Lighting Regulations in Manchester, Michigan: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Michigan, Manchester boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1824. This charming town, which officially became a city on November 15, 2023, takes pride in its historic architecture and picturesque surroundings.

Manchester's lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful balance between preserving the community's historic character and addressing modern needs for safety and functionality. These guidelines help maintain the city's unique ambiance while ensuring appropriate illumination for residents and visitors.

As a community that values its architectural heritage, Manchester's approach to lighting emphasizes controlled, appropriate illumination that enhances rather than detracts from the town's character.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know:

• Light Intensity Requirements:
• Minimum 0.3 foot-candle at ground level in illuminated areas
• Average minimum of 0.5 foot-candle over entire areas (measured 5 feet above surface)
• General Lighting Requirements:
• Only white, non-glare lighting permitted (metal halide, color-corrected high-pressure sodium)
• Lighting must be shielded to direct light onto the property and away from neighbors
• Maximum fixture height of 25 feet (20 feet when adjacent to residential areas)
• Building-mounted lighting for attention (not security) is prohibited
• Sign Illumination Requirements:
• Signs near residential areas cannot exceed 0.1 foot-candle at property lines
• Externally illuminated signs require shielded fixtures
• Internally lit signs must have darker backgrounds than lettering
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent lights are prohibited

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Fixture Types and Placement

Manchester's regulations emphasize controlled, non-intrusive lighting that maintains the city's charm while providing adequate illumination:

• Approved Light Types: Only white, non-glare lighting is permitted, such as:
• Metal halide fixtures
• Color-corrected high-pressure sodium
• Other types that achieve the same effect
• Shielding Requirements:
• All lighting must be placed and shielded to direct light onto the site
• Light must be directed away from adjoining properties
• Shields must prevent glare for motorists

Height and Intensity Requirements

The city maintains specific standards for how bright and how tall lighting fixtures can be:

• Maximum Height Restrictions:
• 25 feet maximum for general lighting fixtures
• 20 feet maximum for fixtures adjacent to residential areas
• Required Light Levels:
• Minimum of 0.3 foot-candle at ground level anywhere in illuminated areas
• Average minimum of 0.5 foot-candle across entire illuminated areas (measured at 5 feet above surface)

Documentation Requirements

For development projects, lighting details must be thoroughly documented:

• All lighting locations must be shown on site plans
• Illumination patterns must be included
• Plans must provide sufficient detail to determine effects on adjacent properties and traffic safety

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Marijuana Cultivation Facilities

The city has specific lighting requirements for marijuana growing operations:

• Light from indoor marijuana production or processing must not be visible outside between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• For home growers using rooms with windows, lighting that exceeds usual residential periods between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. must use shielding methods without exterior alteration

Transient Merchant Lighting

Vendors and temporary merchants must follow these guidelines:

• Prohibited: Flashing, blinking, or strobe lights
• Exterior lights over 60 watts must have opaque hood shields directing illumination downward

Outdoor Sales Areas

For outdoor sales displays and areas:

• No strings of flags, pennants, or bare light bulbs are permitted
• All lighting must comply with general illumination standards

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Illumination Methods

Manchester has detailed requirements for sign lighting:

• Signs may only be illuminated by electrical means
• All externally illuminated signs must use shielded light fixtures
• Internal illumination is permitted only for:
• Individual back-lit letters silhouetted against softly illuminated walls
• Individual letters with translucent faces containing soft lighting elements
• Metal-faced box signs with cut-out letters and soft-glow fluorescent tubes

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Several lighting approaches for signs are expressly prohibited:

• Strictly Prohibited:
• Flashing, intermittent, or moving lights
• Internally-illuminated plastic signs with dark-colored detachable letters
• Rear-illuminated (backlit) awnings
• Neon lighting outside sign structures or as accent lighting on buildings

Residential Considerations

Sign illumination near homes follows stricter standards:

• Illuminated signs adjacent to residential properties must not exceed 0.1 foot-candle along the property line
• Only indirectly illuminated signs are allowed in residential districts
• Illuminated billboards must maintain a minimum 300-foot distance from residential zones (versus 200 feet for non-illuminated ones)

Street and Public Area Lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

Manchester has established clear guidelines for street lighting:

• Street lights are required at:
• All street intersections
• Intersections of streets and pedestrian ways
• Additional street lights may be required for blocks longer than 600 feet
• All street lighting must have underground wiring
• Installation must occur prior to occupancy of structures
• Lighting must meet Consumer Power Co. minimum specifications
• All installations must conform to Village Engineer requirements

Pedestrian Way Lighting

For walkways and pedestrian areas:

• The Planning Commission and Village Council may require pedestrian ways to be lighted
• Such lighting must adequately illuminate walkways without disturbing adjacent residences
• All common areas must be sufficiently illuminated for security and safety

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When developing lighting for your property in Manchester, consider these practical tips:

• Include lighting in your site plan review: All exterior lighting must be shown on plans submitted for approval
• Consider neighbors: Lighting must be designed to prevent spillover onto adjacent properties
• Focus on safety: Ensure sufficient illumination of walkways, parking areas, and building entrances
• Choose appropriate fixtures: Only use approved lighting types that direct light downward
• Respect height limits: Remember the 25-foot general limit and 20-foot limit near homes

Seasonal Considerations

Manchester recognizes the importance of seasonal celebrations:

• Temporary holiday lighting and decorations are exempt from certain lighting restrictions
• Even with exemptions, consider your neighbors when installing seasonal displays

Supporting Manchester's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance Manchester strives to maintain between historic preservation and modern functionality. Our roots in Northeast Ohio since 1918 have given us a deep appreciation for communities that value their architectural heritage.

We share Manchester's commitment to thoughtful illumination that enhances community character while ensuring safety and functionality. Our experience with regional architectural styles makes us particularly attuned to the needs of historic communities like Manchester.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. We believe that understanding local standards is the first step in creating lighting solutions that respect community character while meeting practical needs.

Our approach aligns with Manchester's values – preserving historic charm while embracing appropriate technology to enhance public spaces. We're proud to support communities like Manchester in maintaining their distinctive identities through responsible lighting practices.

Conclusion

Manchester's lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful approach to illumination that balances preservation, safety, and aesthetics. By establishing clear guidelines for light placement, intensity, and design, the city ensures that lighting enhances rather than detracts from its historic character.

For property owners, understanding these regulations helps create lighting designs that comply with local standards while meeting practical needs. Whether planning a new development or updating existing lighting, these guidelines provide a clear framework for success.

By working together, residents and businesses can create a nighttime environment that honors Manchester's rich heritage while providing safe, functional illumination for all who live in and visit this charming Michigan community.