Lighting Regulations in Hailey, Idaho: Preserving a Historic Mountain Community

Introduction

Nestled in the picturesque Wood River Valley of Idaho, Hailey has maintained its unique character since its founding in 1881. With roots in the mining boom of the late 19th century, this community of approximately 8,000 residents takes pride in its well-preserved architecture and thoughtful community design.

Hailey's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving both historical charm and the natural beauty of its mountain setting. These carefully crafted ordinances aim to reduce light pollution, conserve energy, and maintain the visibility of the night sky while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Full Cutoff Required: Most exterior lighting must use full cutoff luminaires with downcast, fully shielded light sources • Maximum Parking Lot Illumination: Cannot exceed 1.5 foot-candles average • Residential Light Poles: Height limited by formula H=(D/3)+3, never exceeding 15 feet • Commercial Light Poles: Maximum height of 17 feet for parking areas • Streetlights: Maximum of 100 watts HPS or 9,500 lumens (when required) • Energy Efficiency: LED, induction, or other energy-efficient lighting recommended • Compliance: All new exterior lighting must conform; existing lighting must be updated with permits

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Design and Location Requirements

All exterior lighting in Hailey must be designed, located, and lamped to prevent:

• Overlighting • Energy waste • Glare • Light trespass • Skyglow

Nonessential exterior commercial and residential lighting should be turned off after business hours or when not in use. Security lighting should be sensor-activated rather than continuously illuminated.

Full Cutoff Requirement

All exterior lighting must use full cutoff luminaires with the light source downcast and fully shielded. This requirement helps preserve Hailey's mountain sky views while providing adequate illumination for safety.

Energy Efficiency Focus

The city encourages the use of LED, induction, or other energy-efficient lighting whenever possible. This aligns with Hailey's commitment to sustainable practices and reduced energy consumption.

Allowed Exceptions to Shielding Requirements

Unshielded Luminaires

Small lights may be left unshielded under these conditions:

• Maximum output of 400 lumens per fixture (equivalent to one 40-watt incandescent) • Must have an opaque top or be under an opaque structure

Partially Shielded Luminaires

Slightly brighter lights may be partially shielded if:

• Maximum output of 1,000 lumens per fixture (equivalent to one 60-watt incandescent) • Lamp is not visible • Luminaire has an opaque top or is under an opaque structure

Floodlights

Floodlights with external shielding are permitted only if:

• Angled no more than 25° from vertical center line • Do not cause glare or light to shine on adjacent property or public rights-of-way • Use photocells with timers (recommended to be off by 11:00 PM)

Height and Placement Regulations

Residential Properties

In residential zones, the maximum height of freestanding luminaires is determined by the formula:

H=(D/3)+3

Where: • H = height in feet • D = distance to nearest property boundary in feet • Maximum height cannot exceed 15 feet

Examples: • 36 feet from property line: Maximum 15-foot pole height • 27 feet from property line: Maximum 12-foot pole height • 18 feet from property line: Maximum 9-foot pole height

Commercial Properties

Parking area lighting must follow these guidelines:

• Maximum height of 17 feet from ground to tallest point • Prefer more fixtures at lower heights with lower light levels • Cannot exceed 1.5 foot-candles average illumination

Special Lighting Situations

Holiday Lighting

• Residential: Permitted November 1 to February 1 (should be off by 11:00 PM) • Commercial: Permitted November 1 to March 15 (should be off after close of business) • Flashing holiday lights are discouraged for residential use and prohibited for commercial use

Sensor-Activated Lights

Sensor-activated security lights must:

• Be positioned to prevent glare onto neighboring properties • Turn off within 5 minutes after activation ceases • Not be triggered by activity off the property

Flag Illumination

Uplighting for government flags is permitted provided:

• Maximum lumen output is 1,300 lumens • Flags should be taken down at sunset to avoid lighting need

Streetlight Requirements

Required Locations

Streetlights are:

• Not required in recreational green belt, limited residential, general residential, and transitional zoning districts • Required at intersections on business/collector streets

Technical Specifications

When installed, streetlights must:

• Be high pressure sodium, low pressure sodium, metal halide, or more energy-efficient type • Not exceed 100 watts HPS or 9,500 lumens (except at controlled intersections on state highways) • Maximize illumination of pedestrian zones and crosswalks • Comply with all requirements of title 17, chapter 17.08, article C

Light Trespass Prevention

Landscape Screening

Landscape screening and buffering must be provided and maintained in required yards adjacent to residential districts to protect from undue intrusion of light, noise, and other influences.

Adjacent Property Protection

All exterior lighting shall be designed to prevent light trespass and protect adjacent properties from glare and excessive lighting.

Compliance Process

Required Documentation

Applications for design review, conditional use permits, subdivision approvals, applicable sign permits, or building permits must include:

• Lighting plans showing location, type, and height of fixtures • Lumen output and illuminance levels • Specification sheets for fixtures • Photometrics for area lighting

Review and Enforcement

The lighting administrator will:

• Review lighting plans for compliance • Notify property owners of violations • Allow 30 days for abatement of violations • Institute legal actions if necessary

Supporting Hailey's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting recognizes the important balance Hailey maintains between preserving its historic mountain character and meeting contemporary lighting needs. With roots dating back to 1918, we understand the value of architectural heritage and community identity.

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with experience in communities that value their historical integrity, we appreciate Hailey's commitment to reducing light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality. We share the city's vision for responsible lighting that protects the night sky view that makes mountain communities so special.

Our team is knowledgeable about the technical specifications required in communities like Hailey and can serve as a resource for property owners navigating complex lighting regulations. We believe in supporting the distinctive character that makes each community unique.

Conclusion

Hailey's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historical character and mountain setting while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality. By focusing on full cutoff fixtures, appropriate height limits, and prevention of light trespass, these standards ensure that Hailey remains a place where residents and visitors can enjoy both well-lit spaces and spectacular night skies.

Property owners planning new construction or renovations should consult the complete ordinance text and work with lighting professionals familiar with dark sky-friendly lighting solutions. With proper planning, it's possible to create beautiful, functional lighting that complies with regulations and enhances Hailey's special character.