Lighting Regulations in Duncan, Oklahoma: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction

Founded in 1892, Duncan, Oklahoma has evolved from its roots in the Chickasaw Nation to become an important hub for the oil industry in Stephens County. The city's unique development pattern, including its distinctive Main Street layout with the county courthouse historically positioned in the middle, reflects the community's rich history and commitment to preserving its character while embracing necessary modernization.

Over the years, Duncan has faced challenges including fires (notably in 1901) that led to significant rebuilding efforts. These experiences have instilled a strong community value of thoughtful development and preservation, which is reflected in various regulations including those governing lighting throughout the city.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements in Duncan

• Digital Signs: Maximum brightness of 300 NITs at night and 5,000 NITs during daytime • Telecommunications Facilities: Ground level security lighting limited to 20' height and must be directed downward • Mobile Home Parks: Streets and driveways must meet Illuminating Engineering Society standards or one-half candlepower (whichever is higher) • Building Moving: Warning lights must be visible for 200' on all sides from sunset until one hour after sunrise • Railroad Crossings: Must maintain lights of at least 100 candlepower for each track at crossings • General Outdoor Lighting: Must not interfere with adjacent land uses or streets

Digital Sign Illumination Standards

Brightness Requirements

Duncan's regulations carefully control the brightness of digital signage to protect public safety and minimize light pollution:

• Nighttime Illumination: Digital signs cannot exceed 300 NITs from one-half hour before sunset until sunrise • Daytime Illumination: Maximum brightness of 5,000 NITs between sunrise and one-half hour before sunset • Safety Considerations: Signs must not display illumination of such intensity that they impair vision or endanger the safety of drivers

Technical Requirements

All digital signs in Duncan must incorporate specific technical features:

• Automatic Adjustment: Signs must have installed ambient light monitors or photo cells • Adaptive Technology: These devices must automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions • Signal Confusion Prevention: Digital signs cannot resemble any warning signal, traffic control device, or safety light

Location Restrictions

The placement of digital signs is carefully regulated:

• Intersection Safety: No digital sign shall be located within 50 feet of the driving surface of a signalized intersection • Measurement Method: Distance is measured in a straight line from the leading edge of the sign structure • Other Intersections: Signs must be at least 20 feet from the edge of any other intersecting roads or driving surfaces

Lighting for Specific Property Types

Telecommunications Facilities

Duncan's code includes specific lighting provisions for telecommunications facilities:

• Tower Illumination: Prohibited except when required by the FAA • Nighttime Lighting: Strobes are expressly prohibited • Required Lighting Direction: Must be directed upward and away from adjoining properties • Security Lighting: Ground-level security lighting cannot exceed 20 feet in height • Downlighting Requirement: Security lighting must be directed downward, not upward or outward

Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Parks

Street lighting is mandated for safety in mobile home communities:

• Minimum Standards: Streets and driveways must be lighted according to current Illuminating Engineering Society standards • Alternative Minimum: One-half candlepower lighting if higher than IES standards • Coverage Requirement: Lighting must adequately illuminate all streets and common areas

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Medical Marijuana Businesses

Duncan requires special consideration for lighting associated with medical marijuana operations:

• Application Requirements: Permit applications must include a comprehensive lighting plan • Security Focus: The plan must address lighting for security purposes • Compliance Documentation: Plans must demonstrate compliance with all applicable city requirements • Fee Structure: Different permit fees apply for facilities utilizing artificial light based on complexity and safety factors

Building or Structure Moving Operations

When buildings are being relocated within Duncan, specific lighting safety measures are required:

• Visibility Standard: Warning lights must be plainly visible for at least 200 feet on each side • Operation Period: Lights must be maintained from sunset until one hour after sunrise • Unobstructed View: Placement must ensure lights are never obscured from view • Additional Requirements: Extra lights may be required at strategic points to ensure safety

General Outdoor Lighting Regulations

Impact on Adjacent Properties

Duncan's code emphasizes considerate lighting design:

• Light Arrangement: Reflectors and lighting intensity must not interfere with adjacent land uses • Street Impact: Lighting must not interfere with the safe use of adjacent streets • Parking Areas: When parking lots are illuminated, the intensity and arrangement of reflectors must avoid interference with residential districts • Screening Requirements: In some cases, "ornamental screening from noise and light" may be required to protect adjacent residential areas

Sign Illumination Rules

Sign lighting follows specific guidelines:

• Color Restriction: Only non-intermittent white lighting of signs is permitted • Review Process: For certain uses like Bed and Breakfast establishments, "No lighting or signage may be installed which has not been reviewed as part of the proposed development plan" • Home Businesses: Some home-based businesses are limited to non-illuminated signs

Railroad Crossing Illumination

Duncan's code contains detailed requirements for railroad crossing lighting:

• Time Period: Crossings must be well-lighted from dusk to daylight • Visibility Standard: The traveled way and its limits must be visible at all times • Minimum Intensity: Lights of not less than 100 candlepower are required for each separate track at each crossing • Notification Process: The city manager or mayor will give notice upon resolution of the city council regarding lighting requirements

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Installation

Before installing or modifying exterior lighting on your property in Duncan:

• Review district-specific requirements for your zone (Commercial, Industrial, Residential) • Consider the impact on neighboring properties, especially residential areas • Ensure lighting plans for special uses (like medical marijuana businesses) are comprehensive and compliant • For commercial properties, pay special attention to sign illumination restrictions

Compliance Benefits

Following Duncan's lighting regulations provides several advantages:

• Preservation of the city's visual character and historical integrity • Reduction of light pollution and energy waste • Enhanced safety without creating glare or visibility hazards • Maintenance of good relationships with neighboring properties

Supporting Duncan's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern illumination needs with preservation of community character. We appreciate Duncan's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that honor the city's oil industry heritage while ensuring safety and functionality.

Bock Lighting shares Duncan's commitment to quality illumination that respects historical context. Our understanding of communities with rich architectural heritage helps us serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements in historically significant areas.

We believe lighting should enhance rather than detract from a community's unique identity. Like Duncan, we value the careful integration of modern technology with traditional aesthetics. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the careful planning approach evident in Duncan's development history.

Conclusion

Duncan, Oklahoma's lighting regulations reflect the city's balanced approach to development—honoring its historical roots while addressing modern needs. Property owners who understand and follow these requirements not only ensure compliance but also contribute to preserving the unique character that makes Duncan special.

From digital signage brightness limits to specialized lighting for telecommunications facilities and mobile home parks, these regulations serve the community by promoting safety, reducing light pollution, and maintaining aesthetic standards throughout the city.

By thoughtfully implementing these lighting standards, residents and businesses play an important role in Duncan's ongoing story of careful preservation and purposeful growth.