Lighting Regulations in Edinburgh, Indiana: A Guide to Illumination Requirements in a Historic Town

Introduction: Edinburgh's Illuminating History

Edinburgh, Indiana, with its historical roots dating back to 1822, represents a wonderful blend of small-town charm and historical significance. The town's very name reflects its commitment to heritage preservation—originally spelled with an "h," dropped in 1899, and then restored in 1977 by the Town Council.

As part of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, Edinburgh balances modern growth with the preservation of its historical identity. This dedication to maintaining architectural character while ensuring public safety is reflected in the town's approach to lighting regulations.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or just curious about local regulations, understanding Edinburgh's lighting requirements can help maintain the town's distinctive character while ensuring compliance with local codes.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Essential Lighting Regulations in Edinburgh:

• Street and Dusk-to-Dawn Lighting: Operated by utility, with specific rates based on wattage
• Emergency Lighting: Monthly testing required, with detailed record-keeping
• Sign Illumination: No flashing or blinking lights; light must be shielded to prevent traffic hazards
• Home Occupations: No illuminated signs permitted
• Public Buildings: Signs may be illuminated with restrictions
• Alarm Systems: Light signals must automatically shut off within 30 minutes

Municipal Lighting Services

Street Lighting Program

Edinburgh offers public street and highway lighting through the Tariff SL program. The utility company owns and maintains all lighting facilities, including fixtures, controls, poles, and lamps.

Street Lighting Rates:

• 70 watts: $40.00 per lamp per annum
• 100 watts: $45.00 per lamp per annum
• 150 watts: $50.00 per lamp per annum
• 250 watts: $75.00 per lamp per annum
• 400 watts: $135.00 per lamp per annum
• 1,000 watts: $275.00 per lamp per annum

Dusk to Dawn Lighting Service

For property owners seeking continuous year-round outdoor lighting, Edinburgh offers Dusk to Dawn lighting service (Tariff DD) to residential, farm, commercial, and industrial customers.

Important Requirements:

• Available only to properties adjacent to adequate utility lines
• Consumer must have standard metered service
• Residential consumer charge applies

Monthly Rates:

• 175 watt mercury vapor or 100 watts MH: $10.00 per lamp
• 100 watt rating LED: $10.00 per lamp
• 400 watt: $15.00 per lamp
• 1,000 watt: $35.00 per lamp

Operation Hours:

• Lamps operate approximately from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
• Approximately 4,000 hours of operation annually

Maintenance:

• All equipment owned and maintained by the utility
• Non-operative lamps typically restored within 48 hours of notification

Emergency Lighting Requirements

Edinburgh's building code includes specific requirements for emergency lighting in applicable buildings, focusing on testing and documentation.

Testing Protocol

• Monthly Activation Test Required: Emergency lighting must be tested to ensure it activates automatically when normal electrical service is disconnected
• Minimum Illumination Time: Must remain illuminated for at least 30 seconds during monthly testing
• Annual Power Test: A 90-minute power test must be conducted

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Test Records: Must be maintained on premises for at least 3 years
• Required Information: Records must include the location of tested lighting, pass/fail status, test date, and test personnel
• Availability: Records must be available upon request by the Fire Chief or designee

Sign Illumination Regulations

Edinburgh's regulations for illuminated signs aim to balance visibility with safety and aesthetic considerations.

General Illumination Requirements

• Compliance Standard: All illuminated signs must meet National Electrical Code standards
• Lighting Direction: Light must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent objectionable brightness
• Traffic Safety: Neither direct nor reflected light should create hazards for vehicle operators
• Electrical Approval: Sign structures using electricity must have Underwriter's Laboratory approval

Prohibited Lighting Types

• Animated or Intense Lighting: Signs with flashing, scintillating, blinking, or traveling lights are prohibited
• Variable Intensity: Devices that change light intensity, brightness, or color are not allowed

Special Requirements by Sign Type

• Home Occupation Signs: No illumination permitted
• Church/Public Building Signs: May be illuminated if conforming to standards in §110.43
• Subdivision Identity Signs: Cannot be illuminated
• Interstate Highway Signs: Lighting must be mounted below the sign and directed upward toward the copy to prevent spillover

What Property Owners Should Know

Maintenance Responsibilities

• Utility-Owned Lighting: The utility company is responsible for maintaining all street and dusk-to-dawn lighting installations
• Private Lighting: Property owners are responsible for maintaining all privately owned lighting
• Illuminated Signs: All illuminating elements must be kept in satisfactory working condition

Compliance Considerations

• Multi-Family Dwellings: Must have light switches and controls in accessible locations
• Nuisance Prevention: Trees obstructing street lights are considered nuisances and should be trimmed
• Building Habitability: Inadequate lighting can contribute to a determination that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation

Alarm Systems

• Automatic Shut-Off: Light signals from alarm systems must automatically deactivate within 30 minutes
• Enforcement: Police may enter premises to deactivate signals that continue beyond 30 minutes and disturb surrounding areas

Supporting Edinburgh's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Edinburgh's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern technology. Our understanding of regional architectural styles makes us uniquely positioned to assist Edinburgh residents and businesses.

We appreciate Edinburgh's balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation—values that align perfectly with our approach to lighting solutions. Our expertise can help maintain the character of Edinburgh's historic areas while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

As a community partner, Bock Lighting focuses on education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that respect community character. Our local presence enables us to better understand Edinburgh's specific needs and standards, allowing us to serve as a resource for those navigating lighting requirements while preserving the town's historic charm.

Conclusion

Edinburgh's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to safety, functionality, and historical preservation. From public street lighting to sign illumination requirements, these standards help maintain the community's distinctive character.

Understanding and following these regulations not only ensures compliance but contributes to the overall aesthetic and safety of this charming historic town. Whether you're installing new lighting or maintaining existing fixtures, keeping these requirements in mind will help preserve Edinburgh's unique character for generations to come.

By balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation, Edinburgh continues its tradition of honoring the past while embracing the future—one well-lit street at a time.