Lighting Regulations in Lebanon, Indiana: Balancing Heritage and Modern Needs

Introduction

Founded in 1832, Lebanon, Indiana carries a rich historical legacy that continues to shape its development today. From its beginnings established by General James Perry Drake and Colonel George L. Kinnard to its current status as a vibrant community of approximately 16,000 residents, Lebanon has maintained a careful balance between preserving its historical character and meeting modern needs.

The Historic Cragun House, built in 1893, stands as a testament to Lebanon's commitment to historical preservation. This approach to maintaining community character extends to the city's lighting regulations, which aim to provide safety and functionality while respecting Lebanon's architectural heritage and small-town atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide to Lebanon's Lighting Requirements

• Fixture Types: All freestanding lights must use cutoff, semi-cutoff or full-cutoff luminaires
• Residential Light Levels: Maximum 0.3 footcandles at property line
• Commercial Light Levels: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at property line adjacent to non-residential uses
• Street/Intersection: Up to 0.6 footcandles at property line up to 75 feet from intersection
• Mounting Heights:
• Residential: Maximum 15 feet (including base)
• Single-family post lights: Maximum 6 feet
• Street/Parking: Maximum 24 feet in residential/commercial, 30 feet in industrial
• Gas Station Canopies: Maximum 5 footcandles at grade level, average 30 footcandles
• Shielding: All lighting must be fully shielded with opaque material

Exterior Lighting Standards

Lebanon's exterior lighting standards (§7.15) apply to all new or replaced lighting across all zoning districts. These regulations aim to ensure appropriate lighting while minimizing light pollution and trespass.

Lighting Plan Requirements

When applying for development plans, secondary plats, PUDs, or detailed plans, property owners must submit a lighting plan that includes:

• A site plan showing buildings, landscaping, and parking areas with proposed fixture locations
• A photometric plan
• Manufacturer's catalog cuts
• Proposed mounting heights of all exterior features

Fixture Types and Mounting

All lighting in Lebanon must meet specific requirements:

• Full cutoff: No light emitted above horizontal plane
• Cutoff: Limited light above horizontal
• Semi-cutoff: Less than 5% of lamp lumens emitted above horizontal plane

All freestanding lights and wall-mounted fixtures must use one of these approved luminaire types.

Energy Conservation Requirements

To reduce unnecessary energy consumption:

• Exterior lighting should include timers, dimmers, and/or sensors wherever practicable
• All non-essential lighting should be turned off when not needed
• Alternative low-level lighting systems should be used for cleanup, maintenance, and after-hours activities

Residential Lighting Standards

Lebanon has specific lighting requirements for residential properties:

Single-Family Dwellings

• At least one dusk-to-dawn light fixture is required
• In areas without street lighting, dusk-to-dawn lighting is mandatory for each home
• Light fixtures can be building-mounted or yard-post mounted
• Maximum post height: 6 feet for yard-mounted fixtures

All Residential Properties

• Maximum height: Light fixtures including base cannot exceed 15 feet
• Light trespass limits: Light levels must not exceed 0.3 footcandles at the property line
• Security lighting must use indirect and reflected lighting techniques under canopies, entry porches, or soffits

Commercial and Non-Residential Lighting

Commercial properties must meet additional requirements beyond the general standards:

Parking Areas and Building Exteriors

• Uniformity: Lights must provide uniform illumination throughout parking areas
• Maximum levels: Average maintained illumination should not exceed 3 footcandles
• Property line limits: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at property lines (0.3 if adjacent to residential)
• Lighting should be strategically placed at entrances, drive aisles, parking lots, and to highlight building features

Canopies and Gas Stations

Gas station canopies have specific requirements:

• All fixtures must be recessed so lens covers are flush with the canopy ceiling
• Indirect lighting techniques must be used (light beamed upward and reflected down)
• Minimum illumination: Cannot exceed 5 footcandles at grade level
• Average maintained illumination: Cannot exceed 30 footcandles
• Lights cannot be mounted on top or sides of canopies
• Drive-through bays require full shielding similar to exterior lighting

Special Applications

Athletic Fields and Performance Areas

• Lighting fixtures must be specifically aimed to contain light within play/performance areas
• Dual lighting systems are required - main event lighting plus low-level maintenance lighting
• Maximum illumination levels cannot exceed 40 footcandles
• Light trespass must be minimized onto adjacent streets and properties
• A registered engineer must certify compliance with all lighting restrictions

Facade and Architectural Lighting

• Fixtures must be located, aimed, and shielded to direct light only onto the building facade
• Light should not project beyond the building or sign
• Lighting should wash the facade rather than create spotlighting effects
• For flags illuminated with upward lighting, only spotlights may be used (not floodlights)

Security Lighting

• Must be shielded and specifically aimed to direct illumination only to intended areas
• Light sources must include shields preventing visibility from adjacent properties/streets
• Residential security lighting should use indirect and reflected techniques

Historic District Considerations

Lebanon's commitment to historical preservation extends to lighting:

• A certificate of appropriateness (COA) is required for changes to light fixtures within historic districts
• Light fixtures in historic districts must preserve the historical and architectural character of the building or structure
• Ornamental street lights should maintain the style established by existing lighting on the Court House Square
• Maximum light pole height in historic areas is 20 feet
• Light fixtures must direct light downward and be full cutoff, cutoff, or semi-cutoff

Street Lighting Requirements

Street lighting in Lebanon follows specific standards:

• Street lights must be provided at all intersections and at locations determined by the City Utilities Service Board
• Residential subdivisions: Pole-mounted standards not exceeding 15 feet in height
• Non-residential subdivisions: Standards not exceeding 25 feet in height
• All standards must be mounted on appropriate concrete foundations
• Decorative street lighting is encouraged
• The subdivider is responsible for initial purchase and installation

What Property Owners Should Know

If you're planning new construction or significant renovations in Lebanon, understanding these lighting regulations is crucial. Here are key points to remember:

• A lighting plan is required for most development projects
• All lighting must use approved fixture types that minimize light trespass
• Light levels at property lines are strictly regulated (0.3-0.6 footcandles depending on location)
• Specific requirements apply based on your property type (residential, commercial, etc.)
• Changes to lighting in historic districts require special approval
• Energy conservation measures like timers and motion sensors are recommended

For most properties, ensuring your lighting is properly shielded and directed downward will address many compliance requirements. Working with a lighting professional familiar with Lebanon's regulations during the planning phase can prevent costly adjustments later.

Supporting Lebanon's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character and historical preservation. Our approach aligns with Lebanon's commitment to maintaining its distinctive architectural heritage while providing safe, functional lighting solutions.

We appreciate Lebanon's thoughtful lighting regulations that protect the city's small-town atmosphere while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. Our team is familiar with the technical requirements for different fixture types, including full cutoff, cutoff, and semi-cutoff luminaires that meet Lebanon's standards.

Communities like Lebanon benefit from lighting that complements their architectural character while meeting modern needs. Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, helping them understand requirements for light levels, mounting heights, and fixture types.

Conclusion

Lebanon's lighting regulations reflect the city's careful balance between historical preservation and modern needs. By establishing clear standards for fixture types, light levels, and installation requirements, these regulations help maintain Lebanon's distinctive character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Whether you're a homeowner installing new exterior lighting or a developer planning a commercial project, understanding these regulations will help you create lighting that complies with local requirements and contributes positively to Lebanon's community atmosphere.

Remember that lighting regulations may be updated periodically, so it's always advisable to check with Lebanon's planning department for the most current requirements before beginning any lighting project.