Lighting Regulations in Davison, Michigan: A Guide to Property Illumination Standards

Introduction

Davison, Michigan, a city founded in the 1840s and officially incorporated in 1938, balances its historical roots with modern development. Named after Judge Norman Davison, this small community of approximately 5,000 residents in Genesee County prides itself on maintaining quality of life while accommodating growth.

Like many communities, Davison has established lighting regulations to ensure safety, prevent nuisance, and preserve community character. These regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing growth with its small-town charm, while addressing practical concerns about light pollution, security, and aesthetic impact.

Quick Reference Guide to Davison's Lighting Requirements

Height Restrictions:

• 15 feet maximum when located within 300 feet of residential zones
• 20 feet maximum in certain areas (subject to Section 1288.26)
• 12 feet maximum for outdoor lighting adjacent to residential districts in C-2 Traditional Neighborhood Commercial district

Light Trespass Limits:

• Zero foot-candles at neighboring residentially zoned properties
• All lighting must be shielded to reduce glare in non-residential districts
• Light must be directed away from adjacent residential districts and public rights-of-way

Illumination Standards:

• Street lighting has specific footcandle/lux requirements based on street classification
• Parking areas have different illumination standards based on activity level
• Building exteriors have specific illumination requirements for different areas
• 25% reduction in lighting levels required when businesses are closed

Street Lighting Requirements

Subdivision Development Standards

In new subdivisions, developers must follow specific street lighting protocols:

• Street lights must be mounted on ornamental standards where practical
• Electricity must be supplied via underground services whenever possible
• If cable suspension is necessary, standards must still be ornamental with underground services
• The subdivider bears the cost of the electric utility company's installation charges
• All street lighting installations require City Manager approval

Illumination Levels by Street Type

Davison specifies different illumination standards based on street classification and surrounding area:

Nonresidential Areas:

• Major streets: 15 lux / 1.5 footcandles
• Collector streets: 10 lux / 1.0 footcandles
• Local streets: 6 lux / 0.6 footcandles

Residential Areas:

• Major streets: 10 lux / 1.0 footcandles
• Collector streets: 6 lux / 0.6 footcandles
• Local streets: 4 lux / 0.4 footcandles

Tree Maintenance for Street Lighting

To ensure proper street lighting function:

• Property owners must trim tree branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• The City may trim trees on private property if they interfere with street light spread or visibility of traffic control devices

Parking & Building Illumination Standards

Parking Area Lighting

Davison categorizes parking illumination needs by activity level:

Active Vehicular Use Areas:

• Low Activity: 5 lux / 0.5 footcandles
• Medium Activity: 10 lux / 1.0 footcandles
• High Activity: 20 lux / 2.0 footcandles

General Parking and Pedestrian Areas:

• Low Activity: 2 lux / 0.2 footcandles
• Medium Activity: 6 lux / 0.6 footcandles
• High Activity: 10 lux / 1.0 footcandles

Activity Level Examples:

• High activity includes major athletic events, regional shopping centers, and fast food facilities
• Medium activity includes community shopping centers, office parks, hospital parking, and residential complex parking
• Low activity applies to neighborhood shopping, industrial employee parking, and church parking

Building Exterior Illumination

The city specifies illumination levels for various building areas:

• Entry/Active Use Areas: 50 lux / 5.0 footcandles
• Building Surroundings: 10 lux / 1.0 footcandles
• Walkways: 5 lux / 0.5 footcandles
• Vital Locations: 50 lux / 5.0 footcandles
• Gardens (General): 5 lux / 0.5 footcandles
• Monuments (Flood Lighted): 150 lux / 15.0 footcandles

Glare Control & Light Trespass Prevention

Minimizing Impact on Neighbors

Davison emphasizes preventing light from affecting neighboring properties:

• Operations producing intense glare must be performed in enclosed buildings or behind solid fences
• In C-2 districts, developers must submit a photometric plan
• No equipment in home occupations should create glare detectable off the property
• No equipment in marijuana facilities should create glare beyond property boundaries

Business Hour Adjustments

• When not open for business, lighting levels should be reduced or dimmed by at least 25%

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Marijuana Facilities

• Must submit a lighting plan for security purposes
• No equipment may create glare beyond property boundaries
• All electrical installations supporting cultivation must have proper permits

Mobile Home Parks

• Street lighting must be provided and paid for by the park owner
• Lighting must be approved by the Mobile Home Commission for illumination adequacy

Wireless Communication Facilities

• Lighting is generally prohibited unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Applicants should propose height reductions to eliminate lighting needs

Spraying Areas

• Only fixed lighting units may be used for illumination through glass panels
• Panels must isolate the spraying area from the lighting unit location
• Panels should prevent residue from reaching dangerous temperatures from light sources

Architectural and Design Considerations

Integration with Building Design

Davison's regulations emphasize that lighting should be an architectural element:

• Exterior lighting should be part of the architectural concept
• Fixtures and accessories should be harmonious with building design
• Night lighting of buildings should be selective and focused rather than ambient
• Lighting should highlight entrances and architectural features

Streetscape Master Plan Areas

• Properties within Streetscape Master Plan areas should incorporate period-fixture lighting as specified by the City

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your property:

• Submit detailed documentation of proposed lighting in site plans
• Include information on fixture locations, heights, illumination patterns, and glare prevention
• For commercial properties near residential zones, pay special attention to height restrictions and light trespass prevention
• Consider dimming systems for after-hours lighting reduction

Common Maintenance Requirements

• Maintain all lighting in safe, attractive condition as originally designed
• Trim trees that may obstruct street lighting
• Ensure lighting fixtures remain properly aimed to prevent glare on adjacent properties

Supporting Davison's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the balance communities like Davison strive to achieve between modern illumination needs and preserving community character.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with the architectural styles and community values of Midwest towns, Bock Lighting appreciates Davison's approach to lighting regulations that protect residential areas while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and commerce.

Our experience with communities that value their historical character allows us to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements. We understand how lighting contributes to both the functional needs and aesthetic qualities that make Davison a desirable place to live and work.

Bock Lighting shares Davison's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize unnecessary light pollution while providing the illumination necessary for safety and visibility. Our expertise in developing lighting solutions that respect community standards makes us a valuable partner for projects within Davison's jurisdiction.

Conclusion

Davison's lighting regulations reflect the city's thoughtful approach to development, balancing the practical needs of a modern community with preservation of its small-town character. By establishing specific standards for light levels, fixture heights, and glare prevention, the city ensures that illumination enhances safety and visibility without creating nuisances for neighbors.

Property owners planning new construction or renovations should familiarize themselves with these requirements early in the design process. By incorporating lighting considerations into initial plans rather than as afterthoughts, projects can achieve compliance more efficiently and effectively.

The city's emphasis on harmonizing lighting with architectural design also demonstrates Davison's commitment to creating an attractive nighttime environment that highlights the community's best features while providing necessary illumination for safety and security.