Lighting Regulations in Carroll, Iowa: A Guide to Safety and Compliance

Introduction

Founded in 1869, Carroll, Iowa has evolved from a railroad town into a community that values both its historical roots and modern development. Named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, this city's architectural heritage and community values have shaped its approach to urban planning, including lighting regulations.

Carroll balances preservation with progress, which is reflected in its lighting ordinances. These regulations aim to maintain the city's character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide to Carroll's Lighting Regulations

• Safety Lighting: Adequate warning lights required at construction sites and excavations
• Sign Illumination: Goose neck reflectors permitted with proper lensing to prevent glare
• Public Buildings: Multi-unit buildings require adequate lighting in passageways and stairways
• Home Occupations: Signs for home businesses cannot be illuminated
• Mobile Home Parks: Must be adequately lighted and include an outside lighting plan
• Glare Control: No direct or reflected glare visible from adjoining properties or public streets
• Airport Safety: Lighting must not interfere with aircraft operations
• Towers: No lighting allowed on towers unless required by FAA

Construction and Safety Lighting

Protecting the Public

Carroll's code emphasizes safety first when it comes to construction and excavation lighting. The city requires:

• Adequate barricades and warning lights for protecting the public from hazards
• Warning lights must meet standards specified by the City
• A permit fee of $20.00 applies for barricades and lighting

Legal Protection of Safety Lights

The city takes safety lighting seriously. It is unlawful for anyone to:

• Extinguish any lamp or light erected for guarding unsafe areas
• Remove safety lighting without consent of the person in control

These regulations ensure construction areas remain visible and safe for pedestrians and vehicles during all hours.

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Lighting Methods

Carroll's code provides clear guidelines for how signs may be illuminated:

• Goose neck reflectors and lights are permitted on:
• Freestanding or ground signs
• Roof signs
• Wall signs

Glare Prevention Requirements

To prevent light pollution and maintain aesthetics:

• Reflectors must have proper glass lenses concentrating illumination on the sign area
• Lensing must prevent glare upon streets or adjacent property
• Signs cannot be illuminated by floodlights or spotlights if they extend over public property
• "Indirectly lighted" signs (where the light source is not visible from the street) are defined and regulated

Special District Requirements

Different zoning districts have specific requirements:

• In R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts: Signs for religious institutions, schools, libraries, and community centers must be either:
• Non-illuminated, or
• Indirectly lighted with non-flashing white light
• For Home Occupations: Signs cannot be illuminated and must be limited to one square foot

Building and Public Area Lighting

Multi-Unit Dwellings

Carroll's code has specific requirements for lighting in multi-unit buildings:

For buildings with 2-4 dwelling units:

• Public passageways and stairways must have convenient wall-mounted light switches
• Switches must activate an adequate lighting system

For buildings with 5+ dwelling units:

• Public passageways and stairways must be lighted at all times with adequate artificial lighting
• Exception: Artificial lighting may be omitted from sunrise to sunset if adequate natural lighting exists

For occupancy exceeding 100 persons:

• The artificial lighting system must be on an emergency circuit

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home communities have their own lighting requirements:

• An outside lighting plan must be submitted as part of the park description
• All roads within the park must be adequately lighted

Glare and Light Trespass Controls

Carroll's code addresses the impact of lighting on neighboring properties:

• No direct or reflected glare may be visible from any adjoining property
• Glare must not be visible from any public street, road, or highway
• In the B-3 District, awnings cannot protrude within 12 inches of any light pole or attachments

These requirements help maintain neighborly relations and prevent light from becoming a nuisance.

Airport-Related Lighting Restrictions

Due to Carroll's airport, special lighting considerations apply:

• Lights used with streets, parking, signs, or structures must be arranged so they are not misleading or dangerous to aircraft
• Structures exceeding 200 feet above ground level must have lighting installed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 70-7460-1D
• Tower lighting is prohibited unless required by the FAA

These regulations ensure that ground lighting doesn't interfere with aviation safety.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When installing or modifying exterior lighting in Carroll:

• Consider the purpose: safety, security, aesthetic enhancement
• Review specific requirements for your property's zoning district
• Be mindful of glare restrictions to avoid impacting neighbors
• Remember that permits may be required for certain lighting installations

Permit Requirements

Carroll's code includes specific electrical permit fees for various lighting installations:

• Signs, outline lighting and marquees: $11.25 each (from one branch circuit)
• Additional branch circuits: $2.25 each
• Swimming pool underwater lighting: $22.50 each
• Temporary lighting for construction sites, decorative displays: $5.63 each

Supporting Carroll's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands communities like Carroll that value their historical character while embracing necessary modern improvements.

We appreciate Carroll's approach to balancing safety with preservation of community character. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations.

As communities like Carroll work to maintain their distinctive character, Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the values that have shaped Carroll since its founding as a railroad town in 1869.

Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us uniquely positioned to understand the balance Carroll seeks between proper illumination and preservation of its architectural heritage.

Conclusion

Carroll's lighting regulations focus primarily on safety, sign illumination, public area lighting, and prevention of light nuisances. While not as extensive as some communities, these guidelines ensure that lighting contributes positively to the city's character and functionality.

Property owners should focus on preventing glare, ensuring adequate illumination for safety, and following specific requirements for their property type and zoning district. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to Carroll's continued growth while respecting its historical character.

For specific questions about your property's lighting requirements, contact Carroll's city offices directly, as regulations may be updated over time.