Lighting Regulations in Troy Borough, Pennsylvania: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction

In the heart of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Troy Borough stands as a testament to careful historical preservation. Established in the late 18th century with its first road in 1798, this small but significant community has grown with intention and care. With just 0.77 square miles of area, Troy Borough maintains its small-town atmosphere while serving as a hub within the surrounding Troy Township.

The borough's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving historical character while meeting modern needs. These regulations aim to enhance safety and functionality without compromising the aesthetic value that makes Troy unique. For property owners, understanding these lighting standards is essential to maintaining compliance while contributing positively to the community's visual appeal.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Light Nuisance Prevention: Light glare causing annoyance to residents or interfering with adjacent properties is prohibited
• Street Lighting: Required at all development intersections and at maximum intervals of 350 feet
• Political Signs: No illumination permitted for temporary political signs
• Financial Institutions: Limited to minimum illumination necessary for security
• Street Light Protection: Damaging or tampering with street lights on public property is prohibited

Understanding Light Nuisance Regulations

What Constitutes a Lighting Nuisance

In Troy Borough, the concept of "nuisance" specifically includes causing glare from lights. The regulations are clear that it is unlawful to "cause a glare from lights...of such character as to cause annoyance to residents or interference with the normal use of adjacent properties."

Practical Implications for Property Owners

This regulation emphasizes consideration for neighbors when installing exterior lighting. While the code doesn't specify exact technical measurements for what constitutes "annoying" glare, the intent is clear: your lighting should not negatively impact those living nearby.

Solutions for Minimizing Light Nuisance

To stay compliant with these regulations:

• Consider using fixtures with shields that direct light downward
• Position lights away from neighboring windows
• Choose lighting with appropriate brightness for the intended purpose
• Use timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary nighttime illumination

Street Lighting Requirements

Placement Standards

Troy Borough has established specific placement requirements for street lighting in developments:

• Street lights must be installed at each intersection within developments
• Additional street lights must be placed at intervals not exceeding 350 feet between intersections

Approval Process

The implementation of street lighting requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders. The regulations specify that street lights must be "in accordance with conditions to be agreed upon by the developer, the Borough Council and the appropriate public utility."

Purpose and Community Benefit

These requirements ensure consistent illumination throughout developed areas, promoting safety for pedestrians and vehicles while maintaining visual continuity throughout the borough.

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Financial Institutions

Banks and similar establishments have specific lighting limitations:

• Illumination must be kept to the minimum necessary for adequate security
• This balances security needs with preventing excessive brightness that could affect neighboring properties

Signage Illumination

Several regulations address sign lighting:

• Political Signs: Temporary political signs may not be illuminated in any manner
• Commercial Signs: While illumination isn't specifically prohibited, signs not attached to buildings are limited to 1 sign of no more than 20 square feet
• R-b Residence Districts: Signs must comply with the provisions in Part 7 of the regulations

Public Infrastructure Protection

Street Light Preservation

Troy Borough explicitly prohibits any person from destroying, injuring, tampering with, or defacing street lights on or in streets, alleys, sidewalks, or public grounds within the borough.

Community Impact

This protection ensures that public lighting infrastructure remains functional and intact, supporting safety and accessibility throughout public areas while preserving borough resources.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

Property owners should be particularly mindful of:

• The impact of their lighting on neighboring properties
• Special requirements if operating a financial institution
• Restrictions on illuminating certain types of signage
• The need for approval when installing street lighting in developments

Planning for New Lighting

When planning new exterior lighting installations:

• Consider the direction and spread of light to avoid creating nuisance glare
• Consult with the borough when adding lighting in a development context
• Understand specific requirements for your property type and intended use
• Remember that less can be more when it comes to light levels

Supporting Troy Borough's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of preserving the unique character of communities like Troy Borough. With roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the delicate balance between modern lighting needs and historical preservation that defines small towns throughout Pennsylvania.

We recognize Troy Borough's emphasis on preventing light nuisance while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. This approach aligns with our belief that lighting should enhance community spaces without detracting from their essential character.

As a regional manufacturer with deep experience in community-oriented lighting, we value the opportunity to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating local regulations. Our understanding of Pennsylvania's architectural traditions and lighting requirements allows us to provide guidance that respects both regulatory requirements and community aesthetics.

Bock Lighting shares Troy Borough's commitment to responsible illumination practices that protect neighborhood harmony while meeting practical needs. We believe that thoughtful lighting solutions can strengthen community identity while honoring historical significance.

Conclusion

Troy Borough's lighting regulations, though limited in technical specificity, clearly emphasize consideration for neighbors, appropriate illumination levels, and protection of public lighting infrastructure. These guidelines reflect the borough's commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality.

For property owners, the key takeaway is the importance of considerate lighting practices that avoid creating nuisances for neighbors. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to preserving Troy Borough's small-town charm and community-oriented atmosphere.

When planning lighting projects, remember that Troy Borough's compact size means that lighting choices have a proportionally greater impact on the community experience. Thoughtful implementation of lighting that complies with local regulations helps maintain the quality of life that makes Troy Borough a special place to live and work.