Lighting Regulations in Kimberly, Idaho: Balancing Small-Town Charm With Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Founded in 1905, Kimberly, Idaho has grown from a small agricultural settlement into a thriving community of approximately 3,600 residents in Twin Falls County. Named after Peter L. Kimberly, a pioneer in regional irrigation development, the city has maintained its small-town character while embracing thoughtful development.

Kimberly's lighting regulations reflect this balance between preserving the community's rural charm and ensuring safety and functionality. These regulations aim to support the city's values of family-focused living, agricultural heritage, and sustainable growth while preventing light pollution that could detract from the area's natural beauty.

Quick Reference Guide to Kimberly's Lighting Requirements

Here are the key lighting regulations property owners should know:

• Down-shielded exterior lighting is required for many development plans
• Parking areas with more than 18 spaces must provide at least 1 foot-candle of illumination across the entire surface
• Light screening is required near residential areas (maximum 0.25 foot-candles spillover)
• Electronic Message Centers have specific luminance restrictions (max 5,000 nits)
• Window reflectivity cannot exceed 20% to prevent road safety hazards
• Sign lighting elements must be at least 9 feet above ground unless protected
• Street lighting is required at subdivision intersections

Development Planning and Exterior Lighting

Down-Shielded Lighting Requirements

A consistent theme in Kimberly's development regulations is the requirement for down-shielded exterior lighting. This requirement appears repeatedly in the city code, particularly for:

• Development plans for various land uses
• RV and vehicle storage facilities
• Projects near incompatible land uses or zones

Purpose of Down-Shielding

Down-shielded fixtures direct light downward rather than outward or upward, which:

• Reduces light pollution in the night sky
• Minimizes light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Enhances energy efficiency by focusing light where it's needed
• Preserves Kimberly's rural character and natural surroundings

Parking Area Illumination Standards

Minimum Illumination Requirements

For larger parking facilities, Kimberly has established specific lighting standards:

• Parking areas with more than 18 spaces must have lighting providing at least 1 foot-candle of illumination across the entire parking surface
• This ensures adequate visibility for safety and security purposes

Light Trespass Limitations

To protect residential areas from unwanted light, the code specifies:

• Lighting must be screened to limit illumination of adjacent residential properties to a maximum of 0.25 foot-candles
• Lighting must not create traffic hazards on nearby roadways
• These requirements balance safety needs with neighborhood tranquility

Signage and Electronic Display Regulations

Illuminated Sign Requirements

Kimberly allows illuminated signs in certain zones but has established safeguards:

• Sign lighting must not cause hazardous driving conditions
• Light must not glare, reflect, or spill onto adjacent properties
• All lighting elements must be positioned at least 9 feet above ground unless adequately protected

Electronic Message Center (EMC) Specifications

For digital signage, there are additional technical requirements:

• Maximum luminance: 5,000 cd/m² (nits)
• Automatic dimming capabilities required
• Minimum display time of 8 seconds per frame
• Limited flashing (same frame can repeat only once)
• Continuous motion, animation, and video displays are prohibited

These regulations ensure that modern signage doesn't distract drivers or detract from the city's aesthetic character.

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Sexually Oriented Businesses

The code includes specific lighting requirements for this category:

• Minimum illumination of 5.0 foot-candles measured at floor level
• This illumination must be maintained whenever patrons are present
• Overhead lighting fixture locations must be included in license applications

Wireless Communication Facilities

For telecommunications infrastructure:

• Lighting of antennas or support structures is prohibited except as required by the FAA
• This helps minimize visual impact while ensuring aviation safety compliance

Flag Illumination

• Flags representing nations, states, political subdivisions, or organizations may be illuminated during darkness

Window and Architectural Lighting Considerations

Window Reflectivity Limitations

To prevent safety hazards from reflected light:

• Windows shall have a maximum exterior visible reflectivity of 20%
• Exceptions may be approved by the planning and zoning administrator
• This requirement prevents sunlight reflection onto adjacent roadways that could temporarily blind drivers

Street Lighting in New Developments

Subdivision Requirements

For new residential and commercial subdivisions:

• Street lights must be installed at intersections throughout the subdivision
• All lighting must be approved by the City Engineer
• The cost of installation is borne by the developer
• This ensures consistent lighting quality and coverage in new neighborhoods

Supporting Kimberly's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that communities like Kimberly strive to achieve. As a manufacturer that has worked with communities throughout the country, we appreciate Kimberly's commitment to preserving its small-town agricultural character while ensuring proper illumination for safety and functionality.

Our team is familiar with the specific demands of rural communities that want to maintain their distinctive identity. We understand that proper lighting in Kimberly isn't just about compliance—it's about respecting the city's history as an agricultural hub while providing the practical illumination needed for today's residents and businesses.

Bock Lighting shares Kimberly's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution and preserve the natural beauty of southern Idaho. We can serve as a resource for property owners and developers seeking to understand and implement Kimberly's down-shielding requirements and other lighting specifications.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing property in Kimberly, remember to:

• Include down-shielded lighting examples in development plans
• Calculate proper foot-candle requirements for parking areas
• Consider light trespass impacts on neighboring properties
• Ensure all exterior lighting elements meet height and shielding requirements

Permitting Requirements

Be aware that certain lighting installations require permits:

• Electric signs and electric outline lighting require permits from the electrical inspector
• Insurance or bond requirements apply for liability coverage
• The city can condemn defective electrical equipment that poses safety hazards

Conclusion

Kimberly's lighting regulations reflect its character as a community that values its rural heritage while ensuring modern safety standards. The focus on down-shielded lighting, controlled illumination levels, and minimizing light trespass demonstrates a thoughtful approach to development that preserves the city's charm.

Property owners and developers who understand these requirements can design lighting systems that enhance safety and functionality while respecting Kimberly's small-town aesthetic and agricultural roots. By following these guidelines, the community can continue to grow while maintaining the quality of life that makes Kimberly special.