Lighting Regulations in Lewisberry Borough, Pennsylvania: Understanding Property & Sign Illumination Requirements

Introduction

Lewisberry Borough, like many Pennsylvania municipalities, has established specific lighting regulations to balance the needs of businesses and residents while preserving community character. These regulations primarily focus on preventing light trespass, controlling glare, and ensuring appropriate illumination of signs and properties throughout the borough.

Whether you're a business owner, resident, or property developer in Lewisberry, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and good neighborly relations. This guide compiles the lighting regulations from Lewisberry's building code into a readable, practical resource.

Quick Reference Guide

• Glare Control: All exterior lighting must be shielded to prevent glare beyond property boundaries
• Sign Illumination: Most signs may only use indirect lighting
• Light Direction: All lights must be shielded to direct illumination onto the intended use and away from adjacent properties
• Special Zones: Flashing, intermittent, and rotating lights are only permitted by special exception in the Village Center Zone
• Color Restrictions: Red, green, or amber illuminated signs cannot be placed within 200 feet of traffic lights or intersections

General Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Prevention

Lewisberry Borough places significant emphasis on preventing unwanted light from spilling onto neighboring properties. The code specifically requires that:

• Light industry must not "cause glare observable from beyond the boundaries of the lot"
• All exterior lighting must be "located and shielded that no objectionable illumination or glare is cast upon adjoining properties"
• All lights shall be shielded to direct light onto the established uses and away from adjacent property

These requirements reflect the borough's commitment to maintaining peaceful residential areas while accommodating necessary commercial lighting.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Proper lighting plays a crucial role in both safety and environmental quality in Lewisberry. The code specifically mentions:

• Open fires are prohibited from being lit on premises
• Property developments must make "satisfactory provision" to minimize harmful effects including glare

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Signage illumination in Lewisberry Borough is carefully regulated to maintain aesthetic standards while allowing businesses to effectively advertise. Key requirements include:

• Signs may be illuminated only if the lighting is screened to prevent direction or reflection toward residences
• Lighting must not obstruct motorists' vision
• Most signs may only use indirect lighting, including:
• Portable signs
• Bed and Breakfast inn signage (maximum 2 square feet)
• Name plates (maximum 2 square feet)

Special Restrictions by Location and Color

The borough has established additional restrictions based on sign placement and color:

• Signs illuminated in red, green, or amber (whether by colored bulbs, tubing, or reflective materials) cannot be located within 200 feet of:
• Highway traffic lights
• Similar safety devices
• The center of any street intersection

Village Center Exceptions

The Village Center Zone has specific regulations that differ from other areas:

• Flashing, intermittent, and rotating lights are permitted only in this zone and only by special exception
• This allows for appropriate commercial signage while maintaining the overall character of the area

Infrastructure and Public Lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

The borough code mentions street lighting primarily in the context of new development:

• New streets and improvements to existing streets within and abutting new developments must include street lights as "accessory improvements"
• This requirement extends to improvements of existing streets near new developments

Small Wireless Facilities

For technological infrastructure, the borough has established a preferred hierarchy for collocation of small wireless facilities on borough-owned structures:

• Non-decorative light poles are the third most preferable location for these facilities
• Decorative light poles are the sixth most preferable location
• This prioritization helps preserve the aesthetic character of decorative lighting fixtures

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Bed and Breakfast Establishments

Bed and Breakfast inns have specific signage and lighting requirements:

• One sign is permitted on the property
• Maximum sign size is 2 square feet
• Signs may only be illuminated by indirect lighting

Professional Services

For professional services, the regulations specify:

• Signs not exceeding 2 square feet may be attached to the building
• Any illumination must be white and non-flashing
• Lighting must be limited to an enclosed lamp design

Parks and Recreation Areas

For parks and recreation areas of a nonprofit nature in residential or Village Center zones:

• The Zoning Hearing Board determines the appropriateness of lighting design
• The primary focus is minimizing adverse impacts on adjacent properties

Supporting Lewisberry's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with deep roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance communities like Lewisberry Borough seek to maintain between modern lighting needs and community character.

We appreciate how lighting regulations serve to prevent nuisances while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and commerce. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a resource for property owners navigating these requirements.

For communities like Lewisberry that value both functionality and neighborhood ambiance, understanding the technical requirements behind lighting regulations is essential. Bock Lighting shares the commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with community standards.

Conclusion

Lewisberry Borough's lighting regulations focus primarily on controlling light trespass, managing sign illumination, and ensuring that all lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community environment. By following these guidelines, property owners can ensure their lighting complies with local standards while maintaining good relationships with neighbors.

Remember that proper shielding of lights, using indirect illumination for signs, and being mindful of potential glare are the foundational principles of the borough's lighting regulations. For specific projects or questions, contacting the borough officials directly is always recommended to ensure full compliance.

Understanding and following these lighting regulations helps preserve Lewisberry's character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and visibility throughout the community.