Lighting Regulations in Dallas Borough, Pennsylvania: Balancing Heritage, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship

Introduction

When the sun sets over the Huntsville Reservoir and darkness blankets Dallas Borough, Pennsylvania, the community's approach to lighting reveals much about its values and heritage. Established in 1797 and officially incorporated in 1879, Dallas Borough has long maintained a delicate balance between preserving its historic character and meeting modern needs.

Named after Alexander J. Dallas, the 6th United States Secretary of the Treasury, this 2.4-square-mile borough cherishes its rich heritage while embracing responsible growth. The borough's lighting regulations reflect this balance, prioritizing environmental stewardship, public safety, and community aesthetics.

In this guide, we'll explore Dallas Borough's lighting requirements and how they serve to enhance the community's distinctive character while preventing common lighting issues such as glare and light trespass.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a snapshot of the most critical lighting regulations in Dallas Borough:

• Fixture Types: Shoebox light fixtures required to direct light downwards
• Height Restrictions: Fixture height shall not exceed 15 feet
• Light Direction: Shields required to deflect light away from residential properties
• Prohibited: Sodium vapor lights are not permitted
• Sign Illumination: Only white light allowed (except neon for window signs)
• General Principle: Exterior lighting restricted to minimum levels needed for safety and security
• Design Standard: Light standards must be low profile with sharp cut-off shields directed downward

Technical Specifications for Lighting Fixtures

Fixture Design Requirements

Dallas Borough's regulations are specific about the types of fixtures that may be used for outdoor lighting:

• Shoebox Fixtures: Required for directing light downwards
• Cut-off Shields: Must have sharp cut-off shields to reduce light dispersion
• Mounting Height: Maximum height of 15 feet for light fixtures
• Illumination Type: Sodium vapor lights are explicitly prohibited
• Fixture Profile: Light standards must be low profile

Light Placement and Direction

Proper light placement is crucial for compliance:

• Downward Direction: All light must be directed downward
• Residential Protection: Shields required to deflect light away from residential properties
• Minimalist Approach: Exterior lighting restricted to minimum necessary for safety and security
• Light Pollution: Fixtures must reduce dispersal of ambient light to the night sky

These technical specifications ensure lighting serves its purpose without creating nuisance or environmental harm.

Sign Illumination Standards

Permissible Light Types

Dallas Borough has clear regulations about how signs may be illuminated:

• Color Restrictions: Only white light may be used to illuminate signs
• Exception: Neon lighting permitted only for window signs
• Exposed Sources: Exposed lighting sources such as bulbs and tubes are prohibited
• Concealment: External illumination sources must be hidden from view by shrubbery or other permitted material

Operating Hours and Restrictions

• Curfew: Exterior signs shall not be illuminated after midnight, except for businesses remaining open later
• Business Closing: Signs must be extinguished at closing time for businesses operating past midnight
• Portable Signs: Self-illuminating portable signs allowed if set back at least 20 feet from street right-of-way
• Prohibited Features: No animated, sequential, flashing, or oscillating signs permitted in any district

Glare Control

• Light Containment: Illumination must be confined to the sign surface
• Direction: Light must be directed to avoid glare affecting highway traffic or creating neighborhood nuisance
• Reflection Prevention: Sign illumination may not cause reflection or glare upon streets, sidewalks, or adjacent properties

Property-Specific Lighting Requirements

Different types of properties have tailored lighting requirements:

Commercial Properties

• Medical Clinics: Outside lighting shall be directed away from adjacent activities
• Shopping Centers: Lighting must be directed away from abutting properties
• Business Appearance: No-impact home businesses shall have no outside appearance of business use, including lights

Recreational Facilities

• Outdoor Recreation: Outside lighting shall be directed away from adjacent activities
• Public Pools: Outside lighting shall be directed away from adjacent activities
• Swimming Pools: All outdoor lighting must use hooded, shielded fixtures that confine glare to the site

Industrial and Special Uses

• Welding Shops: Operations must take place in enclosed buildings to minimize glare
• Communication Towers: Lighting requirements as specified by FCC, FAA, or other governing agencies
• Loading/Unloading Areas: Hooded, shielded fixtures required to prevent glare to adjoining properties

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Installation

When installing or updating exterior lighting, Dallas Borough property owners should:

• Consult Regulations Early: Include lighting plans in your initial site planning
• Document Details: Site plans must include information about all lighting devices
• Consider Neighbors: Design lighting to minimize impact on adjacent properties
• Balance Needs: Provide adequate illumination for safety while minimizing light pollution

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners often encounter these lighting compliance challenges:

• Over-illumination: Installing fixtures that exceed necessary light levels
• Improper Shielding: Failing to properly shield lights facing residential properties
• Height Violations: Mounting fixtures above the 15-foot maximum
• Glare Problems: Creating glare that affects neighbors or public rights-of-way

Remember that glare is explicitly defined as a "general nuisance" in Dallas Borough's regulations.

Supporting Dallas Borough's Lighting Vision

Community Partnership with Bock Lighting

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Dallas Borough's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique character of Pennsylvania communities like Dallas Borough.

Our expertise in lighting design aligns with Dallas Borough's vision of maintaining its historic character while implementing modern lighting solutions. We appreciate the borough's emphasis on environmental stewardship, as evidenced by initiatives like the Dallas Area Municipal Authority's pollution reduction efforts.

Resources for Property Owners

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs enables us to provide guidance that respects Dallas Borough's distinctive character.

We're committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that complement the borough's environmental values and help preserve the charm that makes Dallas Borough special.

Conclusion

Dallas Borough's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and environmental responsibility. By directing light downward, shielding fixtures, and limiting light intensity, these regulations protect the night sky from light pollution while providing adequate illumination for safety and security.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations not only avoid potential compliance issues but also contribute to maintaining the unique character and quality of life that make Dallas Borough a special place to live and work.

Whether you're planning a new development, renovating an existing property, or simply updating your exterior lighting, these guidelines provide a framework for lighting that serves its purpose while respecting the community's values and heritage.