Lighting Regulations in Hopkins Township, Michigan: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Hopkins Township, established in December 1852, has maintained its agricultural identity throughout its history. Covering approximately thirty-six square miles in the northeastern portion of Allegan County, this primarily rural community features farmland, open spaces, six private lakes, and the scenic Rabbit River.

The township's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving rural character while ensuring safety for residents and visitors. These regulations aim to minimize light pollution that would disrupt the natural environment while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

In Hopkins Township, lighting requirements balance practical needs with the community's dedication to maintaining its agricultural heritage and natural beauty.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Property Boundaries: No glare permitted beyond property lines • Exterior Lighting: Must confine illumination to the property where it's located • Sign Illumination: Restricted with specific requirements to prevent glare • Mobile Home Parks: Must provide sufficient lighting for all streets, sidewalks and parking areas • Street Lighting: Required every 500 feet and at all intersections in subdivisions • Tower Lighting: Only permitted when required by FAA; must flash red from dusk to dawn

General Property Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

Hopkins Township places significant emphasis on preventing light trespass between properties. The regulations clearly state that every use shall be conducted so it is not obnoxious or dangerous by reason of glare beyond the lot where the use is located.

This requirement appears multiple times throughout the township's regulations, highlighting its importance to the community.

Exterior Lighting Installation

All lighting must be installed and maintained to:

• Confine illumination source to the property where the use is located • Divert glare to stay within property boundaries • Prevent glare or illumination from adversely affecting adjacent properties or streets

Impact on Neighboring Properties

The township's regulations explicitly state that external effects including light shall not adversely affect adjacent and neighboring properties or uses. This reinforces the community's commitment to minimizing the impact of artificial lighting on Hopkins Township's rural character.

Specific Lighting Applications

Street Lighting

For subdivisions, Hopkins Township requires:

• Street lights installed every 500 feet • Street lights installed at all intersections • Compliance with all applicable township ordinances • Adherence to requirements of the public utility providing such lighting

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements:

• Sufficient lighting must be provided to illuminate all:

• Parking bays
• Streets
• Sidewalks

Tower Lighting

The township limits tower lighting to preserve night skies:

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority • If lighting is required, designs must cause the least disturbance to surrounding views • Light at the top of the tower must flash red from dusk until dawn

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Hopkins Township has established clear guidelines for illuminated signs:

• No sign shall be illuminated except by approved devices • Open flames cannot be used for display purposes without specific Township Board approval • All illuminated signs must be arranged or shielded to prevent interference with vision on adjacent thoroughfares • Light from illuminated signs must not shine on adjacent property

Billboard Illumination

Billboards may be illuminated provided:

• Illumination is concentrated on the surface of the sign • Lighting is located to avoid glare or reflection onto:

• Any portion of adjacent streets or highways
• The path of oncoming vehicles
• Any adjacent premises

Mobile Home Park Signs

For mobile home park identification signs:

• Maximum one identification sign allowed at each access point • Each sign limited to 30 square feet in area • Signs may only be illuminated by a continuous indirect white light • For double-sided signs, combined total area cannot exceed 30 square feet

Planning and Approval Process

Lighting Plan Requirements

When submitting plans to the township:

• Licensees must provide lighting plans for township approval • Final site plans must show location and dimensions of all proposed exterior lighting • Existing exterior lighting location and dimensions must be properly documented

Security Lighting

Security lighting considerations must be included in landscape plans, specifically:

• Method of fencing • Finished color • If applicable, method of camouflage and security lighting

Home Occupations

For home-based businesses, lighting restrictions apply:

• The occupation cannot be conducted in any manner that would cause the premises to differ from its residential character through lighting • Home occupation identification is limited to one wall sign not exceeding four square feet

Special Considerations

Tree Selection and Placement

When selecting trees for properties, Hopkins Township regulations note:

• Trees should be species resistant to damage and disease • Selected species should not interfere with underground utilities, street lighting, or street pavements

Lighting Facilities Direction

A simple but important requirement is that:

• Lighting facilities shall be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties

This further reinforces the township's commitment to preventing light trespass and preserving the rural night environment.

Supporting Hopkins Township's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Hopkins Township's commitment to preserving rural character while addressing practical lighting needs. As a regional manufacturer with deep understanding of the architectural and environmental needs of Midwestern communities, Bock appreciates Hopkins Township's balanced approach to lighting regulations.

Our expertise aligns with Hopkins Township's vision of minimizing light pollution while ensuring safety. We understand the importance of maintaining the township's agricultural heritage and natural beauty, particularly around its lakes and river areas.

Bock Lighting serves as a resource for property owners seeking to understand and comply with local regulations while implementing lighting solutions that respect Hopkins Township's rural atmosphere. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices supports communities like Hopkins Township in preserving their distinctive character for future generations.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

If you're planning a lighting project in Hopkins Township, keep these key points in mind:

• Contain light within your property - Ensure all lighting is designed to prevent spill onto neighboring properties • Document existing and planned lighting - Include detailed lighting information in site plans • Consider rural character - Choose lighting options that respect the township's agricultural heritage • Seek township approval - Submit lighting plans for review and approval as required

When to Consult with the Township

It's advisable to consult with Hopkins Township officials:

• Before installing new exterior lighting systems • When planning signs with illumination • For lighting in special use cases like mobile home parks • If undertaking subdivision development with street lighting requirements

Conclusion

Hopkins Township's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a rural agricultural community and its commitment to preserving natural beauty while ensuring safety. These regulations focus on preventing light trespass, controlling sign illumination, and requiring appropriate lighting for specific developments like mobile home parks and subdivisions.

By understanding and following these lighting requirements, property owners can contribute to maintaining Hopkins Township's distinctive rural character while meeting their practical illumination needs. The regulations represent a thoughtful balance between modern lighting necessities and the preservation of the township's peaceful agricultural atmosphere and dark night skies.