Lighting Regulations in Bremen, Indiana: Preserving Small-Town Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Bremen, Indiana, with its rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1871, maintains a delicate balance between preserving its historical character and adapting to modern needs. Originally named "New Bremen" by its German settlers, this charming town is known for its early 20th-century infrastructure, including brick-paved streets that date back to 1913.

The town's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to maintaining its small-town atmosphere while ensuring public safety and functionality. Bremen's regulations, though not extensive, aim to preserve the community's aesthetic values while providing adequate illumination for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide

• Security Lighting Service:
• Available for private areas including entrances and driveways
• 85 watt induction lamp ($7.40/month) or 400 watt metal halide lamp ($22.50/month)
• Operates from approximately 30 minutes before dusk until 30 minutes after dawn
• Commercial Lighting Requirements:
• Sexually oriented businesses require minimum 2 foot-candles illumination indoors
• Parking areas require 1 foot-candle average maintained illumination
• Sign Illumination:
• Roof-mounted signs can use direct or indirect lighting (beams concealed)
• Temporary signs limited to 50 watt incandescent lamps with protective covering
• Revolving or rotating beams of light prohibited

Security Lighting Services

Available Options

Bremen's utility offers security lighting services for residents and businesses seeking to illuminate private areas. These services provide consistent lighting from dusk to dawn, enhancing safety and visibility around your property.

The utility takes responsibility for installation, ownership, and maintenance of these bracket-mounted lighting fixtures, including the photoelectric control that automatically manages the lighting schedule.

Fixture Types and Costs

The town offers two primary security lighting options:

• Standard Security Light:
• 85 watt induction lamp or equivalent
• $7.40 per month
• High-Intensity Security Light:
• 400 watt metal halide lamp or equivalent
• $22.50 per month

Service Terms

Security lighting services come with specific terms:

• Initial service period of one year
• $36 deposit required
• Deposit is forfeited if service is terminated before one year
• Automatic control adjusts to provide lighting from approximately 30 minutes before dusk until 30 minutes after dawn

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Sexually Oriented Businesses

Bremen's code includes specific lighting requirements for sexually oriented businesses, ensuring adequate visibility and safety:

• Indoor Illumination:
• Overhead lighting fixtures must provide sufficient intensity to illuminate all areas accessible to patrons
• Minimum illumination of 2 foot-candles measured at floor level
• Management must maintain this illumination whenever patrons are present

Parking and Entry Areas

Exterior areas of certain commercial establishments have their own requirements:

• Parking Illumination:
• Off-street parking areas and entries must be illuminated from dusk until closing
• Must provide an average maintained horizontal illumination of 1 foot-candle on parking surfaces and walkways
• Lighting plan must be included in business permit application diagrams

Sign Illumination Regulations

Permitted Lighting Methods

Bremen regulates how signs can be illuminated to maintain community aesthetics:

• Roof-Mounted Signs:
• May use direct or indirect lighting
• Any beam from an indirect source must be effectively concealed from view

Temporary Sign Requirements

Special regulations apply to temporary signs with illumination:

• Exposed lamps must be covered with wire mesh or similar material
• Lamp wattage cannot exceed 50 watts
• Only incandescent lamps are permitted
• Flashing arrows and directional indicators are prohibited

Prohibited Sign Features

Several lighting features are expressly prohibited for signs in all districts:

• Signs that prevent light or ventilation as required by local codes
• Signs that involve revolving or rotating beams of light
• Signs whose illumination violates municipal and state highway standards

Municipal Lighting Considerations

Public Space Illumination

Bremen's code provides for:

• Lighting of streets and public places
• Illumination of railroad crossings for safety
• Maintenance of street lamp effectiveness through pruning of overhanging trees that obstruct light

Accessibility Requirements

For covered multi-family dwellings (first occupancy after March 1999):

• Light switches and environmental controls must be installed in accessible locations
• This requirement aligns with federal accessibility standards

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Security Lighting

When considering security lighting for your Bremen property:

1. Contact the town utility to discuss security lighting options
2. Plan for a one-year commitment and the required deposit
3. Consider the appropriate wattage based on your illumination needs
4. Understand that the utility will maintain the fixture

Sign Illumination Compliance

For business owners with illuminated signs:

1. Ensure any indirect lighting beams are properly concealed
2. Verify that temporary sign lighting meets wattage and safety requirements
3. Avoid any rotating or revolving light elements
4. Confirm your sign illumination complies with all municipal standards

Supporting Bremen's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in the Midwest dating back to 1918, understands and appreciates Bremen's commitment to preserving its historical character while embracing necessary modern technologies.

Community Values Alignment

As Bremen balances growth with preservation of its agricultural heritage and small-town charm, Bock Lighting shares these priorities. We recognize that lighting plays a critical role in maintaining community character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Regional Expertise

With extensive experience in communities throughout the Midwest, Bock Lighting appreciates the unique architectural styles and lighting needs of towns like Bremen. Our understanding of regional design preferences helps property owners select lighting solutions that complement Bremen's historic aesthetic.

Educational Resource

Beyond providing lighting solutions, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. We're committed to helping Bremen residents and businesses understand how proper lighting can enhance safety while respecting the town's historical integrity.

Conclusion

Bremen's lighting regulations reflect its thoughtful approach to community development—embracing modern needs while honoring its historical roots. Though not extensive, these regulations provide a framework for appropriate illumination that maintains the town's character.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these guidelines, particularly when planning security lighting installations or commercial signage. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Bremen's continued charm and distinctive small-town atmosphere.

For specific questions about lighting requirements or permit processes, contact the Bremen town offices directly to ensure compliance with all current regulations.