Lighting Regulations in Auburn, Michigan: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance

Introduction: Balancing Safety and Community Character

Auburn, Michigan, a small city nestled in Bay County, has established lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to balancing community safety with maintaining its small-town charm. Founded in the mid-19th century, Auburn has always valued community cohesion and practical development approaches, which is evident in its lighting ordinances.

These regulations serve multiple purposes: enhancing safety, preventing light pollution, reducing neighbor conflicts, and preserving the modest architectural character that defines this community. As Auburn continues to evolve while honoring its roots, understanding these lighting requirements has become essential for property owners and businesses alike.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting regulations in Auburn:

• Exterior lighting must be arranged to reduce glare and reflect light away from adjacent residential areas
• At internal street intersections and pedestrian crosswalks, minimum illumination must be not less than 0.15 foot candles
• Internal roads, parking, and sidewalks require illumination of at least 0.05 foot candles
• Home businesses must not produce glare beyond property lines
• Sign lighting equipment must have UL listings and be properly labeled
• Lighting for sidewalks, parking, and loading areas must be directed toward and confined to ground areas

Exterior Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Auburn's regulations are designed to ensure lighting enhances safety without becoming a nuisance. All outdoor lighting used to illuminate general areas must be arranged to reduce glare and reflect light away from adjacent residential districts or residences.

Ground-Directed Illumination

When lighting sidewalks, parking areas, loading zones, and other similar outdoor spaces, fixtures must be:

• Directed toward and confined to the ground areas
• Positioned to avoid interfering with vision of persons on adjacent highways or property
• Properly maintained to prevent hazards or nuisances

Building and Sign Illumination

External lighting for buildings and signs requires special attention:

• Must be placed and shielded to prevent visual interference
• Sign lighting equipment must have UL listings
• Labels must be easily readable for inspection purposes

Exemptions

It's worth noting that lighting established or maintained by city, county, state, or federal authorities is exempt from these requirements.

Specific Property Type Requirements

Home Occupations and Businesses

For those operating businesses from their homes, Auburn specifically prohibits producing glare that extends beyond property lines. In multi-family housing, such nuisances should not extend beyond individual dwelling units.

Manufactured Home Developments

These communities have detailed illumination requirements:

• Access points must be properly lighted
• At internal street intersections and designated pedestrian crosswalks: minimum illumination of 0.15 foot candles
• All internal roads, parking areas, and sidewalks: minimum illumination of 0.05 foot candles
• When adjacent to public thoroughfares, illumination should not exceed the average level of the public area

Commercial and Industrial Entrances

All employee, public, and loading entrances must be illuminated. However, lights must be deflected to avoid creating traffic hazards or affecting adjacent residents.

Special Requirements for Structures and Projects

Tower Lighting

Auburn has specific regulations for towers:

• Towers should not be artificially illuminated unless required by the FAA
• Strobe lights are prohibited unless specifically mandated by regulatory authorities
• When integrated into approved design, light fixtures for ball fields, parking lots, etc., may be attached to towers
• All FAA-required lighting must be shielded where possible to reduce glare and ground visibility
• Tower shafts should remain unlit unless FAA regulations require illumination

Wind Energy Conversion Systems

These systems may not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA, approved by relevant authorities, or specifically authorized by the Planning Commission.

Site Plan Requirements and Documentation

Lighting Plan Submissions

For projects requiring lighting approval, applicants must provide:

• Manufacturer's computer-generated point-to-point printout
• Documentation of horizontal foot candle levels at grade
• Measurements within the property and extending 25 feet beyond property lines
• Locations and types of all proposed luminaries

Design Principles

Auburn promotes thoughtful lighting design that:

• Primarily serves to illuminate parking and vehicular areas for safety
• Uses separate ground-mounted standards adjacent to parking or vehicular areas
• Complements the surrounding environment
• Controls negative impacts like glare so they're not discernible beyond property boundaries

What Property Owners Should Know

Best Practices for Compliance

To ensure your lighting meets Auburn's requirements:

• Aim lights downward to minimize light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Install shields on exterior fixtures to control light direction
• Maintain all lighting hardware in good working condition
• For businesses, ensure all illuminated signs have proper UL listings
• Document your lighting plans thoroughly if submitting for approval

Safety Requirements for Construction and Excavation

For temporary work:

• All openings and excavations must be properly barricaded
• Night warning lights must be provided with specific spacing:
• No more than 3 feet apart when perpendicular to traffic flow
• No more than 15 feet apart when parallel to traffic flow

Supporting Auburn's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Auburn's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community character. With a deep understanding of the lighting needs of small Midwestern communities, Bock appreciates Auburn's practical approach to lighting regulations.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles allows us to provide lighting solutions that complement Auburn's modest community-centric buildings while meeting all technical requirements. As a company that values education and community support, we're committed to helping property owners understand and comply with local regulations.

Bock Lighting serves as a resource for communities like Auburn, sharing knowledge about lighting technologies that enhance safety while minimizing disruption to neighboring properties. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Auburn's balanced approach to development and preservation.

Conclusion

Auburn's lighting regulations reflect its practical approach to community development – ensuring safety and functionality while preventing nuisances. By focusing on directing light appropriately, minimizing glare, and maintaining adequate illumination levels for safety, these standards help preserve the quality of life that makes Auburn special.

Property owners who understand and implement these requirements contribute to a community that values both progress and neighborly consideration. Whether you're planning a new development, modifying an existing property, or simply replacing outdoor fixtures, keeping these regulations in mind will help ensure compliance and community harmony.

For specific questions about interpretation or application of these lighting regulations, property owners should consult with Auburn's planning department or building officials for guidance.