Lighting Regulations in Reedley, California: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Founded in 1888 and incorporated in 1913, Reedley, California, has evolved from a railroad depot settlement into a vibrant community with a rich multicultural heritage. With influences from German Mennonite traditions, alongside Hispanic, Filipino, Finnish, Lebanese, and Japanese cultures, Reedley's approximately 20,500 residents value both cultural preservation and community harmony.

These community values directly influence Reedley's approach to lighting regulations. As the city balances its historical character with modern development needs, lighting standards play a crucial role in maintaining both public safety and Reedley's aesthetic appeal. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, understanding these regulations is essential for compliance and community harmony.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Security Lighting: Habitable structures require minimum one light in both front and rear yards
• Shielding Requirement: All outdoor lighting must be directed downward and shielded
• Light Trespass: Lighting must not spill onto neighboring properties
• Maintenance: All exterior fixtures must be kept in good working order
• Medical Marijuana Cultivation: Total lighting must not exceed 1,200 watts
• Commercial Light Levels: Specific foot-candle requirements for different business types
• Prohibited Lighting: Fixtures that cause hazards, excessive glare, or blind drivers

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Maintenance Standards

Reedley's code emphasizes the proper maintenance of all exterior lighting installations. The city requires that:

• All exterior light fixtures must be maintained in good working order
• Fixtures must be free of broken lamps, lenses, and light bulbs
• Supporting poles and mounting fixtures must maintain structural integrity
• All insulation and connections must be intact and free of exposed wire

Shielding and Direction Requirements

Proper light direction and shielding are critical aspects of Reedley's lighting regulations:

• Outdoor lighting fixtures must be directed downward or toward onsite structures
• All fixtures must be fully shielded to prevent unwanted light spread
• Lighting must be maintained to prevent glare, light trespass, and light pollution
• Light should not illuminate areas outside the property where it's installed

Prohibitions

The code explicitly prohibits lighting that creates hazardous conditions:

• Lighting fixtures that constitute a hazard or danger to persons are prohibited
• Fixtures that obstruct pedestrian and vehicular travel are not allowed
• Lights that blind or dazzle drivers on roadways are prohibited

Security Lighting Requirements

Security lighting is specifically addressed in Reedley's regulations to ensure adequate illumination for safety while preventing nuisance to neighbors.

Minimum Requirements

• All structures that could be used for human habitation must have an operable exterior security lighting system
• The front and rear yards must each be illuminated with a minimum of one light
• Lighting must be capable of illuminating the structure's exterior from dusk to dawn
• The illumination must be visible from the street or alley

Light Trespass Prevention

• Security lights must be shielded to avoid lighting adjacent properties
• Proposed lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Medical and Therapeutic Settings

Massage therapy rooms have specific lighting requirements:

• Minimum lighting equivalent to at least one 40-watt light in each massage therapy room or cubicle

Medical Marijuana Cultivation

• Medical marijuana cultivation lighting shall not exceed a total of 1,200 watts

Commercial Establishments

Sexually oriented businesses have detailed lighting requirements:

• Bookstores and retail establishments: 20 foot-candles
• Theaters and cabarets: 5 foot-candles (except during performances, when lighting shall be at least 1.25 foot-candles)
• Arcades: 10 foot-candles
• Motels/hotels: 20 foot-candles in public areas
• Parking areas: Minimum 1 foot-candle illumination on parking surfaces and walkways

These requirements are designed to enhance safety and reduce the potential for criminal activity.

Sign Illumination Standards

Light Intensity and Compatibility

• Light emitted or reflected by signs must be of reasonable intensity
• Illumination must be compatible with the architecture of the building and immediate vicinity

Light Control

• Artificial light sources must be shielded to prevent light spillage, glare or annoyance
• Shielding must protect persons on or inside adjoining properties and public rights-of-way

Sign Design Considerations

• Internally illuminated signs where the entire face is illuminated are discouraged as inconsistent with the city's desired character
• Illumination of established corporate logos or trademarks is permitted

Electronic Display Requirements

For electronic message center signs:

• Must include adjustment hardware or software to automatically control brightness
• Must optimize brightness for viewing in any light condition

Site Planning and Development Requirements

Plan Submission Requirements

When submitting site plans, lighting details must be included:

• Location and general nature of all lighting
• Hooding devices used for light control
• For signs: size, height, and type of illumination

Planning Commission Considerations

The planning commission evaluates proposed lighting based on:

• Whether lighting is arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties
• Whether use will create objectionable illumination or glare for neighboring properties
• Compliance with sign regulations including illumination standards

Landscaping and Lighting Interaction

Property owners must ensure that landscaping doesn't interfere with lighting effectiveness:

• Landscaping must be maintained to avoid public safety hazards
• Low hanging branches below 12 feet above grade must be removed
• Branches obstructing street lighting must be removed

Supporting Reedley's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Reedley's commitment to balancing community character with modern safety needs. Our understanding of diverse architectural styles and cultural influences aligns with Reedley's multicultural heritage and preservation goals.

We appreciate Reedley's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that maintain the city's unique character while providing necessary security and functionality. As a resource for community education on lighting regulations, we're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that respect Reedley's vision.

Our experience with projects that honor community character while meeting local regulations allows us to provide insights that help property owners maintain compliance while enhancing their properties. We understand the importance of preserving Reedley's historical character while incorporating modern lighting technology.

Conclusion

Reedley's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By directing light downward, requiring proper shielding, and specifying appropriate light levels for different uses, these regulations help prevent light pollution while creating a more pleasant environment for all.

Property owners should pay particular attention to security lighting requirements, shielding standards, and maintaining fixtures in good working order. Special uses like medical marijuana cultivation and certain commercial establishments have additional specific requirements that must be followed.

By understanding and complying with these regulations, property owners can contribute to Reedley's vision of a well-lit, safe, and aesthetically pleasing community that honors its rich historical heritage while embracing sensible modern standards.