Lighting Regulations in Ashton, Idaho: Preserving Small-Town Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in the Upper Snake River Valley, Ashton, Idaho has a rich agricultural heritage dating back to its establishment in the early 1900s. The arrival of the Oregon Short Line Railroad in 1905 sparked significant growth in this farming community, which continues to value its small-town charm and rural character today.

As Ashton balances modern development with preservation of its historical character, lighting regulations play an important role. These guidelines help maintain the town's distinctive atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses alike.

Quick Reference Guide to Ashton's Lighting Requirements

• Commercial & Industrial Properties:
• Maximum illumination of 0.4 foot-candles in neighboring residential areas
• Full cutoff fixtures required for all commercial and industrial lighting
• No uplighting permitted on buildings or landscape features
• Must shield intense light sources from neighboring properties
• Sign Illumination:
• Many temporary signs prohibit illumination entirely
• No blinking or flashing lights (minimum 8-second hold time required)
• External light sources must be directed and shielded
• Internally illuminated signs prohibited in certain residential zones
• General Requirements:
• Light sources must not create hazardous conditions for motorists or pedestrians
• Property owners are legally responsible for street lighting service charges

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Prevention

Commercial and industrial developments in Ashton must be considerate neighbors. The code specifically prohibits directing hazardous light, glare, or heat beyond property lines. This ensures that businesses can operate efficiently without negatively impacting nearby properties.

Technical Specifications

When lighting commercial or industrial properties, owners must adhere to these specific requirements:

• All fixtures must utilize full cutoff designs to prevent light pollution
• Properties may not generate illumination greater than 0.4 foot-candles in neighboring residential areas
• No uplighting is permitted on buildings or landscape features
• Intense light sources (like welding equipment) must be shielded from view

Shielding Requirements

The regulations specifically mention that commercial and industrial developments must shield welding equipment and similar intense light sources. This can be accomplished through:

• Enclosure in a building
• Strategic location on the property
• Construction of a fence or wall
• Dense landscaped buffer plantings

Sign Illumination Regulations

Prohibited Illumination

Ashton's code is quite specific about which types of signs cannot be illuminated at all:

• Construction signs - no illumination permitted
• Political signs - no illumination permitted
• Real estate signs - no illumination permitted
• Special event signs - no illumination permitted
• Land development signs - must be non-illuminated regardless of parcel size

Illumination Standards for Permitted Signs

For signs where illumination is allowed, specific standards apply:

• External light sources must be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of anything other than the sign
• Signs cannot have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
• Illuminated signs must hold their image for a minimum of 8 seconds
• No sign or light source should create distracting conditions for motorists or pedestrians

Zone-Specific Requirements

In certain residential zones (identified as LDRZD and HDRZD in the code), additional restrictions apply:

• Internally illuminated signs are prohibited
• Signs with exposed light sources are prohibited
• The only exception is for internally illuminated signs used by 24-hour emergency medical facilities

Billboard and Specific Sign Requirements

Billboard Illumination

Billboards in Ashton have specific lighting requirements:

• Internally illuminated billboards are prohibited
• Animated billboards are prohibited
• External illumination must comply with section 17.76.150
• All electrical wiring must be located underground

Other Sign Types

Different types of signs have varying illumination requirements:

• Suspended signs cannot be internally illuminated
• Wall signs, window signs, building directory signs, drive-up menu board signs, freestanding signs, and projecting signs must comply with section 17.76.150 illumination standards
• Multiple-tenant signs and replacement sign faces must comply with background illumination requirements

What Property Owners Should Know

Legal Responsibilities

Property owners in Ashton should be aware that they are legally responsible for charges related to street lighting services. This is explicitly stated in the municipal code alongside responsibilities for water, wastewater, and solid waste services.

Planning for New Development

When planning new commercial or industrial development, lighting considerations should be addressed early in the design process. The conditional use permit application process specifically evaluates the potential impact of glare on adjoining properties.

Sign Planning

If you're planning to install signage for your business, understanding the illumination restrictions is essential before making any purchases or installation plans. Many common sign types prohibit illumination entirely, while others have specific requirements.

Supporting Ashton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique balance that communities like Ashton strive to achieve. As a manufacturer with over a century of experience, we appreciate Ashton's commitment to preserving its small-town charm while meeting modern lighting needs.

Preserving Community Character

We recognize that Ashton's agricultural heritage and historical character are central to the community's identity. Our experience working with communities that value their distinctive character means we understand how lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining Ashton's special atmosphere.

Educational Resources

Beyond manufacturing, Bock serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. Our team stays informed about regional requirements and can help property owners understand how to achieve compliance while meeting their functional needs.

Sustainable Lighting Practices

We share Ashton's commitment to thoughtful development that respects neighboring properties and preserves the town's character. Our approach to lighting emphasizes sustainable practices that minimize light pollution and energy waste - values that align with Ashton's careful approach to development.

Conclusion

Ashton's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its small-town charm while ensuring safety and functionality. While the regulations focus primarily on commercial, industrial, and sign lighting, they demonstrate the community's thoughtful approach to development.

By preventing light trespass, minimizing glare, and regulating sign illumination, these guidelines help maintain Ashton's distinctive character - a character shaped by its agricultural roots and historic buildings like the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall.

For property owners, understanding these regulations early in any development process will help ensure projects move forward smoothly while respecting the community's values and legal requirements.