Lighting Regulations in Story County, Iowa: Balancing Growth with Historical Character

Introduction

Story County, Iowa, with its rich history dating back to 1846, has evolved from prairie landscapes and native tribal territories to a thriving community of over 90,000 residents. As the county has grown, it has maintained a careful balance between development and preservation of its historical character. This balance is reflected in the county's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to minimize light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality.

The county's lighting regulations are designed to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape while accommodating modern needs. From the early days of settlement to the establishment of towns like Gilbert in 1881, Story County has valued its architectural heritage and natural environment—values that continue to shape its lighting policies today.

Quick Reference Guide

• Fully Shielded Requirement: Luminaires with lamps rated over 1,800 lumens must not emit direct light above a horizontal plane
• Light Trespass Prevention: Outdoor fixtures must be installed to prevent light from being directed toward residential buildings or rights-of-way
• Exemptions: Light sources producing 1,800 lumens or less are exempt from shielding requirements
• Recreational Lighting: Must use fully shielded fixtures with sharp cut-off capability
• Hours Restriction: Illuminated signs may operate from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., or one hour past business closure
• Solar Panel Placement: Must not direct concentrated radiation or glare onto nearby properties or roadways
• Tower Illumination: Prohibited unless required by FAA regulations

Understanding Key Lighting Terms

Basic Terminology

Story County's regulations use specific terminology to define lighting elements:

• Lamp: The component of a luminaire that produces the actual light
• Luminaire: A complete lighting system, including both lamp and fixture
• Lumen: A unit of luminous flux (one foot-candle equals one lumen per square foot)
• Direct Light: Light emitted directly from the lamp, reflector, or through the lens

Light Impact Definitions

Understanding how light affects surrounding areas is crucial:

• Light Trespass: The shining of light beyond the boundaries of the property where it originates
• Glare: Direct light emitted with intensity great enough to cause visual discomfort, eye fatigue, reduced visibility, or momentary blindness
• Fully Shielded Lights: Outdoor fixtures constructed so no light rays are emitted above the horizontal plane

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Basic Standards

All non-exempt outdoor lighting in Story County must adhere to these fundamental principles:

• All fixtures must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent light trespass
• Fixtures must be installed to prevent direct light from being directed toward residential buildings on adjacent properties
• If light trespass occurs, the luminaire must be redirected or its output controlled to eliminate the problem

Technical Requirements

For more powerful lighting installations:

• Any luminaire with a lamp rated at more than 1,800 lumens shall not emit any direct light above a horizontal plane through the lowest light-emitting part
• The use of laser source light or similar high-intensity light for outdoor advertising when projected above the horizontal plane is prohibited
• Searchlights for advertising purposes are prohibited

Exemptions

Several lighting sources are exempt from the county's regulations:

• Light sources producing 1,800 lumens or less
• Temporary emergency lighting needed by emergency services
• All hazard warning luminaires required by Federal regulatory agencies
• Buildings designated for historic preservation by the State of Iowa or National Park Service, if historic restoration cannot be achieved by other means

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Recreational Facilities

Lighting for outdoor recreational facilities has specific requirements:

• All fixtures must be fully shielded or designed with sharp cut-off capability
• Illumination after midnight is prohibited except to conclude scheduled events that were planned to end before 11:00 p.m.
• Fixtures must minimize up-light, spill-light, and glare

Construction Lighting

Temporary lighting for construction projects must follow these guidelines:

• Fixtures may only be illuminated when construction work is actively occurring
• All temporary lighting must be removed upon completion or abandonment of construction work

Solar Energy Systems

Solar panel installations must consider light reflection:

• Panels must be placed so that concentrated solar radiation or glare is not directed onto nearby properties or roadways
• Commercial Solar Energy Systems (C-SES) shall not be artificially lighted except as required by the FAA

Wind Energy and Tower Facilities

Special lighting considerations apply to these structures:

• No illumination of turbines or towers is allowed unless required by the FAA
• For Commercial Wind Energy Conversion Systems (C-WECS):
• Red strobe lights are preferred for night-time illumination to reduce impacts on migrating birds
• Red pulsating incandescent lights should be avoided
• Exceptions may be made for meteorological towers where concerns exist for aerial spray applicators

Signage Lighting Requirements

Illuminated Sign Standards

Story County has specific requirements for sign illumination:

• All light fixtures used to illuminate external signs must be mounted on top of the sign structure and directed downward
• Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or devices with changing light intensity
• For internally illuminated signs, dark backgrounds with light lettering are preferred
• Internally illuminated signs may operate from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., or one hour past business closure
• Signs with previously approved lighting may change information on the face without a new permit if lighting aspects remain unchanged

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Several types of illuminated signs are not permitted:

• Inflatable signs, tethered balloons, pennants, and strings of lights not permanently attached to a rigid background
• Illuminated signs on mobile or portable devices (except emergency and road construction/maintenance vehicles)

Development and Planning Requirements

Site Development Considerations

When planning new developments, lighting must be addressed:

• Site development plans must include "the location and manner of lighting" for streets, walkways, buildings, and other facilities
• Landscape plans must define how they will "buffer noise and objectionable light"
• Developments shall provide "adequate lighting for streets, walkways, buildings, and facilities subject to night-time use"
• Exterior lighting must give consideration to glare, traffic safety, and compatibility with surrounding properties

Commercial and Industrial Zones

In Commercial/Light Industrial (C-LI) and Heavy Industrial (HI) zones:

• External and internal signs may be illuminated
• Illuminated signs must not cast direct light or significant glare into residential areas
• Any outdoor light fixture illuminating a sign must be designed as a fully shielded light
• Developments must not generate excessive glare

Supporting Story County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Story County's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern technology. We understand the delicate balance between providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality while respecting the county's historical heritage and natural environment.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to appreciate Story County's approach to lighting regulations. As a community partner, we focus on education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that align with the county's vision for responsible development.

Bock Lighting's expertise can help maintain the character of Story County's historic areas while ensuring compliance with local regulations. Our commitment to community support extends beyond providing lighting solutions—we aim to be a resource for understanding how lighting can enhance community character while meeting safety and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Story County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its historical character and natural environment. By establishing clear guidelines for outdoor lighting, the county aims to prevent light pollution and trespass while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Property owners and developers should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying outdoor lighting. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents can contribute to preserving the unique character of Story County while enjoying the benefits of appropriate outdoor lighting.

Remember that these regulations may be updated over time, so it's always advisable to check with county officials for the most current requirements before undertaking any lighting project.