Lighting Regulations in Lake County, Indiana: A Guide to Manufactured Home Park Requirements

Introduction

Lake County, Indiana, with its rich industrial heritage dating back to 1837, has a unique architectural landscape shaped by decades of development. The county's growth, fueled by the steel industry in cities like Gary and Hammond, attracted diverse communities that contributed to its distinctive character.

The county's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to balancing industrial growth with community needs. While Lake County's general lighting regulations are limited in scope, there are specific requirements for manufactured home parks that ensure safety while minimizing light pollution.

Understanding these regulations helps property owners contribute to the county's vision of maintaining community character while ensuring safety through proper illumination.

Quick Reference Guide: Lake County Lighting Regulations

• Light standards (poles): $20 permit fee per pole • Manufactured home park streets: 0.6 footcandle average with 0.1 footcandle minimum • Hazardous areas in manufactured home parks: Minimum 0.3 footcandle • Light shielding: Required for manufactured home parks to prevent light trespass • Permit requirements: Fees apply for installation of light poles

Manufactured Home Park Lighting Requirements

Lake County's code provides specific lighting regulations for manufactured home parks, addressing both safety concerns and community considerations.

Illumination Levels

The county code establishes clear standards for the illumination of street systems within manufactured home parks:

• Standard street illumination: 0.6 footcandle average maintained level with a minimum of 0.1 footcandle • Hazardous locations: Individually illuminated with a minimum of 0.3 footcandle

• This applies to major street intersections
• This applies to steps or stepped ramps
• These areas require special attention due to safety concerns

These requirements ensure adequate visibility for both pedestrians and vehicles navigating through manufactured home parks at night.

Light Trespass Prevention

A key component of Lake County's manufactured home park lighting regulations addresses the impact of lighting on surrounding properties:

• All lights must be properly located and shielded • Shielding must prevent direct illumination of property outside the manufactured home park • This requirement helps minimize light pollution and respect neighboring properties

This regulation demonstrates Lake County's commitment to balancing safety needs with quality of life considerations for all residents.

Design Considerations

When planning lighting for a manufactured home park in Lake County, property owners should:

• Focus on consistent illumination across all street systems • Pay special attention to potentially hazardous areas • Select appropriate fixtures that provide adequate shielding • Ensure regular maintenance to maintain required illumination levels

Permitting Requirements

Based on the available information, Lake County does require permits for lighting installations:

• Light standards (light poles): $20 per pole

Property owners should contact the Lake County Building Department directly for complete information about the permitting process, as additional requirements may apply depending on the specific project.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Context

Lake County's lighting regulations for manufactured home parks reflect the county's industrial heritage and development patterns. The specific requirements aim to ensure safety while preventing excessive light pollution.

Planning for Compliance

When developing or upgrading a manufactured home park in Lake County, owners should:

• Incorporate lighting requirements into initial site plans • Choose fixtures that meet both illumination and shielding requirements • Budget for permitting costs ($20 per light pole) • Consult with lighting professionals familiar with local code requirements

Beyond Manufactured Home Parks

While the extracted regulations focus specifically on manufactured home parks, property owners of other types of developments should consult with the Lake County Building Department regarding any applicable lighting requirements for their specific property type.

Supporting Lake County's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of Lake County and its blend of industrial heritage and residential communities. With roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, we share an appreciation for the region's architectural styles and community values.

We recognize Lake County's balance of safety needs with consideration for neighboring properties, as reflected in their shielding requirements for manufactured home parks. Our team stays informed about local regulations to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements.

As a regional manufacturer with deep understanding of the Midwest's architectural heritage, we're committed to supporting communities like those in Lake County that seek to maintain their distinctive character while implementing functional lighting solutions.

Our experience working with communities that have industrial histories helps us appreciate Lake County's approach to balancing development needs with community considerations.

Conclusion

Lake County, Indiana's lighting regulations for manufactured home parks establish clear standards for illumination levels and light containment. These requirements ensure adequate visibility for safety while preventing light trespass.

Property owners developing or operating manufactured home parks should pay particular attention to:

• Maintaining the required illumination levels (0.6 footcandle average) • Providing enhanced lighting at hazardous locations (0.3 footcandle minimum) • Properly shielding lights to prevent spillover onto neighboring properties • Obtaining permits for light poles ($20 per pole)

While the available regulations focus primarily on manufactured home parks, the principles of adequate illumination and light containment reflect sound lighting practices beneficial to any property.

For the most current and complete information about lighting requirements applicable to your specific property, contact the Lake County Building Department directly.