Lighting Regulations in Valley County, Idaho: Preserving Dark Skies in Long Valley

Introduction

Valley County, Idaho is a place of remarkable natural beauty. Established in 1917 and named after the Long Valley of the North Fork of the Payette River, this scenic region extends over 30 miles from Payette Lake at McCall south to Cascade. The area's stunning landscapes, clear mountain air, and pristine night skies are integral to its character and appeal.

Like many rural communities with abundant natural resources, Valley County has recognized the importance of protecting its dark skies from light pollution. The Valley County Lighting Ordinance (VCC 6-2) represents the community's commitment to preserving the ability to view the night sky while ensuring safety and security for residents and visitors.

The regulations balance practical lighting needs with the county's desire to maintain its rural character, protect wildlife habitats, and honor the region's historical roots—from its early agricultural settlers to the notable Finnish community that established itself in the early 20th century.

Quick Reference Guide to Valley County Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the key lighting requirements to know:

• Maximum lighting height: 30 feet (with exceptions for recreational facilities)
• LED color temperature: Must not exceed 3000° Kelvin
• Fixture requirements: All lights must be shielded and directed downward
• Prohibited lighting: Mercury vapor lamps, flashing/moving lights
• Sensor lights: Must turn off within 5 minutes after activation ceases
• Light trespass: Lighting must not spill onto neighboring properties
• Compliance timeline: Existing lighting must be brought into compliance within specified timeframes

Purpose and Scope of the Lighting Ordinance

Why Valley County Regulates Lighting

The Valley County Lighting Ordinance serves multiple important purposes:

• Preserving natural beauty: Protecting the ability to view the night sky
• Public safety: Providing safe roadways for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Reducing nuisance: Protecting against direct glare and excessive lighting
• Balancing needs: Ensuring sufficient lighting for safety while preventing light trespass
• Flexibility: Allowing various fixture styles while providing consistent guidelines
• Regional coordination: Working with other jurisdictions within the county

When the Regulations Apply

The lighting ordinance applies to:

• All new exterior lighting installed after the ordinance's effective date
• Existing lighting on properties that are part of applications for design review approval, conditional use permits, subdivision approval, or building permits
• Commercial property lighting, which must be brought into conformance within 36 months
• Residential, institutional, public, and semipublic lighting, which must also comply within 36 months

Technical Specifications for Compliant Lighting

Height and Placement Requirements

• Standard maximum height: Light fixtures cannot exceed 30 feet
• Recreational facilities exception: Lights for baseball, softball, soccer fields, driving ranges, outdoor arenas, ski trails, and similar facilities are exempt from height restrictions when in use
• Mounting requirements: All outdoor lights on poles 8 feet or taller must be directed downward
• Shielding: Light sources must be shielded to prevent glare or light trespass

Light Types and Specifications

• Permitted streetlights: High pressure sodium, low pressure sodium, LED, or metal halide
• LED color temperature: Cannot exceed 3000° Kelvin
• Prohibited fixtures: Mercury vapor lamps are explicitly prohibited
• Canopy lighting: Service station canopy lights must be fully recessed or fully shielded

Illumination Levels

When specified, these minimum illumination levels must be maintained:

• General seeing tasks: 5 foot-candles
• Laundry room work areas: 40 foot-candles
• Toilet rooms in front of mirrors: 40 foot-candles
• Park street systems: 0.6 foot-candle with minimum of 0.1 foot-candle
• Hazardous locations (intersections, steps): Minimum of 0.3 foot-candle

Special Lighting Situations

Flag Illumination

• Uplighting for government flags is permitted
• Maximum output: 1,300 lumens
• Flags are encouraged to be taken down at sunset to avoid lighting needs

Sensor-Activated Lighting

Sensor-activated lights are permitted provided:

• They are positioned to prevent glare and light trespass onto other properties
• They automatically turn off within 5 minutes after activation ceases
• They cannot be triggered by activity off the property

Special Event Lighting

• Searchlights: Permitted only for special events or grand openings
• Maximum duration: One week
• Restrictions: Not permitted on residential or agricultural property

Industrial and Commercial Lighting

• Must not produce glare on public highways or neighboring properties
• Arc welding, acetylene torch cutting must not be visible beyond property lines
• Canopy lights must be fully recessed or fully shielded

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Requirements

• New construction: Must comply with all lighting standards from the outset
• Existing lighting: Must be brought into compliance when applying for permits
• Application requirements: All development applications must include lighting plans showing location, type, and height of fixtures
• Review process: Plans are reviewed by Planning and Zoning Administrator or Building Official

Enforcement Process

If violations are found:

1. The building official or planning administrator will provide notice to the property owner
2. The violation must be abated within 30 days
3. If not resolved, legal proceedings may be instituted

Special Considerations

• Administrative variances may be granted for bona fide agricultural operations
• Recreational facilities have special exemptions when lights are only used during field use
• FAA lighting requirements for towers and communication structures can be accommodated

Supporting Valley County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Valley County's commitment to preserving natural beauty while ensuring public safety. We understand the delicate balance rural communities like Valley County must maintain between development needs and conservation priorities.

With experience in mountain communities and rural areas across the country, Bock Lighting appreciates the importance of protecting dark skies while providing functional, safe lighting solutions. Our expertise with rural lighting regulations and dark-sky compliant fixtures aligns with Valley County's vision for responsible outdoor lighting.

We serve as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, offering information about compliant fixtures that meet specific requirements like Valley County's 3000° Kelvin restriction for LEDs. We're committed to supporting communities in maintaining their distinctive character through appropriate lighting solutions.

Conclusion

Valley County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to protecting the natural beauty that makes this region special. By establishing clear standards for outdoor lighting, the county aims to reduce light pollution, conserve energy, prevent nuisance glare, and preserve the ability to view the night sky.

For property owners, understanding these requirements early in any development or renovation process can save time and resources. The regulations balance the practical lighting needs of businesses and residents with the county's broader goal of maintaining its rural character and natural resources.

As Valley County continues to develop while honoring its historical roots, these lighting standards help ensure that growth occurs in a way that respects the county's unique landscape and dark skies.