Lighting Regulations in Auburn, Nebraska: Historic Character and Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Founded in 1882 through the merger of Calvert and Sheridan, Auburn, Nebraska carries a rich historical legacy that continues to shape its approach to urban development and planning. This small city in Nemaha County balances preservation of its historical character—exemplified by structures like its Georgian Revival post office built in 1936-37—with the practical needs of a modern community.

Auburn's commitment to environmental stewardship and community values, recognized by awards such as the National Millennium Arbor Day Award in 2000, extends to how the city manages its lighting infrastructure and regulations. Though Auburn's lighting code is not extensive, it provides important guidelines for residents and businesses focused on safety, nuisance prevention, and preservation of community character.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Construction Sites: Must use warning lights at night to mark excavations and hazards
• Parking Lots: Lighting must be arranged to direct light away from adjacent properties and streets
• Business Lighting: Establishments selling alcohol must maintain continuous white lighting during business hours
• Signs: Illuminated signs must not direct light onto residential buildings or streets
• Home Occupations: Must not produce glare detectable beyond property boundaries
• Industrial Settings: All glare from activities like welding must be shielded from visibility at lot lines

Public Lighting Administration

City Authority and Funding

Auburn's municipal government maintains significant authority over public lighting infrastructure. The code specifically states that the city may:

• Make contracts for up to five years for "the furnishing of light for the streets, lanes, alleys and other public places and property of the city, and the inhabitants thereof"
• Levy taxes specifically "for the purpose of paying the costs of lighting the streets, lanes, alleys and other public places and property of the city"

Infrastructure Options

The city has flexibility in how lighting infrastructure is deployed. According to the regulations, "telephone, electric, street lighting and communications conductors may be installed underground at the option of the City Council."

This provision allows Auburn to maintain its historical aesthetic while implementing modern lighting solutions where appropriate.

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Alcohol-Serving Establishments

Auburn has specific lighting requirements for businesses serving alcohol:

• Interior Visibility: No lighting arrangements can prevent "a full view of the entire interior of the premises from the street, road or sidewalk"
• Continuous Lighting: All rooms where liquor is sold must be "continuously lighted during business hours by natural or artificial white light"
• Complete Visibility: Lighting must ensure "all parts of the interior of the premises shall be clearly visible"

These requirements likely serve both public safety and regulatory compliance purposes.

Parking Areas

For commercial parking areas, the code specifies that "if lighting is used to illuminate parking lots, it shall be so arranged as to reflect lighting away from the adjacent properties and public street."

This requirement aims to prevent light trespass while maintaining adequate illumination for safety.

Sign Illumination Standards

Light Direction Controls

Auburn's code contains several provisions regarding illuminated signs:

• Light Projection: "Where the sign is illuminated, direct rays of light shall not beam upon any residential building or into any street"
• Traffic Safety: "Lighted signs in direct vision of a traffic signal shall not be in red, green or amber illumination"
• Flashing Signs: Generally restricted, especially in industrial districts

Special Approvals

Flashing signs are not completely prohibited but require special consideration:

• They "shall be allowed only upon approval of the Building Official"
• Approval depends on determining that the sign "will in no way create a traffic hazard or confusion with traffic lights or with lights on emergency vehicles"

Residential and Home Occupation Standards

Home-Based Businesses

For home occupations, Auburn's code focuses on preventing disturbances to neighbors:

• "No equipment or process shall be used in the home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot"
• For multi-family residences, these effects must not be detectable "outside the dwelling unit"

Accessory Buildings

Similarly, accessory buildings must be "maintained and conducted as to not produce noise, vibration, concussion, dust, dirt, fly ash, odor, noxious gases, heat or glare which is injurious, damaging, unhealthful or distributing adjacent property or the users thereof."

Construction Site Lighting Safety

Night Safety Requirements

Auburn places strong emphasis on lighting for safety at construction sites:

• During construction near public ways, the owner or occupant must protect excavations "by suitable guards or barricades by day and by warning lights at night"
• Excavations not properly lit at night "shall be deemed to be an obstruction"
• The City Street Commissioner or any police officer has authority to stop work until proper lighting is installed

These requirements prioritize public safety around potentially hazardous construction areas.

Industrial Area Requirements

Controlling Industrial Glare

For industrial properties, the code specifically addresses high-intensity light sources:

• "All glare, such as welding arcs and open furnaces, shall be shielded so that they shall not be visible from the lot line"

This requirement prevents industrial light pollution from affecting neighboring properties while allowing necessary industrial activities to continue.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Auburn's lighting regulations helps property owners comply with city code while creating functional, attractive lighting designs:

Key Considerations for Property Owners

• Directionality: Focus on directing light down and away from neighboring properties
• Visibility: Ensure adequate lighting for safety without creating glare or excessive brightness
• Maintenance: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent interference with street lighting
• Special Uses: Check with city officials when planning unique lighting installations or illuminated signs

When Planning New Projects

For new construction or renovations, consider lighting early in the planning process:

• Discuss lighting plans with city officials during the permitting process
• Consider how lighting will impact neighboring properties
• Incorporate accessible light switches and controls in accordance with code requirements
• Balance aesthetic appeal with safety requirements and nuisance prevention

Supporting Auburn's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we deeply appreciate Auburn's balanced approach to community development—preserving historical character while ensuring modern safety and functionality. Our Northeast Ohio roots dating back to 1918 give us perspective on the importance of community character and appropriate lighting solutions.

As a company that values historical preservation alongside technological advancement, we understand Auburn's needs for lighting that complements its Georgian Revival and other historical architectural styles while meeting modern safety standards.

Rather than applying one-size-fits-all lighting solutions, we believe in understanding each community's unique character and regulations. Auburn's emphasis on preventing light nuisance while ensuring safety aligns with our philosophy of responsible lighting design.

For communities like Auburn that balance heritage with modern needs, educational resources and regional expertise can help navigate lighting decisions. We're committed to supporting communities in creating lighting that enhances public spaces while respecting local regulations and historical context.

Conclusion

Auburn's lighting regulations focus primarily on safety, nuisance prevention, and maintaining the city's aesthetic qualities. While not extensive in technical specifications, these standards provide important guidelines to ensure lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community.

Property owners should focus particularly on preventing light trespass onto neighboring properties, ensuring adequate safety lighting, and obtaining proper approvals for specialized lighting applications like illuminated signs.

By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to Auburn's continued balance of historical character, environmental stewardship, and modern functionality that has defined this southeastern Nebraska community since its founding in 1882.