Lighting Regulations in Dilworth, Minnesota: A Guide to Compliance for Property Owners

Introduction

Nestled in Clay County, Minnesota, Dilworth's history as a railroad town dates back to 1883. Originally called Richardson, the community was renamed to honor Joseph Dilworth, a significant Northern Pacific Railroad stockholder. Officially incorporated in 1911, Dilworth earned recognition as western Minnesota's largest railroad village when the Northern Pacific Railroad established its depot in 1906.

Today, this small city of approximately 4,000 residents maintains a delicate balance between preserving its railroad heritage and meeting modern community needs. The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance, aiming to ensure safety and functionality while respecting neighborhood character.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Lighting Requirements in Dilworth:

• Residential Protection: All lighting must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining residential properties
• Light Measurement: Any light falling on residential property cannot exceed four foot-candles
• Shielding Required: Light sources must be hooded/controlled to eliminate light spill
• Housing Parks: Manufactured housing parks require city-approved lighting plans
• Glare Prevention: Non-hooded bulbs cannot be visible from adjacent property or public right-of-way
• Special Facilities: Sauna restrooms and janitor closets require minimum 30 foot-candles of illumination

Residential Area Protections

Preventing Light Trespass

Dilworth's regulations place significant emphasis on preventing light from spilling onto neighboring properties. The city establishes clear rules to ensure lighting remains contained and non-intrusive.

Key residential protections include:

• Light sources must have a fixed direction away from neighboring properties
• Light cast onto residential property cannot exceed four foot-candles (measured at the property line)
• Direct or sky-reflected glare from processes like welding cannot be directed into adjoining properties
• Home occupations cannot produce light glare affecting adjacent properties

Hooding and Shielding Requirements

Proper light fixtures are essential for compliance in Dilworth. The city specifically requires:

• All light sources must be hooded or controlled to eliminate light spill
• Non-hooded/shielded light bulbs cannot be visible from adjacent property or public rights-of-way
• For businesses in residential districts, lighting must be hooded so the light source isn't visible from public rights-of-way or neighboring residences

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Manufactured Housing Parks

Manufactured housing parks have specific lighting requirements:

• Must provide and maintain adequate park/street lighting throughout the park
• Must have a street lighting plan approved by the city
• Grounds must be lighted from sunset to sunrise as approved by the city
• Artificial light must be maintained during all hours of darkness in buildings with public facilities

Commercial and Industrial Properties

Businesses and industrial facilities face additional requirements:

• Car washes: All lighting must be hooded and directed to comply with city regulations
• Industrial facilities: Lighting must comply with § 153.068 (referenced throughout the code)
• Off-street parking: Lighting must be hooded and directed away from residential areas and public rights-of-way
• Storage areas: All lighting must be hooded and properly directed

Specific Illumination Standards

Some facilities require precise lighting levels:

• Sauna facilities: Restrooms and janitor closets must provide a minimum of 30 foot-candles of illumination

Signage Lighting Regulations

Billboard and Electronic Display Regulations

Electronic signs have specific brightness limitations:

• Daytime maximum: 7,500 nits
• Nighttime maximum: 500 nits
• Must include automatic phased proportional dimmer for nighttime
• Light intensity must be factory preset and protected from user modification
• Certification required from manufacturer that these requirements are met

Portable and General Signage

• Portable signs cannot have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
• Sign lighting must be maintained in good repair (including replacing lamps, ballasts, and transformers)
• Exempt signs, if illuminated, must be internally lit or directed away from streets and sidewalks

Special Situations and Exemptions

Construction and Temporary Lighting

When moving a building or structure that obstructs street use:

• Equipment must be protected by suitable lights from sunset to sunrise
• A red light must be illuminated at each corner of the building from sunset to sunrise

Exemptions

The city provides exemptions for:

• Sports stadiums
• Athletic fields
• Public recreational facilities

These facilities must still take appropriate measures to reduce negative impacts on adjacent properties.

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be particularly aware of:

1. Light trespass - The most frequent violation is allowing light to spill onto neighboring properties
2. Improper shielding - Failing to properly hood light fixtures
3. Excessive brightness - Particularly for commercial signage and security lighting

Planning for Compliance

When installing new lighting:

• Choose appropriate fixtures with proper shielding
• Measure light levels at property boundaries to ensure they don't exceed 4 foot-candles on residential properties
• Direct all lighting away from streets, sidewalks, and neighboring properties
• Consider motion sensors for security lighting to minimize continuous illumination

Supporting Dilworth's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Dilworth. We recognize the importance of preserving the city's railroad heritage while meeting modern lighting needs.

Bock Lighting shares Dilworth's commitment to balancing safety and functionality with neighborhood character. Our expertise in regional architectural styles allows us to appreciate the modest historical structures that reflect Dilworth's railroad origins.

We strive to serve as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, helping property owners understand how to achieve compliance while maintaining the small-town atmosphere that makes Dilworth special.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Dilworth's vision for measured growth while preserving community values. We understand that proper lighting solutions must respect both the city's regulatory needs and its historical context.

Conclusion

Dilworth's lighting regulations reflect the city's dedication to maintaining quality of life for its residents. With roots as a railroad village and "Little Italy," the community balances its historical character with modern needs.

By understanding and following these lighting requirements, property owners help preserve Dilworth's small-town atmosphere while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. The regulations focus on preventing light trespass, controlling glare, and maintaining appropriate brightness levels.

For specific questions about your property's lighting compliance, contact the City of Dilworth directly to ensure you have the most current information and guidance for your particular situation.