Lighting Regulations in Bernice, Oklahoma: Preserving Natural Beauty in the "Crappie Fishing Capital of the World"

Introduction

Nestled near the northwestern corner of Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, Bernice, Oklahoma, has transformed from its railroad town origins in 1912 to become a cherished vacation and retirement destination. With its proximity to excellent fishing spots and the scenic Bernice State Park, the town has earned its reputation as the "Crappie Fishing Capital of the World."

For a community of just over 560 residents that treasures its natural surroundings and outdoor lifestyle, preserving the serene environment is paramount. This commitment extends to how lighting is regulated throughout the town—balancing safety and functionality while protecting Bernice's peaceful character and beautiful night skies.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Residential Protection: Exterior lighting must be shaded to avoid casting direct light onto residential properties • Sign Illumination: Only non-intermittent white lighting is permitted for signs • Color Restrictions: Red, green, or amber illumination is prohibited within 100 feet of intersections • Glare Control: Operations producing intense glare must be contained within enclosed buildings • Parking Areas: Lighting must be deflected away from adjoining residential uses

Residential Area Protections

Shielding Requirements

The regulations are clear about protecting residential tranquility. Exterior lighting fixtures must be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting direct light upon property located in any residence district. This requirement helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere that makes Bernice an attractive place to live and vacation.

Parking Lot Considerations

For property owners operating parking lots in residential districts, special attention is required. Whenever lighting is provided in these areas, it must be arranged to deflect all light from adjoining residential uses. This ensures that commercial or public facilities don't disrupt the quiet enjoyment of nearby homes.

Preventing Nuisance Lighting

The code explicitly states that activities must be carried out in a manner that is not "injurious or offensive by reason of the emission or creation of glare." This broad provision gives the town flexibility in addressing lighting issues that might not fall under more specific regulations.

Commercial Lighting Standards

Containment of Intense Light

For businesses and operations that produce intense glare or heat, Bernice's regulations require these activities to be performed within a completely enclosed building. Furthermore, exposed sources of light must be screened so they cannot be detected beyond the property lines. This helps maintain the town's peaceful character while allowing necessary commercial operations.

Shopping Center Integration

Shopping centers receive special attention in the regulations. All advertising signs related to shopping centers and their shops must be designed as an integral part of the overall development. The regulations specify that signage should be harmonious with other design features of the center, creating a cohesive visual experience.

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Visibility Restrictions

The regulations are particularly detailed regarding sign lighting. No source of incandescent lighting used for illuminating signs shall be directly visible from any street, highway, residence, hotel, or room used for sleeping purposes. This prevents light trespass that could disturb residents and visitors.

Color Limitations

Given Bernice's focus on safety, there are strict limitations on colored lighting:

• Red, green, or amber illumination is prohibited within 100 feet of any intersection • These colors, when used elsewhere, must not create confusion with traffic signals • Signs can only use non-intermittent white lighting

These provisions help prevent distraction or confusion for drivers while maintaining consistent aesthetic standards throughout the town.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Design

When planning exterior lighting for your property in Bernice, remember that prevention is better than correction. Consider the following before installation:

• Fixture Positioning: Direct lights downward and away from neighboring properties • Shielding Options: Select fixtures with appropriate shades or shields • Light Color: Stick with white lighting for signs and avoid red, green, or amber near intersections • Intensity Levels: Choose appropriate brightness levels that provide safety without creating glare

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners most frequently encounter problems with:

• Unshielded lights that spill onto neighboring properties • Sign lighting that is directly visible from streets or residences • Colored lighting that could be confused with traffic signals • Outdoor operations creating excessive glare beyond property boundaries

Supporting Bernice's Natural Character

Bernice's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its natural beauty and tranquil environment. With its picturesque setting near Grand Lake and reputation as a fishing paradise, these lighting standards help ensure that development occurs in harmony with the town's cherished characteristics.

The regulations strike a thoughtful balance—providing sufficient illumination for safety and functionality while protecting the quiet charm that makes Bernice special. For residents and business owners, understanding and following these guidelines contributes to maintaining the town's appeal as a peaceful vacation and retirement destination.

Conclusion

Bernice, Oklahoma's lighting regulations may be straightforward, but they serve an important purpose in preserving the town's character as a serene lakeside community. By focusing on protecting residential areas from light intrusion, ensuring traffic safety, and maintaining aesthetic harmony, these standards help Bernice remain the peaceful "Crappie Fishing Capital of the World" that residents and visitors cherish.

Whether you're a homeowner, business operator, or developer in Bernice, adhering to these lighting guidelines isn't just about code compliance—it's about contributing to the community's vision of a peaceful, naturally beautiful place to live and visit.