Lighting Regulations in Mendota Heights, Minnesota: A Comprehensive Guide to Preserving Community Character

Introduction

Nestled within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, Mendota Heights has cultivated a unique identity since its incorporation in 1956. With approximately 11,000 residents, this suburban community prides itself on spacious residential areas and beautiful natural landscapes that reflect its historical roots dating back to the early 19th century.

The city's approach to lighting regulations stems from its commitment to preserving the serene environment that residents value. While Mendota Heights may not have designated historical districts, its regulations reflect a careful balance between modern needs and environmental preservation.

This guide provides a factual overview of Mendota Heights' lighting regulations, helping property owners navigate compliance while respecting community standards.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here are the most critical lighting requirements in Mendota Heights:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.2 foot-candles at commercial/industrial property lines or public rights-of-way
• Zero foot-candles at residential property boundaries
• Fixture Design Requirements:
• All outdoor illumination must have lenses, reflectors, or shades to concentrate light
• Direct light sources must not be visible from public rights-of-way or adjacent properties
• Special Application Requirements:
• Pool lighting must be directed toward pools, not adjacent properties
• Sign illumination must be diffused or indirect
• Lighting near residential areas requires special consideration
• Documentation Needs:
• Site plans must include location and candlepower of all luminaries
• Photometric plans showing fixture type, height, and foot-candle coverage

Residential Lighting Standards

Pool Area Lighting

Swimming pools present unique lighting considerations in residential settings:

• Directional Requirements: Pool lighting must be directed toward the pool and not toward adjacent property
• Nuisance Prevention: Lighting that affects adjacent properties is specifically prohibited as a nuisance

Residential Property Protections

The code includes several provisions specifically protecting residential properties:

• Zero Light Trespass: Commercial and industrial lighting must create zero foot-candles at residential property boundaries
• Vehicle Light Screening: Light from automobile headlights must be screened when directed onto adjacent residential windows
• Shielding Requirements: Any intense light transmission must include necessary shielding to prevent detection at lot lines

Commercial and Industrial Lighting

Light Trespass Controls

Commercial and industrial properties must adhere to strict light trespass limits:

• Site lighting shall create no more than 0.2 foot-candle at:
• Property lines shared with other commercial or industrial uses
• Public rights-of-way boundaries
• Zero foot-candles permitted at:
• Any shared property line with residentially zoned properties

Direction and Diffusion Requirements

• All lighting must be diffused or directed away from:
• Residential (R) districts
• Public streets
• Outdoor illumination requires:
• Appropriate lenses
• Reflectors or shades
• Concentrated light patterns

Documentation Requirements

For commercial and industrial developments, plans must include:

• Location and candlepower of all luminaries
• Lighting/photometric plans showing:
• Fixture types
• Mounting heights
• Foot-candle coverage patterns

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Illumination

• Signs may be illuminated but lighting must be:
• Diffused or indirect
• Not visible beyond lot lines
• Not directly visible from public rights-of-way or adjacent residential districts

Monument Sign Specific Rules

For monument signs with frontage on at least two public roadways:

• Time Restrictions: Lighting limited from dusk to midnight
• Light Source Visibility: Direct source of light must not be visible from:
• Public rights-of-way
• Adjacent residential districts

Electronic Displays

For electronic displays at motor fuel stations:

• Character Requirements:
• Uniform color for all characters
• Maximum of four characters
• Total area not to exceed six square feet
• Operation Limitations:
• Text may not change more than three times in 24 hours
• Display allowed only during approved operational hours

For institutional uses in residential districts (conditional use permit required):

• Time Limitations: Electronic display message shall not change more than once every hour
• Size Restrictions: Electronic display area limited to 50% of sign's total area
• Exception: Time, date, or temperature displays may change once every three seconds

Brightness Controls

• Ambient Light Adaptation: Signs must include sensors to detect ambient light levels and adjust brightness accordingly
• Maximum Brightness: Cannot exceed 0.3 foot-candle above ambient light
• Measurement: Distances for measurement based on sign size according to a formula: measurement distance = √(sign area × 100)

Special Structures and Uses

Telecommunication Facilities

For freestanding antenna towers, antennas, or accessory structures:

• Lighting Prohibited: Artificial lighting of any kind not permitted unless required by:
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Another federal or state regulatory body
• Minimization Requirement: If lighting is required by regulation, only the minimum amount necessary is allowed

Public Signs in Environmental Areas

For public signs in bluff or shore impact zones:

• Shielding Requirements: If illuminated, lighting must be fully shielded
• Direction Control: Light must be directed downward

Off-Leash Dog Areas

• Prohibition: Fixed lighting structures are prohibited in off-leash dog areas within the I Industrial District

Maintenance and Compliance

Fixture Maintenance

Property owners must ensure:

• All light fixtures are maintained in good repair
• Maximum illumination levels are not exceeded
• Signs with lighting are kept in safe, presentable, and good structural condition

Documentation for Approval

Site plans submitted for approval must include:

• Location and candlepower of all luminaries
• For some projects, a comprehensive lighting/photometric plan showing:
• Proposed exterior lighting locations
• Light fixture types
• Mounting heights
• Foot-candle coverage patterns

Supporting Mendota Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and appreciates Mendota Heights' commitment to preserving its serene suburban character while providing safe and functional lighting.

As a manufacturer with deep experience in regional architectural styles, Bock Lighting recognizes the delicate balance Mendota Heights strives to maintain between modern lighting needs and environmental preservation. The company's expertise aligns with the community's values of:

• Preserving the natural environment and dark sky
• Preventing light trespass between properties
• Balancing safety and aesthetic considerations

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities like Mendota Heights, helping property owners understand and navigate lighting regulations while staying true to the character that makes the city special. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices complements Mendota Heights' environmental preservation priorities.

With experience in projects that respect community character and local regulations, Bock Lighting offers a partnership approach focused on maintaining the unique qualities that Mendota Heights residents value.

Conclusion

Mendota Heights' lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its serene suburban environment while ensuring safety and functionality. By focusing on minimizing light trespass, requiring appropriate shielding, and restricting brightness levels, the city maintains its picturesque character.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the specific foot-candle limitations at property boundaries, directional requirements, and documentation needs when planning lighting installations. By adhering to these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to the community's vision of balanced development that respects natural surroundings.

Understanding and following these lighting guidelines helps maintain Mendota Heights as a place where suburban tranquility and urban accessibility continue to coexist harmoniously.