Lighting Regulations in Greenwood, Indiana: Balancing Growth and Historical Character

Introduction

Greenwood, Indiana has transformed from a small rural town established in 1864 to a thriving urban community covering approximately ten square miles with a population exceeding 25,000. Throughout this growth, Greenwood has maintained a delicate balance between modern development and historical preservation, particularly in its cherished "Old Towne" section where Victorian homes and businesses stand as testaments to the city's rich heritage.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to balanced growth – ensuring adequate illumination for safety and function while preventing light pollution that could detract from Greenwood's character or negatively impact residents' quality of life.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into detailed regulations, here are the most critical lighting requirements for property owners in Greenwood:

• Maximum Light Levels at Property Lines:
• 0.5 foot-candles at residential property boundaries
• 2.0 foot-candles at non-residential property boundaries
• 2.5 foot-candles at parking lot property lines
• Fixture Height Restrictions:
• Maximum 30 feet in parking and vehicular areas
• Maximum 15 feet along pedestrian paths and sidewalks
• Maximum 15 feet when within 300 feet of residential property
• Cutoff Requirements:
• Most lighting fixtures must be full 90-degree cutoff
• Wall pack fixtures must be full cutoff
• Special requirements for canopy lighting and unshielded fixtures
• Documentation Required:
• Photometric plan must be submitted with site plans

Understanding Outdoor Lighting Standards

Basic Requirements

Greenwood requires a photometric plan showing compliance with outdoor lighting standards as part of site plan submissions. The plan must show all structures, parking spaces, building entrances, traffic areas, and all exterior lighting fixtures with their specifications.

Light level measurements in Greenwood are:

• Specified, calculated, and measured in foot-candles
• Measured at ground level with the light-registering portion of the meter held parallel to the ground pointing up

Light Trespass Prevention

Greenwood's regulations aim to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties:

• Light cannot be oriented to direct glare or excessive illumination onto adjacent properties, streets, or sidewalks
• All fixtures and poles within a development must be consistent in style, color, size, height, and design
• Service connections for all freestanding lighting fixtures must be installed underground

Design Requirements for Different Areas

Parking and Vehicular Areas

• Maximum fixture height: 30 feet
• Must use full cutoff fixtures
• Cannot be located within 50 feet of residential zones (except in OT zone)

Pedestrian Areas

• Maximum fixture height: 15 feet
• Near residential zones (within 300 feet), maximum height: 15 feet

Canopy Lighting

Lighting under canopies must prevent off-site glare using one of these designs:

• Recessed fixtures with lenses flush with canopy bottom
• Fixtures with shields or shielded by canopy edge
• Surface-mounted fixtures with flat glass providing cutoff design
• Surface-mounted fixtures (max 2' × 2') with lens covers containing at least 2% white fill diffusion material
• Indirect lighting beamed upward then reflected down from canopy underside

Special Applications and Exemptions

Exempt Lighting

The following lighting is exempt from Greenwood's standard regulations:

• FAA-mandated lighting for utility towers or airports
• Lighting for flags (U.S., State, County, City, or corporate)
• Holiday lighting during November, December, and January (if not creating unsafe glare)
• Battery-powered emergency lighting
• Architectural lighting of 450 lumens or less
• Public safety lighting
• Street lighting in public right-of-way
• Residential garage, porch, architectural, and landscape accent lighting

Sports and Performance Venues

• Sport field lights shall not exceed 100 feet in height
• All exterior night lighting must be fully shielded and downward casting
• Must not cause glare or spillover onto neighboring properties or roadways

Building and Security Lighting

• Must be selected, located, aimed, and shielded to focus exclusively on building facade, plantings, or intended features
• All wall pack fixtures must be full cutoff
• Upward-directed lighting is permitted only for architectural features, landscaping, or art if properly shielded

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

• Sign illumination must not create distracting or hazardous conditions
• Light rays must shine only on the sign and property within the premises
• Maximum 0.2 foot-candles detectable at boundary of any abutting property
• Signs within 300 feet of residential areas may be illuminated from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. or ½ hour past business close (whichever is later)

Digital Sign Brightness

For message center signs and digital displays:

• Maximum illumination of 460 foot-candles during daylight
• Maximum illumination of 46 foot-candles between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise
• Must include light sensing devices to automatically adjust brightness
• Minimum message duration of 8 seconds with static display only

Prohibited Illumination

• Fluctuating or flashing illumination
• Intermittent, strobe, or moving light
• Light that changes intensity in sudden transitory bursts
• Illumination of temporary signs
• Illumination of street pole banners or pole banners

Streetlight Requirements

Developers must install streetlights in all proposed subdivisions:

• Locations and quantities determined by the City after considering utility recommendations
• Must use standard utility or City-approved fixtures
• Required at all street intersections, corners, major curves, cul-de-sac ends, neighborhood entrances, and every 300-400 feet on straight roads
• Streetlights co-located with telecommunications cannot exceed 14 feet in commercial/industrial zones and 12 feet in other zones
• Must be installed and operational prior to final plat execution

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

The most efficient approach to compliance is addressing lighting requirements early in your project planning:

1. Include lighting in initial site planning rather than treating it as an afterthought
2. Prepare a proper photometric plan showing all required elements
3. Consult with lighting professionals familiar with Greenwood's specific requirements
4. Consider context-sensitive lighting that respects neighboring properties

Common Compliance Issues

Based on the regulations, these aspects often require special attention:

• Light trespass at property boundaries - Remember the maximum allowable levels
• Fixture selection - Ensure you're using full cutoff fixtures where required
• Mounting height - Different contexts have different maximum heights
• Sign illumination - Digital signs have specific brightness requirements

Supporting Greenwood's Lighting Vision

Greenwood's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to balancing modern urban development with respect for its historical character. The city's regulations aim to ensure appropriate illumination for safety and functionality while preventing excessive light pollution or glare that could diminish the visual appeal of the community.

Property owners and developers are encouraged to view lighting not just as a functional necessity but as an integral part of Greenwood's community aesthetic. By selecting appropriate fixtures, ensuring proper installation, and maintaining compliance with illumination standards, you contribute to preserving Greenwood's unique character while ensuring the practicality and safety that good lighting provides.

The city's lighting requirements align with its broader vision of pride and progress – maintaining the authentic character that makes Greenwood special while accommodating continued growth and development.

Conclusion

Greenwood's lighting regulations serve multiple purposes: ensuring public safety, preserving community character, preventing light pollution, and respecting neighbors' rights to enjoy their properties without excessive light intrusion.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners and developers can contribute to Greenwood's continued evolution as a community that honors its past while embracing thoughtful development for the future.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property or project, consider consulting with the Greenwood Planning Department or a lighting professional familiar with local regulations.