Lighting Regulations in Cumming, Iowa: Preserving Rural Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled within the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area, Cumming, Iowa, represents a fascinating blend of small-town character and modern development. With just 2.57 square miles of primarily land area, this charming community has deep historical roots dating back to the late 19th century.

Cumming treasures its rural aesthetic and historical structures—including a transformed grain elevator from the early 1900s and a one-room schoolhouse that evolved from an educational facility to a restaurant. As one of the smallest incorporated suburbs in the metro area, the city has carefully developed regulations that reflect its commitment to maintaining its unique character.

The city's lighting regulations, though limited in scope, reflect Cumming's practical approach to development while preserving its rural atmosphere and historical identity.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Light Levels: Lighting from any site cannot exceed one foot-candle at the property line
• Fixture Design: All exterior building and site lighting must be downcast with sharp cut-off qualities
• Sign Illumination: Limited to no greater than one foot-candle when measured from property boundaries
• Electric/Video Signs: Must automatically adjust intensity based on ambient light levels
• Development Applications: Must include detailed cut sheets of all proposed exterior fixtures and a lighting photometric plan
• Ground Lighting: Must be concealed from view by landscape plantings

Exterior Lighting Standards for Properties

General Requirements

Cumming's approach to exterior lighting prioritizes minimizing light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. The regulations focus on containing light within property boundaries.

The most important general requirement states that all exterior building and site lighting shall be downcast in nature and fixtures must have sharp, cut-off qualities specifically designed to prevent off-site glare.

Additionally, property owners must ensure that lighting levels from their site do not exceed one foot-candle at the property line. This requirement helps maintain the rural character of Cumming by preventing excessive light spillover between properties.

Development Planning Requirements

When submitting development plans in Cumming, several lighting-related elements must be included:

• Detailed exterior descriptions including type of exterior lighting
• Detailed cut sheets of all proposed exterior light fixtures
• An exterior lighting photometric plan
• Type and location of lighting in off-street parking areas
• Integration of outside lighting in landscape plans

These requirements ensure that lighting is thoughtfully incorporated into new developments from the planning stage, rather than added as an afterthought.

Screening Requirements

The city places importance on screening undesirable views, particularly headlight glare. Development plans must include implementation of:

• Landscaping
• Berms
• Decorative walls
• Fences

These elements should be strategically placed to minimize the impact of lighting on neighboring properties and roadways.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Cumming has specific regulations governing how signs may be illuminated:

• Signs can be illuminated either internally or externally
• Light levels must remain constant throughout the sign
• Reflectors must have proper glass or plastic lenses
• Illumination must not exceed one foot-candle in intensity when measured from property boundaries
• All ground lighting must be concealed by landscape plantings

Electric and Digital Signs

For electric signs, Cumming requires:

• Manufacturing to meet UL specifications
• Compliance with City Electrical Code
• Watertight construction with service holes that have fitted waterproof covers
• No electrical equipment that causes interference with radio or television reception

Both electric changeable signs and video signs must have the ability to automatically adjust intensity based on ambient light levels. This requirement ensures these signs aren't excessively bright at night while remaining visible during daylight hours.

Video signs are only permitted as components of modified pylon signs and cannot exceed 50 percent of the allowable copy area.

Sign Maintenance

All signs, including their lighting components, must be maintained in good repair. This includes:

• Structural components
• Lighting elements
• Attachments to ground or structures
• Surface features

Special Lighting Applications

Street Lighting

When new subdivisions are developed in Cumming, the subdivider is responsible for providing street lighting at their own expense. This process includes:

• Coordination with necessary agencies
• Submission of a lighting plan to the City for review
• Compliance with the current edition of "Iowa Statewide Urban Design Standards for Public Improvements"

After final observation, approval, and acceptance by the City, responsibility for the street lighting transfers to the City of Cumming.

Agricultural and Special Use Lighting

For specific structures like chicken coops, regulations simply state they must "offer plenty of light, both natural and artificial."

For wind energy conversion systems, the regulations are equally straightforward: "No lights shall be installed on the tower, unless required to meet FAA regulations."

Safety Lighting

Construction areas must include "adequate barricades, fencing and warning lights meeting standards specified by the City" to protect the public from hazards.

Additionally, city ordinance (135.01) explicitly prohibits the removal or destruction of safety lighting: "It is unlawful for a person to willfully remove, throw down, destroy or carry away from any street or alley any lamp... or extinguish any lamp or other light erected or placed thereupon for the purpose of guarding or enclosing unsafe or dangerous places."

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Considerations

When planning exterior lighting for your property in Cumming, keep these key points in mind:

• Focus on downcast lighting fixtures that direct light where needed without causing glare
• Ensure your lighting plan keeps illumination levels below one foot-candle at your property lines
• Consider how your lighting affects neighboring properties
• For commercial properties, include detailed lighting plans in your development applications
• For signage, ensure illumination systems meet both electrical and brightness requirements

The Benefits of Compliance

Adhering to Cumming's lighting regulations offers several advantages:

• Preservation of Cumming's charming rural character
• Reduction of light pollution that can affect stargazing and wildlife
• Better relationships with neighbors by minimizing light trespass
• Energy savings through more efficient lighting design
• Contributing to the community's aesthetic values and historical identity

Supporting Cumming's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. We appreciate Cumming's thoughtful approach to maintaining its rural charm while developing practical lighting standards.

Communities like Cumming, with rich historical backgrounds, benefit from lighting solutions that enhance safety and functionality without compromising their unique aesthetic. Bock Lighting shares these values, recognizing that appropriate lighting plays a crucial role in preserving community character.

Our experience with projects in communities that value their distinctive identity has given us insight into how lighting can complement historical areas. We're committed to serving as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations and finding solutions that respect local character.

Through our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs, we aim to support communities like Cumming in achieving their vision for thoughtful, character-appropriate illumination.

Conclusion

Cumming's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its small-town atmosphere while addressing practical lighting needs. Though limited in scope compared to larger municipalities, these standards focus on preventing light pollution and preserving the city's rural charm.

By emphasizing downcast lighting, limiting light trespass, and requiring thoughtful integration of lighting in development plans, Cumming ensures that illumination enhances rather than detracts from its unique character.

For property owners, understanding and following these regulations not only ensures compliance but contributes to the community's ongoing efforts to balance growth with preservation of its historical identity and rural aesthetic.