Lighting Regulations in Noblesville, Indiana: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Founded in 1823 by William Conner and Josiah Polk, Noblesville has grown while carefully preserving its rich historical character. The city's architectural heritage, particularly evident in its historic downtown area and landmarks like the Noblesville Courthouse Square, represents a community that values its past while embracing the future.

Lighting plays a crucial role in this balance. Proper lighting enhances safety and functionality while respecting the aesthetic appeal of Noblesville's historic districts. The city's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to maintaining historical integrity while meeting modern needs.

Let's explore what property owners in Noblesville need to know about the city's lighting requirements.

Quick Reference Guide

• General Illumination: Maximum 0.5 footcandle of light spillage onto adjacent properties
• Exterior Lights: All exterior lights over 60 watts must have opaque hood shields directing light downward
• Parking Lots: Minimum 1 footcandle illumination required throughout
• Height Restrictions: Light standards cannot exceed 25 feet (15 feet near residential areas)
• Residential Adjacency: Maximum 0.1 footcandle at residential property boundaries from parking lots
• Street Lighting: Illumination varies by street type (0.3-1.2 footcandles)
• Pedestrian Walkways: Require adequate safety lighting with non-glare fixtures under 20 feet
• Sign Illumination: Specific requirements vary by sign type and district

General Lighting Standards

Fundamental Requirements

Noblesville's lighting regulations aim to create a safe environment while preventing light pollution and protecting residential areas. The most basic requirement is that all on-site lighting shall not shine or cause glare in excess of 0.5 footcandle onto any adjacent building, property, or public street.

Light Shielding

To control light direction and minimize spillage:

• All exterior lights over 60 watts must contain opaque hood shields
• Shields must direct illumination downward
• All lights must be installed to hide and shield point source lighting

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following lighting types are expressly prohibited in Noblesville:

• Colored, exposed neon, or LED tubing
• Flashing or moving lights
• Signs with running lights or the appearance of movement
• External neon or LED lighting distributed around buildings

Light Standards and Fixtures

Height Restrictions

Noblesville maintains specific height limits for lighting standards:

• Standard maximum height: 25 feet
• Near residential areas: Maximum 15 feet within 150 feet of residential lot lines

Fixture Consistency

Light standards throughout a site must maintain:

• Consistent type
• Consistent style
• Consistent finish

Approval Process

Before installation, all light standards must receive city approval, ensuring they meet both technical and aesthetic requirements.

Residential Considerations

Noblesville places special emphasis on protecting residential areas from excessive lighting:

Light Intensity at Boundaries

• Parking lot illumination: Maximum 0.1 footcandle at any adjacent residential property boundary
• General lighting: Maximum 0.5 footcandle along property lines abutting residential districts

Dusk-to-Dawn Lights

If subdivision covenants provide for dusk-to-dawn lights:

• Must be installed within 25 feet of street edge
• Must be uniform in design
• Must be maintained with a bulb of at least 75 watts

Street Lighting Requirements

Illumination Guidelines by Street Type

Noblesville's street lighting is calibrated to the street type and surrounding land use:

Arterial Streets:

• Commercial areas: 1.2 footcandles
• Intermediate areas: 0.9 footcandles
• Residential areas: 0.6 footcandles

Collector Streets:

• Commercial areas: 0.8 footcandles
• Intermediate areas: 0.6 footcandles
• Residential areas: 0.4 footcandles

Local Streets:

• Commercial areas: 0.6 footcandles
• Intermediate areas: 0.5 footcandles
• Residential areas: 0.3 footcandles

Street Light Installation

• Street lights must be installed at all public rights-of-way per city specifications
• Lights must have uniform and consistent design throughout the development
• Street name signs must be lighted or reflectorized

Parking and Walkway Lighting

Parking Lot Requirements

Noblesville has established minimum standards for parking lot lighting:

• Minimum illumination: 1 footcandle throughout the parking area
• Maximum height: 18 feet for lighting standards
• Direction: Must be down-directed
• Style: Must be of an architectural style approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals

Pedestrian Walkway Standards

For safety and accessibility:

• Walkways must have adequate lighting for security and safety
• Lights must be non-glare
• Fixtures cannot be mounted more than 20 feet above the ground

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Illumination Types

Different sign types have specific illumination requirements:

• Wall signs: Typically halo-lit or externally lit
• Ground signs: Halo-lit or externally lit
• Designation signs: May be halo-lit, internally or externally lit

Electronic Signs

Electronic signs have detailed regulations:

• Limited to 30% of overall sign area
• Maximum illumination of 5,000 NITS during daylight
• Must dim automatically 30 minutes after sunset
• Static messages must remain for minimum of 10 seconds
• No flashing, scrolling, twirling, color changes, or transitional elements
• Not permitted in Downtown Zoning District (except time/temperature)

Neighborhood Signs

For residential areas:

• Lighting must be external
• Light must be directed narrowly at the sign face
• Cannot shine onto adjacent property or rights-of-way

Historical District Considerations

Preservation of Character

Noblesville's historic districts have special considerations:

• Lighting is listed as an eligible project under Residential Façade Grants for:
• Plum Prairie Historic District
• All Other National Register Historic Districts

Design Integration

In historic areas, lighting should integrate with architectural character:

• Lighting design should be architecturally integrated with building style, material, and color
• Main building entrances should be prominently featured through lighting and other architectural elements

Supporting Noblesville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of maintaining Noblesville's historical character while meeting modern lighting needs.

With experience in communities that value historical preservation, Bock Lighting appreciates Noblesville's commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its architectural heritage. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements positions us as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

Bock shares Noblesville's vision for responsible lighting that enhances safety and functionality while preserving the aesthetic appeal of historical areas. Our expertise in projects that respect community character can help maintain the distinctive identity that makes Noblesville special.

As a regional partner, we're committed to supporting communities like Noblesville through education about lighting regulations and solutions that align with local values and standards.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When planning lighting for your property:

• Submit detailed lighting plans including fixture types and photometric data
• Consider residential adjacency and light trespass limits
• Maintain consistency in light fixture style throughout your property
• Remember height restrictions especially near residential areas

Importance of Professional Guidance

Given the technical nature of lighting requirements, consider:

• Consulting with lighting professionals familiar with Noblesville's regulations
• Reviewing specific requirements for your zoning district
• Submitting complete documentation during the approval process

Conclusion

Noblesville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring modern functionality and safety. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to the city's vision of balanced development.

Whether you're updating lighting for a historic building or planning illumination for a new development, these regulations provide a framework for lighting that enhances Noblesville's unique character while meeting contemporary needs.

By prioritizing appropriate lighting design that respects both neighbors and community character, property owners play an important role in maintaining the distinctive atmosphere that makes Noblesville special.