Lighting Regulations in Chestertown, Maryland: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Dark Skies

Introduction

Founded in 1706, Chestertown stands as a testament to Maryland's rich colonial history. As the county seat of Kent County and home to the second-largest district of restored 18th-century homes in Maryland, Chestertown carefully balances preservation of its historic charm with modern infrastructure needs. The town's lighting regulations reflect this delicate balance – designed to enhance safety and security while preserving the aesthetic integrity of its historic districts and protecting the natural night sky.

Washington College, the nation's tenth oldest liberal arts college, along with numerous colonial residences and architectural treasures, form the fabric of this historic port town. The lighting regulations help maintain the authentic character of this Chesapeake Bay gem while meeting contemporary lighting needs.

Quick Reference Guide

• Light Trespass Limit: No more than 0.1 foot-candles at property lines
• Fixture Requirements: All outdoor lighting must be shielded and aimed downward
• Waterway Protection: Fixtures cannot directly illuminate public waterways
• Prohibited Fixtures: Searchlights, laser lights, quartz lamps, and mercury vapor lamps
• Exemptions: Seasonal decorations (if below trespass limits), emergency lighting, and existing lights used before 9:00 p.m.
• Accent Lighting: Must be directed downward, not visible above rooflines or beyond structure edges

Understanding Lighting Terminology

Key Definitions

• Foot-candle: A measure of illuminance equal to one Lumen/ft²
• Light Pollution: General sky glow caused by artificial light scattering in the atmosphere
• Light Trespass: Light that shines directly or indirectly beyond property lines at brightness exceeding 0.1 foot-candles
• Shielding: Ensuring no light rays are emitted above the horizontal plane of the fixture

Purpose of Regulations

Chestertown's lighting ordinances exist to:

• Preserve dark skies for aesthetic and ecological benefits
• Control glare and light trespass between properties
• Promote safety and security through appropriate lighting
• Protect natural resources from light pollution impacts
• Maintain historic character while accommodating modern needs

Technical Requirements for Outdoor Lighting

Shielding and Direction

• All outdoor lighting must be shielded and aimed downward
• No direct light may shine upward into the sky
• Shields must mask the direct horizontal surface of light sources
• No light trespass allowed beyond property boundaries

Waterway Protection

• No direct illumination of public waterways including Chester River or Radcliffe Creek
• Exception: Navigational lights subject to state or federal regulations

Accent and Landscape Lighting

• Must be directed downward onto the illuminated object or area
• Cannot point toward the sky or adjacent properties
• Light emissions must not be visible above roof lines or beyond building edges
• Landscape lighting limited to 150 watts incandescent (2220 lumens output)

Prohibited Fixtures and Limitations

The following lighting is explicitly prohibited in Chestertown:

• Searchlights (except for temporary emergency lighting)
• Laser lights or similar high-intensity lighting projected above horizontal plane
• Quartz lamps (all types)
• Mercury vapor lamps (all types)

The town reserves the right to further restrict outdoor lighting, including pole height and illumination levels, when deemed in the public interest.

Exemptions and Special Considerations

Exempt from Regulations

• Street lights installed prior to the ordinance's effective date
• Temporary emergency lighting (fire, police, repair workers)
• Warning lights for emergency purposes
• Seasonal decorations (if brightness does not exceed 0.1 foot-candles at property line)
• Illuminated signs regulated by the Town Zoning Ordinance

Parking Areas

• Parking area fixtures must reflect light away from adjacent residential sites, institutional sites, and public roads

Tree Maintenance Related to Lighting

• Property owners must prune branches that obstruct street lamps
• Clearance requirement: 8 feet above street or sidewalk surface
• Town right: After notice to owner, town may prune trees interfering with streetlight illumination

Compliance and Permitting

Building Permit Requirements

• All applications including outdoor lighting installations must provide evidence of compliance
• Documentation: Submit forms to Town Manager's office
• Illustrations: Town provides figures showing acceptable and unacceptable outdoor lighting fixtures

Subdivider Responsibilities

• New developments: Subdividers must apply to Planning Commission and Town Engineer for necessary streetlights
• Installation costs: Purchase and installation of required lighting is the subdivider's responsibility

Supporting Chestertown's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique challenges of balancing historic preservation with modern lighting needs in communities like Chestertown. As a manufacturer with deep appreciation for architectural heritage, we share Chestertown's commitment to preserving historic character while implementing practical lighting solutions.

Our expertise in historic district lighting helps property owners navigate regulations while honoring the aesthetic integrity of colonial-era streetscapes. We recognize that Chestertown's careful approach to outdoor lighting preserves its distinctive charm as a Chesapeake Bay port town while ensuring safety and functionality.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities like Chestertown, helping them maintain their unique character through appropriate lighting that respects both historical context and modern standards.

Conclusion

Chestertown's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and protecting dark skies. By controlling light trespass, requiring appropriate shielding, and limiting certain types of fixtures, these regulations help maintain the town's authentic colonial atmosphere.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing or updating outdoor lighting. With proper planning and appropriate fixtures, lighting can enhance safety and aesthetics while honoring Chestertown's rich architectural heritage and natural environment.

For more detailed information, refer to Chestertown's Municipal Code or contact the Town Manager's office when planning lighting projects.