Lighting Regulations in Bellevue, Nebraska: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance and Safety

Bellevue, one of Nebraska's oldest settlements dating back to 1822, has carefully balanced its rich historical heritage with modern development needs. As the city has grown from its origins as a Missouri Fur Company trading post to become part of the thriving Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area, lighting regulations have evolved to support both safety and community character.

The following guide outlines Bellevue's lighting requirements based on the city's building code, helping property owners understand their obligations while appreciating the historical context behind these regulations.

Quick Reference Guide

• Public Halls in Multi-Unit Dwellings (4+ units): Minimum 2 foot-candles illumination required at all times
• Public Halls in 2-3 Unit Dwellings: Light switches required that provide minimum 2 foot-candles when activated
• Public Streets and Walkways: Minimum 0.6 foot-candles illumination required at night
• Commercial Premises: Minimum 1 foot-candle illumination required where patrons have access
• Residential Light Switch Placement: Must be in same room as door opening
• Exterior Door Lighting: Switches required for both interior and exterior lights
• Tree Management: Must be trimmed to prevent obstruction of street lighting

Multi-Unit Dwelling Requirements

Four or More Dwelling Units

In buildings containing four or more dwelling units, Bellevue's code establishes specific lighting standards for common areas:

• Public halls and stairways must be adequately illuminated with a minimum of 2 foot-candles of light at all times
• This lighting must be provided through properly located electric light fixtures
• These fixtures must ensure all parts of public halls and stairways meet the minimum illumination standard

Natural Light Exception

The code does provide some flexibility for natural lighting:

• Between sunrise and sunset, electrical lighting may be omitted if adequate natural light is available
• Windows or skylights must open directly to the outside
• The total window/skylight area must be at least one-tenth of the combined horizontal area of the floor and stairway
• Natural light must adequately illuminate all parts of each public hallway

Two or Three Dwelling Units

For smaller multi-unit buildings, the requirements differ slightly:

• Public halls and stairways require convenient light switches
• These switches must control a lighting system providing at least 2 foot-candles of illumination
• Unlike larger buildings, full-time lighting is not required—lights may be turned on as needed

Residential Lighting Requirements

Light Switch Placement

The electrical code amendments for Bellevue specify important requirements for residential light switch placement:

• Light switches must be adjacent to and in the same room as the door opening
• At all exterior doors in dwelling units, light switches must be installed for both interior and exterior lights

These requirements ensure residents can easily navigate through their homes and safely enter and exit the property, enhancing both convenience and security.

Substandard Housing Conditions

Bellevue's code classifies dwellings that lack adequate illumination as substandard. Proper lighting is considered essential to protect the health and welfare of occupants and the public.

Commercial Property Requirements

Minimum Illumination Standards

Commercial properties must maintain specific lighting levels for patron safety:

• Overhead lighting fixtures must provide sufficient intensity to illuminate all areas accessible to patrons
• The minimum illumination level is not less than one foot-candle measured at floor level
• Property owners, operators, and employees must ensure this illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present

Street and Public Space Lighting

For public areas and streets, Bellevue requires:

• Public streets, driveways, and walkways must be illuminated at night
• Minimum illumination must be at least 0.6 foot-candles

Tree Management Related to Lighting

Property Owner Responsibilities

Trees and lighting infrastructure must coexist properly in Bellevue:

• Property owners must prune tree branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• Branches over sidewalks must be trimmed to at least 8 feet above the sidewalk surface
• Branches over streets or alleys must be trimmed to at least 14 feet above the surface

City Authority

The city maintains certain rights regarding tree management:

• Bellevue has the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they:
• Interfere with utilities
• Obstruct light from street lamps
• Reduce visibility of traffic control devices or signs

Licensing and Inspection Requirements

Professional Licensing

Bellevue strictly regulates who can work on electrical lighting systems:

• It is unlawful for anyone to install or repair wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electrical lighting without a valid electrical license

Inspection Authority

The city maintains oversight of lighting infrastructure:

• The chief building official and electrical inspectors are empowered to inspect:
• Overhead, underground, interior, and exterior conductors
• Apparatus, fixtures, and equipment used for conducting electric current for light
• Support structures for lighting equipment

Supporting Bellevue's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand that Bellevue's lighting regulations reflect the city's unique blend of historical character and modern development. Our team appreciates the balance Bellevue seeks to maintain between its heritage as one of Nebraska's oldest settlements and its growth as part of the Omaha metropolitan area.

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Bellevue's appreciation for historical context while embracing necessary modernization. Our expertise can help property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that respect both the letter and spirit of local regulations while enhancing safety and aesthetic appeal.

We believe in serving as an educational resource for communities like Bellevue, helping property owners navigate lighting requirements that support public safety while respecting the architectural character that makes your city unique. Our commitment extends beyond products to forming partnerships that contribute positively to community development and historical preservation.

Conclusion

Bellevue's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to safety, functionality, and preservation of community character. From ensuring properly illuminated public spaces to maintaining clear access to street lighting, these requirements serve to create a well-lit, safe environment for residents and visitors alike.

Property owners play an essential role in maintaining these standards, whether through proper lighting installation in residential buildings, adequate illumination in commercial spaces, or appropriate tree management. By understanding and complying with these regulations, Bellevue's property owners contribute to the city's continued growth while honoring its historical foundations.

For questions about specific lighting requirements or applications, contact Bellevue's building inspection department or consult with a licensed electrical professional familiar with local codes.