Lighting Regulations in Dillon, South Carolina: A Guide to Community Standards & Historic Preservation

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, Dillon holds a special place in the state's history. Founded in 1910 and named after James W. Dillon, the city's development was catalyzed by the expansion of the Wilson Short Cut Railroad (later part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad), which connected the area to the national rail network.

The architectural heritage of Dillon, exemplified by landmarks like the James W. Dillon House (built in 1890 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), reflects the community's deep connection to its past. This Victorian-era dwelling, with its intricate lattice work and decorative trim, represents the aesthetic values that influence Dillon's approach to development even today.

As Dillon balances preservation with progress, its lighting regulations play a crucial role in maintaining community character while ensuring safety and functionality for its approximately 28,000 residents. These standards reflect Dillon's commitment to thoughtful development that honors its agricultural roots and historic identity.

Quick Reference Guide

• Sign Illumination: Direct lighting must be shielded to prevent light from shining on adjacent properties
• Flashing Signs: Intermittent or flashing illuminated signs are prohibited
• Street Light Spacing: Street lights required at all roadway intersections and spaced no more than 200 feet apart
• Public Safety: Excavations must have sufficient warning lights between sunset and sunrise
• Commercial Properties: Lighting must not brightly illuminate adjoining properties
• Historic Districts: Light fixtures visible from public areas require Board of Architectural Review approval
• Certain Businesses: Minimum illumination of one foot candle measured at floor level required for specific businesses

Sign Illumination Requirements

Shielding Requirements

Throughout Dillon's zoning code, a consistent requirement appears for illuminated signs: proper shielding is mandatory. Signs illuminated by direct lighting must have such lighting shielded to prevent light from:

• Shining onto abutting properties
• Affecting the normal line of vision of the public using streets or sidewalks

Prohibited Illumination Types

Several types of sign illumination are explicitly prohibited in Dillon:

• Intermittent or flashing illumination is consistently prohibited across districts
• Interior illuminated signs are prohibited in certain contexts
• Signs with illumination that might be confused with traffic control devices

Zone-Specific Requirements

The city establishes different illumination standards based on zoning districts:

• For R-7 and other residential districts, only non-illuminated signs are permitted for home occupations
• Temporary real estate signs must be unlighted in many districts
• Different requirements may apply to different zones, with specific approval processes in place

Public Safety Lighting

Excavation and Construction Safety

The city places strong emphasis on lighting for public safety, particularly regarding:

• Required Warning Lights: Any trench, ditch, or excavation in streets, sidewalks, or public places must have a "sufficient number of lights properly displayed around it as danger signals" between sunset and sunrise
• Protection of Warning Lights: It is unlawful to remove or extinguish any light placed as a warning signal at excavations or construction sites
• Legal Consequences: Failure to comply with these safety lighting requirements is a violation of city ordinance

Street Lighting Requirements

The city code establishes clear standards for street lighting:

• Intersection Coverage: All roadway intersections must be provided with a street light
• Spacing Requirements: Street lights shall not be less than 200 feet apart
• General Requirement: Simply stated in some sections as "Street lights shall be provided"

Special District and Property Lighting

Historic District Lighting

Dillon takes special care with lighting in its historic districts:

• The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) has authority to review and regulate light fixtures visible from any street or public thoroughfare
• New construction in historic districts requires submission of exterior lighting plans
• The BAR creates specific design guidelines for lighting in both commercial and residential contexts
• A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required for light fixtures placed on public rights of way or property easements

Commercial Property Lighting

For commercial properties, particularly in special districts:

• Light fixtures for parking and hardscape areas must be "appropriate for the district"
• Lighting must not "brightly illuminate adjoining properties or the public right-of-way"
• Buffer yards are required between different land uses to minimize "glare of lights" among other potential nuisances

Specialized Business Requirements

Some businesses have specific lighting requirements:

• Sexually oriented businesses must maintain minimum illumination of "not less than one (1) foot candle as measured at the floor level"
• Family day care homes in certain residential districts must submit an exterior lighting plan for approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals
• Some family day care homes face restrictions on "after dark operating hours"

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Projects

When considering exterior lighting for your property in Dillon, keep these key points in mind:

• Check your zoning district - requirements vary significantly between districts
• For businesses with signs, ensure any illumination is properly shielded and complies with district standards
• In historic districts, consult with the Board of Architectural Review before making any changes to exterior lighting
• For family day care homes, an exterior lighting plan approval is required in most residential districts

Application and Approval Process

Different lighting projects follow different approval paths:

• Historic district projects require Certificate of Appropriateness from the BAR
• Commercial development requires appropriate site plans including lighting details
• Subdivision development must include street lighting plans for approval
• Special uses like family day care homes require specific lighting plan approval

Supporting Dillon's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Dillon's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern functionality. As a manufacturer with deep understanding of regional architectural styles, we appreciate Dillon's balanced approach to lighting regulations that protect community character.

Our experience working with communities similar to Dillon has given us insight into how proper lighting can enhance historic areas while providing necessary safety and visibility. We understand the importance of respecting local regulations and community standards when developing lighting solutions.

Bock Lighting strives to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our team can help explain technical specifications and requirements in plain language, making compliance more straightforward for residents and businesses alike.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Dillon's vision of thoughtful development that honors its agricultural heritage and Victorian architectural influences. We believe that quality lighting enhances community character rather than detracting from it.

Conclusion

Dillon's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring public safety and appropriate development. From the specific requirements for sign illumination to the careful oversight of lighting in historic districts, these standards help maintain the community's distinct identity.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with the specific requirements applicable to their zone and project type. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Dillon's continued development as a community that honors its railroad and agricultural heritage while embracing thoughtful progress.

The city's approach balances practical considerations with aesthetic values, ensuring that lighting serves its essential functions while respecting Dillon's architectural legacy and community character. These carefully crafted standards help preserve the unique sense of place that makes Dillon special.