Lighting Regulations in Corry, Pennsylvania: A Practical Guide to Residential and Commercial Requirements

Introduction

Nestled in northwestern Pennsylvania, Corry traces its origins back to 1858 when Amos Harrington purchased the 93 acres that would grow into this charming city. From its humble beginnings as a swampy valley with dense woodlands, Corry has evolved while maintaining strong connections to its historical roots.

Corry's approach to lighting regulations reflects its unique character and governance structure. As a third-class city under Pennsylvania law, Corry is governed by a commission consisting of the mayor and four city council members who have been entrusted with lighting decisions since the city's early days.

These lighting standards aim to preserve Corry's historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for its residents across the city's 6.1 square miles. The regulations balance modern needs with respect for the city's architectural heritage and natural landscape.

Quick Reference Guide

• General Authority: The select and common council has power to provide for lighting the city with gas, oil, or other methods
• Residential Interior Requirements:
• Every room and hall: At least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture
• Multiple-dwellings (5+ units): Public halls and stairways must be adequately lit at all times
• Dwellings with 4 or fewer units: May use convenient light switches for halls and stairways instead of continuous lighting
• Habitable rooms: Minimum of two electric outlets or one outlet plus one ceiling light fixture
• Sign Illumination:
• R-1 Districts: No sign illumination permitted (with limited exceptions)
• R-2 and R-3 Districts: Only indirect or interior illumination allowed
• Commercial and Industrial Districts: Illumination permitted if it doesn't create hazards
• Outdoor Lighting:
• Mobile Home Parks: All drives and walks must be adequately lighted at night
• Parking Areas: Light must be directed away from adjoining properties
• Theaters: All lights must be directed away from residences

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Corry's building code establishes clear requirements for interior lighting that ensure safety and functionality. Every room and public hall in residential buildings must have at least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture. These fixtures must be properly installed, maintained in good working condition, and safely connected to the power source.

For multiple-dwelling buildings with five or more units, public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times. This continuous lighting requirement ensures resident safety in these higher-occupancy buildings.

Smaller residential structures have more flexibility. In buildings with four or fewer dwelling units, public halls and stairways may use conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system instead of full-time lighting.

Room-Specific Requirements

The code provides detailed lighting standards for specific rooms:

• Habitable rooms: Must contain either:
• Two separate floor or wall-type electric outlets, OR
• One outlet plus one ceiling-type electric light fixture
• Bathrooms: Must comply with the same light requirements as habitable rooms
• Service areas: Water closet compartments, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, and public halls must have at least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture

Mobile Home Park Standards

Mobile home parks have their own lighting requirements:

• All drives and walks must be adequately lighted at night
• The Director of Safety may require additional lighting whenever deemed necessary for safety

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Regulations

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Corry's code establishes different sign illumination standards based on zoning districts:

Residential Districts

• R-1 Districts: Signs cannot be illuminated except for incidental illumination from ornamental light sources not specifically installed for sign illumination
• R-2 and R-3 Districts: Signs may use:
• Indirect illumination with hooded light sources (light source must not be visible from the street), OR
• Interior illumination
• Not permitted: Gaseous discharge tubing (neon and similar)

Commercial and Industrial Districts

• C-1, C-2, I-1, and I-2 Districts: Signs, parking areas, and buildings may be illuminated
• Key restriction: Illumination must not confuse, blind, or distract vehicle operators
• Prohibition: No signs creating a nuisance to adjacent property owners

Special Sign Categories

The code provides specific guidelines for canopy signs in certain zones:

• C-1 Districts: Canopy signs with plastic translucent faces may project into public right-of-way
• I-1 and I-2 Districts: Similar canopy signs may project up to three feet from buildings (minimum nine feet above sidewalk grade)
• Illumination requirement: Only back-lit illumination is permitted for these canopy signs

Parking and Loading Areas

Lighting for off-street parking and loading areas must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties. This requirement helps minimize light trespass and maintains neighborhood harmony.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Theaters

Theater lighting has a specific requirement to protect nearby residents: all lights shall be directed away from residences. This ensures entertainment venues can operate without creating light nuisance for neighboring homes.

Home Occupations

For home-based businesses, lighting must not produce "offensive glare." This general standard ensures that commercial activities in residential areas don't disturb neighbors with excessive or misdirected light.

Planning Requirements

The city requires utility plans to show all proposed street lighting. This ensures coordinated development of public lighting infrastructure as the city grows.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

Understanding Corry's lighting regulations helps property owners avoid costly mistakes and potential violations. Whether you're renovating a home, opening a business, or installing new signage, knowing these lighting requirements is essential.

The requirements vary significantly by:

• Building type (residential vs. commercial)
• Zoning district (R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, I-1, I-2)
• Specific use (theaters, home occupations, mobile home parks)

Common Questions

For Homeowners

• Interior lighting must meet minimum fixture requirements for each room type
• Home-based businesses must not produce offensive glare
• If you live near a theater or commercial property, neighboring lights should be directed away from your residence

For Business Owners

• Sign illumination options depend on your zoning district
• Parking lot lighting must be directed away from neighboring properties
• Canopy signs in certain districts must use only back-lit illumination

Supporting Corry's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique character and needs of communities like Corry. We appreciate the balance that Corry maintains between preserving its historical heritage while meeting modern lighting needs.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. We understand how lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining the character of historic areas while ensuring safety and functionality.

As a company committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices, we align with Corry's vision for thoughtful development that respects community character. Our local presence enables us to better understand the specific needs and standards of communities throughout the region.

We're proud to support communities like Corry through education about lighting regulations and practices that enhance rather than detract from local character. Our team recognizes that good lighting is not just about compliance—it's about contributing positively to the places where we live and work.

Conclusion

Corry's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its historical character. From residential interior requirements to commercial sign illumination standards, these regulations help maintain the quality of life that makes Corry special.

Property owners benefit from understanding these requirements before undertaking lighting projects. Whether you're installing interior fixtures in a new home, illuminating signage for a business, or planning a mobile home park, these regulations provide a framework for lighting that serves both functional and aesthetic needs.

As Corry continues to evolve, its lighting regulations help ensure that development enhances rather than detracts from the city's unique character and historical heritage. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to the continued vitality of this charming Pennsylvania community.