Lighting Regulations in North Saint Paul, Minnesota: Balancing Heritage and Modern Illumination

Introduction

Nestled northeast of St. Paul, the historic city of North Saint Paul has maintained its small-town charm since its incorporation in 1887. Founded by Henry A. Castle, a Civil War officer and influential figure in journalism and politics, this community has thoughtfully balanced progress with preservation of its historical character.

As North Saint Paul continues to grow and develop, its approach to lighting regulations reflects this careful balance between honoring heritage and embracing modern needs. The city's lighting standards aim to maintain the community's unique aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality for all residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: North Saint Paul Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a snapshot of the most important lighting regulations in North Saint Paul:

• Light Trespass Limits: No exterior lighting may exceed 0.4 foot candles at the property line • Shielding Requirements: All outdoor lighting must be directed away from adjoining properties and streets (unless globe lighting is used) • Yard Light Placement: Must be at least five feet from property lines • Bare Bulbs: Not permitted in view of adjacent properties or public right-of-way • Sign Illumination: Lighted signs must be at least 20 feet from residential properties • Electronic Message Centers: Must not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light as measured from property lines

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Occupations and Residential Properties

North Saint Paul places importance on maintaining peaceful residential neighborhoods with appropriate lighting levels.

• No home occupation shall produce light or glare discernable beyond the property line • Bare incandescent light bulbs are not permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way (except decorative holiday lights of 7.5 watts or less) • Yard lights must be positioned at least five feet from property lines • The direct source of light must not be visible from public right-of-way or adjacent residential property

Multiple-Family Dwellings

Special requirements apply to apartment buildings and other multi-family structures:

• Owners must provide and maintain adequate illumination in all exterior parking lots and walkways • Every public hall and stairway must be adequately lighted by natural or electric light at all times • In buildings with no more than two dwelling units, public halls and stairways may use conveniently located light switches instead of full-time lighting • A convenient switch for turning on a light must be located near entrance points to each dwelling unit

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

Exterior Illumination Requirements

Commercial and industrial properties have specific lighting requirements to ensure safety while preventing light pollution:

• All outdoor lighting must be directed away from adjoining property and streets (unless globe lighting is used) • No exterior lighting may exceed 0.4 foot candles at the lot line • Glare, whether direct or reflected, shall not be visible at any property line • For limited production and processing facilities, light and glare shall not be discernable beyond the property line

Commercial Outdoor Spaces

Special consideration is given to outdoor commercial spaces:

• Outdoor Recreation Facilities: Sites must be designed to minimize the effects of lighting on surrounding properties • Outdoor Seating Areas: May have lighting limits imposed as part of approval • Downtown Areas: A coordinated lighting plan is required, with fixtures concealed or integrated into the overall design

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Standards

North Saint Paul has specific requirements for illuminated signage:

• Prohibited Types: Flashing lights and illumination that might be confused with traffic control devices • External Lighting: Must be directed at the sign and shielded from view • Distance Requirements: Lighted signs must be positioned at least 20 feet from the nearest residential property • Color Restrictions: Illuminated signs shall use only white or amber light, unless specifically allowed elsewhere

Electronic Message Center (EMC) Requirements

Digital signs must meet these technical specifications:

• Brightness Limits: May not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light when measured from the property line • Certification: All EMC signs must include manufacturer certification that the sign has been preset to conform to luminance requirements • Minimum Text Sizes based on adjacent road speed:

• 25-34 MPH: 7 inches minimum text size
• 35-44 MPH: 9 inches minimum text size
• 45-54 MPH: 12 inches minimum text size
• 55+ MPH: 15 inches minimum text size

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit and Documentation Requirements

Before installing or modifying lighting on your property, be aware that:

• Plans for all lighting (including sign lighting) must be submitted for approval before building permits are issued • A coordinated lighting plan must be submitted with building plans in certain zones • Some projects require a detailed lighting plan showing all proposed fixtures, location of lighting units, and light generated from the site • For downtown projects, lighting fixtures should be concealed or integrated into the overall design

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be particularly mindful of:

• Light Trespass: The most common violation is light extending beyond property boundaries • Improper Shielding: Fixtures must be properly shielded to prevent direct visibility from neighboring properties • Sign Illumination: Ensure signs meet distance requirements from residential properties and use permitted light colors • Documentation: Having proper lighting plans submitted and approved before installation

Supporting North Saint Paul's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares North Saint Paul's commitment to balancing historical character with modern functionality. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, Bock understands the unique architectural styles and lighting needs of communities with rich historical foundations.

We recognize North Saint Paul's dedication to preserving its small-town charm while embracing thoughtful development. Our approach aligns with the city's careful balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. Our expertise can help maintain North Saint Paul's distinctive character while meeting modern lighting needs. We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with community values.

Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations makes us a valuable partner for those seeking to enhance North Saint Paul's nighttime appearance while honoring its historical context.

Conclusion

North Saint Paul's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From residential properties to commercial developments, these standards help maintain the community's small-town charm.

Understanding and following these regulations not only ensures compliance but contributes to North Saint Paul's ongoing efforts to balance heritage with progress. By carefully managing light levels, direction, and quality, residents and businesses play an important role in preserving the unique atmosphere that makes North Saint Paul special.

For specific questions about your property or project, consult with city officials or lighting professionals familiar with North Saint Paul's regulations.