Lighting Regulations in Bardstown, Kentucky: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety and Function

Introduction: Bardstown's Lighting Philosophy

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Bardstown stands as a testament to America's rich architectural heritage. Established in 1788 and named after William Bard, this historic town features a remarkable collection of Federal and Georgian architecture dating back to the late 18th century.

The Bardstown Historic District, encompassing 26 blocks with 279 historic properties, represents the town's commitment to preserving its unique character while embracing modern needs. This commitment extends to how the town approaches lighting regulations.

As "The Most Beautiful Small Town in America," Bardstown strives to balance historic preservation with contemporary functionality. The town's lighting regulations reflect this philosophy, aiming to maintain the aesthetic integrity of historic areas while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and usability.

Quick Reference Guide to Bardstown's Lighting Regulations

Critical Requirements:

• Property lighting must not exceed 0.5 foot candles at property lines
• Maximum lighting pole height: 25 feet (variance possible up to 40 feet)
• Nighttime lighting (10 PM - 7 AM) limited to low-pressure sodium lighting
• Sign illumination not to exceed 15 foot candles at the sign face
• Electronic signs limited to maximum brightness of 500 nits at night
• No lighting permitted to shine onto public rights-of-way or neighboring properties
• No flashing or strobe lighting permitted

Security Lighting Options

Municipal Security Light Service

For property owners seeking reliable security lighting, Bardstown offers municipal light service with simple, standardized options:

• Standard security light
• 175-watt security light available for $6.55 per month
• Additional $0.50 monthly charge if city must install a pole
• Larger security lights available through negotiated price contracts

Benefits of Municipal Lighting

This program allows property owners to maintain consistent security lighting without managing installation or maintenance themselves. The standardized wattage helps ensure appropriate illumination without excessive brightness that could impact neighboring properties.

Property Illumination Requirements

General Property Lighting Standards

Bardstown has implemented thoughtful regulations to ensure adequate lighting while preventing light pollution:

• Maximum pole height: 25 feet standard (variance possible up to 40 feet with sufficient setback)
• Maximum light trespass: Property lighting shall not exceed 0.5 foot candles at property lines
• Nighttime restrictions: Outdoor lighting between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. limited to low-pressure sodium lighting
• Documentation required: Photometric plan and outdoor lighting report addressing all aspects of property illumination

Special Considerations

• Architectural and decorative lighting evaluated case-by-case
• Food service establishments must have well-lighted food preparation areas and toilet facilities
• Vending facilities must have permanently or semi-permanently affixed lighting

Light Trespass Prevention

Bardstown places strong emphasis on preventing light from affecting neighboring properties:

• No lighting shall shine onto public rights-of-way or other private property
• No lighting shall cause glare considered a public hazard, nuisance, or distraction
• Trees must be pruned to prevent interference with street lighting
• Photometric plans must address mitigation of negative lighting impacts on adjacent properties

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Bardstown carefully regulates sign illumination to maintain its historic character:

• All illuminated signs must comply with National Electric Code provisions
• All detached signs must have underground electrical sources
• Sign lighting directed away from traffic and adjoining residential properties
• Maximum illumination: 15 foot candles at any point on the sign face
• External lighting of monument signs must be concealed and ground-mounted

Sign Types and Permitted Illumination

Different sign types have specific illumination permissions:

• Multi-family residential directional signs: Indirect or diffused lighting only
• Public/semi-public institutional signs: May be indirectly or internally illuminated
• Subdivision/development signs: May be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated

Electronic Sign Regulations

LED and Digital Sign Requirements

Bardstown has developed comprehensive regulations for electronic signage to maintain the town's character:

Technical Specifications

• Brightness control: Must include automated light-sensing devices (photocell technology)
• Maximum brightness: Cannot exceed 500 nits during night/dark conditions
• Background requirement: Must have black opaque background
• Text color options: Limited to monochrome text in amber, green, blue, red, or white

Content and Operation Restrictions

• Content limitations: Text only, must be static and stationary
• Prohibited effects: No flashing, scrolling, chasing, rotating, blinking or pulsating
• Animation restrictions: No animated images or movement effects
• Update frequency: Text changes no more frequent than once per minute
• Maintenance requirement: Malfunctioning signs must be repaired within 48 hours

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Installation

When planning lighting for your Bardstown property, keep these key points in mind:

• Documentation is essential: Prepare a photometric plan addressing all aspects of property illumination
• Consider nighttime requirements: Plan for low-pressure sodium lighting during overnight hours
• Mind your neighbors: Ensure lighting doesn't spill over property lines
• Address potential impacts: Your lighting plan should discuss methods to mitigate negative impacts on adjacent properties
• Tree maintenance: Keep trees trimmed to avoid blocking street lighting

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Inadequate or improper lighting can have serious consequences:

• Dwellings with deficient lighting may be declared "unfit for human habitation"
• Non-compliant signs showing deficiencies like exposed light bulbs may be considered improperly maintained
• Electronic signs that malfunction must be repaired within 48 hours

Supporting Bardstown's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, established in 1918, shares Bardstown's commitment to balancing historic preservation with modern functionality. As a manufacturer with deep roots in American architectural lighting, we understand the importance of maintaining the unique character of historic communities like Bardstown.

We appreciate Bardstown's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations—creating guidelines that respect the town's Federal and Georgian architecture while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and usability. Our experience with historic communities helps us understand the delicate balance between preservation and practical lighting needs.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. We understand regional architectural styles and can help property owners implement lighting solutions that comply with local requirements while enhancing the character of historic properties.

Through our commitment to responsible lighting practices, we support communities like Bardstown in their efforts to preserve their distinctive heritage while meeting contemporary needs—ensuring that the "Most Beautiful Small Town in America" remains beautifully lit for generations to come.

Conclusion

Bardstown's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. From security lighting and property illumination to sign lighting and electronic displays, these regulations aim to prevent light pollution and trespass while maintaining the town's aesthetic integrity.

Property owners should carefully review these requirements when planning lighting installations, particularly focusing on brightness levels, fixture heights, and potential impacts on neighboring properties. With thoughtful planning and compliance with these regulations, Bardstown can continue to shine as a beacon of historic preservation while meeting modern lighting needs.