Lighting Regulations in Greene Township, Pennsylvania: Preserving Historical Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Established in 1812 and named after Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Greene, Greene Township in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, carries a rich historical legacy. From the small village of Hookstown to the river settlement at Georgetown, the township's architectural heritage—particularly the Victorian-era details found in areas like La Anna—reflects a community deeply committed to preserving its historical character.

The township's lighting regulations mirror this commitment, balancing modern infrastructure needs with respect for Greene Township's rural charm and architectural significance. These regulations help maintain the visual integrity of the community while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses alike.

Quick Reference Guide to Greene Township Lighting Regulations

Key Requirements:

• Directional Control: Most outdoor lighting must be directed downward and inward toward the activity
• Glare Prevention: All exterior lighting must use glare-shielding devices
• Height Restrictions: Maximum height of 20 feet for lighting fixtures
• Illumination Limits: Billboard lighting must not exceed 1.5 footcandles on adjoining property
• Residential Compatibility: All lighting must be compatible with residential uses within viewing distance
• Underground Wiring: All site lighting wiring must be installed underground

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Lighting Standards

Greene Township takes a considerate approach to residential lighting. Per township regulations, only normal residential yard and structure lighting appropriate for residential purposes is permitted in residential areas. This ensures that neighborhood character is maintained and light pollution is minimized.

Home-Based Business Restrictions

If you operate a home-based business in Greene Township, special lighting considerations apply:

• No-Impact Home-Based Businesses must have no outside appearance of a business use, which explicitly includes lights
• Business activities cannot create glare that is detectable in the neighborhood
• All lighting must remain compatible with standards and generally accepted uses in the immediate residential vicinity

Common Areas and Facilities

For common residential facilities:

• Must be well illuminated from dusk to dawn
• Lighting must be directed downward and away from all adjoining properties
• Lighting design should protect the residential character of the project site and adjoining areas

Commercial and Parking Area Lighting

Parking Lot Requirements

Parking areas in Greene Township must adhere to specific lighting standards:

• All driveways, parking areas, and vehicle maneuvering areas must be adequately illuminated
• Lighting must be arranged to protect adjoining property and traffic from glare
• Cutoff luminaries with maximum height of 20 feet are required
• All lighting must be equipped with glare-shielding devices
• Light must be reflected away from adjoining premises and public rights-of-way

Design Standards for Commercial Properties

Commercial property lighting must meet aesthetic and functional requirements:

• Lighting fixtures should be designed for area illumination with shielded or screened lamps
• Fixtures should be compatible and harmonious throughout the property
• Design should be in keeping with the function of the building
• Floodlighting is restricted to wall washing and sign illumination only

Specialized Business Requirements

Specific businesses have additional requirements:

• Vehicle service stations: Lighting must be directed downward and inward to minimize glare on public roads and nearby buildings within 300 feet
• Hotels and motels: Site plans must include the location and identification of outdoor lighting
• Sexually oriented businesses: Must maintain minimum illumination of not less than one footcandle measured at floor level whenever patrons are present

Signage and Billboard Lighting

Billboard Illumination Restrictions

Billboards with display lighting must follow strict guidelines:

• Cannot glare upon adjoining property
• Must not exceed maximum 1.5 footcandles upon adjoining property
• No moving, flashing, or noise-emitting lighting
• Must not cause distraction, confusion, nuisance, or hazard to traffic, aircraft, or other properties

Sign Permit Requirements

When applying for a sign permit in Greene Township:

• Applications must include drawings showing the method of illumination
• All illumination must comply with the township's glare prevention standards

Street and Development Lighting

Developer Responsibilities

Developers in Greene Township have specific lighting obligations:

• Street lighting must be provided by the developer
• Lighting must be properly located consistent with local standards or prevailing industry standards
• A lighting plan with details must be submitted as part of construction information

Park Illumination

All parks in the township must:

• Be furnished with lighting units appropriately spaced
• Include luminaries at mounting heights that provide average levels of illumination
• Ensure safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles at night

Industrial and Special Use Lighting

Oil and Gas Facilities

For industrial facilities like oil and gas operations:

• Lighting at well sites must be directed downward and inward toward the activity
• Must minimize glare on public roads and nearby buildings within 300 feet
• Lighting at compressor stations or natural gas processing facilities should be limited to security lighting when practicable

General Industrial Standards

Industrial operations in Greene Township:

• Must be regulated to prevent visual blight and glare
• Cannot create lighting nuisances for surrounding properties

Supporting Greene Township's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the delicate balance that Greene Township maintains between preserving its historic character and meeting modern lighting needs. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate the township's commitment to protecting its architectural heritage—particularly the Victorian-era details that define areas like La Anna.

Our team recognizes that proper lighting is essential to maintaining Greene Township's rural charm while providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality. With over a century of experience, Bock Lighting shares the township's values of architectural preservation and community character.

We serve as an educational resource for property owners and developers navigating Greene Township's lighting regulations, offering guidance on meeting requirements for directional control, glare prevention, and height restrictions. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Greene Township's vision for thoughtful development that respects its historical significance.

Conclusion

Greene Township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By directing light downward, controlling glare, limiting fixture heights, and ensuring compatibility with residential areas, these regulations help maintain the township's distinctive charm.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, understanding and complying with these lighting requirements is essential to contributing positively to Greene Township's community vision. These thoughtful regulations ensure that as the township grows and develops, its unique architectural heritage and rural atmosphere will continue to be preserved for future generations.