Lighting Regulations in North Plains, Oregon: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Needs

Introduction: Preserving North Plains' Unique Heritage

Founded in 1912 following the construction of a significant railway tunnel through Cornelius Pass, North Plains, Oregon has always maintained a delicate balance between honoring its historical roots and embracing thoughtful development. The town was carefully planned with named streets and a water system to support the community that grew around the railway station on Main Street.

Today, North Plains continues to value its heritage while addressing modern needs. The town's murals depicting its vibrant history serve as visual reminders of this commitment to preservation. This balance between past and future directly influences the city's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to maintain the community's character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of North Plains' essential lighting regulations:

• Pedestrian lighting: All building entrances, pathways and pedestrian areas must be lit to two-foot candles with pedestrian-scale lighting
• Light containment: Exterior lighting must be shielded to keep light within property boundaries
• Nuisance prevention: Lighting must not create nuisance on adjacent properties or create traffic hazards
• Electronic sign brightness: Limited to 8,000 nits during day and 1,000 nits from dusk to dawn
• Historic compatibility: Lighting on historic buildings must be visually compatible with traditional architectural character
• Underground wiring: Required for businesses, signs and fixtures

Pedestrian Lighting Requirements

Safety Through Proper Illumination

North Plains prioritizes pedestrian safety by establishing clear lighting requirements for walkable areas. The code specifically mandates that:

• All building entrances, pathways and pedestrian areas must be lit to two-foot candles
• Lighting must use pedestrian-scale fixtures such as:
• Wall-mounted lights
• Sidewalk lamps
• Bollards
• Landscape up-lighting

Bicycle Parking Illumination

Bicycle parking areas must be at least as well-lit as vehicle parking for security purposes. This requirement ensures cyclists have safe access to their transportation regardless of the time of day.

Light Containment and Nuisance Prevention

Keeping Light Where It Belongs

North Plains has established clear guidelines to prevent light trespass beyond property lines:

• Exterior lighting must be shielded to confine emitted light within the property boundary
• Lighting must not create a nuisance on adjacent properties
• Lighting must not create traffic hazards
• Lighting must not be objectionable to surrounding residential zones due to glare

Flag Illumination Exception

One specific exception exists to the containment rule:

• Lighting installed to illuminate the American Flag or Oregon State Flag may project into the air
• Even with this exception, such lighting must not project onto adjacent property or into public rights-of-way

Electronic Sign Requirements

Regulating Digital Displays

For electronic message signs, North Plains has established specific regulations to prevent distraction and light pollution:

• Timing restrictions:
• Message changes no more frequent than every 8 seconds
• Copy changes must be accomplished in 4 seconds or less
• Signs requiring more than 4 seconds to change must be turned off during the change interval
• Visual effects limitations:
• Sign copy shall not appear to flash, undulate or pulse
• No portrayal of explosions, fireworks, flashes of lights, or blinking/chasing lights
• Brightness limitations:
• Daytime: No greater than 8,000 nits (or equivalent candelas)
• Nighttime (dusk to dawn): No greater than 1,000 nits (or equivalent candelas)
• No illumination greater than necessary for adequate visibility

Planning and Documentation Requirements

What to Include in Submissions

For various development projects, North Plains requires detailed lighting information in plan submissions:

• Development plans must show:
• Exterior lighting on proposed buildings (type, intensity, area illuminated)
• Location, size, and method of illumination of signs
• Location, type, and intensity of lighting for outdoor areas
• Trailer park applications must include:
• Lighting arrangements in submitted plans
• Street lighting requirements:
• Required for new commercial, industrial, institutional, public or semi-public buildings
• Required for partitions, subdivisions and manufactured home parks
• Required for residential development
• May be required for commercial, industrial, institutional, public or semi-public expansions

Historic Building Considerations

Preserving Architectural Character

North Plains values its historical buildings and requires special consideration for lighting these structures:

• Signs, lighting, and other appurtenances must be visually compatible with the traditional architectural character of historic buildings
• The Planning Commission may further regulate placement and design of lights to preserve property values and protect the aesthetic character of neighborhoods

Infrastructure Requirements

Underground Utilities

To maintain aesthetic appeal and reduce visual clutter:

• Wiring for businesses, signs, and fixtures must be underground
• All utility facilities, including lighting, shall be placed underground unless specifically authorized for above-ground installation

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidance for Compliance

If you're a property owner in North Plains, here are the most important points to understand about lighting compliance:

1. Focus on containment: The most emphasized requirement is keeping your light on your property through proper shielding.
2. Consider your neighbors: Lighting that creates a nuisance or produces glare affecting surrounding properties violates code.
3. Document thoroughly: When submitting plans that include lighting, be specific about types, locations, and intensities of proposed fixtures.
4. Respect historic character: If your property is historic or in a historic district, lighting must complement the architectural character.
5. Plan for infrastructure: Budget for underground wiring for all lighting installations at businesses.

Supporting North Plains' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like North Plains that balance historical preservation with modern functionality. With roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate how thoughtful lighting can enhance a community's unique character while respecting its heritage.

Our experience with communities that value their historical identity has taught us the importance of lighting solutions that complement architectural styles while meeting modern safety and efficiency standards. We recognize North Plains' commitment to preserving its railway town heritage while ensuring well-lit public spaces for residents and visitors.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, we share North Plains' values of responsible illumination that prevents light pollution and respects neighboring properties. Our focus is on helping maintain the distinctive character that makes North Plains special while meeting practical lighting needs.

Conclusion

North Plains' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while ensuring safe, functional spaces for residents and visitors. The focus on containing light within property boundaries, preventing nuisance to neighbors, and ensuring compatibility with historic architecture demonstrates the community's thoughtful approach to development.

For property owners, understanding these regulations ensures both compliance and contribution to the town's aesthetic goals. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses help preserve the unique character that makes North Plains a special place to live, work, and visit.

Whether you're planning a new development or updating an existing property, these lighting standards provide a framework for illumination that respects both history and the needs of a modern community.