Lighting Regulations in Lincoln Park, Michigan: Balancing Safety, Function, and Community Character

Introduction

Lincoln Park, Michigan, a city with deep ties to Detroit's automotive industry, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its unique character and community values. Founded in the early 20th century primarily as a residential community for workers at Henry Ford's River Rouge Plant, Lincoln Park has grown into a suburban hub while maintaining its historical identity.

The city's commitment to preserving historical structures, like the Classical Revival-style Lincoln Park Post Office (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), demonstrates how the community values its architectural heritage. This same careful balancing of modern needs with historical character is evident in the city's approach to lighting regulations.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Lincoln Park, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and for contributing to the community's aesthetic and safety goals.

Quick Reference Guide

• Maximum Illumination Levels:
• No more than 10 foot-candles at any point on a commercial property
• No more than 1 foot-candle along commercial property lot lines
• 1 foot-candle minimum required in parking areas (measured 5 feet above surface)
• 2 foot-candles minimum required in pedestrian areas (measured 5 feet above surface)
• Light Fixture Height Restrictions:
• 13-15 feet maximum height in various residential-adjacent areas
• 25 feet maximum height in certain commercial parking areas
• Key Principles:
• Light must be directed away from residential properties
• Shielding required to prevent glare
• Flashing lights prohibited in most applications
• Special requirements for window lighting and signage illumination

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

General Commercial Standards

Lincoln Park's regulations for commercial properties focus on minimizing light impact on neighboring properties while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

The core principles include:

• Exterior lighting must be designed, located, and shielded to prevent glare onto adjacent properties
• Light must be arranged to prevent adverse effects on motorist visibility
• In the Neighborhood Business District (NBD), lighting is limited to no greater than 10 foot-candles at any point on the lot
• Along lot lines in the NBD, illumination must be no greater than 1 foot-candle

Special Commercial Use Requirements

Different types of businesses have specific lighting requirements:

Food Service Establishments

• Drive-in restaurants must arrange illumination to reflect away from adjoining residential property
• Food preparation areas must be well-lighted

Adult Entertainment

• Adult cabarets must provide sufficient exterior lighting to provide clear viewing of the premises

Used Automobile Businesses

• Must be properly illuminated at all times

Historic and Aesthetic Considerations

For businesses in historic districts or areas:

• Floodlights, wall pack units, and unshielded lights are prohibited in some areas
• Historic-style lighting compatible with existing lamps may be permitted with Planning Commission approval
• Buildings with multiple storefronts should be unified through architecturally compatible lighting fixtures

Parking Area Illumination Standards

Light Levels and Measurement

Parking areas must meet specific illumination standards:

• Minimum average of 1 foot-candle in parking areas (measured 5 feet above surface)
• Minimum average of 2 foot-candles in pedestrian areas (measured 5 feet above surface)
• All measurements must be taken with a foot-candle meter or sensitive photometer

Height and Shielding Requirements

Depending on the zoning district and proximity to residential areas, different height restrictions apply:

• In most commercial areas, light sources must be no more than 25 feet above the parking surface
• Near residential areas, height is restricted to 13-15 feet (varies by specific regulation)
• All parking lot lighting must be shielded to prevent glare
• Reflectors must be installed to direct light away from residential areas

Operational Requirements

Some parking facilities must have lighting systems that allow for:

• Reduction of light levels after normal parking hours
• Deflection of light away from neighboring residential areas

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

Lincoln Park has detailed regulations for sign illumination:

• Signs may be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources
• Temporary signs may not be illuminated
• Glaring, undiffused lights or bulbs are prohibited
• The source of illumination must not be visible and must be fully shielded

Special Sign Types

Window Lighting

• Permitted around the perimeter of first-floor windows and doors
• Limited to the same building face as the principal entrance
• Maximum of 4 windows and/or doors may have window lighting
• Must be removed when any light portion becomes nonfunctional

Billboards

• May be externally illuminated only
• Illumination must not create glare to passing motorists or into rights-of-way
• Electronic displays are prohibited in Central, Neighborhood and Municipal Business Districts

Electronic Signs

• Maximum luminescence level: 0.3 footcandles over ambient light (measured at 100 feet)
• Must have automatic dimming capabilities
• A photometric plan must be provided
• Video display, animation, scrolling text, flashing, and other motion effects are prohibited

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Marijuana Growing Facilities

Lincoln Park has established specific lighting requirements for marijuana businesses:

• If windows are used, lighting must not exceed the foot candles permitted for exterior buildings between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Transparent roofing materials must be fully covered with a non-transparent material between dusk and dawn
• Exterior security lighting is required and must comply with Zoning Ordinance provisions

Commercial Outdoor Recreation

• Must take provisions to ensure that lighting glare does not affect adjacent properties

Supporting Lincoln Park's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique challenges faced by communities like Lincoln Park that work to balance modern lighting needs with historic preservation and community character.

Bock Lighting shares Lincoln Park's commitment to maintaining architectural integrity while providing effective, code-compliant lighting solutions. Our experience with communities throughout the Midwest has given us valuable insights into the specific requirements of areas with rich historical heritage.

We recognize that Lincoln Park's regulations reflect the community's values—protecting residential areas from light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and commerce. Our team is available as a resource to help property owners understand and navigate lighting requirements, offering guidance on solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and community aesthetics.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Lincoln Park's vision for thoughtful development that honors its automotive heritage while embracing modern needs.

Conclusion

Lincoln Park's lighting regulations reflect its character as a community that values both its historical roots and modern functionality. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture heights, and glare prevention, the city works to create a pleasant environment for residents while supporting business needs.

Property owners should pay special attention to requirements regarding light levels, shielding, and direction of illumination, particularly when adjacent to residential areas. The varying requirements across different districts and uses highlight the city's nuanced approach to lighting.

By understanding and following these regulations, residents and business owners can contribute to Lincoln Park's vision of a well-lit, attractive community that honors its heritage while meeting contemporary needs for safety and visibility.