Lighting Regulations in Clayton, New Mexico: Preserving Historical Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in the plains of northeastern New Mexico, Clayton has maintained its historical charm since its establishment in 1887. This crossroads community, located about 130 miles northwest of Amarillo, Texas, balances preservation of its rich heritage with modern development needs. The town's lighting regulations reflect this careful balance – designed to maintain the community's unique character while addressing safety, security, and environmental concerns.

Clayton's architectural heritage, with buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, creates a distinctive atmosphere that residents value deeply. The town's approach to lighting helps preserve this historical ambiance while meeting contemporary needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most critical lighting regulations in Clayton:

• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum 0.05 lumens per square foot at property lines
• Fixture Shielding: Most outdoor lighting must be fully shielded and aimed downward
• Curfew Requirements: Parking lot lighting must be off by 11:00 p.m.
• Prohibited Lighting: Searchlights (except with permit), mercury vapor, metal halide without special permission
• Sign Illumination: Must direct light downward onto signs, limited to 1,800 initial lumens per 15 sq ft
• Mounting Height: Generally limited to 15 feet (18 feet for large parking lots)

Understanding Light Pollution & Definitions

What Constitutes Light Pollution?

Clayton defines light pollution as "any adverse effect of man-made light" including but not limited to:

• Glare
• Light trespass
• Sky glow
• Visual clutter
• Wasted energy from excessive lighting
• Light that disrupts flora and fauna or diminishes night sky visibility

Important Terminology

To understand Clayton's regulations, it helps to know these key terms:

• Outdoor Lighting: Nighttime illumination of any outside area by man-made devices, including interior lighting that projects outdoors
• Light Trespass: Light that shines beyond the property where the fixture is installed
• Disabling Glare: Lighting that impairs visibility, creating potential hazards
• Full Cutoff: A fixture designed so no light is emitted at or above a horizontal plane through its lowest point

Measurement Standards

Light trespass measurements are taken:

• At the property line
• At a vertical point 5 feet above grade
• With the meter held normal to a line between any offending light source and the meter

General Standards for Outdoor Lighting

Residential & Commercial Requirements

All new outdoor lighting installations must meet these standards:

• Direction: Fixtures must be fully-shielded and aimed downward
• Light Angle: Light rays restricted to regions below an angle 15 degrees beneath horizontal plane
• Wall Fixtures:
• Limited to 3,000 lumens total output (equivalent to a 150-watt incandescent)
• Maximum of 1 fixture per 400 square feet of wall surface
• Must be fully shielded
• Pole Fixtures:
• Limited to 9,500 lumens (equivalent to a 100-watt high pressure sodium)
• Maximum of 1 fixture per 8,000 square feet of ground surface
• Must be fully shielded
• Higher lumen outputs permitted for taller poles in large parking lots

Height & Position Restrictions

• Mounting Height Limit: 15 feet maximum (18 feet for very large parking lots)
• Property Line Considerations: Any light visible from adjacent property or street that creates trespass or glare is prohibited
• Shielding: Additional shielding required to eliminate light trespass and disabling glare when needed

Special Purpose Lighting

Landscape & Architectural Lighting

• Landscape Uplighting:
• Limited to 900 initial lumens (40-watt incandescent equivalent)
• Maximum of 1 lamp fixture per 900 square feet of landscaped area
• Cannot operate from dusk to dawn
• Architectural Illumination:
• Limited to 5,400 initial lumens per 3,000 square feet of wall surface
• Maximum of 1,800 initial lumens per fixture
• No illumination beyond highest point or edges of structure
• Side shielding required to avoid light trespass/glare
• Cannot operate from dusk to dawn

Flag & Sign Illumination

• Flag Lighting:
• Limited to 800 initial lumens (40-watt incandescent equivalent)
• Should originate from fixture at top of pole when possible
• Must aim downward
• Sign Lighting:
• Must direct light downward onto sign surface, not toward sky/properties
• Limited to 1,800 initial lumens per 15 square feet of sign surface
• Internally illuminated signs must be constructed so top doesn't allow light to emit directly upward

