Lighting Regulations in Simpsonville, Kentucky: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Public Safety

Introduction

Nestled in Shelby County, Simpsonville, Kentucky carries a rich historical legacy dating back to the early 19th century. Named after Captain John Simpson, a soldier who sacrificed his life in the War of 1812, this community has deep connections to the American Saddlebred horse industry that have shaped both its cultural identity and architectural character.

As Simpsonville has grown alongside major transportation routes like the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, the city has maintained a delicate balance between development and preservation of its rural charm. This commitment to preserving Simpsonville's unique character extends to how the community approaches lighting regulations.

While Simpsonville's lighting regulations are limited in scope compared to some municipalities, they reflect the city's practical approach to public safety while maintaining its historic rural ambiance.

Quick Reference Guide

Based on the available building code extracts, Simpsonville's documented lighting regulations primarily focus on:

• Street Obstruction Safety Lighting: Specific requirements for illuminating construction areas
• Adult Entertainment Establishment Lighting: Detailed interior and exterior illumination standards
• Public Way Lighting Oversight: Supervision through the city commissioner

Street Obstruction and Safety Lighting

Requirements for Construction Areas

Safety is paramount when construction or maintenance activities impact Simpsonville's public ways. The city code specifically addresses lighting requirements in these scenarios to protect residents and visitors.

According to §91.05 of the code, any person or company obstructing streets, sidewalks, alleys, or other public ways must provide adequate warning lights during nighttime hours. These requirements help prevent accidents while maintaining the functionality of public spaces.

Specific Illumination Requirements

When excavating or otherwise obstructing public ways, contractors must follow these specific lighting requirements:

• Minimum of two illuminated red lamps that must be:
• Securely and conspicuously posted
• Positioned at or near each end of the obstruction/excavation
• Additional lighting for larger areas:
• One additional lamp for each additional 50 feet (or portion thereof) of obstruction
• All lamps must be maintained throughout the night season

Ensuring Continuous Protection

The code emphasizes ongoing responsibility by specifying that these warning lights must be maintained "at all times during the night season." This ensures consistent safety protection for the public regardless of the obstruction's duration.

Adult Entertainment Establishment Lighting Standards

Exterior Lighting Requirements

Simpsonville's code contains detailed lighting specifications for adult entertainment establishments to ensure safety and compliance. According to the extracts, exterior lighting requirements include:

• Minimum illumination level of not less than one foot candle measured at floor level
• Purpose: To provide for visual inspection or video monitoring to prohibit loitering
• Visibility requirement: No fences, walls, or barriers may prevent parking lot visibility from public right-of-way

Interior Lighting Specifications

The code is equally specific about interior lighting requirements for these establishments:

• Minimum illumination level of not less than five foot candles measured at floor level
• Overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity to illuminate all accessible areas
• Continuous compliance: Illumination must be maintained whenever customers are present
• Well-lit entry areas for posting required signage

Documentation Requirements

The application process for adult entertainment establishments includes lighting-related documentation:

• Diagrams showing the location of all overhead lighting fixtures must be included with license applications
• These diagrams help city officials verify compliance with lighting standards

Municipal Oversight of Public Lighting

Simpsonville's building code establishes a framework for municipal oversight of public lighting through a Commissioner who "shall supervise the maintenance of streets, highways, lighting, signs and other matters relating to the city streets and public way."

This provision ensures that a dedicated city official has responsibility for public lighting infrastructure, helping to maintain consistency and safety throughout Simpsonville.

Supporting Simpsonville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that communities like Simpsonville strive to achieve between preserving historic character and ensuring public safety through appropriate lighting.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, we appreciate Simpsonville's connection to the American Saddlebred horse industry and the rural charm that defines this community. Our experience with projects that respect community character enables us to serve as a resource for property owners and contractors navigating lighting regulations.

We share Simpsonville's commitment to maintaining its historical landmarks and rural landscape while providing functional lighting solutions. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to support the community's vision for sustainable development that doesn't compromise the city's unique character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Your Responsibilities

While Simpsonville's documented lighting regulations are primarily focused on public safety and specialized businesses, property owners should:

• Consult with city officials for any specific requirements that may apply to your property type
• Consider the community's historical character when planning exterior lighting
• Prioritize safety while respecting Simpsonville's rural ambiance

Planning for Compliance

When undertaking construction that may impact public ways, ensure you understand the warning light requirements to avoid potential violations and, more importantly, to maintain public safety.

Respecting Community Character

Even without extensive documented lighting regulations, property owners can support Simpsonville's character by:

• Choosing lighting fixtures that complement the historical and rural aesthetic
• Minimizing light pollution that might detract from the night sky
• Balancing security needs with sensitivity to the community's visual character

Conclusion

Simpsonville, Kentucky's documented lighting regulations focus primarily on public safety and specific business types rather than comprehensive property standards. This approach reflects the city's practical governance while allowing flexibility for property owners.

The emphasis on proper lighting for construction areas and clear standards for certain businesses demonstrates Simpsonville's commitment to public safety. Meanwhile, the oversight of public lighting through a dedicated Commissioner ensures consistent management of lighting infrastructure.

As Simpsonville continues to balance growth with preservation of its unique character, thoughtful lighting choices by both the municipality and private property owners will help maintain the rural charm and historical ambiance that makes this community special.