Lighting Regulations in Richlands, North Carolina: Preserving Small-Town Charm While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Richlands, North Carolina, with its rich historical character and small-town charm, takes a balanced approach to lighting regulations. Founded in the early 20th century as an agricultural center, Richlands has grown while carefully preserving its unique character. The town's historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases its commitment to maintaining architectural heritage while addressing modern needs.

The town's lighting regulations reflect this balance – ensuring safety and functionality while respecting Richlands' historic aesthetic and peaceful small-town atmosphere. These guidelines help maintain the town's distinctive "postcard charm" that residents and visitors alike appreciate.

Quick Reference Guide

• Street Lighting in Subdivisions: Required for subdivisions with lots smaller than 10,000 square feet
• Manufactured Home Parks: Electric lamps of at least 200 watts required every 100 feet on driveways and walkways
• Sign Illumination: Must be shielded, with reflection limited to 25% of lumens at property line
• Business Signs: Illumination restricted to within one hour of business operation
• Holiday Displays: Temporary holiday lighting displays are exempt from certain regulations
• Street Light Protection: Tampering with municipal street lights is prohibited

Street Lighting Requirements

Subdivision Lighting Standards

For newer developments in Richlands, street lighting plays an important role in community safety. The town requires:

• All subdivisions with smallest lot sizes under 10,000 square feet must have street lights installed throughout
• Street lights must meet standards approved by the Planning Board
• Developers are required to pay installation costs exceeding four times the continuing annual revenue

Underground Wiring Options

When underground wiring is preferred for street lighting:

• The developer may be required to install all fixed items including:
• Conduit
• Pads
• Manholes
• Pole foundations
• The Town will own and maintain these fixed items after installation

Municipal Street Light Protection

To ensure public safety and proper function of lighting infrastructure:

• No person shall injure, tamper with, remove or paint upon or deface any street light or other municipal property
• This prohibition excludes town employees performing their duties

Lighting for Specific Property Types

Manufactured Home Parks

Richlands has specific lighting requirements for manufactured home parks to ensure resident safety:

• All driveways and walkways must be lighted at night
• Electric lamps of not less than 200 watts each are required
• Lamps must be spaced at intervals of not more than 100 feet or equivalent lighting

Excavation Safety Lighting

When excavation work affects public areas:

• Sufficient illumination must be provided
• Lighting must provide warning to the traveling public, including pedestrians
• This requirement helps prevent accidents and injuries around construction areas

Parking Area Considerations

For parking areas adjacent to property lines:

• Buffer strips or fencing may be required to protect neighboring properties
• These buffers help shield adjacent properties from noise, dust, and glare of lights
• Even with buffers, parking must remain at least ten feet from property lines

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Richlands has established clear guidelines for sign illumination:

• Lighting directed toward signs must be shielded to illuminate only the sign face
• Light must not shine directly into public right-of-way or residential premises
• Reflection cannot exceed 25% of the lumens directed toward the sign (measured from property line)

Business Sign Illumination Hours

To reduce light pollution during overnight hours:

• Internally illuminated freestanding signs may not be illuminated more than one hour before or after normal business operating hours
• This restriction helps maintain the peaceful nighttime environment in Richlands

Prohibited Lighting Elements

The town prohibits certain lighting features that could create excessive brightness or distraction:

• Festoons of lights outlining property lines, sales areas, rooflines, doors, or windows are prohibited
• Signs cannot contain or be illuminated by flashing lights or lights of changing intensity
• Exceptions include:
• Signs indicating time, date, and weather conditions
• Electronic signs with fixed messages changing no more than once every 15 [minutes]

Non-Conforming Signs

To prevent the proliferation of non-conforming elements:

• Illumination may not be added to any non-conforming sign
• This restriction helps maintain consistent standards throughout the town

Exemptions and Special Considerations

Holiday Displays

Richlands recognizes the importance of seasonal traditions:

• Displays related to holiday observances, including lighting, are exempt from certain regulations
• This exemption applies to residential roofs and temporary holiday installations
• Holiday displays must be removed within ten days following the holiday or established holiday season

Airport and Tower Considerations

For structures requiring aviation safety measures:

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted except as required by FAA
• When federal law requires it, dual mode lighting shall be requested from the FAA
• These provisions balance safety requirements with minimizing light pollution

Temporary and Non-Commercial Signs

Special provisions exist for:

• Temporary signs with religious or non-commercial messages (up to 16 square feet)
• These signs must not be internally illuminated
• Non-commercial displays erected for holiday observances

Supporting Richlands' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that historic communities like Richlands strive to maintain. Our team appreciates Richlands' commitment to preserving its small-town charm while ensuring practical lighting for safety and functionality.

As a lighting manufacturer with deep experience in communities with historic character, we recognize the importance of lighting that complements rather than overwhelms architectural heritage. Bock Lighting shares Richlands' values of thoughtful development that respects community character.

Our expertise in lighting solutions that meet local regulations while enhancing historic aesthetics allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements. We're committed to supporting communities like Richlands in maintaining their distinctive character through appropriate, regulation-compliant lighting.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Purpose of Regulations

Richlands' lighting regulations serve multiple important purposes:

• Preserving town character by preventing excessive or inappropriate lighting
• Protecting neighboring properties from light trespass and glare
• Ensuring adequate safety lighting in specific areas like manufactured home parks and excavation sites
• Maintaining dark skies by limiting business sign illumination hours

Planning for Compliance

When undertaking new construction or modifications:

• Check subdivision requirements if developing residential lots
• Review sign illumination restrictions for business properties
• Consider neighbors when installing outdoor lighting
• Remember that screening between lots can help reduce light transmission between properties

Benefit of Lighting Compliance

Following Richlands' lighting guidelines helps:

• Maintain property values throughout the community
• Preserve the town's historic character and charm
• Create a more pleasant environment for all residents
• Reduce energy costs through more efficient lighting practices

Conclusion

Richlands' approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality. The town's balanced regulations help maintain its distinctive small-town charm while providing necessary guidance for property owners.

By respecting these lighting guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to Richlands' ongoing effort to balance growth with preservation. These thoughtful regulations ensure that as Richlands continues to develop, it will retain the character and charm that makes it special.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, consult with the Richlands Planning Department or building officials who can provide guidance based on your particular situation.