Lighting Regulations in Millheim Borough, Pennsylvania: Preserving Historic Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: Millheim's Historical Context

Nestled in Centre County, Pennsylvania, Millheim Borough is a community steeped in history dating back to the late 18th century. The name "Millheim," meaning "Home of the Mills" in German, reflects the town's industrial beginnings along Elk Creek, where Jacob Hubler established mills that became central to the community's identity.

Today, Millheim proudly maintains its historical character, with its Historic District (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986) showcasing 176 contributing buildings across various architectural styles including Georgian, Victorian, and bungalow designs. The borough's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving this architectural heritage while meeting modern needs.

In this charming community where history and modern life intertwine, lighting regulations serve to protect both the practical needs of residents and the distinctive historical ambiance that makes Millheim special.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

For those seeking a quick overview of Millheim's lighting regulations, here are the most critical requirements:

• Protection of Public Lighting Infrastructure is strictly enforced
• Sign Illumination must be shielded and directed away from residences and traffic
• Retail & Industrial Lighting must use full cutoff luminaries and not exceed 20-foot mounting heights
• Visual Screening required for lighting from multi-family and industrial developments
• Prohibited Elements include flashing lights, flood lights, and obtrusive colored lights

Protection of Public Lighting Infrastructure

Preservation of Street Lights

Millheim Borough places high importance on maintaining its public lighting infrastructure. The borough code specifically prohibits anyone from destroying, injuring, tampering with, or defacing:

• Street lights
• Lamps
• Ornamental lighting works
• Any public lighting on streets, alleys, sidewalks or public grounds

Safety Lighting Protection

The borough extends this protection to safety lighting as well. It is prohibited to:

• Destroy, remove, or deface any lamp erected as a warning of danger
• Cover up warning lamps or barricades set up by borough authorities
• Tamper with lights established during permitted work in the borough

These provisions help ensure that both decorative and safety lighting remain functional and intact throughout Millheim's public spaces.

Sign Illumination Requirements

Lighting Methods and Restrictions

When it comes to signage, Millheim's regulations focus on maintaining appropriate lighting that doesn't detract from the borough's character or create hazards. Key requirements include:

• Shielding Requirements: Light sources illuminating signs must be shielded by opaque materials
• Light Containment: Bulbs, floodlights, or tubes must not be visible from off the property
• Direction Control: Sign illumination must be positioned so direct rays don't shine into:
• Dwelling units
• Eyes of pedestrians
• Vehicle operators

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Millheim explicitly prohibits certain types of sign lighting that could disrupt the community atmosphere:

• Flashing lights
• Flood lights
• Obtrusive colored lights
• Oscillating sign lights

Additionally, any signs with lighting that might obstruct or detract from drivers' vision—either when driving on roadways or entering from another roadway or driveway—are prohibited.

Permit Requirements

For those planning to install illuminated signs, be aware that lighting plans must be submitted as part of your sign permit application. This plan should include:

• Design details
• Materials used
• Complete lighting specifications
• Method of construction and attachment

These plans must be drawn to scale on 8.5" x 11" paper.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

Fixture Requirements

For retail and industrial properties, Millheim has specific requirements to minimize light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination:

• Full Cutoff Luminaries: All lighting fixtures must contain full cutoff luminaries
• Height Restrictions: Pole or wall mounting height must not exceed 20 feet
• Screening Requirements: Potential lighting impacts from industrial uses must be effectively screened with visual barriers

Buffer Requirements

The borough code requires buffer yards in certain areas to mitigate lighting impacts:

• Required in Village Residential - High Density zones
• Required in Industrial Zoning Districts
• Must effectively screen lighting impacts from multi-family developments

These measures help ensure that commercial and industrial lighting doesn't adversely affect residential areas while still providing necessary illumination for businesses.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

If you're a property owner in Millheim Borough planning a lighting installation or update, consider these important points:

• Consult Early: Review the regulations applicable to your specific zoning district
• Documentation: Prepare detailed lighting plans before applying for permits
• Consider Context: Remember Millheim's historic character when selecting fixtures
• Screening: Factor in visual barriers if your property is adjacent to residential areas

Maintaining Compliance

Once your lighting is installed, ongoing compliance is important:

• Regularly inspect shields and cutoff features to ensure they remain effective
• Maintain screening elements that block light trespass
• Promptly repair any damaged public lighting on or adjacent to your property
• Be mindful of prohibited lighting types when updating or replacing fixtures

Supporting Millheim's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and shares Millheim's commitment to preserving its historic character while meeting modern lighting needs. Our experience working with communities that value their historical heritage has given us insight into balancing contemporary lighting technology with traditional aesthetics.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with Pennsylvania's architectural styles and historical contexts, we appreciate Millheim's efforts to maintain its distinctive character through thoughtful lighting regulations. Our team recognizes that in historic communities like Millheim, lighting plays a crucial role in preserving ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations and historic preservation. Rather than just providing products, we focus on understanding each community's unique character and helping property owners find lighting solutions that respect both regulations and historical context.

Conclusion

Millheim Borough's lighting regulations, though limited in scope, clearly focus on preserving the community's character while ensuring appropriate illumination for safety and functionality. The emphasis on shielded sign lighting, height restrictions for commercial fixtures, and screening requirements all support Millheim's commitment to maintaining its historic charm.

Property owners should be particularly attentive to the regulations surrounding sign illumination and the specific requirements for retail and industrial lighting. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and business owners can contribute to Millheim's efforts to balance modern needs with historic preservation.

The protection of public lighting infrastructure further demonstrates the borough's dedication to maintaining its character and ensuring safety throughout its streets and public spaces. Through thoughtful compliance with these regulations, all stakeholders can help preserve Millheim's unique character for generations to come.