Lighting Regulations in Calera, Oklahoma: Balancing Growth and Small-Town Character

Introduction

Nestled in Bryan County, Calera, Oklahoma offers residents a perfect blend of small-town charm and accessibility to regional amenities. As this community of nearly 3,000 residents continues to grow, the town has implemented specific lighting regulations that reflect its values and priorities. These regulations aim to balance the practical need for illumination with respect for the town's intimate character and residential quality of life.

In Calera, lighting regulations may be limited in scope, but they reveal a clear focus on preserving neighborhood tranquility while accommodating development. The regulations primarily address residential impact, street lighting requirements, and special considerations for certain facilities.

Quick Reference Guide to Calera's Lighting Regulations

• Parking Lots: Light must be directed away from adjoining residential areas
• Street Lights: Required for housing additions of 3+ units (at entrances/exits and every 380 feet)
• Marijuana Growing: Light and glare must not constitute a public nuisance
• Cell Towers: No signals or warning lights permitted unless required by government agencies

Residential Area Protections

Preventing Light Trespass

Calera's code specifically addresses the impact of commercial lighting on residential areas. Parking lots with more than six vehicles that are located within or adjacent to residential areas must have lighting arranged to direct illumination away from adjoining residential properties.

Why This Matters

This regulation serves to preserve the peaceful atmosphere of residential neighborhoods while still allowing for necessary commercial development. By preventing light trespass, Calera maintains the quality of life for residents while accommodating growth.

Implementation Considerations

While the regulation doesn't specify particular techniques for directing light, property owners might consider:

• Using shielded fixtures
• Appropriate placement of light poles
• Careful aiming of fixtures away from property lines

Street Lighting Requirements

Development Standards

For new residential development, Calera has established clear guidelines: Any housing addition of three or more units must install streetlights with specific placement requirements:

• At entrances and exits of the addition
• Every 380 feet thereafter

Safety and Community Design

These requirements ensure consistent illumination throughout new developments, promoting safety for pedestrians and vehicles while creating visual continuity in growing neighborhoods.

Planning Implications

Developers should incorporate these lighting requirements into their initial site plans to ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications later.

Special Use Lighting Restrictions

Marijuana Growing Facilities

Calera's code addresses potential lighting nuisances related to marijuana cultivation. Growing operations must not create light or glare that is detrimental to public health, safety or welfare or that interferes with reasonable enjoyment of life and property.

Cell Tower Illumination

The town restricts lighting on telecommunications infrastructure. No signals or warning lights are permitted on cell towers unless specifically required by municipal, state, or federal agencies.

Infrastructure Considerations

When installing pavement near lighting infrastructure, the code requires that expansion joints shall be placed to isolate pavement from structures like light foundations. This technical requirement ensures structural integrity and longevity of both lighting infrastructure and paved surfaces.

What Property Owners Should Know

For Commercial Properties

If you operate a business with a parking lot near residential areas:

• Ensure all lighting is directed away from adjoining homes
• Consider consulting with lighting professionals to achieve compliance
• Remember that prevention of light trespass is a specific requirement

For Residential Developers

When planning new housing additions:

• Include street lighting in your initial plans
• Place lights at all entrances and exits
• Install additional lights every 380 feet
• Factor these requirements into your development budget

For Agricultural Operators

If you're growing marijuana within Calera's jurisdiction:

• Implement light containment strategies
• Be mindful of potential impacts on neighbors
• Remember that light causing neighborhood disruption could be deemed a public nuisance

Supporting Calera's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique challenges facing growing communities like Calera. Our expertise in balancing modern lighting needs with respect for community character aligns with Calera's approach to managed growth and neighborhood preservation.

We appreciate Calera's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect residential areas while allowing for development. As a resource for communities navigating lighting requirements, we understand the importance of solutions that maintain a town's distinctive character.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices complements Calera's focus on quality of life. While regulations may evolve as the town grows, the underlying values of respecting residential peace and community character remain constant principles we deeply respect.

Conclusion

While Calera's lighting regulations are relatively limited in scope, they clearly prioritize residential quality of life, safety in new developments, and prevention of nuisance conditions. As the town continues to grow, residents and business owners should stay informed about these requirements and their practical applications.

The regulations reflect Calera's balanced approach to development – embracing growth while preserving the small-town atmosphere that makes the community special. By directing commercial lighting away from homes, ensuring consistent street illumination in new neighborhoods, and preventing nuisance lighting conditions, Calera maintains its character while preparing for continued progress.

For specific questions about lighting compliance or for the most current regulations, property owners should contact Calera town officials directly.