Lighting Regulations in Bellevue, Idaho: Preserving Dark Skies in a Historic Mining Town

Introduction: Bellevue's Commitment to Quality Lighting

Founded in 1880 during Idaho's mining boom, Bellevue has always valued its unique character and historical heritage. Despite challenges like the devastating 1905 fire that destroyed much of its business district, the city has maintained its commitment to preserving its historical charm while embracing modern development needs.

Bellevue's approach to outdoor lighting regulations reflects this balance, focusing on minimizing light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality. These regulations help maintain the town's historical ambiance and protect one of the area's natural treasures: its dark, star-filled night skies.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Most Critical Requirements:

• All exterior lighting must use full cutoff luminaires with downcast and fully shielded light sources
• No light trespass is permitted onto neighboring properties or public rights-of-way
• Uplighting is prohibited for landscaping (only US/Idaho flags allowed with max 1,300 lumens)
• Height restrictions: Parking area lights (17ft max), residential freestanding lights (12ft max)
• Parking lot illumination: Cannot exceed average of 1.5 foot-candles
• Holiday lighting periods: November 1 to March 15 (must be off by 11:00 PM)
• Wall washing: Prohibited for residential properties

General Standards and Purpose

Core Lighting Principles

Bellevue's outdoor lighting ordinance is designed to:

• Protect public health, safety, welfare, and quality of life
• Preserve residents' ability to view the night sky
• Provide safe roadways for all users
• Protect against direct glare and excessive lighting
• Prevent light trespass throughout the city
• Promote energy-efficient lighting solutions

Light Pollution Prevention

All exterior lighting in Bellevue must be designed to minimize:

• Overlighting of areas
• Energy waste from excessive illumination
• Glare affecting visibility
• Light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Skyglow that diminishes night sky visibility

Technical Requirements for Exterior Lighting

Fixture Types and Installation

• No unshielded or clear glass luminaires are permitted
• Area lights must be minimum 85° full cutoff type luminaires
• Exceptions: Luminaires with maximum output of 1,000 lumens may be partially shielded if the lamp isn't visible and has an opaque top or is under a solid overhang
• Floodlights with external shielding must be angled no higher than 30° measured from vertical

Height and Mounting Restrictions

• Parking area luminaires: Maximum 17 feet tall
• Residential freestanding lights: Maximum 12 feet tall
• Playing field lights: Exempt from height restrictions while field is in use

Mounting Height and Maximum Lumen Guidelines

Bellevue provides specific guidelines correlating mounting height with maximum permitted lumens:

• 6 feet: Max 1,000 lumens
• 8 feet: 600 to 1,600 lumens
• 10 feet: 1,000 to 2,000 lumens
• 12 feet: 1,600 to 2,400 lumens
• 16 feet: 2,400 to 6,000 lumens
• 20 feet: 4,000 to 8,000 lumens
• 24 feet: 6,000 to 9,000 lumens

Illumination Levels

• Parking lot lighting: Maximum average of 1.5 foot-candles
• Wall washing (where permitted):
• Dark colored surfaces: Maximum 1.0 foot-candle
• Light colored surfaces: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle

Special Lighting Considerations

Holiday and Decorative Lighting

• Residential holiday lighting: Allowed November 1 to March 15
• Must be turned off by 11:00 PM
• Flashing holiday lights discouraged
• Commercial holiday lighting: Allowed November 1 to March 15
• Must be turned off by 11:00 PM or business closing (whichever is later)

Specialized Lighting Applications

• Sensor-activated lights:
• Must prevent glare onto other properties
• Must turn off within 5 minutes after activation ceases
• Cannot be triggered by activity off the property
• Flag lighting:
• Uplighting permitted only for US or Idaho flags
• Maximum 1,300 lumens
• Canopy lights:
• Must be fully recessed or fully shielded
• No light source visible from public ways or adjacent properties

What Property Owners Should Know

Approval and Review Process

Property owners seeking to install exterior lighting must submit plans showing:

• Location of all fixtures
• Type of luminaires
• Height of fixtures
• Lumen output for each fixture
• Illuminance levels

A Lighting Administrator reviews all applications to ensure compliance with the city's standards.

Prohibited Lighting Practices

Bellevue specifically prohibits:

• Uplighting for landscaping
• Wall wash lighting for residences, condominiums, and apartments
• Light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Exterior neon lighting (with limited exceptions)
• Leaving non-essential exterior lighting on after business hours

Public Nuisance Considerations

• Commercial lighting: All non-essential exterior lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Residential lighting: Must not create a public nuisance through light trespassing

Supporting Bellevue's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the importance of preserving Bellevue's historical character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Bellevue's commitment to balancing safety and functionality with aesthetic preservation.

With our deep understanding of historical architectural styles and lighting requirements, we can help Bellevue residents and businesses navigate lighting regulations while enhancing the community's character. We appreciate Bellevue's efforts to protect its dark skies and historic ambiance through thoughtful lighting standards.

Our team is familiar with the types of full cutoff fixtures and shielded designs that comply with Bellevue's regulations, and we're committed to supporting sustainable lighting practices that respect community standards. Rather than simply selling products, we strive to serve as a resource to help communities like Bellevue maintain their distinctive character.

Conclusion

Bellevue's lighting regulations reflect the city's dedication to preserving its historical charm while embracing responsible development. By controlling light pollution, the city protects both its architectural heritage and natural night skies.

For property owners and businesses, understanding these regulations is essential before installing or modifying exterior lighting. The city's detailed guidelines on fixture types, mounting heights, and illumination levels ensure that lighting enhances safety and functionality without detracting from Bellevue's character or creating nuisances for neighbors.

By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining Bellevue's unique charm and quality of life for generations to come.