Lighting Regulations in Burley, Idaho: A Guide to Compliance & Community Standards

Introduction

Founded in 1905 along the Snake River, Burley, Idaho holds a special place in American pioneer history. As a gateway city connected to the Oregon Trail, California Trail, and over thirty other pioneer routes, Burley has always balanced progress with respect for its historical significance. Today, with a growing population of approximately 14,320 residents, the city continues to develop while maintaining connections to its past.

Lighting regulations in Burley reflect this balance between modern needs and historical character. While the city doesn't have extensive lighting ordinances, the regulations that do exist focus primarily on safety, preventing nuisance, and ensuring proper illumination for specific applications.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Sign Illumination Height: All lighting elements of exterior signs must be at least 9 feet above ground unless adequately protected
• Mobile Home Parks Illumination Levels:
• General seeing tasks: 5 foot-candles
• Laundry room work areas: 40 foot-candles
• Toilet rooms (in front of mirrors): 40 foot-candles
• Sign Lighting Restrictions:
• No flashing signs (except message centers and time/temperature displays)
• Light must not create hazards, nuisance, or adverse effects on adjacent properties
• Light Trespass: No glare shall be emitted beyond zone lot boundaries
• Subdivision Requirements: Street lights may be required at intersections throughout subdivisions
• Permits: Required for installing/altering electrical fixtures (exceptions for minor repairs under $8.00)

Sign Illumination Regulations

Safety & Positioning Requirements

Sign illumination in Burley must adhere to specific safety guidelines. All lighting elements of exterior signs must be positioned at a minimum of nine feet above ground level unless they feature adequate protection to prevent injury if broken.

This height requirement helps ensure public safety while still allowing businesses to effectively illuminate their signage.

Light Direction & Intensity

The city code specifically addresses how light from illuminated signs must be managed:

• Light must be arranged and directed to prevent creating hazards
• Illumination cannot create a nuisance or adverse effect on adjacent properties
• Sign lighting must not interfere with motor vehicles or traffic-control devices
• Signs cannot be flashing (with specific exemptions)

Types of Permitted Illuminated Signs

Several types of signs may be illuminated in Burley:

• Professional office signs (both flush wall-mounted and freestanding)
• Special signs (emergency facilities, building directories, historical markers)
• Service directional signs (identifying service bays, warehouses, etc.)
• Message center signs (with special approval requirements)

Mobile Home Park Lighting Standards

Required Illumination Levels

Burley's code contains specific illumination requirements for mobile home parks:

• General seeing tasks: 5 foot-candles
• Laundry room work areas: 40 foot-candles
• Toilet rooms (in front of mirrors): 40 foot-candles

Street System Illumination

Mobile home parks must provide adequate lighting for street systems to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles at night. The lighting units must be properly spaced and equipped with luminaries placed at appropriate mounting heights.

Tower Lighting Regulations

FAA Compliance

Tower lighting in Burley is primarily governed by FAA requirements:

• Towers shall not be artificially lit except as required by the FAA
• When residential uses are located within 300% of tower height, dual mode lighting shall be requested
• Strobe lights are not permitted unless specifically required by the FAA
• If strobe lights are required, white strobes shall not be allowed unless specifically mandated by the FAA

Preventing Light Nuisance

Light Trespass Restrictions

Burley's code includes provisions to prevent light from becoming a nuisance:

• No glare shall be emitted beyond the zone lot boundary where the use is conducted
• Light from commercial/industrial areas must be arranged to reflect away from residential areas and public streets
• Any condition of property that creates light pollution that is offensive to owners or users of other property is prohibited

Electrical & Permitting Requirements

Installation Permits

A permit from the superintendent of light and power is required to:

• Place or install wiring, apparatus, or fixtures for electric current
• Make alterations or changes to existing wiring, apparatus, or fixtures

Permit Exceptions & Inspections

• Permits are not required for ordinary repairs costing less than $8.00 (including materials and labor)
• All electrical work must be inspected within 48 hours (excluding Sundays and holidays) after notification
• The superintendent must be notified immediately upon completion of any repair work

Subdivision & Development Standards

Street Lighting Requirements

For new subdivisions:

• Street lights may be required at intersections throughout the subdivision
• Developers must conform to City requirements and standards set by the public utility providing the lighting

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Considerations for Compliance

If you're a property owner in Burley, understanding these lighting regulations is essential for compliance:

1. Sign illumination must be positioned safely and directed to prevent creating hazards
2. All electrical work related to lighting generally requires permits and inspections
3. Light trespass onto neighboring properties should be avoided
4. Mobile home parks have specific illumination requirements

When to Seek Professional Guidance

Consider consulting with lighting professionals when:

• Installing new commercial signage with illumination
• Planning lighting for subdivisions or multi-unit developments
• Designing lighting that might impact adjacent properties
• Implementing lighting for mobile home parks

Supporting Burley's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Burley seeks to maintain between modern lighting needs and historical character. As a company familiar with communities that value their pioneer heritage, we appreciate Burley's approach to lighting regulations that prioritize safety and community consideration.

Our expertise in architectural lighting allows us to serve as a resource for Burley property owners navigating lighting requirements. We understand the importance of proper illumination that respects neighboring properties and enhances the community character.

With experience in projects that honor historical context while meeting modern safety standards, Bock Lighting shares Burley's commitment to thoughtful development that preserves the distinctive character that makes the city special. Our focus is on supporting communities with lighting solutions that reflect local values and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

While Burley's lighting regulations aren't extensive, they clearly focus on ensuring safety, preventing nuisance, and maintaining appropriate standards for illumination in specific contexts. The regulations reflect the city's practical approach to balancing development needs with community considerations.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for sign illumination, permits for electrical work, and preventing light trespass onto neighboring properties. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Burley's character while ensuring proper illumination where needed.

As Burley continues to grow, these lighting standards help ensure that development occurs in a manner respectful of the city's unique historical significance and community values.