Lighting Regulations in North Braddock Borough, Pennsylvania: Preserving Industrial Heritage While Managing Light Impact

Introduction: North Braddock's Lighting Legacy

North Braddock Borough, Pennsylvania, has a rich industrial heritage deeply rooted in steel manufacturing. Founded in 1897 and home to Andrew Carnegie's first steel mill—the Edgar Thomson Steel Works—this Allegheny County community of approximately 4,750 residents has long balanced industrial needs with residential comfort.

The borough's lighting regulations reflect this balance, showing how the community values both its industrial character and the quality of life for its residents. With roots tracing back to when the Monongahela Light Company first provided electric arc lighting for the borough, North Braddock continues to evolve its approach to lighting.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• General Property Lighting: Must be shielded to prevent glare on adjoining properties
• Business Lighting: External lighting must reduce intensity by 50% after business hours
• Parking Lots: No light spillover onto adjacent residential properties
• Signs: Must be shielded to illuminate only the sign face
• Billboards: Limited to static displays with no colored lighting
• Oil/Gas Facilities: Lighting must be directed downward and inward

General Property Lighting Standards

Preventing Light Trespass

The borough places strong emphasis on preventing unwanted light from spilling onto neighboring properties. No direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights or any other light source should be visible from adjoining streets or adjacent properties when viewed at ground level.

Shielding Requirements

Outdoor lighting installations must be properly designed with appropriate shielding. The regulations specifically state that outdoor lighting "shall be shielded and/or reflected away from adjoining properties" to minimize impact on neighbors.

Prohibited Lighting Types

While North Braddock permits various lighting designs, certain types are specifically prohibited:

• Lighting that produces objectionable direct or reflected glare
• String lights with bare bulbs for lot lighting
• Any lighting that creates distractions or hazards to traffic

Commercial & Business Lighting

Operating Hour Restrictions

Businesses must consider not only how their properties are lit, but when. External lighting must be reduced in intensity by 50% at the close of each business day, ensuring commercial areas don't remain overly bright during non-operating hours.

Parking Area Illumination

For commercial developments with parking facilities, specific rules apply:

• Parking lot lighting must use shielding to prevent glare on adjacent residential properties
• No footcandle spillover is permitted beyond the property boundary
• Light fixtures should direct illumination downward to minimize light pollution

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Shielding Requirements

North Braddock's code includes detailed requirements for illuminated signs:

• Lighting directed toward signs must be shielded to illuminate only the face of the sign
• Light must not shine directly into public rights-of-way or residential premises

Residential District Restrictions

The borough maintains stricter control in residential areas:

• Internally illuminated signs are not permitted in residential districts
• Exceptions exist for signs indicating business hours or vacancy status (under 2 square feet)
• Time, date, or weather displays are also exempt from these restrictions

Decorative Lighting

Outline lighting using illuminated tubing or strings of lights is permitted when used to highlight:

• Property lines
• Sales areas
• Rooflines
• Building walls or corners
• Doors and windows

Holiday Displays

Displays and lighting related to holiday observances enjoy special status:

• Exempt from standard sign regulations
• Must be removed within 15 days following the holiday

Billboard Lighting Standards

Electronic Display Regulations

For electronic changeable copy billboards, North Braddock enforces strict parameters:

• Messages may change no more than once every 5 seconds
• No animation, scrolling, flashing, or blinking effects permitted
• Image changes must be instantaneous
• Light intensity must remain constant

Operation Restrictions

Additional limitations apply to billboard lighting:

• Display lighting prohibited between 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m.
• Maximum light impact of 1.5 footcandles on adjoining property
• Colored lighting is not permitted for billboards
• No movement, flashing, or noise emission allowed

Industrial & Special Use Lighting

Oil and Gas Facilities

North Braddock's industrial heritage continues with specific regulations for oil and gas operations:

• Lighting must be directed downward and inward toward the activity
• Natural gas compressor stations and processing plants should limit lighting to security purposes when practicable
• Design should minimize glare on public roads and adjacent properties

Special Use Properties

Certain special use properties have specific lighting mentions in the code:

• Practice putting greens and driving ranges are specifically noted as not permitted to have outdoor lighting
• Group residences, care facilities, and institutional buildings must provide plans indicating adequate light

Supporting North Braddock's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique balance North Braddock seeks to maintain between its industrial heritage and residential comfort. As a regional manufacturer familiar with the architectural styles and lighting needs of former industrial centers, Bock appreciates North Braddock's efforts to prevent light pollution while maintaining safety and security.

Our experience working with communities like North Braddock has given us insight into how proper lighting design can respect both historical character and modern needs. We're committed to serving as an educational resource on lighting regulations and best practices that support community goals.

Bock Lighting shares North Braddock's commitment to responsible lighting that enhances safety while minimizing neighborhood disruption. Our understanding of regional needs and municipal requirements allows us to support communities as they navigate the technical aspects of lighting compliance.

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

If you're planning to install or modify lighting in North Braddock:

• A sign permit is required for any illuminated sign (with limited exceptions)
• Applications must include drawings showing the method of illumination
• For significant developments, lighting plans may need professional certification

Compliance Considerations

When designing your lighting:

• Always consider the potential impact on neighboring properties
• Use proper shielding to direct light where needed and away from adjacent properties
• Remember that different districts (residential, commercial, manufacturing) may have different requirements

Addressing Concerns

If you have questions about lighting compliance:

• Consult North Braddock's municipal code Section 155.105 regarding sign illumination
• Review additional sections pertaining to your specific property type or district
• Contact borough officials for clarification on requirements

Conclusion

North Braddock Borough's lighting regulations reflect the community's desire to balance its industrial heritage with neighborhood quality of life. By focusing on preventing glare, managing light trespass, and setting appropriate standards for different types of properties, the borough maintains a practical approach to lighting management.

Property owners who understand and follow these guidelines contribute to North Braddock's ongoing efforts to create a community that honors its past while building a comfortable, well-lit environment for current and future residents.