Lighting Regulations in Yoe Borough, Pennsylvania: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Needs

Introduction: Yoe Borough's Lighting Legacy

Nestled in York County, Pennsylvania, Yoe Borough carries a rich historical heritage dating back to its late 19th century founding by Samuel Yoe. This small community takes pride in its architectural character and small-town charm, carefully balancing preservation with contemporary needs.

The borough's approach to exterior lighting reflects this delicate balance. While maintaining the cozy, historic ambiance that defines Yoe, the community has established lighting guidelines that promote safety and functionality without compromising its distinctive character.

Quick Reference Guide to Yoe Borough Lighting Regulations

Before diving into details, here's a summary of key lighting requirements in Yoe Borough:

• Spillover Limit: Maximum 1.0 horizontal foot-candle onto residential properties
• Height Restriction: 35-foot maximum height for luminaires within 150 feet of existing dwellings
• Prohibited Lighting: Flashing/flickering lights, floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising
• Shielding Requirement: All light sources must be properly diffused and shielded
• Business Appearance: Home-based businesses must have no outside appearance, including lights
• Sign Illumination: Signs must be directed downward and turned off between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Seasonal Exception: Non-advertising seasonal lights allowed between October 25 and January 10

General Lighting Standards

Height and Placement Requirements

The borough carefully regulates the placement and height of exterior lighting to minimize impact on residential areas:

• Maximum Height: No luminaire within 150 feet of an existing dwelling may exceed 35 feet above ground level
• Exceptions: Lights needed for air safety, architectural feature illumination, or outdoor public recreation facilities

Light Trespass and Spillover Control

Yoe Borough places significant emphasis on preventing unwanted light from affecting neighboring properties:

• Exterior lighting on commercial, institutional, or industrial properties must not exceed 1.0 horizontal foot-candle spillover onto residential lots
• All light sources must be properly shielded to prevent creating a nuisance to persons in adjacent dwellings
• Lighting must be carefully directed to avoid shining into the eyes of passing motorists

Prohibited Lighting Types

To maintain community aesthetics and prevent distractions, certain lighting types are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing, flickering, or strobe lighting (except for seasonal lights between October 25 and January 10)
• Floodlights and outdoor lasers for advertising purposes
• Lights that create glare on adjacent properties or streets

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Business and Commercial Lighting

Different types of businesses have specific lighting requirements:

Home-Based Businesses

• No-impact home-based businesses: Must have no outside appearance of a business, including lights
• No equipment permitted that produces glare detectable on another property

Self-Storage Facilities

• Adequate security lighting required but must be directed away or shielded from adjacent residential uses

Gasoline Sales Canopies

• Light fixtures must be recessed into the canopy or screened
• Lighting elements cannot be visible from another lot or street

Recreational and Institutional Lighting

For community spaces and institutions, special considerations apply:

Schools

• No illuminated recreation facilities within 50 feet of a residential lot line

Outdoor Recreation

• Must comply with the light and glare control standards in Part 5 of the borough code

Public Recreation Areas

• Protection of borough lighting fixtures in recreation areas is mandated

Sign Illumination Guidelines

General Sign Lighting Requirements

• Signs must be illuminated in a way that doesn't create glare for motorists or residents
• Light must be directed downward toward the sign area
• Illuminated signs must be turned off between midnight and 6 a.m.

Specific Sign Types

Bed and Breakfast Inn Signs

• May only be illuminated externally
• Must use incandescent light or similar effect

Commercial Signs

• Freestanding illuminated signs cannot be located within 5 feet of a residential district dwelling
• Electronic changeable message signs are prohibited in residential districts

Lighting Application and Documentation

When planning a lighting installation, property owners should note:

• Site plans must include information on the heights, locations, methods of illumination and intensity of exterior lighting
• For special uses like airports, applications must describe proposed lighting (though the Borough may restrict the type, provided it doesn't conflict with FAA requirements)
• Light fixtures for non-residential uses may be required to be placed along streets and aimed away from the street to minimize light shining onto residential lots

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When considering exterior lighting for your property in Yoe Borough, keep these practical points in mind:

• Direction matters: Always aim lights downward and away from neighboring properties
• Shielding is essential: Use fixtures with appropriate shields to prevent light trespass
• Consider timing: For businesses, remember that sign lighting must be turned off overnight
• Document thoroughly: Include detailed lighting specifications in any site plans submitted to the borough

Common Compliance Challenges

Property owners sometimes face challenges with:

• Balancing security and compliance: Security lighting needs must be met while preventing spillover
• Seasonal displays: While holiday lighting has some exemptions, it must still comply with general safety standards
• Historic properties: Finding appropriate lighting that maintains historical character while meeting modern regulations

Supporting Yoe Borough's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Yoe Borough's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern lighting technology. As a manufacturer with deep understanding of small-town architectural styles and community needs, Bock appreciates the delicate balance Yoe maintains between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Our team understands the unique challenges of lighting in communities with rich historical backgrounds. We focus on providing educational resources to help property owners navigate lighting regulations while maintaining the distinctive character that makes Yoe special.

With experience in projects that respect community character and local regulations, we're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Yoe Borough's vision for preserving its small-town charm while meeting contemporary needs.

Conclusion

Yoe Borough's lighting regulations reflect its dedication to maintaining historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By carefully controlling light spillover, height, and intensity, these guidelines help preserve the community's small-town atmosphere.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying exterior lighting. Through thoughtful compliance with these standards, residents and businesses contribute to Yoe's ongoing efforts to balance historical preservation with modern lighting needs.

For specific questions about lighting compliance in Yoe Borough, property owners should consult the complete borough code or contact borough officials directly.