Lighting Regulations in Benson, Minnesota: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Introduction

Benson, Minnesota, founded in 1869, has weathered significant historical challenges—from the smallpox epidemic of 1872 to a devastating fire in 1880 that destroyed an entire city block. This rich history has shaped the community's approach to urban planning, including its lighting regulations. The town's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while addressing modern needs is evident in how it manages exterior and property lighting.

Like many historic communities, Benson strives to balance safety and visibility with character preservation. The town's lighting regulations reflect this careful balance, ensuring that modern illumination needs don't compromise the community's aesthetic appeal or historical integrity.

Quick Reference Guide to Benson's Lighting Regulations

• Illuminated Signs: Prohibited in residential and agricultural zones; light sources must not be directly visible • Minimum Illumination: Interior premises of certain businesses require minimum 1 foot candle illumination at floor level • Light Trespass: Swimming pool lighting must not spill onto adjacent properties • Security Lighting: Permitted for safety but direct light source must not be visible from public right-of-way or adjacent residential property • Street Lighting: Easements must provide for street light intervals not exceeding 500 feet • Bed & Breakfasts: Exterior lighting must be compatible with neighborhood character

Residential Property Lighting Requirements

Home-Based Businesses Lighting Restrictions

For Benson residents operating businesses from their homes, the regulations are straightforward. Only non-illuminated nameplates are permitted, and these must not exceed one square foot in area and must be attached to the building entrance.

Residential Yard and Security Lighting

The code permits yard lights and nameplate signs in residential districts. Light standards for illuminating yards, parking areas, and loading areas are allowed for safety and security purposes. However, the direct source of light must not be visible from public right-of-way or adjacent residential property.

Swimming Pool Lighting

If you have a backyard pool, be mindful that no outdoor swimming pool lighting may spill or shine upon adjacent properties not under the same ownership. This provision helps minimize light trespass and respects neighbors' property rights.

Commercial Signage and Illumination Standards

Sign Illumination Restrictions

Electrically illuminated signs face several important restrictions:

• Prohibited in residential and agricultural zoning districts • Light sources must not be directly visible and must reflect away from adjoining premises • Must not cause confusion or hazard to traffic or conflict with traffic control signs or lights • Applications must indicate the level of illumination in foot candles • Flashing signs are prohibited (except those showing time, date, temperature, weather information) • Signs must use diffused or indirect lighting to prevent directing rays into adjacent property or streets • Minimum distances: 25 feet from roadway surface and 10 feet from street right-of-way or property line • All illuminated signs require shielded light sources

Light Transmission and Glare Prevention

For commercial operations, any use producing intense heat or light transmission must be performed with necessary shielding to prevent heat or light from being detectable at the lot line. The code defines "glare" as an effect produced by artificial illumination that causes impairment or temporary loss of vision.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Bed and Breakfast Establishments

For bed and breakfast establishments, exterior lighting must be compatible with the neighborhood. This requirement ensures these businesses maintain the residential character of their surroundings.

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These businesses must provide exterior lighting adequate for visual inspection or video monitoring to prohibit loitering. Interior premises must have overhead lighting fixtures providing minimum illumination of one foot candle measured at floor level. This illumination must be maintained whenever the premises are occupied by patrons or open for business.

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks must have a street lighting plan approved by the city. Additionally, all utilities must be underground, with overhead wires or supporting poles permitted only when essential for street lighting or other lighting purposes.

Infrastructure and Planning Considerations

Street Light Easements

For development planning, easements must be provided along property lines from utility easements on rear lot lines to rights-of-way to provide for street light intervals not exceeding 500 feet. This ensures adequate illumination of public spaces.

Municipal Street Lighting

The city provides street lighting for all municipally owned streets and offers security lighting to all customers, limited to specific light fixtures identified under monthly charges. The municipality provides all energy and maintenance for these fixtures.

Site Plan Requirements

When submitting site plans, developers must include the location and type of all proposed lighting. This allows the city to review lighting plans for compliance with regulations.

Special Considerations for Heliports

Hazard Marking and Lighting

The code includes detailed provisions for heliport hazard marking and lighting. No land use is permitted in safety zones that makes it difficult for pilots to distinguish between heliport lights and other lights, results in glare for pilots, impairs visibility, or otherwise endangers aircraft operations.

For nonconforming structures or trees near heliports, owners must permit the installation of markers and lights as deemed necessary by the Zoning Administrator. These are installed, operated, and maintained at the city's expense.

Supporting Benson's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that historic communities like Benson seek to maintain. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we share Benson's commitment to preserving historical character while addressing modern lighting needs.

Our experience with regional architectural styles allows us to appreciate Benson's careful approach to lighting regulations. Communities like Benson, with their rich historical fabric, benefit from lighting solutions that enhance safety and functionality without compromising the town's distinctive character.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating complex lighting regulations. We understand that in a town that has overcome historical challenges like Benson's devastating 1880 fire, safety considerations must be balanced with aesthetic preservation.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Benson's thoughtful approach to urban planning and preservation, and we value the opportunity to support communities in maintaining their distinctive historical character.

Conclusion

Benson's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving historical character and ensuring safety. From street lighting to commercial signage, the regulations aim to provide adequate illumination while preventing nuisances like glare and light trespass.

Property owners should be particularly attentive to requirements for light shielding, preventing spillover onto adjacent properties, and obtaining proper approvals for lighting installations. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining Benson's unique character and history that dates back to 1869.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, these lighting regulations help ensure that Benson remains both safe and true to its historical roots for generations to come.