Lighting Regulations in Arden Hills, Minnesota: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Environmental Responsibility

Introduction

Nestled in Ramsey County with a population of approximately 10,000 residents, Arden Hills has evolved from its mid-19th century farming roots into a thoughtfully developed suburban community. The city's development was significantly influenced by the establishment of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) in 1941, which shaped both its growth pattern and community values.

Today, Arden Hills maintains a careful balance between modern development and suburban character preservation. This balance is reflected in the city's lighting regulations, which aim to ensure safety and functionality while preventing light pollution, protecting residential areas from light trespass, and creating visual harmony throughout the community.

Quick Reference Guide to Arden Hills Lighting Regulations

Key Requirements:

• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum of 1 foot candle on adjacent public streets and 0.4 foot candles on adjacent residential properties
• Directional Control: All lighting must be directed away from adjoining lots and public streets
• Light Source Concealment: Light sources must be hooded or concealed to prevent visibility from neighboring properties
• Efficiency Standards: High-efficiency lighting (LED) required in TCAAP development areas
• Photometric Plans: Required for new construction and redevelopment projects
• Special Considerations: Bird-friendly lighting designs encouraged, especially during migration seasons

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Direction and Intensity Controls

All exterior lighting in Arden Hills must be carefully arranged to direct light away from adjoining properties and public streets. The regulations specifically prohibit:

• Direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights or high-temperature processes
• Excessive illumination that creates light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Unshielded lighting that creates visibility issues for adjacent areas

Technical Light Level Requirements

The city has established precise measurements for acceptable light levels:

• Maximum of 1 foot candle on travel lanes of adjoining public streets
• Maximum of 0.4 foot candles on adjoining residential property
• Lighting under canopies (such as gas stations) must be recessed to prevent direct visibility from streets

Source Concealment

All light sources must be:

• Hooded
• Concealed
• Controlled in a manner that directs the lighting pattern only to the intended site

District-Specific Requirements

Commercial and Business Districts

In Arden Hills' business districts, lighting requirements become more specific:

Documentation Requirements

• Lighting plans showing location, type, and design must be submitted
• Photometric analysis of site and building required for approval
• Consistency standards for type, design, scale, and color to create district unity

Special Restrictions

• Light washing of buildings is prohibited in certain districts
• Wall packs allowed only at entrances in some areas
• Façade illumination limits: For non-residential uses visible from residential zones, maximum 25% of the visible façade may be illuminated by direct lighting

TCAAP Redevelopment Area

The former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant area has specialized requirements:

• High-efficiency lighting (LED) mandatory for all exterior lighting
• Street lighting heights: Maximum 30 feet for vehicular lighting, 18 feet for pedestrian lighting
• Placement specifications: Street lights placed approximately 40 feet apart, 3 feet behind curb
• Design compatibility: Light standards must complement street and building designs

Sign Illumination Regulations

Arden Hills carefully regulates how signs can be illuminated:

Prohibited Sign Lighting

• Temporary signs cannot be illuminated
• Temporary off-premise signs must be non-illuminated
• Non-shielded LED or flood lights are prohibited
• Flashing, blinking, or revolving lighting generally not permitted

Permitted Sign Lighting

• Service area canopy signs may be illuminated externally, internally, or backlit
• Awnings and canopies: If illuminated, sign area counts toward permitted wall sign area
• Material requirements: Fabric for illuminated awnings must be opaque with no internal illumination

Facility-Specific Requirements

Swimming Pools

Lighting for swimming pools must:

• Not interfere with reasonable use of adjacent properties
• Comply with applicable zoning regulations for the district

Gasoline Stations

• Canopy lighting must be recessed to prevent direct visibility from streets
• Accent lighting may be permitted through City review if it doesn't impact residential areas or traffic safety

Greenhouses

• Interior lighting permitted between 4:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Light levels at property lines must not exceed 1.0 foot-candles at any time

Amusement Arcades

• Interior must be well illuminated for proper observation of patrons
• Building inspector establishes standards for appropriate lighting levels

Bird-Friendly Lighting Design

Arden Hills encourages lighting designs that minimize impact on migratory birds:

Best Practices for Bird Protection

• Reduce exterior building lighting during migration seasons
• Direct exterior lighting downward with cutoff shields
• Avoid up-lighting rooftop equipment and architectural features
• Use automatic controls including photo-sensors and motion detectors
• Use interior window treatments to reduce light trespass from buildings
• Consider color selection: Use flashing white or non-flashing blue/green lights instead of red lights

These measures not only protect wildlife but also reduce energy costs and decrease air and light pollution.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for new construction or renovations:

• Start early: Incorporate lighting considerations in initial design phases
• Consult professionals: Work with lighting designers familiar with Arden Hills regulations
• Submit complete documentation: Include photometric plans showing illumination patterns
• Consider context: Account for relationship to lighting on abutting properties
• Budget appropriately: Higher-quality fixtures may cost more initially but ensure compliance

Common Compliance Challenges

Property owners sometimes struggle with:

• Balancing security needs with light trespass prevention
• Finding aesthetically pleasing fixtures that meet technical requirements
• Retrofitting existing lighting to meet current standards
• Understanding district-specific requirements that may vary across the city

Supporting Arden Hills' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Arden Hills' commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and environmental responsibility in lighting design. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and community needs allows us to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

We appreciate Arden Hills' thoughtful approach to lighting that protects residential areas while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and convenience. Our expertise in sustainable lighting practices aligns with the city's emphasis on high-efficiency lighting and environmental considerations, including bird-friendly designs.

As a community partner, we focus on helping maintain the suburban character that makes Arden Hills special, working with property owners to develop lighting solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and neighborhood context.

Conclusion

Arden Hills' lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its suburban character while ensuring safety and functionality. By directing light where it's needed, controlling intensity, and preventing light pollution, these regulations help create a harmonious community environment.

Property owners who understand and embrace these regulations not only ensure compliance but contribute to the city's vision of balanced development. Whether you're planning new construction or renovating an existing property, thoughtful lighting design that respects these regulations will enhance both your property and the broader community.