Lighting Regulations in Craigmont, Idaho: Preserving Rural Character Through Simple Lighting Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Lewis County with a population of around 500 residents, Craigmont, Idaho embodies the quiet charm of rural America. Named after William Craig, a mountain man born in 1807 who settled in the Lapwai Valley in 1840, Craigmont has maintained its small-town character since its incorporation in 1920.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects its agricultural roots and commitment to preserving the natural landscape. While Craigmont doesn't have formally designated historical districts, its lighting standards align with the community's values of simplicity and practicality.

In this guide, we'll explore Craigmont's lighting regulations and what they mean for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide

Craigmont maintains a straightforward approach to lighting regulations, focusing primarily on:

• Glare Prevention: No direct or reflected glare permitted outside manufacturing districts or from streets
• Street Lighting: Required at subdivisions intersections (installed by public utilities, paid for by developers)
• Airport Safety: Special lighting restrictions near Craigmont Airport to ensure air traffic safety
• Industrial/Commercial Screening: Industrial uses must screen lighting using landscaping and natural buffers
• Business Operating Hours: Licensed premises must maintain night lights during closed hours

Street Lighting Requirements

Basic Requirements

Craigmont's approach to street lighting focuses on practical safety needs rather than extensive specifications. The city requires:

• Intersection Lighting: Installation of streetlights at intersections throughout subdivisions
• Utility Installation: Street lighting must be installed by the public utility that provides such lighting
• Developer Responsibility: The developer bears the cost of lighting and installation

Oversight and Planning

The city maintains supervision of lighting through:

• The Commissioner of Public Works has full supervision of the "street lighting system of the city"
• Construction Plans: Final engineering construction drawings must include "the type and placement of street lighting"

These requirements ensure basic illumination for safety while maintaining the rural character that defines Craigmont.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

Glare Restrictions

Craigmont places emphasis on preventing nuisance lighting:

• No Glare Rule: "No direct or reflected glare shall be permitted which is visible outside a manufacturing district or from any street"
• I-C District Purpose: The light industrial-commercial district specifically encourages developments "which are clean, quiet and free of hazardous or objectionable elements such as glare"

Screening Requirements

For industrial properties, natural screening is required:

• Parklike Settings: "Industrial uses and parcels shall be developed in parklike surroundings utilizing landscaping and natural conditions as buffers to screen lighting, parking areas, loading areas or docks, and/or outdoor storage of raw materials or products"

Business Operating Requirements

For certain licensed premises (likely referring to establishments selling alcohol):

• Night Lighting: "During such prohibited hours, all blinds or shades shall be rolled up, drawn back or removed from the windows and doors of such licensed premises so as to permit full view into such licensed premises from the exterior of said premises, and a night light shall at all times be kept burning in the interior of said premises during such closed hours"

Airport-Related Lighting Regulations

Safety Priorities

Given the presence of Craigmont Airport, special lighting considerations apply:

• Visual Clarity: "No use may be made of land within any zone established by this article in such a manner as to make it difficult for flyers to distinguish between airport lights and others, result in glare in the eyes of flyers using the airport, impair visibility in the vicinity of the airport or otherwise endanger the landing, taking off, or maneuvering of aircraft"
• Development Restrictions: "The location, building height and lighting of residential and commercial development shall be restricted within airport approach areas as required by the state department of transportation, division of aeronautics and public transportation and federal aviation administration"

Airport Markers and Lights

• Compliance Requirement: Owners of nonconforming structures or trees near the airport must permit installation of markers and lights deemed necessary for aircraft safety
• Financial Responsibility: Such markers and lights are installed, operated, and maintained at the expense of the Craigmont airport

What Property Owners Should Know

Residential Properties

For residential property owners in Craigmont, lighting regulations are relatively minimal. The key considerations are:

• If your property is near the airport, special restrictions may apply to outdoor lighting
• Standard good neighbor practices regarding light trespass are encouraged, even if not extensively regulated

Commercial and Industrial Properties

Business owners should be aware of:

• The prohibition on glare extending beyond property boundaries
• Requirements for screening lighting in industrial zones
• Special night lighting requirements for certain licensed businesses during closed hours
• Potential special requirements if located near airport approach zones

Supporting Craigmont's Lighting Approach

Bock Lighting's Community Alignment

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate the values that shape communities like Craigmont. With roots dating back to 1918, we recognize the importance of preserving the character of small towns while providing practical lighting solutions.

Our experience with rural communities throughout the country has taught us the importance of balancing modern needs with traditional aesthetics. We appreciate Craigmont's straightforward approach to lighting regulations that prioritizes safety and glare prevention while preserving the natural night sky.

Bock Lighting can serve as a resource for Craigmont residents and businesses seeking to understand and comply with local lighting ordinances. Our commitment to responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Craigmont's values of simplicity and practicality.

Conclusion

Craigmont's lighting regulations reflect the city's rural character and practical approach to development. With a focus on preventing glare, ensuring safety at intersections, and protecting airport operations, the regulations maintain essential standards without imposing extensive restrictions.

Property owners and businesses benefit from clear guidelines that prevent nuisance lighting while allowing appropriate illumination for safety and security. These straightforward standards help preserve Craigmont's quiet rural atmosphere and clear night skies for future generations.

By understanding and following these lighting guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining the distinctive character that makes Craigmont a special place to live and work.