Lighting Regulations in Dickson, Oklahoma: Simple Standards for a Small-Town Community

Introduction

Dickson, Oklahoma, a small town in eastern Carter County, has maintained its distinctive small-town character since its first official census in 1970. With modest growth over the decades to just over 1,200 residents, Dickson has developed practical approaches to town planning that reflect its community values.

The town's lighting regulations, while limited in scope, align with Dickson's emphasis on balancing development needs with preservation of its small-town atmosphere. These straightforward standards focus primarily on safety, functionality, and minimizing disruption between neighboring properties.

Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or developer in Dickson, understanding these basic lighting requirements can help ensure compliance while supporting the town's community-oriented approach to development.

Quick Reference Guide

• Safety Lighting Requirements:
• One lighted exit with an outside door for each 100 customers/people
• School play areas must be well-lighted
• Parks must be well-lighted at night
• Suitable parking and yard lighting required
• Light Nuisance Prevention:
• Operations producing intense light must be enclosed
• Light sources must be screened to prevent detection beyond lot lines
• Sign Illumination:
• Red, green, or amber sign illumination must not create confusion with traffic signals
• Regulatory Authority:
• Board of Trustees may impose specific lighting conditions for certain developments

Safety-Related Lighting Requirements

Exit and Emergency Lighting

Safety is a clear priority in Dickson's lighting regulations. The code specifically requires one lighted exit with an outside door for each one hundred (100) customers or people in commercial and public buildings.

This basic requirement ensures that in an emergency situation, people can quickly locate and use exits, potentially preventing injuries during evacuations.

Public Space Illumination

The town code prioritizes adequate lighting in areas frequently used by children and families. Specifically:

• School play areas "shall be well lighted"
• Parks "shall be well lighted at night"

While the regulations don't specify exact illumination levels, the intent is clear: public spaces where community members gather should have sufficient lighting for safety and security purposes, especially during evening hours.

Parking and Yard Lighting

The code simply states that "suitable parking and yard lighting shall be provided." This general requirement gives property owners flexibility while still establishing the expectation that outdoor areas should be appropriately illuminated.

Light Pollution and Nuisance Prevention

Controlling Light Trespass

Dickson's code includes a straightforward but important provision regarding light trespass between properties:

"Any operation that produces intense glare or heat shall be performed within a completely enclosed building and exposed sources of light shall be carefully screened so as not to be detectable beyond the lot lines."

"Any operation that produces intense glare or heat shall be performed within a completely enclosed building and exposed sources of light shall be carefully screened so as not to be detectable beyond the lot lines."

This requirement focuses on:

• Containing intense light sources within buildings
• Screening exposed light sources to prevent spillover
• Preventing light detection beyond property boundaries

This regulation helps maintain good neighborly relations by preventing light from one property from creating a nuisance for adjacent properties.

Sign Illumination Requirements

Traffic Safety Considerations

Dickson's code includes a specific provision regarding illuminated signs to prevent confusion with traffic signals:

"The use of red, green or amber illuminations in connection with any sign must be so located that it in no way creates a confusion with any official traffic signal or on the other hand, may be interpreted by any motorist as a traffic signaling device."

"The use of red, green or amber illuminations in connection with any sign must be so located that it in no way creates a confusion with any official traffic signal or on the other hand, may be interpreted by any motorist as a traffic signaling device."

This requirement prioritizes:

• Traffic safety by preventing sign confusion
• Clear distinction between commercial signs and official signals
• Careful placement of colored illumination

Business owners should be particularly attentive to this requirement when designing and placing illuminated signage, especially near intersections or along the town's major thoroughfares like U.S. Route 177 and Oklahoma State Highway 199.

Board of Trustees Discretionary Authority

The Dickson Board of Trustees maintains authority to impose additional lighting conditions for certain development projects. The code states that the Board may impose various conditions including lighting requirements, particularly when considering:

• A proposed use's potential effect on adjacent areas
• Compatibility with neighboring properties
• Overall impact on the community

This discretionary authority allows town officials to address unique situations or specific concerns that might not be covered by the general lighting regulations.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Approach to Compliance

Dickson's lighting regulations provide general guidelines rather than highly specific technical requirements. This approach offers flexibility while still maintaining basic standards for safety and consideration of neighbors.

Key Considerations for Property Owners:

1. Safety First: Ensure all required exits are properly illuminated
2. Be a Good Neighbor: Screen intense light sources to prevent spillover
3. Suitable Illumination: Provide adequate lighting for parking areas and yards
4. Sign Safety: Avoid colored sign illumination that could be confused with traffic signals
5. Public Spaces: Ensure adequate illumination in parks and school play areas

When Planning New Development

For new construction or significant renovations, it's advisable to:

• Review the complete town code
• Consult with local officials early in the planning process
• Be prepared for potential additional lighting requirements from the Board of Trustees

Supporting Dickson's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of small towns like Dickson, Oklahoma. With roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that balance practical needs with preservation of local character.

As a manufacturer with extensive experience in communities of all sizes, we recognize that Dickson's straightforward approach to lighting regulations reflects its small-town values and practical needs. Our team understands how to provide lighting solutions that meet safety requirements while respecting the character of communities like Dickson.

We're committed to serving as a resource for property owners, businesses, and community planners seeking to understand and implement lighting that complies with local regulations while enhancing community spaces.

Our appreciation for regional differences and community values allows us to support towns like Dickson in maintaining their distinctive character while meeting practical lighting needs.

Conclusion

Dickson, Oklahoma's lighting regulations reflect its practical, community-oriented approach to development. While relatively minimal compared to larger municipalities, these standards establish clear expectations for safety lighting, prevention of light nuisance, and sign illumination.

The town's emphasis on "suitable" lighting without excessive technical specifications allows property owners flexibility while still maintaining standards that support community safety and neighborly consideration.

By understanding and following these straightforward requirements, property owners and businesses can ensure compliance while contributing to Dickson's continued development as a livable, cohesive community.