merchant, this close-knit community of approximately 6,378 residents takes pride in its hometown atmosphere and collaborative spirit.

Ellettsville's approach to lighting regulations reflects its broader community values – maintaining historical charm while meeting contemporary safety and utility requirements. Just as the town repurposed a grocery store into its first library branch in 1968, its lighting policies demonstrate a practical approach to balancing tradition with progress.

The town's history of community-driven initiatives, like the formation of the Ellettsville Fire Company after a significant fire, shows how public safety concerns have traditionally shaped local infrastructure decisions. This same thoughtful approach extends to the town's lighting regulations.

Understanding General Lighting Requirements

Safety and Consideration for Neighbors

Ellettsville prioritizes lighting that ensures safety while respecting neighboring properties. The town requires:

• Adequate lighting for safety at public gatherings • Light must not unreasonably reflect beyond property boundaries (unless adjacent properties are uninhabited) • Lighting installations must balance safety needs with concerns about light pollution

Downlighting Requirements

One consistent theme in Ellettsville's lighting regulations is the preference for downward-directed lighting:

• Parking areas must be equipped with downward lighting • External sign lighting must be directed downward only • This approach helps minimize light pollution while providing necessary illumination

Historic District Lighting Regulations

Preserving Historical Character

Ellettsville takes special care to preserve the character of its historic buildings, including their lighting elements:

• Changes to light fixtures on historic buildings require Commission review • The Commission considers the appropriateness of light fixtures based on:

• Texture
• Material
• Color
• Style
• Detailing

• All work must preserve the historical and architectural character of the building

Approval Process

When modifying lighting on historic properties, owners should be aware that:

• Light fixture changes are considered a "conspicuous change in exterior appearance" • The Commission must evaluate whether proposed changes are appropriate to the building's character • Planning ahead for this approval process is essential for project timelines

Parking Area Lighting Requirements

Safety Without Nuisance

Ellettsville's regulations for parking area lighting strike a balance between providing safety and preventing nuisance:

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

Design Considerations

When designing parking area lighting, property owners should:

• Select fixtures with appropriate shielding • Consider the height and angle of installation • Evaluate potential light trespass onto neighboring properties • Ensure adequate coverage for safety without excessive brightness

Sign Lighting Regulations

General Sign Lighting Rules

Ellettsville has clear guidelines for how signs may be illuminated:

• Sign lighting may be internal or external, with some exceptions in specific districts • External lighting must be shielded to direct light onto the sign only • Light trespass onto adjacent properties must be minimized • External lighting cannot be directed toward roads to avoid interfering with drivers' vision • Lamp bulbs and reflectors must not be visible from adjacent property or streets

Electronic and Changeable Signs

For electronic and changeable copy signs:

• Brightness levels must not exceed 0.5 foot candles above ambient light • Light must not glare into any thoroughfare or onto residential property • Freestanding signs may be internally lit, but must follow all other applicable regulations

Historic District Sign Lighting

In historic districts, additional restrictions apply:

• Only signs specifically permitted by ordinance may be lighted • Sign lighting may be external only • All external lighting regulations regarding shielding and direction still apply

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Wireless Communication Facilities

Ellettsville restricts lighting on communication infrastructure:

• No WCF shall be permitted at a height which would require illumination • No signs, advertising, logos or graphic designs are permitted on antennas • No illumination is allowed on any antenna in any zoning district

Sports Facilities

High-impact sports facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Lights must be installed to prevent direct lighting of off-site residential or commercial structures • Facilities must comply with all other applicable lighting regulations

Street Lighting

The town has established requirements for street lighting:

• Street lights must be located at intersections as required by town policy • Developers are responsible for the cost of providing street lights • The number of street lights must balance safety needs with concerns about light pollution

Supporting Ellettsville's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Ellettsville's thoughtful approach to balancing historical preservation with modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Ellettsville's commitment to maintaining community character while embracing practical solutions.

Our experience with communities like Ellettsville has taught us the importance of lighting that respects local architectural styles and community standards. We recognize that Ellettsville's regulations aim to preserve its hometown atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality.

As a resource for property owners, we're committed to helping understand and navigate lighting regulations. Our expertise in historically-sensitive lighting solutions aligns perfectly with Ellettsville's goal of balancing preservation with progress – the same balance that has guided the town since its founding in 1837.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Ahead

When planning lighting installations or modifications in Ellettsville:

• Review regulations early in your project planning • For historic properties, factor in time for Commission review • Consider both functional needs and regulatory compliance • Remember that downward-directed lighting is generally preferred

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

The most common lighting compliance issues in Ellettsville involve:

• Unshielded fixtures that create light trespass • Overly bright lighting that extends beyond property boundaries • Bare bulbs that create glare for neighbors or drivers • Sign lighting directed toward roadways

Conclusion

Ellettsville's lighting regulations reflect its character as a community that values both its historical roots and modern needs. By requiring shielded, appropriately directed lighting that minimizes impact on neighbors while ensuring safety, these regulations help maintain the town's pleasant atmosphere.

Property owners who understand and follow these lighting guidelines not only avoid potential compliance issues but also contribute to the town's ongoing effort to balance preservation and progress – a balance that has defined Ellettsville throughout its history.