Lighting Regulations in Marana, Arizona: Balancing Growth, Safety, and Heritage

Introduction

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Valley, Marana has transformed from a small agricultural community to a thriving town of over 120 square miles. Since its incorporation in 1977, Marana has maintained a careful balance between growth and preserving its rich heritage that dates back millennia.

This respect for history, combined with practical concerns about safety and sustainability, forms the foundation of Marana's approach to outdoor lighting. The town's lighting regulations aim to provide adequate illumination for safety while minimizing light pollution that could detract from the desert night skies that have been valued by inhabitants of this region for generations.

Quick Reference Guide

Key lighting requirements in Marana include:

• Compliance Required: All site lighting must comply with the adopted Marana outdoor lighting code
• Business Lighting: Minimum illumination levels of 5 foot-candles for certain businesses
• Direction Control: Lighting must be directed downward and away from rights-of-way and adjacent properties
• Glare Prevention: No uses should emit glare detectable at property lines
• Street Lighting: Required in all subdivisions and parks for pedestrian safety
• Light Reflectivity: Metal surfaces including window shades must have light reflective value not exceeding 50%
• LED Standard: Replacement fixtures must use town-standard LED fixtures with photo-cell sensors

The 2021 Outdoor Lighting Code

Code Adoption and References

Marana's primary lighting regulations are contained in the "2021 Town of Marana outdoor lighting code" which was adopted as referenced in section 7-1-2 of the town's building codes. This replaced the previous "2008 Marana outdoor lighting code" that had been in place.

Finding the Complete Code

The full outdoor lighting code is on file with the town clerk's office and serves as the comprehensive resource for specific lighting requirements. All lighting installations in Marana must comply with this code, which is referenced throughout other sections of the town's regulations.

Purpose of the Code

The lighting code addresses several key concerns:

• Prevention of light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Reduction of glare affecting streets and traffic
• Preservation of Marana's desert night sky
• Ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security

Commercial Lighting Requirements

General Business Lighting

For businesses serving patrons, lighting standards ensure customer safety while preventing nuisance to neighbors:

• A minimum of one 40-watt incandescent or equivalent bulb is required in each room where services are performed on patrons
• Mobile food units must have adequate lighting to ensure customer safety in vending areas
• All lighting must be directed downwards and away from rights-of-way and adjacent properties

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments have specific lighting requirements:

• Premises must be equipped with overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity to provide at least 5 foot-candles of illumination measured at floor level
• Operators and employees must ensure this illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present
• Business license applications must include diagrams showing locations of all overhead lighting fixtures

Special Events

Temporary events have their own lighting requirements:

• Event areas, sanitation facilities, parking areas, and pedestrian travel routes must be adequately illuminated
• The town may require submission of a detailed lighting plan
• Event lighting must ensure public safety while minimizing impacts to surrounding areas

Residential and Development Standards

Subdivision Requirements

Marana requires lighting in residential developments:

• All parks and subdivisions must have street lighting along private or public streets
• Street lighting is specifically required for pedestrian safety
• The town engineer determines specific street lighting requirements

Multi-Family Residential

For larger residential complexes:

• Illuminated signage is permitted for multi-family residential complexes containing 12 units or more
• Smaller complexes are generally prohibited from having illuminated signage

Light Reflection Standards

To prevent glare and excessive brightness:

• Where metal is used, including window shades, it must be treated so its light reflective value does not exceed 50%
• This requirement helps reduce unwanted reflection that could impact neighboring properties

Signage Illumination Guidelines

General Sign Illumination

Marana provides clear guidance on sign lighting:

• Signs may be illuminated, except where specifically prohibited
• All illuminated signs must comply with the outdoor lighting code
• Sign maintenance includes replacement of defective light sources

Specific Sign Types

Different types of signs have different illumination requirements:

• Window Signs: In non-residential areas, window signs may only be internally illuminated
• Temporary Signs: Cannot be illuminated other than by ambient light or existing illumination
• Electronic Displays: Must conform to outdoor lighting code regulations
• Sign Walkers: Signs displayed by sign walkers cannot include any form of illumination

Design Considerations and Best Practices

Functional and Aesthetic Lighting

Marana encourages thoughtful lighting design:

• Site lighting should serve functional, safety, and aesthetic purposes
• Site and security lighting should enhance the safety and quality of development
• Exterior lighting should be designed as part of the architectural and landscape themes

Environmental Sensitivity

Several regulations address environmental concerns:

• Trees should be sited to avoid conflicts with overhead light fixtures
• Screening of lights from residential areas is required
• Properties should not emit glare detectable on any property line
• Landscape buffers help minimize the glare of lights

Motion Sensors and Timers

For certain applications:

• Timed or motion-sensitive light controllers are recommended
• These features help reduce unnecessary lighting and conserve energy

Street and Public Area Lighting

Infrastructure Standards

For street lighting replacements:

• All replacement poles must have the town standard LED light fixtures
• All replacement fixtures must have a new town standard photo-cell or sensor
• Luminaire mast arms must match the arc and style of the original

Primary Purpose Protection

The regulations specify:

• The primary purpose of streetlight poles shall remain supporting luminaires that provide lighting to town right-of-way
• Attachments that impede this primary purpose will not be approved

Supporting Marana's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance Marana strives to achieve between modern development needs and preserving its rich agricultural heritage and desert landscape. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that thoughtfully approach growth while honoring their past.

We share Marana's commitment to providing adequate illumination for safety while reducing light pollution and glare that can detract from the desert night skies. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a valuable resource for community members seeking to understand and comply with local lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting believes in supporting communities like Marana that value sustainable and responsible lighting practices. Our team can help residents and businesses navigate the town's lighting requirements while respecting the distinctive character that makes Marana special.

Conclusion

Marana's lighting regulations reflect the town's thoughtful approach to development - balancing safety, functionality, and respect for both neighbors and the natural environment. The regulations provide clear guidance while allowing flexibility for different uses and contexts.

For specific projects, always consult the complete "2021 Town of Marana outdoor lighting code" on file with the town clerk's office, as it contains the comprehensive requirements that apply to lighting installations throughout the town. When in doubt, working with lighting professionals familiar with Marana's requirements can help ensure compliance while achieving your lighting goals.

By adhering to these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Marana's vision of sustainable growth that honors its rich heritage while building for the future.