Lighting Regulations in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota's sixth-largest city, has thoughtfully developed lighting regulations that balance safety needs with environmental concerns and neighborhood aesthetics. These regulations aim to provide adequate illumination for security while preventing light pollution and energy waste. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer in Brooklyn Park, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and contributing to the community's vision of well-lit, attractive spaces.

Quick Reference Guide to Brooklyn Park's Lighting Regulations

• Required for All Exterior Lighting:
• LED fixtures must be used for all lighting installations
• Daylight sensors or timers must be installed on all exterior lighting
• At least 50% of exterior light fixtures in some developments must use solar panel energy
• Light Intensity Requirements (measured in foot-candles):
• Non-residential parking areas: Minimum 1, Maximum 15
• Pedestrian walkways: Minimum 2, Maximum 20
• Building entrances/exits: Minimum 5, Maximum 20
• Property line maximum (all uses): 0.5
• Fixture Height Limitations:
• Within 250 feet of residential zones: 15 feet maximum
• Beyond 250 feet from residential zones: 25 feet maximum

Understanding Light Intensity Requirements

Foot-Candle Measurements Explained

Brooklyn Park uses foot-candles as the standard measurement for light intensity. A foot-candle represents the illumination of one lumen per square foot – essentially, how bright the light appears at ground level.

Required Light Levels by Area Type

The city has established specific minimum and maximum light intensities for different areas:

• Commercial Parking Areas:
• Minimum required: 1 foot-candle
• Maximum allowed: 15 foot-candles
• Maximum at property line: 0.5 foot-candles
• Pedestrian Walkways and Sidewalks:
• Minimum required: 2 foot-candles
• Maximum allowed: 20 foot-candles
• Maximum at property line: 0.5 foot-candles
• Building Entrances and Exits:
• Minimum required: 5 foot-candles
• Maximum allowed: 20 foot-candles
• Maximum at property line: 0.5 foot-candles
• Exterior Storage Areas:
• No minimum requirement
• Maximum allowed: 15 foot-candles
• Maximum at property line: 0.5 foot-candles

Specific Facility Requirements

Certain facilities have their own specialized lighting requirements:

• Body Art Establishments:
• 20 foot-candles at 3 feet above the floor
• 100 foot-candles where procedures are performed, sterilization occurs, or instruments are assembled
• Sauna Restrooms and Janitor's Closets:
• Minimum 30 foot-candles of illumination required

Fixture Requirements and Installation Standards

Energy Efficiency Mandates

Brooklyn Park has embraced sustainable lighting practices with several forward-thinking requirements:

• All lighting must use LED fixtures
• Daylight sensors or timers are required on all exterior lighting
• Some developments require a minimum of 50% of exterior light fixtures to be powered by solar panel energy

Height and Placement Restrictions

Free-standing light fixtures must adhere to specific height limitations:

• Within 250 feet of residential zones: Maximum 15 feet (including any base or support structures)
• Beyond 250 feet from residential zones: Maximum 25 feet

Installation Requirements

• Utility lines for streetlights must be installed underground (with some exemptions for areas with existing overhead wires)
• Street lights are required at all intersections and other locations as designated by the City Engineer
• The city strongly encourages decorative lighting fixtures for street lights

Preventing Light Pollution and Glare

Glare Control Measures

Brooklyn Park defines glare as "the effect produced by the intensity and direction of any artificial illumination sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort, or temporary loss or impairment of vision." To minimize this effect:

• All light sources must be controlled with lenses, louvers, shields, or prismatic control devices
• These controls must prevent off-site views of the light source
• No flickering or flashing lights are permitted (except for public safety activities)
• Cut-off angles for luminaires must be equal to or less than 90 degrees

Canopy Lighting Requirements

For canopies or weather protection structures:

• Light sources integrated into canopies must be recessed and flush with the ceiling
• Fixtures must be equipped with flat lens surfaces
• No lighting on the face of the canopy is allowed (except for permitted signs)
• Lights must be directed downward and away from adjacent properties

Special Application Requirements

Sales Lot Lighting

Outdoor sales lots have specific requirements:

• Illumination must be shielded to prevent glare or direct rays visible from public rights-of-way or residential properties
• Lighting may not exceed 3 foot-candles as measured from the centerline of adjacent streets
• Lighting may not exceed 3 foot-candles at any property line not sharing a public right-of-way

Outdoor Dining Areas

For outdoor dining installations:

• Lighting must be sufficient to promote public safety
• All lighting must be directed downward
• Illumination must be compatible with the surrounding area

Sign Illumination

For illuminated signage:

• Light sources must be shielded to confine direct illumination to the face area of the sign
• Directional signs for watercraft arrivals must have shielded lighting to prevent illumination across the river or toward the sky

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance and Permitting

Before installing new lighting systems or significantly modifying existing ones, property owners should:

• Review the specific requirements for their property type and zone
• Ensure fixture selections meet the technical specifications
• Check if permits are required for the installation
• Consider engaging a lighting professional familiar with Brooklyn Park's requirements

Maintenance Considerations

Property owners should also be aware of ongoing maintenance requirements:

• Tree branches overhanging streets must be pruned to avoid obstructing light from street lamps
• Rental properties must maintain adequate lighting facilities between sunset and sunrise
• Emergency lighting and fixtures in public spaces must remain operational

Supporting Brooklyn Park's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetics in community lighting. With roots dating back to 1918, our Northeast Ohio manufacturing team appreciates the unique character of communities like Brooklyn Park and their commitment to quality lighting standards.

We share Brooklyn Park's vision for responsible lighting practices that enhance safety while minimizing light pollution and energy waste. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a valuable educational resource for property owners navigating local lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities in maintaining their distinctive character through thoughtful illumination solutions that respect local standards and community values. Our understanding of Brooklyn Park's requirements allows us to serve as a helpful resource for residents and businesses seeking to enhance their properties while remaining compliant with local ordinances.

Conclusion

Brooklyn Park's lighting regulations represent a thoughtful approach to illumination that prioritizes safety, energy efficiency, and neighborhood aesthetics. By establishing clear standards for light intensity, fixture specifications, and installation requirements, the city ensures that lighting serves its essential purposes without creating nuisances or wasting resources.

Property owners who understand and comply with these regulations contribute to the community's overall quality of life while avoiding potential compliance issues. When planning lighting installations or upgrades, consulting with professionals familiar with Brooklyn Park's specific requirements can help ensure successful outcomes that meet both regulatory demands and practical needs.