Lighting Regulations in Valley, Nebraska: Balancing Small-Town Character with Modern Illumination Needs

In the heart of Douglas County, Valley, Nebraska stands as a charming testament to America's railroad-town heritage. With its origins dating back to the late 19th century, this close-knit community of roughly 1,875 residents has thoughtfully developed lighting regulations that honor its historical character while addressing modern safety needs.

Valley's approach to outdoor lighting reflects its commitment to preserving the quaint, traditional aesthetic that makes this small Midwestern town special. While not having officially designated historical districts, Valley values the architectural heritage from the late 1800s and early 1900s that shapes its distinctive character.

Quick Reference Guide to Valley's Lighting Regulations

Before diving into specific details, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know:

• Residential Protection: Exterior lighting must be shaded to prevent direct light on residential properties
• Traffic Safety: No glare should be visible to traffic on public streets
• Parking Illumination: Maximum light spillage onto adjacent properties cannot exceed 1 foot-candle
• Height Restrictions: Lighting standards cannot exceed 22 feet
• Brightness Limits: Electronic signs limited to 8,000 nits during day, 1,000 nits at night
• Multi-Family Areas: Average maintained lighting cannot exceed 10 foot-candles

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Shielding and Directing Light

Valley's regulations consistently emphasize the importance of properly directing and shielding outdoor lighting. The most frequently mentioned requirement across multiple sections of the code states:

• Exterior lighting fixtures must be shaded so that no direct light is cast upon any residential property
• Fixtures must be designed so no glare is visible to traffic on any public street
• All exterior lighting should be designed, installed and maintained to prevent glare or excessive shine onto adjacent properties

Design Considerations

Beyond the technical requirements, Valley encourages thoughtful lighting design:

• Lighting should enhance building design and complement adjoining buildings and areas
• Illumination should be restrained in design with excessive brightness avoided
• The arrangement of lighting fixtures should be compatible with surrounding land uses

Light Angles and Mounting

The code provides specific technical guidance on light control:

• All exterior lighting luminaries must shield light from angles above 72 degrees from vertical
• Fixtures mounted on buildings cannot be positioned higher than the roofline
• The location and design of site lighting must conform to these specific requirements

Parking Lot and Site Illumination Standards

Illumination Levels and Spillage

Valley has established clear standards for parking areas and site lighting:

• Maximum spillage: No light sources shall provide illumination onto adjacent lots, buildings, or streets exceeding one foot-candle
• Multi-family developments: Average maintained lighting levels shall not exceed 10 foot-candles at buildings, parking lots, and other areas within residential districts
• Maximum to average ratio: Cannot exceed 2.5 to 1

Installation Requirements

The code also specifies how lighting infrastructure should be installed:

• Underground wiring required: All electrical service lines to posts and fixtures must be installed underground
• Concealed conduits: Service lines must be concealed inside posts
• Temporary installations: Wooden utility poles are acceptable only for temporary use during construction
• Height limitations: Lighting standards shall not exceed 22 feet in height

Required Illumination Areas

Valley requires specific site features to be illuminated for safety:

• Driveways and loading facilities
• Pedestrian walkway surfaces
• Building entrances

Sign Illumination and Electronic Display Regulations

Prohibited Lighting Types

Valley clearly restricts certain types of illuminated signage:

• Flashing signs are explicitly prohibited throughout Valley
• For home occupations, only non-animated, non-illuminated, non-flashing announcement plates are permitted
• Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background are prohibited (except for holiday decorations with no commercial message)

Electronic Sign Brightness

The code establishes specific brightness limitations for electronic signs:

• During daylight hours, brightness cannot exceed 8,000 nits or equivalent candelas
• Between dusk and dawn, brightness cannot exceed 1,000 nits or equivalent candelas
• Sign permit applications must include certification from the owner/operator stating the sign will be operated in accordance with City codes
• Proof of conformance must be provided upon request

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult Establishments

The code provides detailed lighting requirements for adult establishments:

• Interior premises must be equipped with overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity
• Illumination must be at least 5 foot-candles measured at floor level
• This illumination must be maintained whenever customers are present

Tower Lighting

For towers and similar structures, Valley has specific lighting regulations:

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted except as required by the FAA
• Towers requiring FAA lighting that use strobe lights must be equipped with dual mode lighting
• Strobe lighting systems are not permitted to operate after sunset and before dawn
• Red strobe lights shall be used during nighttime illumination to reduce impacts on neighboring uses and migratory birds
• Red pulsating incandescent lights should be avoided

Developer and Subdivision Requirements

Street Lighting Requirements

Developers of new subdivisions must adhere to specific street lighting standards:

• Street lights must be installed at each entrance (street or sidewalk) into a subdivision
• Lighting required at each street intersection within the subdivision
• Intermediate lights must be placed at maximum 1,000-foot intervals
• The developer must arrange and pay for the installation of these lights

Underground Utilities

Modern infrastructure standards apply to new developments:

• New subdivision lighting and electrical power must be installed underground
• All underground wiring must conform to installation specifications required by the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)

Supporting Valley's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern illumination needs with community character. Valley's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations demonstrates its commitment to preserving its small-town charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

Bock Lighting appreciates communities like Valley that carefully consider how lighting impacts their unique character. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for communities seeking to maintain their distinctive identity while implementing effective lighting solutions.

We share Valley's appreciation for the balance between development and preservation. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with communities seeking to minimize light pollution while providing appropriate illumination for safety and usability.

As lighting technology continues to evolve, Bock remains committed to helping communities like Valley navigate changing standards while honoring their historical character and community values.

Conclusion: Illuminating Valley's Future While Honoring Its Past

Valley's lighting regulations demonstrate a thoughtful approach to balancing modern needs with community character. By controlling light spillage, limiting brightness, and establishing clear technical standards, Valley ensures that lighting enhances rather than detracts from its small-town charm.

For property owners and developers, understanding these regulations is essential before undertaking any exterior lighting project. The city's adoption of the International Energy Conservation Code (2009 edition) further emphasizes its commitment to energy-efficient lighting systems.

By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to preserving Valley's distinctive character while ensuring safe, functional illumination throughout the community.