Lighting Regulations in Challis, Idaho: Preserving Night Skies in Historic Mining Country

Introduction

Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, Challis, Idaho carries a rich historical legacy dating back to its founding in 1878 during the gold rush era. Named after A.P. Challis, this former mining town maintains its distinctive character through careful preservation of historic structures like those in the Old Challis Historic District, featuring original log and board-and-batten houses.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects its dual commitment to preserving both its historical character and the natural beauty of its mountain setting. With relatively modest lighting requirements compared to larger municipalities, Challis demonstrates a balanced approach that respects both community needs and the rural Idaho night sky.

Quick Reference Guide to Challis Lighting Regulations

Key Requirements:

• New outdoor lighting must use high pressure sodium lamps with full cutoff shades
• Yard lamps standardized at 100w HPS (High Pressure Sodium)
• Street lamps standardized at 250w HPS
• Drive-in restaurants must direct night lighting away from residences
• Antenna lighting prohibited except when required by FAA
• Signs with strobe/rotating lights resembling emergency vehicles prohibited
• Excessive glare that could be detrimental to persons or property is prohibited

Purpose of Challis Lighting Regulations

Challis has established exterior lighting regulations with several specific goals:

Protection from Light Issues

• To protect against direct glare and excessive lighting
• To prevent light trespass in all areas of the county
• To minimize any adverse effects of manmade light

Enhancing Public Safety

• To provide safe roadways for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
• To maintain visibility while reducing uncomfortable distraction to the eye

Preserving Natural Character

These regulations help maintain the distinctive character of Challis, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the spectacular night skies that have been visible from this mountain valley since long before the town's mining-era founding.

Technical Specifications for Exterior Lighting

Defined Lighting Standards

• Exterior lighting is officially defined as temporary or permanent lighting installed to cause light rays to shine outside
• This specifically includes:
• Yard lamps (100w HPS)
• Street lamps (250w HPS)

Requirements for New Installations

• All new outdoor lighting must meet local electric company requirements for high pressure sodium lamps
• Full cutoff shades are required for new installations
• This requirement also applies when replacing existing lighting fixtures

Light Pollution Controls

Challis defines light pollution as any adverse effect of manmade light including:

• Light trespass
• Uplighting
• Uncomfortable distraction to the eye
• Any light that diminishes ability to view the night sky

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Residential Considerations

While general residential lighting has minimal specific regulations, certain specialized properties have additional requirements:

• Manufactured/mobile home parks must provide electrical service for lighting as part of required site improvements
• Recreational vehicle parks must similarly include electrical service for lighting

Commercial Lighting Requirements

• Drive-in restaurants specifically must "avert the direction of night lighting toward any residence"
• General commercial developments must avoid "excessive glare" that could be detrimental to persons, property, or general welfare

Prohibited Lighting

• Signs with strobe-type rotating lights that simulate emergency vehicles are expressly prohibited
• Lighting of antennas or support structures is prohibited (except when required by FAA)

Street Lighting Requirements

Subdivision Development Standards

• Street lights may be required at intersections throughout new subdivisions
• Developers must conform to the requirements of:
• The Challis zoning ordinance
• The public utility providing such lighting
• Underground placement of utilities may be required

Authority and Oversight

The city council and/or the planning and zoning commission has the authority to:

• Require new lighting to meet all recommendations and guidelines
• Enforce additional requirements beyond the basic specifications

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance and Enforcement

If your lighting is found to violate the regulations:

• The city will notify the owner and/or occupant
• You will have thirty (30) days to address the issue
• If the violation is not resolved, the city may take legal action

Planning for New Lighting

When installing new lighting or replacing existing fixtures:

• Ensure you're using high pressure sodium lamps with full cutoff shades
• For yard lighting, 100w HPS is the standard reference
• For street lighting, 250w HPS is the standard reference

Best Practices

Even where specific regulations aren't detailed:

• Direct lighting downward to minimize light pollution
• Consider your neighbors when positioning outdoor lighting
• Remember that excessive glare is generally prohibited

Supporting Challis's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of historic communities like Challis. With roots dating back to 1918, we share Challis's appreciation for preserving historical character while meeting modern safety and utility needs.

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with experience in communities that value their heritage, we recognize the importance of lighting that complements Challis's mining-era architecture and respects the natural beauty of its mountain setting. Our expertise includes helping property owners navigate local regulations while enhancing the distinctive character of their community.

We appreciate Challis's balanced approach to lighting regulations, which protects the night sky while ensuring safety and functionality. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the values embedded in Challis's regulations.

Conclusion

Challis's lighting regulations reflect its character as a small, historic mining town surrounded by natural beauty. While more limited in scope than those of larger municipalities, these guidelines serve an important purpose in preserving the town's unique atmosphere.

By focusing on preventing excessive glare, requiring full cutoff fixtures, and establishing standards for high pressure sodium lighting, Challis maintains its commitment to both safety and preservation. These regulations help ensure that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy both the historic architecture and starry skies that make this Idaho community special.

For specific questions about interpretation or application of these lighting requirements, property owners should contact the Challis planning and zoning commission or city council directly.