Lighting Regulations in Havre, Montana: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in north-central Montana, the city of Havre boasts a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1893. With its origins as a railroad town, Havre's development was significantly influenced by the Great Northern Railway. Today, the city takes pride in its Havre Residential Historic District, which showcases Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Neo-Colonial architectural styles that reflect the city's growth from 1895 through the 1940s.

Havre's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and comfort for residents. These regulations aim to prevent light nuisances while maintaining the aesthetic appeal that makes Havre unique.

Quick Reference Guide: Havre Lighting Requirements

For property owners and businesses in Havre, here are the key lighting regulations to be aware of:

• General principle: Light should not trespass onto neighboring properties
• Mobile home courts: Street lighting must provide a minimum of 0.4 foot-candles
• Sign brightness: Excessively bright signs are not permitted (determined case-by-case)
• Commercial properties: Lighting must be positioned to direct light away from adjacent properties
• Home occupations: No offensive glare may be produced
• Hobby shops: No light may be emitted beyond the property line
• Parking areas: Lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining lots

Understanding Light Trespass Requirements

Commercial Districts

In Havre's Commercial Intermediate District (C-1), the city code clearly specifies that "any lighting shall be placed so as to reflect the light away from adjacent property." This requirement helps ensure that businesses can adequately illuminate their properties without creating disturbances for neighboring areas.

Parking Area Illumination

For parking areas throughout the city, a similar standard applies. The code states that "any lights used to illuminate said parking space shall be so arranged as to reflect the light away from adjoining lots." This helps maintain privacy and comfort for residential areas that may be adjacent to parking facilities.

District Boundary Considerations

Multiple districts in Havre include provisions that no glare shall be emitted beyond district boundaries at levels that exceed the general level of glare outside those boundaries. This applies to:

• Commercial-Local District
• Commercial-General District
• Commercial-Intermediate District

These requirements help maintain clear transitions between different zones of the city.

Residential Lighting Considerations

Home Occupations

For residents operating businesses from their homes, the code specifically states that "no offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat or glare shall be produced." This ensures that home-based businesses maintain the residential character of neighborhoods.

Hobby Shops

Similarly, hobby shops must ensure that "no noise, heat, light, odor or vibration shall be emitted beyond the property line." This stricter standard reflects the potentially more intensive nature of hobby activities.

Mobile Home Courts

Mobile home courts have one of the few specific lighting measurements in the code. These developments must provide street lighting with "a minimum of four-tenths foot (0.4') candlepower." This requirement ensures adequate illumination for safety in these residential communities.

Sign Illumination Standards

Brightness Limitations

Havre's code addresses sign brightness with a flexible approach, stating that "no excessively bright signs will be permitted." Rather than setting specific technical limits, the determination is made by the director of public works or the division of compliance and inspection on a case-by-case basis.

Factors Considered

When evaluating sign brightness, officials consider:

• The nature of the neighborhood
• The type of sign
• Other relevant factors deemed appropriate

Electric Signs

The code defines an electric sign as "any sign containing electrical wiring, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source." This distinction helps clarify which regulations apply to different types of illuminated signage.

Conditional Use Permits and Lighting

When considering conditional use permits, the board of adjustment evaluates whether the proposed use will adversely affect nearby properties by substantially increasing glare on or adjacent to such properties.

This consideration ensures that new developments or changes in property use don't create lighting conditions that would be detrimental to the neighborhood.

Historical Context of Havre's Lighting Approach

Havre's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving its historical character. The Havre Residential Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, encompasses 36 blocks showcasing the city's economic and social development from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.

The relatively minimal but focused lighting regulations help maintain the authentic character of these historic areas while still allowing for modern safety and business needs. By focusing on preventing light trespass rather than mandating specific lighting technologies, Havre allows for appropriate illumination while preventing nuisances.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing new exterior lighting, property owners should:

• Position fixtures to direct light away from neighboring properties
• Consider light intensity to avoid creating offensive glare
• Evaluate the neighborhood context to ensure lighting is appropriate
• Consult with officials when uncertain about requirements, especially for signage

Understanding Enforcement

Enforcement of lighting regulations in Havre appears to be complaint-driven and case-specific, especially regarding sign brightness. Property owners should be aware that the director of public works or division of compliance and inspection make determinations about excessive brightness based on:

• Neighborhood character
• Sign type
• Other relevant contextual factors

Supporting Havre's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance that historic communities like Havre must strike between preservation and progress. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the value of maintaining architectural heritage while incorporating modern lighting solutions.

While Havre's lighting regulations focus primarily on preventing light trespass rather than specifying technical requirements, we recognize the importance of solutions that respect both the letter and spirit of these guidelines. Our experience with similar historic communities has taught us that thoughtful lighting design can enhance historic character rather than detract from it.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, helping property owners understand how to illuminate their spaces effectively while honoring local requirements and community values.

Conclusion

Havre's lighting regulations may be less comprehensive than those in some municipalities, but they effectively address the city's primary concerns: preventing light trespass, maintaining appropriate brightness levels, and preserving neighborhood character.

For property owners and businesses, the key takeaway is consideration of how lighting affects neighboring properties. By following these straightforward principles, Havre residents can help maintain the charm and character of their historic city while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Whether you own a historic property in the Residential Historic District or operate a business in one of Havre's commercial zones, thoughtful lighting choices help preserve the unique character that makes Havre special.