Lighting Regulations in Ferndale Borough, Pennsylvania: Balancing Modern Needs with Historical Character

Introduction

Ferndale Borough, a small yet historically rich community incorporated in 1927, maintains its distinct character through thoughtful municipal regulations, including those related to lighting. Covering just 0.41 square miles and home to a close-knit community, Ferndale's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to preserving local character while addressing modern needs.

The borough's lighting regulations, though limited in scope, demonstrate a careful balance between functionality, safety, and maintaining the community's historical ambiance that residents value. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners and businesses operating within Ferndale's boundaries.

Quick Reference Guide

• Off-street parking lighting: Must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• Property boundaries: No use shall create glare with undesirable effects beyond lot lines
• Tree maintenance: Trees must be pruned to avoid obstructing or shading street lights
• Digital signs:
• Operating hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only
• Location restrictions: Must abut state route right-of-way
• Maximum brightness: 0.2 foot candles over ambient light levels
• Display changes: No more frequently than once every 8 seconds

General Lighting Requirements

Property Boundaries and Light Trespass

Ferndale Borough's regulations specifically address the impact of lighting beyond property boundaries. No use shall be constructed or operated to create noxious, offensive, objectionable, or other undesirable effects on persons or property outside the lot line by virtue of glare emission.

This regulation demonstrates the borough's commitment to preventing light pollution and protecting residents from unwanted light intrusion from neighboring properties.

Parking Area Illumination

For property owners with off-street parking areas, Ferndale Borough has established specific guidelines for lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be arranged to reflect light away from all adjoining properties.

This requirement helps maintain neighborhood harmony while ensuring parking areas remain safely lit. The focus on directing light away from neighboring properties highlights Ferndale's commitment to minimizing light trespass.

Tree Maintenance Near Street Lights

To ensure effective street lighting throughout the borough, regulations require that trees must be pruned so they will not obstruct or shade street lights. This practical requirement helps maintain visibility and safety on borough streets while preserving the benefits of the community's tree canopy.

Digital Sign Regulations

Ferndale Borough has developed comprehensive regulations specifically for digital signs, addressing multiple aspects of their operation and impact.

Operating Restrictions

• Hours of operation: Digital signs may only operate between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Display changes: Content cannot change more frequently than once every eight seconds
• Transition periods: Must be one second or less
• Animation: All digital signs must be non-flashing and non-animated

Placement Requirements

Digital signs in Ferndale Borough are only permitted under specific conditions:

• Must be placed on a structure or in a yard that abuts the right-of-way of a state route
• When placed perpendicular to a state route, must abide by the setback requirements in the Ferndale Borough Zoning Code

Brightness and Measurement Standards

The borough has established detailed technical requirements for digital sign brightness:

• Maximum brightness shall not exceed 0.2 foot candles over ambient light levels
• Signs must include an installed ambient light monitor that continuously adjusts brightness based on surrounding conditions
• Measurement distances vary based on sign area:
• 10 sq. ft. sign: measured at 32 ft.
• 15 sq. ft. sign: measured at 39 ft.
• 20 sq. ft. sign: measured at 45 ft.
• 25 sq. ft. sign: measured at 50 ft.
• 30 sq. ft. sign: measured at 55 ft.
• 35 sq. ft. sign: measured at 59 ft.
• 40 sq. ft. sign: measured at 63 ft.
• 45 sq. ft. sign: measured at 67 ft.
• 50 sq. ft. sign: measured at 71 ft.
• 55 sq. ft. sign: measured at 74 ft.
• 60 sq. ft. sign: measured at 77 ft.
• 65 sq. ft. sign: measured at 81 ft.
• 70 sq. ft. sign: measured at 84 ft.

Compliance and Certification

Property owners with digital signs must comply with these additional requirements:

• Certification must be provided to the borough demonstrating that signs are preset to automatically adjust brightness to required levels
• The borough may request re-inspection and recalibration periodically to ensure ongoing compliance

Historical Perspective on Lighting in Ferndale

Ferndale's approach to lighting regulation has evolved over decades, with several historical ordinances shaping the borough's relationship with lighting infrastructure:

• 1902: Ordinance 27 established a license tax on telegraph, telephone, electric light, electric power, and other poles in the borough
• 1917: Ordinance 85 created a contract with the City of Johnstown for an arc light at the bridge intersection
• 1918: Ordinance 89 addressed street lights in the borough and granted a franchise to Citizens Light, Heat and Power Company
• 1937: Ordinance 204 provided for the furnishing of electric street lighting service

These historical ordinances reflect Ferndale's longstanding commitment to managed growth and infrastructure development while maintaining local control.

Supporting Ferndale's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Ferndale Borough's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with historical character preservation. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with deep regional understanding, Bock appreciates the unique challenges faced by small, historically-minded communities like Ferndale.

We recognize that communities like Ferndale seek to maintain their distinctive atmosphere while meeting safety and functionality requirements. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a valuable resource for property owners navigating local lighting regulations.

Bock's approach emphasizes education and community partnership rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. We're committed to supporting communities like Ferndale in preserving their unique character through sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with local values and regulations.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

For Ferndale property owners, compliance with lighting regulations doesn't need to be complicated:

• For parking areas: Direct lighting fixtures downward and away from property lines
• For all exterior lighting: Consider light spillage and potential glare impact on neighboring properties
• For property with trees: Maintain regular pruning to ensure street lights remain unobstructed
• For digital signage: Work with qualified professionals to ensure brightness controls, timing mechanisms, and placement meet borough requirements

When Planning New Lighting

When installing new lighting or modifying existing fixtures:

• Consider the impact on neighboring properties
• Choose fixtures that direct light where needed without creating unnecessary spillage
• Remember that compliance isn't just about regulations—it's about being a good neighbor in Ferndale's close-knit community

Conclusion

Ferndale Borough's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving community character while addressing practical needs. Though not extensive, these regulations focus on preventing negative impacts of lighting on neighboring properties and ensuring that digital signage complies with specific standards for brightness, operation, and placement.

Property owners in Ferndale should approach lighting with sensitivity to the borough's historical character and close-knit community values. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Ferndale's distinctive atmosphere while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

As the borough continues to evolve, its approach to lighting will likely remain focused on the careful balance between modern needs and the preservation of the small-town character that makes Ferndale a special place to live and work.