Lighting Regulations in Twin Falls, Idaho: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction: Balancing Growth and Heritage

The city of Twin Falls, established in the early 1900s, has evolved from its agricultural beginnings into a vibrant community that now exceeds 50,000 residents. Founded by I.B. Perrine, who transformed the arid Snake River landscape through innovative irrigation systems, Twin Falls has always balanced development with respect for its heritage.

As the city has grown, careful attention to infrastructure—including lighting—has helped maintain Twin Falls' unique character while ensuring safety and functionality. The lighting regulations in Twin Falls reflect this balance, preserving the city's historical essence while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide to Twin Falls Lighting Requirements

Key lighting requirements for property owners:

• Interior spaces where liquor is sold require minimum 5 foot-candle illumination
• Parking areas with more than 18 spaces need minimum 1 foot-candle illumination across entire area
• Exterior lights must be arranged to prevent upward illumination beyond an imaginary line parallel to the ground
• Light fixtures in historic districts require approval through a certificate of appropriateness
• Residential protection: Lighting near residential areas cannot exceed 1/4 foot-candle at property lines
• Flashing, pulsating, or oscillating lighting used as attention-getting devices is prohibited
• Glare-producing building materials are not permitted on any structure

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Commercial spaces have specific illumination requirements to ensure safety and functionality. Properties serving liquor must maintain a minimum lighting level:

• Minimum 5 foot-candles of general interior lighting
• Principal entrances to rooms serving liquor require an illuminated area of at least one square foot (minimum 12 inches in any direction)

Parking Area Illumination

Twin Falls has established clear standards for parking lot lighting to balance safety with neighborhood compatibility:

• Parking areas with more than 18 spaces must provide at least 1 foot-candle of light across the entire parking area
• Some areas require lighting fixtures installed at a rate of one per every 18 cars
• Lighting must be designed and operated not to reflect or shine on adjacent properties
• Light cannot directly illuminate adjacent residential uses with more than 1/4 foot-candle

Light Fixtures and Positioning

The positioning and design of light fixtures play a critical role in compliance:

• Floodlights, spotlights, or other lighting devices must be arranged or shielded not to cast illumination upward above an imaginary line extended from the light source parallel to the ground
• Exterior sign lighting elements must be installed at least 9 feet above ground unless adequately protected

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Rules

Twin Falls regulates illuminated signage to prevent hazards and maintain community character:

• Light from illuminated signs must be arranged and directed so it doesn't create hazards for adjacent property, vehicles, or traffic control devices
• Signs within 150 feet of residential zones require shielded lighting that doesn't exceed 1/2 lumen at residential property lines
• Pulsating, flashing, rotating, or oscillating lighting intended as attention-getting devices is prohibited
• Glare-producing materials are not permitted on any structure

Digital and Electronic Signs

Special provisions apply to signs with changeable electronic displays:

• Message center signs displaying public service information (time, date, temperature, etc.) are permitted with specific intensity restrictions
• Marquee signs may implement electronically changeable text that must remain static for a minimum of 60 seconds
• Electronic text cannot flash, blink, scroll, or move in any way
• Lighting intensity for electronic signs must comply with specific measurement standards taken at 100 feet from the sign

Temporary Lighting Features

Skylights and searchlights are permitted under strict conditions:

• May be used for no more than six 15-day periods per calendar year
• Must be placed at least 30 feet from road right-of-way
• Cannot be located in required parking spaces, driveways, or fire lanes
• Must generally point upward and not aim at buildings or traffic

Historic District Lighting Considerations

Certificate of Appropriateness Requirement

Twin Falls values its historic districts, including the Downtown Historic District and City Park Historic District:

• Light fixtures are specifically mentioned as exterior features requiring approval
• A certificate of appropriateness must be obtained before applying for a building permit
• The Historic Preservation Commission reviews applications based on established design guidelines
• This requirement applies whether or not a building permit is needed for the work

Old Town Area Standards

The Old Town area has specific requirements to maintain its distinctive character:

• Landscaping and lighting must meet the requirements of the Old Town Master Landscaping Plan
• Parking lots must be illuminated according to the plan's specifications

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Communication Facilities

Wireless communication facilities have specific lighting limitations:

• Lighting of antennas or support structures is prohibited except as required by the FAA
• This applies to both roof-mounted and other types of installations

Airport District Considerations

The Airport District has unique lighting requirements for safety:

• Light and glare requirements are designed to prevent visual loss of contact with the ground, structures, or other obstructions
• Special attention to lighting design is needed in these areas

Supporting Twin Falls' Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Twin Falls' commitment to balancing modern infrastructure needs with preservation of its unique historical character dating back to the early 1900s.

As a manufacturer with over a century of experience, we recognize how proper lighting can enhance architectural features while respecting the historical significance of properties, particularly in areas like Twin Falls' historic districts where lighting fixtures require specific approval.

We're committed to helping Twin Falls property owners navigate lighting regulations through education and support. Our understanding of how lighting contributes to community character allows us to serve as a resource for those seeking to comply with regulations while enhancing their properties.

Bock Lighting shares Twin Falls' values of responsible development, historical preservation, and creating safe, welcoming environments through thoughtful illumination that reduces light pollution and respects neighboring properties.

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Compliance Challenges

Property owners should be aware of several key areas when planning lighting installations:

• Light trespass: Ensure lighting doesn't spill over onto neighboring properties, especially residential areas
• Historic properties: Plan ahead for the certificate of appropriateness process
• Parking area lighting: Calculate fixture needs based on parking space count
• Sign illumination: Understand the restrictions on flashing or moving lights
• Glare control: Select appropriate fixtures and materials to prevent glare

Planning for Compliance

Being proactive about lighting regulations can save time and expenses:

• Consult regulations early in your project planning process
• For historic properties, factor in additional time for approvals
• Consider lighting impacts on neighboring properties
• Document your lighting plans thoroughly for permit applications
• When in doubt, consult with city officials before installation

Conclusion

Twin Falls' lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its historical character while providing safe, functional lighting for its growing population. From the historic downtown district to modern commercial developments, these regulations ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community's appearance and safety.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations not only avoid potential compliance issues but also contribute to Twin Falls' unique character and quality of life. By balancing modern needs with respect for community standards, lighting can play a positive role in Twin Falls' continued development.