Lighting Regulations in Dallas Center, Iowa: Preserving Small-Town Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Founded in 1869, Dallas Center, Iowa has grown from a pioneer settlement established around a boxcar store into a cherished community that values its historical heritage and small-town atmosphere. As Dallas Center has evolved over the generations, the city has maintained a delicate balance between necessary modernization and preserving its unique character.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balanced philosophy. These regulations are designed to enhance public safety while minimizing light pollution that could detract from Dallas Center's quaint rural ambiance – allowing residents to enjoy both well-lit spaces and starry night skies.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Light Trespass Prevention: All non-exempt outdoor lighting must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent light from spilling onto neighboring properties • Luminaire Restrictions: Any luminaire with a lamp rated above 1,800 lumens must not emit direct light above a horizontal plane • Sign Illumination: Signs may be lit by internal or external fixtures, but must concentrate illumination on the sign face to prevent glare • Recreational Lighting Curfew: Illumination of playing fields or courts after midnight is prohibited except to conclude events scheduled before 11:00 p.m. • Shielding Requirements: Most outdoor lighting fixtures must be fully shielded to minimize up-light and glare • Underground Wiring: All leads to light poles must be underground

Understanding Light Trespass Regulations

What is Light Trespass?

Dallas Center defines "light trespass" as the shining of light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located. This simple definition has important implications for property owners throughout the city.

Prevention Requirements

The city code is clear that all non-exempt outdoor lighting fixtures shall be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent light trespass. This means that outdoor lighting fixtures must be installed and maintained to prevent direct light from being directed toward residential buildings on adjacent or nearby property.

Compliance Solutions

If light trespass occurs, property owners must take corrective action by: • Redirecting the luminaire • Controlling the light output • Making other necessary adjustments to eliminate the trespass condition

Technical Specifications for Outdoor Lighting

Luminaire Design Requirements

The city code contains specific technical requirements for lighting fixtures:

• Horizontal Light Control: Any luminaire with a lamp rated at more than 1,800 lumens shall not emit, in its installed position, any direct light above a horizontal plane through the lowest direct light emitting part of the luminaire • Light Output Restrictions: Such luminaires must not emit more than five percent of total light output in the zone from 10 degrees below the horizontal to the horizontal plane • Small Fixture Exemption: Any lighting source producing 1,800 lumens or less is exempt from these restrictions

Understanding Lumen Measurements

Dallas Center defines a "lumen" as a unit of luminous flux, with one foot-candle equaling one lumen per square foot. For regulatory purposes, the lumen-output values refer to the initial lumen output ratings of a lamp.

Up-Lighting Limitations

The code specifically addresses "up-lighting," defined as lighting directed to shine light rays above the horizontal plane. These limitations help preserve the night sky visibility that contributes to Dallas Center's rural charm.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Recreational Facility Lighting

Facilities for sports and recreation have specific lighting requirements:

• Shielding Requirement: All fixtures used for lighting outdoor recreational facilities (public or private) must be "fully shielded" or designed with sharp cut-off capability • Curfew Rules: Illumination of playing fields, courts, tracks, or event sites after midnight is prohibited except to conclude scheduled events that were planned to end before 11:00 p.m. • Design Goals: Fixtures must minimize up-light, spill-light, and glare

Sign Illumination Standards

The city provides clear definitions and requirements for illuminated signage:

• Constant Light Level: A constant level of light must be maintained (though automatic dimmers to reduce intensity at night are allowed) • Prohibited Effects: Lighting shall not flash, scintillate, animate, move, chase, oscillate, or otherwise be intermittent unless specifically permitted • Maintenance Requirements: All signs and parts thereof, including electrical wiring, fixtures, and lighting must be kept in good repair

Commercial District Considerations

Properties adjacent to residential districts have additional restrictions: • Uses with extensive exterior lighting must not be located where such lighting may be hazardous to traffic • Commercial lighting must be placed at sufficient distance to reduce intensity to normal residential street lighting levels at any residential district boundary

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Outdoor Lighting

When developing a property or updating exterior lighting, remember:

• A Site Lighting Plan must be provided for new developments, indicating location, type, fixture height, power rating, and shielding methods • A photometric plan detailing the horizontal illumination of the site and vertical light trespass along the perimeter is required • All plans must conform to the regulations in Section 158.05

Grandfathered Lighting

The code provides some flexibility for existing lighting:

• Luminaires lawfully in place before the effective date of the regulations are generally grandfathered • Such fixtures may be replaced with like kind unless more than 50% of similar luminaires on the same premises are being replaced • If the 50% threshold is reached, all replacement luminaires must meet current standards

Exemptions to Be Aware Of

A few specific exemptions exist: • Buildings designated for historic preservation are exempt from "fully shielded" requirements if historic restoration cannot be achieved by other means • Lighting sources producing 1,800 lumens or less are exempt from many restrictions

Supporting Dallas Center's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the importance of maintaining Dallas Center's historical character while providing modern, efficient lighting solutions. With roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Dallas Center's appreciation for historical heritage and community values.

Our experience with communities that balance historical preservation with modern needs allows us to serve as a resource for Dallas Center property owners. We understand the importance of maintaining the small-town charm and rural ambiance that makes Dallas Center special.

Bock Lighting is committed to helping communities like Dallas Center maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting solutions that respect local regulations. Our focus on sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Dallas Center's vision of preserving its small-town atmosphere.

Conclusion

Dallas Center's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its historical charm while ensuring public safety and functionality. By understanding and following these requirements, property owners contribute to preserving the town's unique character and protecting its night skies from excessive light pollution.

These thoughtfully designed regulations help Dallas Center maintain its distinctive small-town feel while accommodating modern lighting needs – continuing the balanced approach to development that has guided the community since its pioneer days in 1869.

The result is a community where well-designed lighting enhances safety and aesthetics while preserving the qualities that make Dallas Center a special place to live and visit.