Lighting Regulations in Dillsburg Borough, Pennsylvania: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dillsburg Borough carries a rich historical legacy dating back to the 1740s when Matthew Dill first settled in what was then known as Monaghan Settlement. Since its official incorporation in 1833, Dillsburg has maintained a delicate balance between preserving its small-town charm and meeting modern community needs.

The borough's lighting regulations reflect this balance – designed to ensure safety and functionality while respecting the historical character that makes Dillsburg special. These regulations aim to prevent light pollution, protect the night sky, and maintain the quaint atmosphere that residents and visitors cherish.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting regulations in Dillsburg Borough:

• Light Trespass Limit: Maximum of 0.25 foot candles allowed to leave any property (measured vertically between 5-10 feet off ground)
• Sign Illumination Hours: Residential district signs cannot be illuminated between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Height Restrictions: Pole-mounted lights in private areas cannot exceed 18 feet in height
• Direction Requirements: All lighting must be directed away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way
• Prohibited Lighting: Flashing, rotating, and intermittent lights are not permitted for signs

Property Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Limitations

The most consistently referenced lighting regulation throughout Dillsburg's code addresses light trespass - light that spills beyond property boundaries:

• Maximum Spillover: No more than 0.25 foot candles permitted to leave the property
• Measurement Method: Measured vertically between five and ten feet off the ground
• Applicable Areas: This requirement applies to all properties, including businesses and residences

Directional Requirements

How you direct your lighting is just as important as its intensity:

• Lighting for buildings, signs, access drives, and parking areas must be arranged to not reflect toward public streets
• Lighting must not cause annoyance to surrounding property owners or residents
• All types of lighting shall be directed to reflect away from adjacent lots and public rights-of-way

Glare Control

Operations that produce intense glare must implement appropriate controls:

• Any operation producing intense glare must be performed within an enclosure
• The enclosure must completely obscure the operation from view from any point along the property line
• Exception: During the construction period of facilities to be used and occupied

Specific Use Lighting Regulations

Off-Street Parking Areas

If you maintain a parking area, these lighting requirements apply:

• Adequate lighting must be provided if the parking area is used after dark
• Lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from:
• Adjoining residential properties
• Vehicles moving on public thoroughfares
• The 0.25 foot candle maximum spillover requirement applies

Home Occupation Requirements

For those operating businesses from their homes:

• No outside appearance of a business use is permitted, including lights
• Lighting must conform with residential standards

Tavern Lighting

Establishments serving alcohol have specific requirements:

• Operation must not be detrimental to the neighborhood due to lighting
• No alcoholic beverages may be advertised on the exterior of the building, including lighted window signs

Sign Illumination Standards

Residential District Signs

Signs in residential areas have strict illumination controls:

• May be illuminated only by indirect lighting
• Must not be illuminated between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Lighting must be screened so it is not directed or reflected toward any residence
• Illumination must not hinder the vision of motorists

Color Restrictions

For safety and traffic control reasons:

• Signs illuminated in red, green, or amber (whether by colored bulbs, tubing, or high-reflection materials like fluorescent paint or glass) may not be located within:
• 200 feet radius of a street traffic light or similar safety device
• 200 feet from the center of any street intersection

General Sign Lighting Prohibitions

• Flashing lights are not permitted
• Rotating lights are not permitted
• Intermittent lights are not permitted

Street Lighting Requirements

Tree Maintenance for Lighting

Property owners have responsibilities related to street lighting:

• Trees must be trimmed so they don't interfere with proper illumination of:
• Sidewalk areas
• Streets, lanes, or alleys
• This requirement is specifically to prevent conditions that would be injurious or detrimental to residents, pedestrians, or travelers

Development Requirements

New developments must address street lighting:

• Street lighting facilities must be included in final plans
• Street name signs and lighting systems must be installed at all intersections
• Design and location of light fixtures require Council approval
• For underground electric service, developers must install facilities including cables, ducts, and light standards
• Systems must comply with public utility specifications and borough approval

Mixed-Use Center Lighting

Mixed-use developments have special requirements:

• A streetscape plan developed by a registered landscape architect must show lighting standards
• Lighting in public areas must meet the style and specifications shown in the mixed-use center amenities specifications
• Lighting in private areas must be consistent with public area styles
• Pole-mounted lights in private areas must not exceed 18 feet in total height from finished grade to top of fixtures

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Compliance Issues

The most frequent lighting compliance issues in Dillsburg involve:

• Light trespass exceeding the 0.25 foot candle limit
• Improperly directed lighting causing glare for neighbors or motorists
• Sign illumination that doesn't meet time or directional requirements

Best Practices for Compliance

To ensure your property lighting meets borough requirements:

• Use fixtures with appropriate shielding to direct light downward
• Consider motion sensors for security lighting to minimize continuous illumination
• Choose appropriate wattage that provides necessary light without excessive spillover
• Regularly maintain and adjust outdoor lighting to ensure continued compliance
• For businesses, turn off unnecessary lighting after hours

Supporting Dillsburg's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the delicate balance communities like Dillsburg strive to achieve between preserving historical character and meeting modern lighting needs. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with extensive experience in historical communities, Bock appreciates Dillsburg's commitment to maintaining its small-town charm.

Our team recognizes that proper lighting enhances safety while respecting the borough's picturesque setting and rich heritage. We're committed to supporting communities through education about lighting regulations and providing solutions that respect local architectural styles and community standards.

Bock's expertise in creating lighting that complements historical settings while incorporating modern technology aligns perfectly with Dillsburg's approach to cautious, community-focused development. We understand that in communities that celebrate their heritage through events like the annual Dillsburg Farmers Fair, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere while ensuring safety.

Conclusion

Dillsburg Borough's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. The consistent focus on preventing light trespass, controlling glare, and maintaining appropriate illumination demonstrates the community's thoughtful approach to development.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations not only avoid potential compliance issues but also contribute to maintaining the special ambiance that makes Dillsburg a desirable place to live and visit. By balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation, Dillsburg continues its tradition of honoring the past while embracing the future.