Lighting Regulations in Rising Sun, Indiana: Preserving Historic Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: Illuminating Rising Sun's Heritage

Founded in 1798, Rising Sun, Indiana earned its poetic name when Robert Huston and his traveling party were captivated by the beauty of the sunrise over the Ohio River. This small town's strategic location above the river made it a desirable settlement, free from diseases that plagued lower elevations and rich with wildlife.

Today, Rising Sun's historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcasing architectural styles that span the town's development. The Rising Sun United Methodist Church, originally built in 1821, stands as a testament to the town's historical significance.

The town's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving this historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Exterior Lighting: All exterior lights exceeding 60 watts must have opaque hood shields to direct illumination downward
• Commercial Decorations: Electric light bulbs in stores or public halls cannot be decorated with paper or combustible materials unless they are flameproof
• Sign Illumination: Signs must emit constant intensity light (no flashing or intermittent lighting allowed)
• Light Shielding: All light emitting from signs must be shielded by a translucent covering
• CCDO District: Only external illumination is permitted for free-standing signs in this district
• Development Entrance Signs: May be externally illuminated with shielded light sources to prevent glare

Exterior Lighting Requirements

Downward-Directed Illumination

Rising Sun's code specifically addresses how exterior lighting should be installed and directed. All exterior lights with over 60 watts shall contain opaque hood shields to direct the illumination downward.

This requirement serves multiple purposes:

• Reduces light pollution that would diminish visibility of the night sky
• Prevents light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Creates a more aesthetically pleasing nighttime environment
• Preserves the historic character of the town

Vegetation Management for Street Lighting

The town places importance on maintaining clear visibility for street lighting. The code specifically addresses:

"Trees, limbs, branches, shrubbery, or other vegetation, which interferes with street lights or the convenient maintenance of street lights, or obstructs the light from street lights."

"Trees, limbs, branches, shrubbery, or other vegetation, which interferes with street lights or the convenient maintenance of street lights, or obstructs the light from street lights."

The stated goal is to "reduce overhead line clearance and tree removal costs, and lessen potential highway hazards by reducing interference with street lighting and the danger of falling limbs and trees."

Commercial Lighting Guidelines

Safety in Decorative Lighting

For businesses and public spaces, Rising Sun has implemented specific safety regulations regarding decorative lighting:

• Electric light bulbs in stores or public halls shall not be decorated with paper or other combustible materials
• Exception: Materials that have been rendered flameproof may be used

These requirements help ensure that seasonal or decorative lighting doesn't create fire hazards in commercial or public buildings.

Pricing for Security Lighting

For businesses or properties utilizing security lighting services, the municipal code establishes monthly rates:

• Wattage rated mercury vapor lamps (175 watt and over): $9.78 per lamp
• LED lamps: $9.78 per lamp

Sign Illumination Standards

Light Quality and Direction

Rising Sun has established clear guidelines for how signs may be illuminated:

• Signs should use continuous light sources (either external or internal)
• All illuminated signs must emit constant intensity light
• Prohibited: Flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights
• Light must be shielded by a translucent covering

Glare Prevention

The code emphasizes the importance of preventing lighting from becoming a nuisance or hazard:

• Illuminated signs must not direct beams or illumination toward public thoroughfares, highways, sidewalks, or adjacent premises
• Any lighting that causes glare or reflection that could constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance is prohibited

District-Specific Requirements

In the CCDO District (excluding Main Street):

• Only external illumination is permitted for free-standing signs
• The Building Inspector reviews sign proposals to ensure harmony with architectural character
• Color conformity with approved district colors is considered during review

Development Entrance Signs

Special provisions exist for development entrance signs:

• May be externally illuminated
• Light sources must be shielded to prevent glare on public streets or neighboring properties

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

When applying for a sign permit in Rising Sun, property owners must include details about the "method of illumination" in their application. This allows the Building Inspector to review whether the proposed lighting:

• Harmonizes with the general architectural character of the district
• Is compatible with the design and materials of the building
• Will not be detrimental to adjacent property

Street Light Improvements

In 2010, Rising Sun authorized the Indiana Municipal Power Agency to apply for a federal grant to establish a street light retrofit program (Ord. 2010-1). This initiative demonstrates the town's commitment to improving and potentially modernizing its street lighting infrastructure.

Supporting Rising Sun's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we share Rising Sun's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing appropriate modern lighting technology. As a Midwest manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of maintaining the unique charm and heritage of historic communities like Rising Sun.

We appreciate Rising Sun's balanced approach to lighting regulations that prioritize both safety and aesthetic preservation. The town's emphasis on downward-directed illumination, shielded light sources, and context-sensitive installation aligns with lighting best practices that respect community character.

Our team understands the architectural styles and lighting needs of historic districts, having worked with numerous communities to implement lighting solutions that complement rather than detract from historic buildings and streetscapes.

As a resource for education about lighting regulations and historically-appropriate fixtures, we're committed to supporting communities like Rising Sun in maintaining their distinctive character for future generations to enjoy.

Conclusion

Rising Sun, Indiana has thoughtfully developed lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality. From requirements for downward-directed exterior lighting to specific guidelines for sign illumination, these regulations help maintain the town's charming atmosphere.

Property owners should pay particular attention to shielding requirements for exterior lighting over 60 watts, rules against flashing or intermittent lighting for signs, and district-specific requirements for the CCDO area.

These lighting regulations contribute to what makes Rising Sun special – a town that honors its rich heritage while meeting the needs of its present-day community. The careful consideration of how light impacts the visual environment helps preserve the character that has made Rising Sun a treasure along the Ohio River since 1798.