Lighting Regulations in Ankeny, Iowa: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Ankeny, Iowa has transformed from a small town of 445 residents in 1903 to a thriving Des Moines suburb with over 70,000 residents today. This rapid growth, coupled with the city's history of development following the introduction of electricity in 1907, has shaped how Ankeny approaches lighting regulations.

The city's expansion requires thoughtful lighting policies that balance modern needs with community values. Several major fires between 1932 and 1940 that threatened Ankeny's business district also influenced the city's approach to safety and development standards, including those related to lighting.

This guide outlines Ankeny's key lighting regulations to help property owners, businesses, and developers navigate compliance while contributing to the community's aesthetic goals.

Quick Reference Guide

• Commercial Properties: Must direct lighting to eliminate impacts on adjoining properties
• Signage Brightness: Maximum 5,000 NITS during daylight, 500 NITS from dusk to dawn
• Business Illumination: Minimum one foot-candle measured at floor level
• Parking Areas: Lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from residential properties
• Street Lighting: Replacements must match existing fixture type, wattage, color, dimensions, height and style
• Digital Signs: Must have automatic dimmer controls or ambient light monitors
• Permit Exemptions: No permits needed for replacement fixtures of same volt/amperage

Commercial Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Ankeny's code emphasizes that exterior lighting should enhance both building design and the adjoining landscape. The regulations focus on ensuring lighting is appropriate for its intended use rather than serving as an attraction to the site.

Key Requirements:

• Lighting must be directed to eliminate impacts on adjoining sites
• Uses shall not impair adequate supply of light and air to surrounding property
• Screening regulations aim to lessen the transmission of glare between properties

Special Commercial Districts

Uptown Ankeny and The District at Prairie Trail have specific requirements due to their unique character:

• These districts feature black decorative street lights
• Any installations within these areas must utilize existing poles or replacement poles that exactly match the style of existing decorative street lights

Business-Specific Requirements

Certain businesses have specific lighting requirements:

• General Commercial: Premises must have overhead lighting providing at least one foot-candle illumination measured at floor level
• Sexually Oriented Businesses: Cannot have flashing lights on exterior portions
• Mobile Home Parks: Storm shelters must meet minimum lighting requirements of applicable City and State codes

Signage Illumination Regulations

Digital and Electronic Signs

Ankeny has detailed regulations for illuminated digital signage, recognizing the potential impact these modern signs can have on the surrounding area.

Technical Specifications:

• Daytime Brightness: Maximum 5,000 NITS during daylight hours
• Nighttime Brightness: Maximum 500 NITS from dusk to dawn
• Controls Required: Must have automatic dimmer control or ambient light monitors
• Video Signs: Must automatically adjust intensity based on ambient light levels

Traditional Illuminated Signs

For standard illuminated signs, the focus is on preventing light trespass:

• All illuminated signs must use indirect or diffused light sources
• Design must prevent light rays from directing onto public streets or adjacent property
• No flashing signs or messages permitted in any district
• Smooth transitions such as fading or slow scrolling are not considered "flashing"

Street and Public Lighting

Consistency Requirements

Ankeny prioritizes visual consistency in street lighting throughout the city:

• Replacement street light poles must match the same fixture type and wattage as existing street lights
• Any replacement must match the color, dimensions, height and style of existing street light poles
• Small Wireless Facilities (SWF) should be mounted on streetlights if city infrastructure must be used

Public Safety Lighting

Several regulations address safety-related lighting:

• It is unlawful to extinguish any lamp placed to guard unsafe areas without consent
• Street frontage improvements must include street lights
• Sprinkler systems must include a weatherproof audible device with 110 candela visual signal

Parking Area Lighting

Parking area lighting regulations focus on minimizing impact on residential areas while ensuring safety:

• Lighting used to illuminate parking areas must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential properties
• Such lighting arrangements must prevent nuisance while providing safety to the public
• Property screening should be sufficient to shield neighboring properties from adverse effects, including glare

Permit Requirements and Exemptions

Ankeny has streamlined some lighting-related work by providing certain exemptions from permitting:

• No permits required for replacement of lighting fixtures of the same volt and amperage
• No permits required for electrical wiring of 50 volts or less
• Changing exterior lighting fixtures does not require permits if a certified engineer or architect certifies there will be no change in light intensity at the property boundary

What Property Owners Should Know

Residential Considerations

While many lighting regulations focus on commercial properties, residential property owners should note:

• Home occupations shall not cause glare that is detrimental to the neighborhood
• Uses shall not impair adequate light and air to surrounding properties
• Screening may be necessary to prevent light trespass between properties

Planning Ahead

When developing property in Ankeny:

• Include lighting plans in your application documents
• Mobile home park plans must show lighting details
• Consider how your lighting affects neighboring properties
• Be aware of special requirements if your property is in Uptown Ankeny or The District at Prairie Trail

Supporting Ankeny's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance Ankeny seeks between modern development and community character. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we share Ankeny's commitment to creating safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements. We understand how Ankeny's history, from its early electrification in 1907 to its current status as a growing suburb, shapes its approach to lighting.

Bock Lighting's expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs aligns with Ankeny's goals of maintaining community values while accommodating growth. We're committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that support the vision Ankeny has for its neighborhoods and commercial districts.

Conclusion

Ankeny's lighting regulations reflect its evolution from a small town to a vibrant suburb. These standards aim to ensure safety and functionality while preventing nuisance to neighbors and maintaining community character.

By understanding these requirements, property owners can contribute to Ankeny's vision of balanced growth and development. Whether you're installing new exterior lighting, replacing fixtures, or planning signage, these regulations provide a framework for responsible lighting that enhances the community.

Remember that specific projects may have unique requirements, and it's always advisable to consult with city planning officials when undertaking significant lighting changes to ensure full compliance with current regulations.