Lighting Regulations in Collierville, Tennessee: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Standards

Introduction

Collierville, Tennessee, with its historic town square and celebrated status as one of America's best main streets, maintains a delicate balance between preserving its architectural heritage and accommodating modern development. Founded in 1836 and incorporated in 1850, this second-oldest settlement in Shelby County has meticulously rebuilt and preserved its character through the years.

The town's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to balanced growth - ensuring safety and functionality while respecting Collierville's historic small-town appeal. Whether you're a property owner, developer, or simply interested in community standards, understanding these regulations helps maintain the charm that earned Collierville recognition from Parade magazine as the "Best Main Street" in America.

Quick Reference Guide

• Fixture Types Required: Full cutoff fixtures for pole-mounted lights; cutoff or full cutoff for building-mounted fixtures
• Approved Light Sources: Metal halide, incandescent, LED, and compact fluorescent
• Maximum Spillover to Commercial Properties: 1.0 footcandle at property line, 0.5 footcandle 10 feet from property line
• Maximum Spillover to Residential Properties: 0.5 footcandle at property line, 0.25 footcandle 10 feet from property line
• Parking Lot Illumination (Basic): Minimum 0.2 footcandles, average 1.0 footcandle, max-to-min ratio 20:1
• Parking Lot Illumination (Enhanced Security): Minimum 0.5 footcandles, average 2.5 footcandles, max-to-min ratio 15:1
• Vehicular Canopies: Maximum 20 footcandles, recessed fixtures required
• Exit Pathways: Minimum 10-foot wide light corridor at 1.0 footcandle minimum

General Lighting Requirements

Fixture Types and Placement

Collierville's regulations specify that lighting fixtures must be appropriate for the area and compatible with the principal building of a development. The town distinguishes between:

• Pole-mounted lights: Must be full cutoff fixtures
• Building-mounted lights: Must be cutoff or full cutoff fixture type
• Wall packs: Permitted at entrances for safety, not for general illumination

Light Source Consistency

The same light source must be used for similar types of lighting throughout any development. Approved light sources include:

• Metal halide
• Incandescent
• LED
• Compact fluorescent

Lighting Plans and Certification

Property developers must submit detailed exterior lighting plans as part of their application. Before certificates of occupancy are released, the town requires:

• Certification from a registered engineer, qualified lighting professional, or lighting manufacturer
• Verification that all site lighting is installed according to town standards
• Confirmation of compliance with approved plans and applicable conditions

Light Pole Height Requirements

Maximum Heights Near Residential Areas

Light pole heights are strictly regulated based on proximity to residential districts:

• Less than 50 feet from residential district: 14 feet maximum
• 50-100 feet from residential district: 25 feet maximum
• 100-150 feet from residential district: 30 feet maximum

Other Height Restrictions

• Pedestrian areas: Maximum 14 feet when adjacent to residential areas
• General limit: 30 feet tall (35 feet may be approved case-by-case)
• Sports fields: Maximum 80 feet (exceptions possible with Design Review Commission approval)

Light Levels and Spillover Requirements

Maximum Spillover Limits

The regulations clearly define maximum light spillover allowed:

| Location | At Property Line | 10 feet from Property Line | |:---------|:-----------------|:---------------------------| | Adjacent to commercial | 1.0 footcandle | 0.5 footcandle | | Adjacent to residential | 0.5 footcandle | 0.25 footcandle |

Parking Lot Illumination Standards

Two tiers of parking lot lighting are defined:

Basic Standard

• Minimum horizontal illuminance: 0.2 footcandles
• Average value design: 1.0 footcandle
• Uniformity ratio (max to min): 20:1

Enhanced Security Standard

• Minimum horizontal illuminance: 0.5 footcandles
• Average value design: 2.5 footcandles
• Uniformity ratio (max to min): 15:1

Special Area Requirements

• Vehicular canopies: Maximum 20 footcandles
• Outdoor display areas: Maximum average illuminance of 24 maintained footcandles
• Exit pathways: Minimum 1.0 footcandle in 10-foot wide corridor from building exit to public way

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sports Fields and Performance Areas

Outdoor sports field and performance area lighting has specific requirements:

• Glare control: All fixtures must include louvers, shields, or similar devices
• Aimed lighting: Beams must be directed to fall within primary playing field/performance area
• Spillover limit: Maximum 0.2 footcandle horizontal levels at 150 feet beyond field boundary
• Curfew: No illumination after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude activity
• Review process: All recreational facility lighting requires case-by-case review

Canopy Lighting

Lighting for canopies must be:

• Recessed: Bottom of fixture flush with underside of canopy
• Full cutoff: Using full cutoff flat lens luminaire
• Controlled: Designed to prevent off-site glare

Prohibited Lighting Types

Several lighting types are expressly prohibited in Collierville:

• Exposed neon lights (or LED simulating neon)
• Fixtures creating off-site glare
• Blinking or flashing lights (any changing light intensity)
• Internally illuminated awnings
• Illuminated tubing/string lights outlining property lines, rooflines, or wall edges (except holiday lighting)
• Searchlights and strobe lights
• Ornamental fixtures relying solely on prismatic glass/acrylic for shielding

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

• Signs must primarily be externally illuminated
• Internal and external illumination cannot be used on the same sign
• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent buildings and streets
• Top-down mounting of lighting fixtures is required when possible
• External illumination color temperature cannot exceed 5,000K

Internal Illumination Restrictions

Internal illumination is limited to specific sign types and methods, including:

• Individual channel letters and logos with specific material requirements
• Individual reverse-channel (halo-lit) letters
• Routed face signs with specific material requirements
• Theater marquee signs

Supporting Collierville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Collierville's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern lighting technologies. We understand the importance of maintaining the unique charm that earned Collierville recognition as one of America's best main streets.

Our experience with historic districts across the country provides valuable perspectives on balancing safety and functionality with architectural preservation. Bock's expertise can help Collierville property owners navigate these detailed lighting regulations while respecting the town's vision for controlled growth and historical preservation.

Committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices, Bock appreciates Collierville's thoughtful approach to community illumination. Our team stays current with lighting regulations and can serve as an educational resource for property owners seeking to enhance their lighting while remaining compliant with local standards.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're developing property in Collierville, plan early for lighting compliance:

• Include photometric plans in your application
• Select fixtures that meet full cutoff or cutoff requirements
• Ensure consistent light sources throughout your development
• Calculate maximum light levels to avoid exceeding spillover limits

Certification Requirements

Remember that final approval requires:

• Certification from a qualified lighting professional
• Verification that installation meets town standards
• Compliance with all approved plans and conditions

Special Considerations

Pay particular attention to:

• Light fixture height restrictions near residential areas
• Shielding requirements to prevent off-site glare
• Exit pathway lighting requirements (10-foot wide corridor at 1.0 footcandle)
• Sign illumination restrictions

Conclusion

Collierville's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring modern standards for safety and functionality. Property owners who understand and embrace these standards contribute to maintaining the small-town charm that makes Collierville special.

By balancing illumination needs with careful controls on light spillover, fixture types, and mounting heights, Collierville continues its tradition of planned growth that respects the community's architectural heritage and residential character.