Lighting Regulations in Urbandale, Iowa: A Guide to Compliance for Property Owners

Introduction

Urbandale, Iowa, with its unique blend of historical charm and modern development, has evolved significantly since its early days as a streetcar suburb of Des Moines. From its beginnings in the early 20th century through its coal mining era that ended in 1947, Urbandale has maintained a careful balance between preserving its historical character and embracing growth.

Today's lighting regulations in Urbandale reflect this balance, addressing both practical safety concerns and aesthetic considerations. These regulations aim to create well-lit environments that enhance public safety while minimizing light pollution and preserving the suburban character that makes Urbandale special.

As the community continues to grow, understanding these lighting requirements helps property owners contribute to Urbandale's vision of a well-planned, attractive community that honors its streetcar suburb origins while looking toward the future.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting regulations you need to know in Urbandale:

• Exterior Lighting
• Must use cutoff fixtures to prevent light from spilling beyond property lines
• Light sources must be obscured to prevent glare into streets or residential areas
• Maximum fixture height: 30 feet from grade to top of fixture
• Spotlights and floodlights are only permitted for architectural highlighting
• Exit Signs
• Must use LED lighting and be illuminated internally
• Require battery backup unless an onsite generator is used
• Minimum luminance: 5.0 footcandles (54 lux) on the face
• Parking Areas
• No light spillage allowed into residential districts or public streets
• May require minimum 1 foot-candle average maintained illumination
• Measurement height: 4-5 feet above ground

Exterior Property Lighting Requirements

Controlling Light Spillage and Glare

Urbandale's regulations emphasize the importance of containing light within property boundaries. This preserves the peaceful character of residential neighborhoods while ensuring adequate illumination for safety.

All exterior lighting must use cutoff fixtures specifically designed and installed to prevent light from spilling beyond any property line. These fixtures must also sufficiently obscure the light source to prevent glare into public streets or nearby residential areas.

Maintaining Consistent Illumination

The city code specifies that lighting should be designed and maintained to avoid pockets of very high or low levels of illumination. This ensures consistent visibility throughout illuminated areas and prevents harsh transitions that can be disorienting.

Height Restrictions

To control light distribution and minimize impact:

• Lighting fixtures mounted on poles, buildings, or other structures must not exceed 30 feet in height (measured from grade to top of fixture)
• Exceptions are only permitted if glare and spill can be satisfactorily controlled

Special Lighting Types

Spotlights and floodlights have specific restrictions in Urbandale:

• Generally not allowed except for architectural highlighting (such as illuminating walls or architectural details)
• When used for permitted purposes, must be carefully aimed to prevent glare or light spill
• Installation of lighting that could be confused with warning lights, emergency lights, or traffic controls is prohibited

Parking Area Lighting Standards

Illumination Levels and Measurement

For parking areas, circulation drives, walks, and trails, the city may require:

• One minimum average maintained horizontal foot candle
• Measured at the average point between brightest and darkest areas
• Measured at 4-5 feet above the ground
• Requirements based on necessity for public safety or crime prevention

Light Containment

Parking area lighting must not spill illumination into, and no glare is allowed to be visible from, any residential district or public street.

Design Considerations

The code specifically notes that minimizing the negative visual impacts of large expanses of parking includes reducing glare and hot spots through proper open space and landscape design within parking areas.

Interior Lighting Requirements

Exit Sign Specifications

Exit signs in buildings must adhere to precise technical specifications:

• Must use LED lighting systems
• Must be illuminated internally
• Require battery backup unless an onsite generator is available
• Face luminance: minimum intensity of 5.0 footcandles (54 lux)
• Tactile exit signs are exempt from illumination requirements

Stairway Lighting

Every stairway shall be provided with a light that is controlled by a switch at the entrance to the stairway.

