Lighting Regulations in Jerome, Idaho: Balancing Rural Charm with Modern Development

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Idaho's Magic Valley, Jerome has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The city was established by Jerome Hill, who was commissioned to find the perfect location for a new community that would eventually become the county seat of Jerome County. The area was chosen in part for its picturesque views of the Sawtooth Mountains to the north and Twin Falls to the south.

Today, Jerome continues to value its small-town atmosphere and rural character. As the second largest city in the Magic Valley region, Jerome balances growth and development with preserving its unique community identity. The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance—ensuring safety and functionality while maintaining the aesthetic qualities that make Jerome special.

These regulations aim to minimize light pollution, prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties, and create consistent standards across the community. Let's explore what property owners and businesses need to know about lighting requirements in Jerome.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Lighting Requirements:

• Light Fixture Height: Maximum 17 feet in most cases
• Maximum Wattage: 320 watts for standard fixtures
• Light Direction: All lighting must be recessed or shielded to direct light downward
• Property Line Limits: Lighting must not exceed 0.1 foot-candle at property lines
• Subdivision Requirements: Streetlights required at all entrances and intersections, spaced 250-450 feet apart

Residential Lighting Standards

Home Occupation Lighting

If you operate a business from your home, lighting considerations are particularly important:

• The lighting used for a home occupation must not alter the residential character of the premises
• Lighting must not generate glare that is detectable off the property
• Home occupations must maintain the residential appearance of the property

Mobile Home Park Requirements

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements to ensure safety:

• Streets and walkways must be lighted during all hours of darkness
• Lighting must not be under the control of individual mobile home occupants
• Each manufactured home site must be marked with 3-inch or larger numbers that are easily readable from the park street

Commercial & Industrial Lighting Requirements

Commercial Property Standards

Commercial properties in Jerome must adhere to several specific lighting requirements:

• Direction Control: All lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• Shielding Requirements: All site lighting must be recessed or shielded to direct light downward
• Documentation: Commercial developments must submit a lighting diagram as part of any building or development application
• Highway Corridors: Properties along state and federal highways must follow stricter lighting standards to enhance entrance corridors

Light Fixtures and Specifications

The city provides clear standards for lighting fixtures:

• Permitted Light Types:
• Low pressure sodium lights
• High pressure sodium lights (maximum 250 watts)
• LED or other energy efficient lamps (with approval)
• Metal halide lighting (with additional conditions)
• Fixture Height Limitations:
• Standard maximum: 17 feet
• Parking lots with less than 200 spaces: 20 feet maximum
• Parking lots with 200-500 spaces: 25 feet maximum
• Parking lots with more than 500 spaces: 30 feet maximum
• Within 50 feet of residential property: 15 feet maximum
• Historic Style Fixtures:
• Must use 150 watt high pressure sodium bulbs
• Special shielding requirements apply
• Must direct light downward

Industrial District Requirements

Both light industrial (M-1) and heavy industrial (M-2) districts have lighting requirements:

• Development must be free of glare that could affect neighboring properties
• No direct or reflected glare is permitted that is visible from any property outside a manufacturing district or from any street

Sign and Billboard Illumination

Electronic Message Displays

Electronic message displays (EMDs) must follow these requirements:

• Must emit light of constant intensity
• Must limit output to 5,000 nits on clear days
• Must limit output to 500 nits from dawn to dusk
• Must not cause glare on public thoroughfares or adjacent properties

Sign Lighting Standards

For illuminated signs:

• Signs may be illuminated, but must emit light of constant intensity
• Prohibited Illumination Types:
• Exposed neon
• Exterior spot or floodlights
• Flashing or animated lights (including borders)
• Movement or appearance of movement in illumination is prohibited for static message signs
• Text-only, single-color message displays with letters under 12 inches may scroll without static message limitations

Billboard Lighting

For billboards and off-premises signs in the interstate sign overlay district:

• External lighting such as floodlights and gooseneck reflectors is permitted
• Light source must be directed upon the face of the sign and effectively shielded
• Lights must not be directed toward residential structures or main traveled ways
• Intensity must not interfere with residential use, impair driver vision, or interfere with vehicle operation

Utility Poles and Street Lighting

Utility Pole Placement

Jerome has specific regulations regarding utility poles that carry lighting:

• No utility poles (including electric light poles) are permitted on Main Street without city council permission
• When repairs or reconstruction of utility lines amount to rebuilding, lines must be moved to alleys or middle of blocks
• All poles placed on city streets must be at the inner edge of the curb line

Subdivision Street Lighting

For new subdivisions:

• Required Locations: Streetlights must be installed at all subdivision entrances and at all intersections
• Spacing Requirements: Streetlights must be spaced between 250-450 feet apart on the same street
• Installation Responsibility: Cost of conventional wood pole, mercury vapor luminaries, and overhead service is the responsibility of the developer
• Alternative Configurations: Other types of lighting configurations require administrator approval with costs borne by the subdivider

Supporting Jerome's Lighting Vision

As a lighting manufacturer with over a century of experience, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character. Jerome's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to maintaining its rural charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

Bock Lighting shares Jerome's values of responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution and preserve community character. Our experience with communities similar to Jerome has given us insight into how thoughtful lighting decisions can enhance the unique feel of small towns with agricultural roots.

We appreciate Jerome's focus on directing light downward and away from neighboring properties—a practice that not only reduces light trespass but also improves visibility and creates a more pleasant nighttime environment. This approach to lighting aligns with sustainable practices that benefit both the community and the environment.

As Jerome continues to grow and develop, especially along its highway corridors, maintaining consistent lighting standards will be crucial to preserving its distinctive character. Bock Lighting remains committed to serving as an educational resource for communities like Jerome that are working to balance progress with preservation.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your property in Jerome:

• Documentation: Be prepared to submit detailed lighting plans for review
• Property Boundaries: Pay special attention to lighting levels at property lines
• Fixture Selection: Choose fixtures that properly shield and direct light downward
• Context Matters: Consider your proximity to residential areas, which may require additional restrictions

Updating Existing Lighting

If you're renovating a property with outdated lighting:

• Existing lighting included in any application must be updated to comply with current standards
• Consider energy-efficient options like LEDs (with appropriate approvals)
• Focus on directing light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Pay attention to maximum height and wattage restrictions

Conclusion

Jerome's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its small-town character while ensuring safe, functional lighting throughout the community. By controlling light intensity, direction, and fixture specifications, the city works to minimize light pollution and prevent negative impacts on neighboring properties.

For property owners and businesses, understanding these regulations is essential for successful development projects and renovations. By following Jerome's lighting standards, you can contribute to preserving the city's unique charm while meeting your property's lighting needs.

Whether you're planning a new subdivision, commercial development, or simple home improvements, keeping these lighting requirements in mind will help ensure your project aligns with Jerome's vision for its future.