Lighting Regulations in Beverly Shores, Indiana: Preserving Night Skies in a Historic Dunes Community

Introduction: Beverly Shores' Unique Character

Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Beverly Shores is a small town with a rich architectural and natural heritage dating back to the early 20th century. Founded by the Frederick H. Bartlett Company and incorporated in 1947, this charming community is known for its Spanish revival architecture and proximity to the Indiana Dunes National Park.

The town's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving both its historical character and natural beauty. These thoughtfully crafted guidelines aim to balance modern lighting needs with the protection of Beverly Shores' night skies and peaceful atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Critical regulations all property owners should know:

• Maximum lighting density: 50,000 lumens per acre in the General Commercial District
• Light trespass limits: No more than 1/2 of an ISO foot-candle at ground level on abutting lots
• Nighttime restrictions: Between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., illumination cannot exceed 0.05-foot candles at a point 40 feet from the street line in Residential Districts
• Height restrictions:
• Maximum 25 feet for parking lot and building fixtures
• Maximum 10 feet for fixtures near property lines
• Residential buffer: 20-foot minimum setback for fixtures near residential properties

Purpose and Vision of Beverly Shores' Lighting Standards

Balancing Function and Preservation

Beverly Shores explicitly states its goal to "encourage and permit reasonable use of outdoor lighting for advertising, nighttime safety, utility and security while preserving the ambiance of the night and curtail any degradation of the nighttime visual environment and the night sky."

Minimizing Light Pollution

The town's policy focuses on "minimizing glare and over-lighting beyond the property boundary of each lot by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected, excessive or unnecessary." This approach protects both neighbors and the natural environment from unwanted light intrusion.

Supporting Community Values

These regulations directly support Beverly Shores' community values, which prioritize maintaining the town's natural beauty and historical integrity while meeting modern needs.

Technical Requirements for Lighting Fixtures

Light Direction and Shielding

The regulations include specific technical requirements to control light direction:

• Any lighting fixture exceeding 1,800 lumens must not emit direct light above a horizontal plane
• All flood or spot lighting fixtures exceeding 900 lumens must follow the same horizontal plane restriction
• Downward-facing fixtures are required for illuminated signs, mounted at or near the top of sign structures

Height Restrictions

Fixture height is carefully regulated throughout Beverly Shores:

• Maximum 25 feet for parking lot lighting standards and building fixtures
• Maximum 10 feet for fixtures near property lines
• Fixtures must direct light away from boundary lines when near property edges

Light Trespass Prevention

The code specifically prohibits:

• Light shining directly into windows of buildings on abutting lots
• Light shining directly onto neighboring properties (with limited incidental spillover allowed)
• Light shining directly onto public roads

Special Considerations by Property Type

Commercial Properties

Commercial properties face specific lighting density restrictions:

• Maximum 50,000 lumens per acre in the General Commercial District
• All business operations must limit nighttime illumination to no more than 0.05-foot candles at points 40 feet from street lines in Residential Districts between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Residential Protections

The code provides extra protection for residential areas:

• 20-foot minimum setback for light fixtures adjacent to residential properties
• Light fixtures near residential areas must be positioned to prevent nuisance lighting
• Illuminated signs must be located a minimum of 200 feet from residential property lines

Parking Areas

For parking lots, the regulations specify that:

• Lighting must be directed, screened or reflected away from residential properties
• Fixtures must be arranged to avoid creating a nuisance for neighboring properties

Prohibited Lighting Types

Beverly Shores clearly prohibits certain types of lighting to maintain community character:

• No festoon lighting (strings of incandescent bulbs) on buildings or structures
• No flashing, intermittent, or moving lights, including on signs
• No lighting that creates excessive glare beyond property boundaries

Grandfathering and Compliance

Existing Fixtures

The town provides reasonable accommodation for existing lighting:

• Lighting fixtures in place before December 16, 2013, may remain until replaced or no longer safely maintained
• When fixtures are replaced, new installations must comply with current regulations

Enforcement Process

The Building Commissioner has authority to enforce performance standards related to glare:

• Violations identified will require correction within established limits
• The focus is on compliance rather than penalties

What Property Owners Should Know

New Construction and Renovations

If you're building or renovating in Beverly Shores:

• Incorporate lighting plans early in your design process
• Ensure fixtures meet direction and lumen requirements
• Consider fixture placement to avoid light trespass

Existing Properties

For current property owners:

• You can maintain existing compliant lighting
• When replacing fixtures, ensure new lighting meets current standards
• Consider upgrading to compliant fixtures even if not required, to support town values

For Businesses

Commercial property owners should:

• Calculate total lumens per acre to ensure compliance with density limits
• Pay special attention to lighting that might impact residential areas
• Remember stricter nighttime limitations between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Supporting Beverly Shores' Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we appreciate Beverly Shores' commitment to preserving its unique character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand how proper lighting can enhance historical architecture while respecting community guidelines and natural surroundings.

We're particularly aligned with Beverly Shores' emphasis on minimizing light pollution and preserving the night sky. Our expertise in downward-directed fixtures and appropriate lumens levels can help property owners navigate these specific requirements.

With our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs, we can serve as a resource for property owners seeking fixtures that comply with Beverly Shores' regulations while complementing the town's Spanish revival architecture and natural dunes setting.

Conclusion

Beverly Shores' lighting regulations reflect its identity as a community that values both its historical character and natural beauty. By carefully controlling outdoor lighting, the town preserves its unique night ambiance while still providing for safety and security.

For property owners, understanding these regulations helps ensure compliance and contributes to maintaining the special character that makes Beverly Shores a desirable place to live and visit. The thoughtful balance between modern lighting needs and preservation goals demonstrates Beverly Shores' ongoing commitment to responsible development and community values.