Lighting Regulations in Garrett County, Maryland: Preserving Rural Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: Lighting in Maryland's Mountain Paradise

Nestled in the westernmost corner of Maryland, Garrett County has captivated visitors and residents alike with its mountainous terrain, natural beauty, and rural charm since its establishment in 1872. Named after John Work Garrett, president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the county has evolved from its coal mining and timber production roots to embrace tourism as a major economic driver.

The county's commitment to preserving its unique character extends to how it manages outdoor lighting. Garrett County's lighting regulations reflect the community's dedication to maintaining its rural aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

These regulations serve an important purpose: to reduce light pollution, preserve the visibility of the night sky, and maintain the county's rustic ambiance while still providing adequate illumination for safety and commerce.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of Garrett County's key lighting regulations:

• Shielding Required: All lighting devices must be shielded to prevent glare and nuisance to roads and neighboring properties
• No Flashing Signs: Flashing or rotating illumination of signs is prohibited
• Diffused Lighting: Commercial and industrial outdoor lighting must use translucent covers to prevent direct visibility of light elements
• Contained Illumination: Light must be contained to the property and not create nuisance for others
• Parking Area Lighting: Must be arranged to prevent glare into roads and adjacent properties
• Electronic Message Centers: Subject to specific brightness, timing, and animation restrictions
• Permits Required: Electrical permits needed for outdoor electrical displays and signs

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Requirements

Garrett County's outdoor lighting regulations for commercial and industrial properties (excluding ski resorts) focus on minimizing light pollution while providing adequate illumination.

Shielding and Diffusion Requirements

Proper shielding and diffusion of light is a cornerstone of the county's regulations:

• Translucent Covers: Outdoor lighting must use translucent or similar covers to prevent exposed lighting elements from being directly visible from public roads or dwellings
• Directed Illumination: Lighting must be properly directed, placed, and shielded to:
• Prevent creating a nuisance for residents of other properties
• Contain light on the property lot
• Prevent light from shining into motorists' eyes

Nuisance Prevention

The regulations explicitly aim to prevent lighting from becoming a nuisance to neighboring properties and roadways. This approach helps maintain the county's rural character while still allowing for necessary illumination.

Parking Area Lighting

When designing lighting for parking areas, property owners must ensure:

• Glare Prevention: All lighting fixtures used to illuminate parking areas must be arranged to prevent glare into public roads and adjoining properties
• Appropriate Placement: Fixture positioning should contain light within the parking area as much as possible

Sign Illumination Standards

Garrett County has developed detailed regulations for sign lighting to balance visibility needs with rural aesthetic preservation.

General Sign Lighting Requirements

• Shielding Mandate: Lighting devices for signs must be shielded to prevent nuisance and maintain sight distances
• No Flashing Allowed: Flashing or rotating flashing illumination of signs is prohibited
• Traffic Safety: Signs cannot constitute a nuisance or create public safety or traffic hazards

Electronic Message Center (EMC) Regulations

The county has established specific standards for electronic message center signs, including:

Display Requirements

• Message Timing: Minimum of 5-15 seconds between message changes
• Animation Restrictions: Changes limited to blur, fade or wipe effects
• Transition Speed: Maximum transition time of 2 seconds between displays
• Prohibited Effects: Scrolling and flashing are not permitted

Brightness and Operation Standards

• Maximum Brightness:
• Daytime: No more than 10,000 nits
• Nighttime: No more than 700 nits
• Automatic Controls: Must include automatic brightness control linked to ambient light sensors
• Malfunction Safeguards: Display must go dark automatically during major failures
• Operating Hours: EMCs within 150 feet of residential structures in commercial zones can operate only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Application Requirements

All EMC applicants must provide:

• A form executed by the owner/end user agreeing to use approved display settings
• Proof of UL48 (or ETL equivalent) listing
• Valid copy of the FCC Manufacturers Testing Certificate

Airport-Adjacent Lighting Considerations

Properties near airports must adhere to additional lighting requirements to ensure aviation safety:

• FAA Compliance: Owners of structures or trees that could obstruct air traffic must permit installation of markers and lights as required by the FAA
• Avoiding Pilot Confusion: No land use may make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others
• Glare Prevention: Land use must not result in glare in pilots' eyes or impair visibility near airports
• Exemptions: Lighting for parking, recreational, or transportation uses is exempt from certain airport-related requirements

Permitting Requirements

Proper permitting is required for lighting installations in Garrett County:

• Electrical Permits: Required for installation, renewal, or extension of electrical wiring for lighting purposes
• Outdoor Displays and Signs: Permits specifically required for outdoor electrical displays and signs
• Emergency Work: Emergency electrical work may be performed immediately, provided a permit application is submitted within 3 business days

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When considering outdoor lighting for your Garrett County property, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Think Containment: Design your lighting to keep illumination on your property
• Consider Neighbors: Position fixtures to avoid light spilling onto neighboring properties
• Choose Appropriate Shielding: Select fixtures with proper shielding to prevent glare
• Check Permit Requirements: Consult with the Permits & Inspections Office before installing or modifying outdoor lighting
• Commercial Properties: Remember that commercial and industrial uses have specific requirements for diffusion and shielding

Special Considerations for Signs

If your property includes signage:

• Avoid Flashing Elements: Remember that flashing or rotating illumination is prohibited
• EMC Requirements: Electronic message centers have specific brightness, animation, and timing restrictions
• Application Details: Be prepared to provide required documentation for EMC applications

Supporting Garrett County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting shares Garrett County's commitment to preserving rural character while providing functional, safe illumination. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to appreciate Garrett County's approach to lighting regulations. We understand the county's balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation, particularly in maintaining the rural charm that makes the area so distinctive.

Bock Lighting believes in serving as a resource for communities and property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our team can help translate technical requirements into practical solutions that respect Garrett County's vision for thoughtful illumination that preserves its mountain heritage and reduces light pollution.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Garrett County's environmental values, helping to maintain the natural beauty that makes this region special, including preserving views of the night sky.

Conclusion: Lighting that Honors Garrett's Heritage

Garrett County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its rural character and natural beauty while providing for the safety and functionality needs of residents and businesses. By focusing on shielding, diffusion, and containment of light, these regulations help maintain the county's unique sense of place.

For property owners, understanding and following these lighting requirements not only ensures compliance but contributes to preserving what makes Garrett County special. Through thoughtful lighting design that minimizes glare and light trespass, the community can continue to enjoy both well-lit spaces and the beautiful night skies of western Maryland for generations to come.