Lighting Regulations in Chubbuck, Idaho: A Modern Suburban Approach

Introduction

Chubbuck, Idaho has grown from its humble beginnings when incorporated in 1949 to become a thriving suburban community with a population of over 15,500. As part of the Pocatello metropolitan area, Chubbuck has focused on modern growth and infrastructure while maintaining its suburban character.

Unlike cities with extensive historical districts, Chubbuck's approach to lighting regulations reflects its contemporary development priorities. The city has crafted lighting standards that balance safety and functionality with neighborhood aesthetics and quality of life.

This guide explores Chubbuck's lighting regulations to help property owners, developers, and businesses navigate compliance requirements while contributing to the community's vision for a well-lit, attractive suburban environment.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Site Lighting Height: Cannot exceed 15 feet in residential areas
• Light Direction: Must be directed away from residences and confined to the property
• Sign Illumination: Must emit constant intensity light; no flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights
• Digital Signs: Specific brightness limits measured in nits for day and night conditions
• Pedestrian Lighting: Must be 12-16 feet in height in designated areas
• Residential Impact: No offensive glare noticeable at or beyond property lines
• Shielding Requirement: Lights must be shielded to prevent light trespass

Residential Lighting Regulations

Home Occupation Lighting

Chubbuck's code addresses lighting specifically for home-based businesses:

• Maintaining Residential Character: Lighting for home occupations must not cause the premises to differ from its residential character
• Boundary Limitations: No offensive glare may be noticeable at or beyond the property line
• Sign Restrictions: Home occupation signs must be non-illuminated and not exceed 4 square feet

Neighborhood Compatibility

When installing lighting on residential properties:

• Direction Requirements: Lighting must be directed away from adjacent residences
• Shielding: All lighting must be deflected, shaded, and focused away from adjoining property
• Height Restrictions: Site lighting cannot exceed 15 feet in height

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

General Commercial Requirements

Commercial properties in Chubbuck must balance adequate illumination with neighborhood compatibility:

• Light Confinement: Light must be confined to the site as much as reasonably possible
• Security Concerns: Lighting must be of sufficient intensity to discourage vandalism and theft
• Documentation: Commercial projects may need to submit a lighting plan showing fixture locations, light distribution, and methods to prevent light trespass

Industrial Property Requirements

Industrial sites have additional requirements:

• Glare Prevention: No direct or reflected glare visible from any property outside an industrial district or from any street
• Screening Requirements: Industrial uses must use landscaping, terrain, vegetation, berms, or fencing to screen lighting from residential areas, open spaces, parks, and arterial streets

Sign Lighting Regulations

General Sign Illumination

Chubbuck has detailed regulations for illuminated signs:

• Consistency Requirement: Signs must emit light of constant intensity
• Prohibited Features: No flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights (except for time/temperature displays and compliant reader boards)
• Direction Control: Illumination cannot be directed upon vehicular/pedestrian ways or adjacent premises
• Safety Measures: No glare or reflection that constitutes a safety hazard or nuisance

Digital Display Brightness Limits

Electronic signs must adhere to specific intensity limits (measured in nits):

| Color | Daytime (1/2 hour after sunrise) | Nighttime (1/2 hour after sunset) | |-------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------| | Red | 2,250 | 450 | | Green | 4,500 | 900 | | Amber | 3,350 | 675 | | Full color | 5,000 | 1,000 | | White | 2,000 | 350 |

Specific Sign Restrictions

• Temporary Signs: Temporary signs in residential areas cannot be lighted or illuminated by spotlighting
• Portable Signs: Signs with electric lighting that are temporary or designed to be portable are prohibited
• Monument Signs: For monument/monolith/pylon signs with changeable copy displays, only one color is allowed in the digital display area

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Self-Storage Facilities

Self-storage facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Direction Control: All outdoor lights must be shielded to direct light and glare only onto the premises
• Security Needs: Lighting may be of sufficient intensity to discourage vandalism and theft
• Neighbor Protection: Lighting and glare must be deflected, shaded, and focused away from adjoining property

Wireless Facilities and Towers

Telecommunications infrastructure has unique lighting regulations:

• Minimum Standards: Facility lighting must meet but not exceed minimum requirements for security, safety, or FAA regulations
• Antenna Restrictions: Lighting of antennas or support structures is prohibited unless required by the FAA
• Residential Considerations: If FAA lighting is required near residences (within 300% of tower height), dual mode lighting should be requested
• No Signals/Lights: No signals, lights, or signs permitted on towers unless required by the FCC or FAA

Urban Design Elements

Pedestrian-Friendly Lighting

In certain areas, Chubbuck encourages pedestrian-scaled lighting:

• Height Requirements: Pedestrian-scaled lighting must be between 12-16 feet high
• Spacing Guidelines: More closely spaced than standard street lighting
• Enhanced Crosswalks: Additional lighting at crosswalks and approaches may be required
• Trail Corridors: Pedestrian lighting may be included in trail corridors (subject to agreement between developers and the City)

Streetscape Elements

Streetlights in certain zones must:

• Follow Design Themes: Conform to an approved theme
• Enhance Safety: Exhibit pedestrian-scaled design and enhance walking safety
• Complement Development: Be compatible with structures and uses

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing or modifying property in Chubbuck:

• Site Plan Requirements: Many projects require submission of lighting plans showing fixture locations, distribution patterns, and methods to prevent light trespass
• Design Review: Projects may need to meet "Lighting Standards" as part of Design Review approval
• Conditional Approvals: The Land Use Development Committee may condition permit approval on appropriate lighting provision

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be particularly aware of:

• Light Trespass: Ensure light doesn't spill onto neighboring properties
• Height Restrictions: Maintain the 15-foot maximum height for site lighting
• Glare Control: Implement proper shielding to prevent glare beyond property lines
• Sign Illumination: Follow specific restrictions on sign illumination, especially digital displays

Supporting Chubbuck's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique needs of growing suburban communities like Chubbuck. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate Chubbuck's focus on balancing modern development with community aesthetics.

Our team stays current with local lighting regulations to serve as a resource for property owners, contractors, and developers. We believe that well-designed lighting enhances both safety and the visual character of a community.

Bock Lighting shares Chubbuck's commitment to responsible illumination that prevents light trespass while providing adequate lighting for security and functionality. Our experience with similar communities helps us understand how lighting contributes to the suburban character Chubbuck seeks to maintain.

We're dedicated to supporting the city's vision through education and lighting solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and community standards.

Conclusion

Chubbuck's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a modern suburban community focused on growth and quality of life. The requirements aim to ensure adequate illumination for safety and security while preventing light pollution and trespass.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners contribute to a well-lit environment that enhances Chubbuck's appeal as a place to live, work, and do business. Whether you're installing residential outdoor lighting, planning commercial signage, or developing a new property, these standards help maintain the community's character while allowing for appropriate illumination.

For specific questions about your project, consult with the Chubbuck Planning and Development Services Department to ensure your lighting plans meet all applicable regulations.