Lighting Regulations in Ennis, Montana: Preserving Western Character While Ensuring Safety and Function

Introduction

Nestled in the scenic Madison Valley, Ennis, Montana has maintained its authentic Western charm since its founding in the late 19th century by William Ennis. This small town, covering just 0.79 square miles, is renowned for its rustic architecture, outdoor recreational opportunities—particularly fly fishing on the Madison River—and its commitment to preserving its historical character.

While Ennis doesn't have formally designated historical districts, the town places strong emphasis on maintaining its Western heritage while accommodating modern needs. This balance is evident in the town's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to ensure safety and functionality while preserving the town's distinctive aesthetic character and protecting its beautiful night skies.

Quick Reference Guide to Ennis Lighting Regulations

For property owners and businesses in Ennis, here's what you need to know at a glance:

• Height Restrictions: Light standards for parking areas cannot exceed 20 feet or the height of the tallest building on the lot, whichever is lower
• Operating Hours: Most lighting (except security) must be turned off between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Light Direction: All lighting must be arranged to deflect light down and away from adjoining properties
• Glare Control: Fixtures must use cut-off light deflectors that direct light downward and prevent lateral glare
• Sign Illumination: Strict regulations on how signs can be illuminated, with prohibitions on flashing, moving, or exposed bulbs
• Permits Required: Illuminated signs require proper permitting

General Lighting Requirements

Light Deflection and Direction

The town of Ennis prioritizes lighting that remains contained to the property where it originates. The code specifically requires that:

• Lighting used for parking areas, signs, or structures must be arranged to deflect light down and away from adjoining properties
• Lights must not impair driver visibility on adjacent streets
• All light fixtures must be equipped with cut-off light deflectors or similar equipment
• Light sources must be fixed and properly shielded

Height Restrictions

To maintain the town's small-scale Western character, Ennis places limits on lighting height:

• Light standards for parking areas cannot exceed 20 feet in height
• If the tallest building on the lot is shorter than 20 feet, the light standard cannot exceed that building's height
• This height restriction appears consistently throughout the code for various applications

Nighttime Operation

To preserve dark skies and the peaceful character of this small town:

• All lighting (except security lighting) must be turned off between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Businesses operating during these hours may be granted exceptions
• This helps maintain the natural night environment that contributes to Ennis's rural character

Sign Illumination Regulations

Permitted Illumination Methods

Ennis allows for sign illumination but with specific requirements:

• Signs may be indirectly illuminated by floodlights or lighting located on the ground, wall, or roof adjacent to the sign
• Backlit signs are permitted when light sources are mounted on the wall behind the sign
• For backlit signs, light must only be visible along the edges and extend no more than 12 inches beyond sign edges
• Light sources must not be visible through backlit signs

Prohibited Lighting for Signs

To maintain its Western aesthetic, Ennis prohibits:

• Exposed reflective bulbs or incandescent lamps visible from streets or highways
• Neon tubing signs or decorations (with limited exceptions)
• Colored lights that could be confused with traffic control devices
• Flashing, intermittent, revolving, or moving lights
• Strings of lights (except between November 1 and January 15)

Permit Requirements

Proper documentation is essential:

• All illuminated signs require a permit
• Applications must include detailed plans showing:
• Type and intensity of illumination
• Design of the sign's illumination
• Location and types of lighting to be used

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Marijuana Business Lighting

For marijuana businesses operating in Ennis:

• Grow lighting must not be plainly visible from any residence, public property, or public roadway during nighttime hours
• This requirement helps minimize light pollution and maintain community standards

Off-Street Loading Facilities

When illuminating loading areas:

• Lighting standards cannot exceed 20 feet in height
• Light must be deflected down and away from abutting properties and residential districts
• Lighting must not cause annoying glare to neighbors or passing motorists

Glare Control and Environmental Considerations

Minimizing Glare Impact

Ennis takes glare control seriously:

• Uses producing intense glare must be effectively screened from view at lot lines
• No use should create glare beyond what's typical for an average residential property
• Proper shielding is required to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties

Environmental Benefits

The town recognizes that proper lighting control contributes to:

• Stabilizing the ecological balance
• Aiding in noise, glare, and heat abatement
• Supporting the town's overall environmental quality

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're a property owner in Ennis:

• Consult early: Review lighting regulations before designing exterior lighting systems
• Choose appropriate fixtures: Select fixtures with proper shielding and cut-off features
• Consider height: Remember the 20-foot maximum height limitation for most lighting
• Document thoroughly: Prepare detailed lighting plans for permit applications

Renovation Considerations

When updating existing properties:

• Ordinary preventive maintenance of lawfully existing lighting is permitted
• Significant changes to lighting may require permits and compliance with current standards
• Beacon lights and strobe lights must be removed, though extensions may be granted for weather-related delays

Supporting Ennis's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the balance that communities like Ennis strive to achieve between preserving historic character and meeting modern lighting needs. With roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting appreciates the importance of maintaining architectural integrity while providing adequate illumination.

We recognize Ennis's commitment to its Western heritage and small-town charm. Communities that preserve their distinctive character create spaces that residents value and visitors admire. Like Ennis, we