Fire Sprinkler Riser Rooms

Lighting in fire sprinkler riser rooms is specifically addressed:

• Rooms may contain outlets or support equipment (including lighting) required for the fire sprinkler system or fire alarm panel
• Lighting is considered essential support equipment for these safety systems

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting

Signs in Urbandale may be lit by either internal or external fixtures unless specifically restricted, with requirements that:

• Fixtures must be designed to concentrate illumination upon the sign face and prevent glare
• A constant level of light must be maintained (though automatic dimmers may be used to reduce effects at night)
• Lighting must not flash, scintillate, animate, move, chase, or otherwise be intermittent unless expressly permitted

Technical Specifications

Sign lighting must adhere to strict technical limits:

• Exposed lamps: maximum 11 watts
• Inert gas tube lighting: maximum 60 milliamps
• Internal lamps and housed lamps: maximum 25 watts
• Intensification by reflectorized lamps or external reflectors is prohibited

District-Specific Requirements

In the O-R District, signs have additional restrictions:

• Must be non-illuminated OR
• Must be illuminated by internal fixtures or luminous tubes only

Directory Signs

For directory signs:

• All copy must be internally illuminated
• All illumination must be identical in color, brightness, and intensity

Street Lighting Requirements for Developers

Developer Responsibilities

Developers in Urbandale must:

• Prepare plans and specifications for street lighting on all new public streets within subdivisions
• Obtain approval from the City Engineer and MidAmerican Energy
• Install lights according to approved plans as part of required subdivision improvements
• Comply with SUDAS and the Manual on Uniform Traffic-Control Devices (MUTCD)

Prohibited Materials

The code specifically prohibits wooden poles and overhead wiring for street lighting in new developments.

Residential and Home Occupation Lighting

Home-Based Businesses

For home occupations, the code states:

• No equipment or process shall create glare that's detectable to normal senses off the property
• This applies to both detached single-family residences and other dwelling units

Residential Exterior Lighting

For residential properties:

• Exterior lighting must not exceed the extent or level customary for the majority of single-family residences in the city
• Lighting is specifically prohibited from emitting glare or spilling onto adjoining property

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Tower and Antenna Lighting

The code provides specific guidance for towers and antennas:

• No lights allowed on towers or antennas unless required by the Commission, Federal Aviation Administration, or expressly permitted by the Board of Adjustment
• Security lighting may be provided around tower bases if:
• Zero cut-off luminaries are used
• Maximum mounting height is 12 feet
• Lighting is limited to the tower site

SWECS (Small Wind Energy Conversion Systems)

For SWECS installations:

• No lighting of any kind shall be installed on any portion of any SWECS regardless of zoning district

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Benefits

Following Urbandale's lighting regulations offers several advantages:

• Avoid code violations and potential penalties
• Reduce energy costs through proper fixture selection and placement
• Maintain good relationships with neighbors by preventing light trespass
• Contribute to the community aesthetic that makes Urbandale special

Planning for New Construction or Renovation

When planning lighting for new construction or renovations:

• Consult the code early in your planning process
• Consider engaging a lighting professional familiar with Urbandale's requirements
• Keep documentation of your lighting specifications for future reference
• Focus on cutoff fixtures that direct light where needed without spillage

Supporting Urbandale's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Urbandale's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. We understand the unique blend of suburban residential charm and modern development that defines Urbandale's character.

As a manufacturer with experience in communities like Urbandale, we appreciate the city's approach to lighting regulations that preserve neighborhood tranquility while ensuring adequate illumination for safety. Our team understands the technical requirements for cutoff fixtures, proper illumination levels, and glare prevention that Urbandale emphasizes.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners, designers, and contractors navigating lighting regulations. Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations aligns with Urbandale's vision of thoughtful development that honors its streetcar suburb origins.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices complements Urbandale's initiatives like the Grow Solar Polk County program, demonstrating shared values in environmentally conscious growth.

Conclusion

Urbandale's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a high-quality living environment while preserving its unique character. From the specific technical requirements for exit signs to the broader principles of preventing light spillage between properties, these regulations create a framework for responsible lighting throughout the community.

By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners contribute to Urbandale's continued development as a community that successfully balances growth with character preservation. Well-designed lighting enhances safety, accessibility, and aesthetics while respecting neighbors and the overall community vision.

For specific questions about your property or project, consult with the Urbandale Building Department or a lighting professional familiar with local requirements.