Motion-Activated Lighting

• Unshielded Motion Sensor Lights:
• Permitted up to 1,800 total lumens per fixture
• Must not remain on longer than 10 minutes after triggering
• Must be aimed at least 45 degrees below horizontal
• Cannot be aimed onto adjacent property

Commercial & Public Space Requirements

Event & Recreational Lighting

• Event Lighting: All fixtures must be fully shielded or designed with sharp cut-off capability
• Playing Fields/Courts/Tracks: No illumination permitted after 11:30 p.m. except to conclude events that began before 11:00 p.m.
• Metal Halide: Only permitted where pure color rendition is necessary; must be extinguished by 11:30 p.m.
• Parking Lots: Lighting must be shut off by 11:00 p.m. unless a specific scheduled event requires otherwise

Specific Business Requirements

• Dance Halls, Liquor Establishments & Certain Amusements:
• Minimum lighting of 5 foot candles at 5 feet from principal floor
• Must maintain this level whenever open for business
• Food Preparation Areas:
• Must have either window area equal to 10% of floor area OR
• One 100-watt electric bulb per 100 square feet of floor area

Compliance & Enforcement

Timeline Requirements

• Grandfathering Period: All lighting installations must comply within 10 years of the regulation's effective date
• Exceptions to Grandfathering:
• Buildings with change of use, roofline, or size exceeding 25% due to renovations
• Fixtures that are replaced or relocated
• Existing fixtures causing disabling glare to motorists/cyclists

Enforcement Process

• Notice of Non-Compliance: Town issues written notice to property owner
• Correction Period: 10-90 days provided for abatement
• Legal Action: Failure to correct issues results in municipal court complaint

Permit Submittal Requirements

For building permits involving outdoor lighting installation, applicants must provide:

• Plans showing location, type, and height of all luminaries
• Description of luminaries, including lamps, supports, and shielding
• Photometric data for fixtures with output of 3,000 lumens or more
• For large projects, a lighting plan with foot-candle renderings may be required

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Steps for Compliance

1. Inventory Your Lighting: Assess current fixtures for compliance with shielding, direction, and lumen requirements
2. Plan for Updates: If you have non-compliant fixtures, budget for replacements within the grandfathering period
3. Check Property Lines: Ensure no light trespass occurs at boundaries
4. Consider Timers: Installing timers can help comply with shutdown requirements
5. Keep Documentation: Maintain records of fixture specifications for potential compliance verification

Common Compliance Issues

• Over-illumination: Excessive brightness is a common violation
• Improper Shielding: Ensuring proper cutoff prevents light trespass
• Misaimed Fixtures: Even compliant fixtures can create problems if improperly aimed
• Timer Failures: Regular maintenance of automatic shutoff systems is essential

Supporting Clayton's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of preserving community character through appropriate lighting. Our experience with historic communities like Clayton provides us with insights into balancing modern lighting needs with traditional aesthetics.

We share Clayton's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while enhancing safety and security. Communities like Clayton benefit from lighting approaches that respect their architectural heritage while incorporating energy-efficient technologies.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, offering expertise in regional architectural styles and community-appropriate solutions. Our approach aligns with Clayton's values – preserving the town's unique character while providing functional, compliant illumination.

Our team appreciates Clayton's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which helps maintain the town's distinctive atmosphere and historical integrity for future generations.

Conclusion

Clayton's lighting regulations reflect the community's dedication to preserving its historical character while addressing modern lighting needs. By limiting light trespass, requiring appropriate shielding, and establishing curfews for certain lighting, the town maintains its charming atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality.

Property owners play a crucial role in maintaining Clayton's unique character through lighting choices that respect both regulations and community values. Understanding and implementing these guidelines helps preserve the town's distinctive ambiance for residents and visitors alike.

These regulations represent Clayton's balanced approach to development – honoring its rich past while thoughtfully embracing necessary modernization, all while preserving the natural beauty of New Mexico's night skies.