Lighting Regulations in Carlin, Nevada: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Nestled in Elko County along Interstate 80, Carlin, Nevada has established specific lighting regulations to maintain quality of life for its residents while ensuring safety and functionality. While Carlin's lighting code is relatively limited compared to some municipalities, understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers to ensure compliance and good neighborly relations.

This guide breaks down Carlin's lighting requirements into clear, actionable information to help you navigate the city's expectations for exterior lighting.

Quick Reference Guide: Carlin's Key Lighting Requirements

• Glare Control: Lighting must not produce glare observable at property lines that could be detrimental to adjacent properties • Sign Illumination: All illuminated signs require an accessible disconnect switch • Parking Areas: Lighting must be shielded from public streets and residential areas • Driveways: Must be lit at night with 25-watt lamps every 100 feet, positioned 15 feet from ground • Mobile Home Parks: Sign illumination requires planning commission approval • Building Security: Certain facilities must have lighting systems for buildings, parking, gate and loading areas

Preventing Light Trespass & Nuisance

Controlling Glare at Property Boundaries

Carlin's code specifically addresses the potential nuisance of light trespass. Special use permits require that properties will not produce glare observable at lot lines in amounts that could be objectionable or detrimental to neighboring properties.

Good Neighbor Lighting Practices

This regulation essentially establishes a "good neighbor" policy for lighting in Carlin. Even when not explicitly required by code, property owners should consider:

• Directing lights downward rather than outward • Using fixtures with appropriate shielding • Avoiding overly bright lighting that could impact neighbors • Considering motion sensors for security lighting to minimize continuous illumination

Specific Lighting Applications & Requirements

Sign Illumination Standards

For businesses with illuminated signage, Carlin has a specific requirement that every sign shall have a main disconnect or switch that is:

• Located in the sign itself, OR • On the structure or exterior of the building to which the sign is attached • Readily accessible for maintenance and emergency situations

Parking Area Lighting Requirements

If you operate a business or manage a property with a parking area, be aware that:

• All parking area lighting must be shielded from public streets • Additional shielding is required when adjacent to residential districts • The focus is on preventing direct light from affecting drivers and residents

Driveway Lighting Specifications

Carlin has specific technical requirements for driveway lighting:

• Must be lit at night with 25-watt lamps • Lamps positioned at 100-foot intervals • Light fixtures placed approximately 15 feet from the ground • Driveways must also be hard-surfaced and well-marked during daytime

Street Lighting Approval Process

For developers creating new streets:

• All streets must be properly lighted • Lighting systems require specific approval by the city engineer • This ensures consistent illumination standards throughout the city

Special District Lighting Regulations

Mobile Home Park Requirements

Mobile home parks in Carlin have specific signage and lighting considerations:

• All signs, including their illumination, require planning commission approval • This approval must be obtained prior to issuance of any conditional use permit • Space numbers must be posted in a place clearly visible from the street

RMH-1 District Provisions

When applying for a conditional use permit in RMH-1 districts, applicants must submit:

• Plans showing sign locations • Architectural elevations displaying:

• Heights and shapes of signs
• Size specifications
• Manner of illumination for all proposed signs

Security Lighting Requirements

Building Surveillance Standards

For certain facilities in Carlin, security lighting is mandated:

• A lighting system must illuminate the building, parking area, gate area, and loading areas in low light conditions • This lighting must support full video surveillance • The surveillance system must clearly identify activities within 20 feet of the exterior of the building

Public Access Considerations

Properties providing public access are expected to maintain:

• Adequate lighting for safety and security • Appropriate street improvements • These provisions help ensure public safety and accessibility

Electrical Specifications for Lighting

Residential Lighting Supply Requirements

For residential properties, Carlin's electrical code specifies:

• Energy supplied for lighting will be 60 cycle, single phase, alternating current • 2- or 3-wire service • 115 or 230 volts • Residential lighting installations not exceeding 3,300 watts or 66 sockets will be supplied through a 2-wire service at a nominal voltage of 115 volts

Commercial Lighting Electricity Standards

Business properties have slightly different specifications:

• Business lighting installations not exceeding 2,000 watts or 40 sockets will be supplied through a 2-wire service at a nominal voltage of 115 volts • Larger installations will require different electrical service configurations

Supporting Carlin's Lighting Vision

Quality lighting enhances safety, security, and the aesthetic appeal of any property. While Carlin has specific requirements, working with an experienced lighting consultant can help ensure your project meets both regulatory requirements and functional needs.

A knowledgeable lighting partner can help:

• Interpret the specific requirements of Carlin's lighting ordinances • Design lighting systems that prevent nuisance light while providing adequate illumination • Source appropriate fixtures that meet the technical specifications for driveways, signs, and security • Balance energy efficiency with performance and code compliance • Navigate approval processes with the planning commission and city engineer when required

The right lighting not only meets code requirements but also enhances property value and contributes to the overall quality of Carlin's community environment.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing or renovating property in Carlin:

• Review lighting regulations early in your planning process • For special use permits, pay particular attention to preventing glare at property lines • Remember that parking area lighting requires appropriate shielding • For driveways, plan for the specific 25-watt lighting at 100-foot intervals

Special Considerations for Businesses

Business owners should be especially aware of:

• Sign illumination requirements, including the necessary disconnect switch • Electrical supply limitations for lighting installations • Security lighting needs, particularly for facilities requiring surveillance

Conclusion

While Carlin's lighting regulations are not as extensive as those in some municipalities, they establish clear standards for preventing nuisance light, ensuring safety, and maintaining community aesthetics. By understanding and following these requirements, property owners can avoid compliance issues while contributing to a well-lit, attractive community.

For specific questions about your property's lighting requirements, the Carlin Planning Department can provide guidance on interpreting and applying these regulations to your particular situation.