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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.

Denver, Colorado
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.
When submitting development plans in Cumming, several lighting-related elements must be included:
These requirements ensure that lighting is thoughtfully incorporated into new developments from the planning stage, rather than added as an afterthought.
The city places importance on screening undesirable views, particularly headlight glare. Development plans must include implementation of:
These elements should be strategically placed to minimize the impact of lighting on neighboring properties and roadways.
Cumming has specific regulations governing how signs may be illuminated:
For electric signs, Cumming requires:
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.
All signs, including their lighting components, must be maintained in good repair. This includes:
When new subdivisions are developed in Cumming, the subdivider is responsible for providing street lighting at their own expense. This process includes:
After final observation, approval, and acceptance by the City, responsibility for the street lighting transfers to the City of Cumming.
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."
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."
When planning exterior lighting for your property in Cumming, keep these key points in mind:
Adhering to Cumming's lighting regulations offers several advantages:
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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.
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.