Lighting Regulations in Danville, California: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Public Safety

Introduction

Nestled in Contra Costa County, Danville has evolved from its Gold Rush origins while carefully maintaining its historic small-town charm. Founded in the 1850s when brothers Daniel and Andrew Inman purchased land with their mining earnings, Danville has grown into a community that deeply values its architectural heritage and scenic environment.

The town's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to balance—preserving Danville's historic character while ensuring public safety and modern functionality. From street lighting installations to sign illumination standards, these regulations help maintain the town's unique aesthetic appeal while providing adequate lighting for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide

• Street Lighting Requirements: Required near schools, in higher-density zones, and in multiple-family/commercial areas
• Sign Illumination: Only indirect illumination permitted in Historic Downtown areas (Areas 1, 2, 3, and portions of Area 4)
• Exterior Lighting: Must be directed downward, away from residential areas, and maintained at minimal functional levels
• Internal Illumination: Prohibited in Historic Downtown areas unless approved under a master sign program
• Neon Signs: Permitted only inside windows, with no exterior neon allowed
• Light Intensity: Must be minimum required for legibility/safety while preventing nuisance to neighbors
• Special Uses: Additional requirements for specific uses like emergency shelters and restaurants

Street Lighting Specifications

Location Requirements

Street lighting facilities are required in several specific situations:

• Within one mile of existing or approved school sites (measured along shortest pedestrian route)
• In areas zoned R-12 or higher density districts
• In any areas zoned for multiple family, business, or commercial use
• Along existing public streets abutting a subdivision

Installation Standards

• Placement: Whenever possible, street light poles must be placed on lot lines and at intersections
• Wiring: Must be installed underground and conform to Town standards and utility company requirements
• Ownership: Street lighting systems are jointly owned and operated by the County and serving public utility company
• Energizing Costs: Developers must deposit funds for one year of operation prior to map approval

Technical Specifications

• Ornamental Poles: May be used if they meet Town Council standards and utility company requirements
• Safety Conformance: All equipment must conform to:
• Electrical safety orders of the Division of Industrial Safety
• Rules for Overhead Electric Line Construction (General Order No. 95)
• Standard specifications of the serving public utility company

Sign Illumination Regulations

Danville's sign regulations are particularly detailed regarding illumination, reflecting the town's commitment to maintaining its historic character.

Downtown Business District Restrictions

• Historic Downtown Areas: Only indirect illumination is permitted in Areas 1, 2, 3, and portions of Area 4
• Internal Illumination: Prohibited in Historic Downtown areas unless specifically approved under a master sign program
• Intensity Standards: All lighting must be at the lowest level consistent with adequate identification and legibility

Types of Sign Illumination

Indirect Illumination

• Light sources must be directed away from public view
• Must be appropriately screened
• Light intensity must be minimal

Internal Illumination (Where Permitted)

• Allowed only for project anchor tenants and project identification signs
• Requires master sign program permit
• Halo-lit signs and signs with opaque backgrounds are preferred
• Exceptions require Planning Commission approval

Neon and Fiber Optic Signs

• Location: Permitted only on the interior of windows
• Exterior Neon: Not permitted anywhere in Danville
• Approval: Requires review and approval by the Chief of Planning
• Permits: Building and electrical permits required prior to installation

Specific Sign Type Requirements

Awning Signs

• Internally illuminated canopies are prohibited
• Indirect lighting is permitted for pedestrian walkways under awning canopies

Ground Signs

• Only indirect illumination permitted unless approved under a master sign program

Mini-Pole Signs

• Maximum height is 7 feet (plus 1 additional foot for decorative elements like light fixtures)
• Only indirect illumination permitted

Subdivision Reader Boards

• No illumination allowed (either external or internal)

Property Lighting Standards

General Requirements

• Intensity: Exterior lighting must be maintained at minimal functional levels of brightness
• Direction: Light must be directed downward and away from residential areas
• Screening: Light sources must be screened to direct light onsite and prevent visibility from offsite
• Height: Light fixtures should be kept low to the ground
• Design Integration: Exterior lighting should be addressed as an integral part of building and landscape design

Special Use Considerations

Restaurants

• Exterior lighting must be low glare and directed onsite
• Must not shine into adjacent properties or cause nuisance for motorists/pedestrians
• Only minimal safety lighting allowed after authorized hours of operation

Emergency Shelters

• Must have adequate outdoor lighting for security purposes

Indoor Growing Operations

• Grow lights may not exceed 1,000 watts per light
• Must comply with California Building, Electrical and Fire Codes

Wireless Facilities

• May not include exterior lights except as required by regulations
• Any permitted lights must be installed to minimize illumination impacts

Supporting Danville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands communities like Danville that strive to preserve their historic character while meeting modern lighting needs.

As a company that values architectural heritage and community aesthetics, Bock Lighting appreciates Danville's thoughtful approach to balancing safety and historic preservation through its lighting regulations. Our experience with similar communities has shown that proper lighting can enhance historic areas while respecting their unique character.

While navigating lighting regulations can be complex, having access to educational resources about lighting technology and compliance options can help property owners make informed decisions. Understanding how various lighting solutions can support both compliance and aesthetic goals is essential for maintaining Danville's distinctive charm.

Planning Your Project: What Property Owners Should Know

Documentation Requirements

When planning exterior lighting for your property, be prepared to submit:

• Lighting Plans: Showing proposed location and design of all exterior lights
• Fixture Details: Including lighting fixture design specifications
• Impact Assessment: How the lighting will affect neighboring properties

Common Compliance Challenges

• Light Trespass: Ensuring light doesn't spill onto neighboring properties
• Intensity Levels: Balancing safety needs with minimal brightness requirements
• Historic District Requirements: Understanding stricter standards in downtown areas
• Sign Illumination: Navigating different requirements by sign type and location

Conclusion

Danville's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring public safety. By carefully balancing illumination needs with aesthetic considerations, these standards help maintain the town's unique charm that dates back to its Gold Rush origins.

Property owners should work closely with the Town's Planning Department when designing lighting for new construction or renovations. Understanding these regulations early in the planning process can help avoid costly changes later while contributing to Danville's distinctive visual environment.

Whether illuminating signs, streets, or building exteriors, thoughtful lighting design that respects both regulations and the town's historic character helps ensure Danville remains both safe and beautiful for generations to come.