Lighting Regulations in Summit Township, Michigan: Balancing Historical Charm with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction

Summit Township, Michigan, located in Jackson County, combines historical charm with modern amenities in a way that reflects its mid-19th century origins. First settled in 1835 by William Quevillon, followed by Theodore LaBelle in 1858, the township has grown from its agricultural roots into a community that values both its heritage and natural environment.

With a modest population of approximately 995 residents (as of the 2020 census), Summit Township maintains its small-town character while implementing thoughtful regulations to preserve its unique atmosphere. The township's lighting regulations reflect this careful balance between modern needs and preservation of community character.

Quick Reference Guide to Summit Township Lighting Regulations

• Fixture Height: Maximum height cannot exceed building height or 25 feet (whichever is less)
• Spacing: Standards should be approximately 4 times the height of the standard
• Light Trespass: Lighting must be shielded to prevent light from crossing property boundaries
• Residential Areas: Only indirectly illuminated signs allowed with proper shielding
• Electronic Signs: Must operate at maximum 40% light output between sunset and sunrise
• Solar Farms: Must use downlighting with no illumination extending beyond property perimeter
• Glare Control: No direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public roadway

Understanding Key Lighting Terms

Before diving into specific regulations, it's helpful to understand how Summit Township defines important lighting terminology:

Technical Definitions

• Footcandle: "A unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points of which are 1 foot from a uniform point source of 1 candle."
• Glare: "Light emitting from luminaries with an intensity great enough to reduce a viewers' ability to see and, in extreme cases, causing momentary blindness."
• Light Trespass: "The shining of light produced by a luminary beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located."
• Luminaire: "A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source and all necessary mechanical, electrical, and decorative parts."

These definitions form the foundation for understanding Summit Township's approach to managing light in the community.

General Property Lighting Requirements

Summit Township has established several fundamental requirements for property lighting that apply across different zoning districts.

Fixture Placement and Design

• Spacing standard: Fixtures should be spaced at "approximately 4 times the height of the standard"
• Maximum height: Cannot exceed "the maximum building height permitted, or 25 feet, whichever is less"
• Safety and nuisance prevention: "The height and shielding of lighting standards shall provide proper lighting without hazard to drivers or nuisance to residents"

Pole Setback Requirements

• Poles for lighting in office, commercial or industrial districts must have a 5-foot setback from all front, side and rear lot lines
• The Planning Commission may allow poles closer to lot lines during site plan review, provided no part extends beyond the property line

Reducing Light Trespass

• Lighting fixtures for off-street parking must be "arranged as to reflect the light away from any adjoining residential lot or institutional premises"
• Landscaping may be required "to eliminate obtrusive light from carrying to the adjoining property"

Residential Lighting Considerations

Summit Township places special emphasis on protecting residential areas from lighting disruptions.

Home Occupation Restrictions

• No equipment or process in home occupations shall create glare "detectable to the normal human senses beyond the exterior walls of the dwelling"
• For Type 1 Home Occupations specifically, no glare should be "detectable to the normal human senses beyond the exterior walls of the dwelling unit"

Residential Sign Illumination

• Only indirectly illuminated signs are allowed in residential districts
• Signs must be "shielded as to prevent direct light rays from being visible from a public right-of-way or any adjacent residential property"

Commercial and Sign Lighting Regulations

Sign Illumination Standards

• Commercial, wholesale-warehouse, office, research development, and industrial districts may use indirectly or internally illuminated signs with proper shielding
• No blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights on any signs (except displays showing date, time, message, and temperature)
• Electronic information displays shall not flash or animate static information
• All illuminated signs must comply with the National Electrical Code
• Beacon lights or search lights are not permitted for advertising purposes

Electronic Sign Requirements

• Cannot contain animation, flashing, scrolling, or video
• Must display only static messages with transitions limited to dissolve or fade effects
• Transitions between messages cannot exceed 3 seconds
• Must have automatic dimmer software or solar sensors for brightness control
• Must operate at maximum 40% of maximum light output between sunset and sunrise
• Permit applications must include manufacturer's specifications including maximum capable light output

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Solar Farm Lighting

• Limited to "the minimum necessary, supplied with down lighting"
• No illumination may "extend beyond the perimeter of the solar farm"
• A photometric study may be required
• "No solar farm shall produce glare that would constitute a nuisance" to neighboring properties or roads
• Owners have up to 180 consecutive days to remediate glare issues after receiving notice

Wind Energy Systems

• "Small on-site wind energy systems shall not be artificially lighted," except as legally required
• Wind turbine generators shall only be lit as required by FAA or MAC regulations
• Tower lighting required by regulations "shall be shielded to the extent possible to reduce glare and visibility from the ground"
• If lighting is required, it "shall be the intensity required under state or federal regulations"

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Summit Township's lighting regulations helps property owners create functional, compliant lighting systems that respect neighbors and community character.

Planning Your Lighting

• Include "exterior lighting locations and illumination patterns" in your site plan
• Consider the maximum allowable height and required spacing when designing your lighting layout
• Choose fixtures that direct light downward to minimize light trespass
• For commercial properties, ensure parking lot lighting reflects away from residential areas

Addressing Common Compliance Issues

• The most frequent violations involve unshielded lights that cause glare or trespass onto neighboring properties
• Electronic signs operating too brightly at night or with improper transitions
• Excessive illumination that extends beyond property boundaries
• Improper fixture heights or spacing

Supporting Summit Township's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Summit Township's commitment to preserving historical character while incorporating modern lighting solutions. With a deep understanding of regional architectural styles and community needs, Bock Lighting appreciates the township's balanced approach to regulation.

As a company that has worked with communities throughout the Midwest, Bock Lighting understands the unique challenges of blending safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation in historic areas like Summit Township. Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Summit Township's vision for careful development that preserves the community's natural beauty and historical significance. Our local presence enables a better understanding of community needs and standards, reinforcing our role as a partner in maintaining Summit Township's distinctive character.

Conclusion

Summit Township's lighting regulations demonstrate the community's thoughtful approach to development that preserves its historical charm while meeting modern needs. By establishing clear standards for fixture height, spacing, shielding, and light trespass, the township protects both community character and resident quality of life.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to Summit Township's vision of sustainable growth that respects both history and neighbors. Whether you're planning residential improvements, commercial developments, or special installations like solar farms, proper lighting design is an essential consideration in Summit Township.

These regulations ensure that as Summit Township continues to develop, it will maintain the balance of natural beauty and historical character that has defined this community since its founding in the 19th century.