Lighting Regulations in Scott City, Kansas: A Guide to Property and Sign Illumination Requirements

Introduction

Scott City, Kansas, established on July 5, 1886, and named after Major General Winfield Scott, has evolved while maintaining its connection to its rich heritage. As the county seat of Scott County, this community balances growth with preservation of its historical character and rural values.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balanced approach—establishing standards that ensure safety and functionality while respecting the aesthetic and environmental concerns of the community. Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or property developer, understanding these regulations can help you contribute to Scott City's vision for thoughtful development.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Scott City:

• Commercial lighting must be directionally shaded or directed away from residential properties
• Parking area lighting must be directed away or shielded from residential properties
• Signs have specific illumination restrictions based on type and location
• Tower lighting must be red during darkness (white strobe lights prohibited at night)
• Habitable rooms require minimum electrical outlets and lighting fixtures
• "Excessive nighttime lighting" is considered a potential environmental impact

Residential Lighting Requirements

Basic Habitability Standards

Scott City's code establishes minimum standards for lighting in residential buildings:

• Every habitable room must have a ceiling electric outlet and a duplex outlet in wall or floor, or at least two wall or floor outlets
• Every toilet and bathroom must have at least one electric light in either the ceiling or wall
• Lack of light is listed as a condition that may cause a dwelling unit to be deemed unfit for human habitation

These requirements ensure that all residential spaces have adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

Property Maintenance

While the regulations don't specify detailed exterior lighting requirements for residential properties, they do establish that:

• Trees and shrubs must be maintained so they don't "obscure or interfere with street lighting"
• Single-family dwelling signs cannot be illuminated

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

Commercial properties must be mindful of how their lighting affects neighboring properties:

• All outdoor lighting serving commercial properties shall be directionally shaded or directed away from residential properties
• Parking area illumination must be directed away or shielded from residential areas

Environmental Considerations

Scott City acknowledges that excessive nighttime lighting has environmental impacts. This recognition appears in the context of evaluating proposed uses, suggesting the city values dark sky preservation alongside adequate illumination for safety.

Sign Illumination: Detailed Requirements

General Sign Lighting Regulations

Scott City has comprehensive regulations regarding sign illumination:

• Direct illumination that is concentrated or beamed is prohibited
• External illumination must be constructed and maintained so the light source is not visible from public right-of-way or residential property

Specific Sign Illumination Requirements

Temporary Signs:

• Cannot be internally illuminated
• External illumination permitted only in commercial and industrial zones

Permanent Signs:

• Freestanding signs over 15 feet high may only be internally illuminated
• Signs under 15 feet may be internally or externally illuminated
• External lighting for signs between 8-15 feet must come from the top and be directed downward
• Signs under 8 feet may be lit from top or ground level

Internal Illumination Requirements:

• Most internally illuminated signs must have opaque backgrounds with translucent letters
• No exposed incandescent or fluorescent bulbs
• Changeable copy signs may have dark letters on lighter backgrounds if illuminated area doesn't exceed 20 square feet

Special Use Cases:

• Signs for clubs, apartments, nursing homes, community centers, colleges, hospitals:
• Lighting must be indirect or backlighting
• Signs must integrate with building design in terms of materials, colors, lighting, and placement

Residential District Limitations:

• Freestanding signs for single-family, two-family, or townhouse uses cannot be illuminated
• Multi-family buildings in residential districts cannot have internally illuminated signs
• Non-residential uses in residential areas may use external illumination or internal illumination of letters/logos only (background illumination prohibited)

Airport and Tower Lighting

Tower Lighting

For towers within Scott City:

• Required lighting must be red during times of darkness
• White strobe lights are not allowed for nighttime lighting

Airport Hazards and Obstructions

The city has specific provisions related to airport safety:

• Owners of nonconforming structures or trees near airports must permit installation of markers and lights as deemed necessary
• The City of Scott City bears the expense of installation, operation, and maintenance
• "Hazard marking and lighting" may be required as a condition for permits or variances

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Essentials

When planning lighting installations in Scott City, remember:

• Direction matters – commercial and parking lighting must be directed away from residential areas
• Sign illumination has specific requirements depending on location, height, and type
• Integration with architecture is expected for certain types of signs
• Digital/changing signs near major arterials or traffic signals require review by the zoning administrator

Avoiding Common Issues

To avoid potential violations or neighbor complaints:

• Ensure all outdoor lighting is properly shielded
• Consider the environmental impact of your lighting choices
• Remember that "excessive nighttime lighting" is specifically noted as an environmental concern

Supporting Scott City's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that communities like Scott City strive to maintain. Our experience working with municipalities across the Midwest has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community character while meeting safety and functional needs.

We appreciate Scott City's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which reflect the community's values of respecting residential areas while allowing for appropriate commercial illumination. As lighting professionals, we support communities in understanding and implementing lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community character.

Our team is committed to sustainable lighting practices that align with municipalities' efforts to reduce light pollution and excessive nighttime illumination. We believe in providing educational resources that help property owners and developers navigate lighting regulations while achieving their aesthetic and functional goals.

Conclusion

Scott City's lighting regulations focus primarily on preventing light trespass from commercial to residential areas, establishing minimum standards for indoor lighting, and creating detailed guidelines for sign illumination. While not as comprehensive as some municipalities' lighting codes, these regulations reflect the city's priorities in balancing growth with community character and environmental considerations.

Property owners should pay particular attention to sign illumination requirements, which are quite detailed and vary depending on location, type, and height. For specific questions about lighting compliance, contacting the Scott City planning department is recommended.

By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to Scott City's vision of a well-lit but respectful community environment that honors its historical character while meeting modern needs.