Lighting Regulations in South Whitley, Indiana: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination

Introduction

South Whitley, Indiana, has a rich historical legacy dating back to 1837. Originally called Springfield, this charming town with its distinctive red brick buildings and tree-lined streets has maintained much of its historical character through thoughtful planning and regulation.

Lighting plays a crucial role in preserving the town's aesthetic appeal while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. The town's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical identity while adapting to modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Essential lighting regulations in South Whitley:

• Sign Illumination: Most permitted signs must use constant light (no flashing)
• Parking Lot Lighting: Maximum height of 25 feet unless specially approved
• Fixture Types: High or low pressure sodium-type fixtures required for many applications
• Light Trespass: Lighting must be shielded to prevent casting onto adjacent properties
• Safety: No light sources may create traffic hazards on public thoroughfares
• Home Occupations: Signs must be non-illuminated

Street and Municipal Lighting

Municipal Service Lighting

The town of South Whitley maintains specific provisions for municipal lighting services, particularly street lighting. These services help maintain visibility and safety throughout the community while respecting its historical character.

Street Lighting Rates

For municipal street lighting, South Whitley has established the following rates:

• Metered service: $0.0395 per kilowatt-hour
• Unmetered service (monthly rate per light):
• 190 watt incandescent: $1.37
• 295 watt incandescent: $2.28
• 175 watt mercury vapor: $2.28
• 400 watt mercury vapor: $2.86

Developer Requirements

For new developments in South Whitley, developers are responsible for installing street lights at their own expense, as required by the Town Council. This ensures consistent lighting standards throughout the community as it grows.

Security Lighting Provisions

Availability and Service Character

South Whitley offers dusk-to-dawn outdoor lighting service for entrances, driveways, and private areas. The utility installs, owns, and maintains bracket-mounted suburban-type lighting fixtures with photoelectric control.

Security Lighting Rates

Rates vary depending on installation requirements and lamp type:

• When using existing infrastructure (with not more than one span of secondary):
• 175 watt mercury vapor lamp with customer-metered electricity: $2.28 per light
• 175 watt mercury vapor lamp with utility-furnished electricity: $4.00 per light
• 400 watt mercury vapor lamp: $6.28 per light
• 1,000 watt mercury vapor lamp: $13.70 per light

Additional installation fees may apply if new facilities are required to provide security lighting service.

Sign Illumination Regulations

Constant Light Requirement

South Whitley maintains strict standards regarding sign illumination to preserve its historical character and prevent visual clutter. Several sign types require constant illumination (if illuminated at all):

• Church, public, or semi-public building signs
• Public park identification signs
• Business signs
• Construction signs
• Bulletin boards

Prohibited Sign Illumination

The town code specifically prohibits certain types of sign illumination:

• Flashing signs: Defined as any sign containing intermittent or flashing light sources
• Real estate signs: Must not be illuminated in any way
• Home occupation signs: Must be non-illuminated (wall-mounted for indoor signs, with limited yard signage options for certain specially permitted uses)

Property Lighting Standards

Parking Area Lighting

For off-street parking or loading spaces used at night, South Whitley has established comprehensive regulations to minimize light pollution while ensuring safety:

• Light shielding: Light from any luminary must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent direct light from being cast upon adjacent properties
• Height restrictions: Lighting fixtures cannot exceed 25 feet in height unless specifically approved by the Director of Community Development and/or Board of Works and Safety
• Prohibited features: No luminary may have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or changing light intensity, brightness, or color
• Traffic safety: Neither direct nor reflected light from any luminary shall create disabling glare causing traffic hazards
• Fixture requirements: All proposed luminaries must be either high or low pressure sodium-type, or similar energy-saving fixtures

Lamp Posts and Yard Lighting

South Whitley regulations specifically permit lamp posts as allowable yard obstructions, recognizing their importance for both safety and aesthetics in residential areas.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning and Documentation

When submitting development plans, property owners must include detailed information about the location, height, and type of all exterior lighting. This requirement ensures lighting meets town standards before installation.

Balancing Safety and Aesthetics

South Whitley's regulations aim to balance safety concerns with aesthetic considerations. Light fixtures should provide adequate illumination without creating glare, light trespass, or safety hazards.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

The town's preference for high or low pressure sodium-type fixtures or similar energy-saving options reflects a commitment to energy efficiency alongside historical preservation.

Supporting South Whitley's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate South Whitley's commitment to preserving its unique historical character while embracing modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share a deep appreciation for communities that value their architectural heritage.

Our experience with Midwestern architectural styles and understanding of regional lighting needs positions us as a knowledgeable resource for South Whitley property owners. We recognize the importance of lighting that complements the town's distinctive red brick buildings and tree-lined streets while meeting modern safety standards.

Bock Lighting is committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with South Whitley's vision. Our expertise can help maintain the character of the town's historic areas while providing energy-efficient solutions that meet local regulations.

Our focus is on education and support rather than just providing products. We strive to help community members understand lighting regulations and find solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and South Whitley's distinctive character.

Conclusion

South Whitley's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring safety, energy efficiency, and modern functionality. From municipal street lighting to private security illumination and sign regulations, these standards help maintain the town's distinctive appeal.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for constant lighting on signs, height restrictions on lighting fixtures, and the need for proper shielding to prevent light trespass. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to South Whitley's continued effort to balance its rich history with contemporary needs.

When planning lighting upgrades or new installations, consulting the full town code and working with knowledgeable lighting professionals can help ensure compliance while achieving desired illumination results.