Lighting Regulations in Voorhees Township, New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Illumination Standards

Introduction: Balancing Growth with Community Character

Voorhees Township, established in 1899 and named after Governor Foster McGowan Voorhees, has evolved from its early Bavarian settler roots into a thriving suburban community within the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. With a population of 31,069 as of the 2020 census, the township continues to balance modern development needs with its historical character and community values.

As the township has grown, comprehensive lighting regulations have been established to ensure safety, enhance aesthetic appeal, and minimize light pollution. These standards reflect Voorhees' commitment to maintaining its suburban charm while accommodating commercial and residential development.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the key lighting requirements you need to know in Voorhees Township:

• Maximum Property Line Illumination: 0.2 footcandles at common property lines
• Maximum Fixture Heights: Range from 14-25 feet based on building height
• After-Hours Requirements: 40% of parking lot lights must remain on after 10:00 p.m.
• Commercial Properties: At least 50% of lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Preferred Light Sources: Metal halide or LHD lamps and fixtures
• Required Design Features: All exterior lights must have shielding and/or cutoff optics
• Light Trespass Prevention: Lights must be designed to prevent glare across property lines

Illumination Standards by Area Type

Roadways and Access Points

The township has specific illumination levels required for different roadway types:

• Interior streets (residential): 0.4 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Access drives (residential): 0.4 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Access drives (commercial): 0.6 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Intersections: 1.0 to 2.0 footcandles average maintained illumination

Parking Areas

Different parking areas have varying illumination requirements:

• Residential parking: 0.4 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Industrial parking: 0.6 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Non-residential walkways: Maximum 0.9 footcandles
• After-hours requirement: 40% of lights must remain on from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise

Pedestrian Areas

Sidewalk lighting is calibrated based on the surrounding zone:

• Residential sidewalks: 0.2 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Commercial sidewalks: 0.6 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Industrial sidewalks: 0.6 footcandles average maintained illumination
• Crosswalk bollards: Minimum 36 inches high with 100-watt metal halide or high-pressure sodium lamp providing at least 0.5 footcandles

Security Lighting

• Average maintained illumination: 0.3 footcandles
• Special areas: Loading docks and entrances may have higher illumination but must be on separate circuits to be turned off when not in use

Fixture Height Regulations

Voorhees Township regulates the maximum height of lighting fixtures based on building heights:

• For buildings up to 24 feet: Maximum fixture mounting height of 14 feet
• For buildings 25-34 feet: Maximum fixture mounting height of 20 feet
• For buildings 35+ feet: Maximum fixture mounting height of 25 feet
• R-10 Residence Zone: No light fixture shall exceed 18 feet in height

Route 73 Corridor Special Requirements

• Required fixtures: Hadco Hagerstown fixtures or approved similar style
• Pole specifications: Black decorative lamp poles (Hadco Classic I or approved equal)
• Concrete foundation pads: Cannot exceed six inches in height above grade
• Lamppost heights: 12-foot lampposts along streets, sidewalks, and walkways; up to 16 feet in parking areas

Light Pollution Prevention

Voorhees Township places strong emphasis on reducing light pollution:

Shielding and Direction Requirements

• All exterior lights must be designed, located, and installed to prevent objectionable light and glare across property lines
• 90-degree cutoff required: Light must not travel above a 90-degree horizontal plane
• Recessed lamps: All lamps must be recessed in luminaires to prevent glare
• Mandatory shielding: Shielding and/or cutoff optics required in all installations

Light Trespass Limits

• Maximum at property line: 0.2 footcandles at common property lines
• Adjacent to residential zones: Maximum 0.6 to 0.7 footcandles
• House side shields: Required to reduce lighting spillover
• Buffer areas: Must be designed to obscure light between properties

Prohibited Lighting

• Searchlights: Not permitted for advertising or entertainment
• Laser lights: Not permitted for advertising or entertainment
• Intermittent lighting: No sign shall be illuminated by lighting of intermittent or varying intensity

Digital Signage and LED Regulations

The township has specific rules for LED and digital signage:

• Operating hours: LED signs may only operate during business hours
• Message duration: LED messages must display for at least 5 minutes before changing
• Static messages only: No crawling text or motion allowed
• Size restrictions: LED portion may not exceed 75% of total sign area in permitted zones
• Special allowances:
• Businesses with plenary retail consumption liquor licenses may have digital changeable copy signs (limited to 1/3 of total sign area or 24 square feet)
• Filling stations may have one digital sign for gasoline prices only (maximum 12 square feet)

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning and Compliance Requirements

Navigating Voorhees Township's lighting regulations requires careful planning:

• Expert design: Lighting plans must be designed by an experienced lighting designer
• Certification: The designer must certify that the plan conforms with township standards
• Documentation: Detailed lighting plans, manufacturer's details, and illumination diagrams must be submitted to the Planning Board

After-Hours Operations

Different requirements apply based on property type:

• Parking areas: 40% of lights must remain on from 10:00 p.m. until sunrise
• Business/commercial areas: At least 50% of lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Special areas: Lighting for loading docks and other special-use areas must be on separate circuits

Energy Efficiency Considerations

The township encourages energy-efficient lighting through:

• Minimum wattage recommendation to avoid light pollution while maintaining visibility
• Building orientation to maximize benefits of daylighting
• Energy usage reduction through efficient lighting and occupant controls
• Energy Star-labeled products are encouraged

Supporting Voorhees Township's Lighting Vision

Since 1918, Bock Lighting has maintained a commitment to understanding the unique character and needs of communities like Voorhees Township. As a Northeast manufacturer with deep regional roots, we appreciate Voorhees' balance of modern suburban development with its historical character and community values.

Our team of lighting professionals understands the technical requirements of Voorhees Township's lighting regulations and can serve as a resource for property owners navigating these standards. We share the township's commitment to minimizing light pollution while maintaining safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing illumination.

Whether your project involves residential development, commercial spaces, or public areas, having a partner who understands both the letter and spirit of local regulations can make the compliance process smoother. Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us well-positioned to support lighting solutions that align with Voorhees Township's vision.

Conclusion

Voorhees Township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing growth with community values. These standards ensure that lighting supports safety and functionality while minimizing negative impacts on neighboring properties and the night sky.

Property owners should work closely with lighting professionals familiar with these regulations to ensure compliance from the earliest stages of planning. By following these guidelines, development can proceed in a way that honors both the letter of the regulations and the community character that makes Voorhees Township special.

Remember that while this guide provides an overview of key requirements, the Planning Board retains the authority to modify these requirements when appropriate. Always consult with township officials during the planning process to ensure your lighting design meets current standards.