Lighting Regulations in Elko New Market, Minnesota: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Nestled in Scott County, Elko New Market carries a rich historical legacy dating back to the 19th century. Originally established as separate communities—Elko as a railway village in 1858 and New Market, incorporated in 1895—these towns merged in 2007 to form today's unified city. With roots tracing back to German and Prussian settlers and landmarks like the historic St. Nicholas Church (originally built in 1861), Elko New Market has always valued its cultural heritage.

This historical foundation influences the city's approach to development, including its lighting regulations. As the community balances preservation with growth, these regulations help maintain the character that makes Elko New Market special while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know in Elko New Market:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• 0.5 foot-candle maximum at property lines abutting residential parcels
• 1.0 foot-candle maximum at property lines abutting commercial or industrial parcels
• 0.3 foot-candle maximum for electronic signs measured from curb line
• Fixture Requirements:
• All exterior light fixtures must be downcast style
• Bare incandescent bulbs are not permitted in view of adjacent properties
• Lights must be shielded to prevent direct viewing of the light source
• Direction Requirements:
• Lighting must be directed away from residential districts and public streets
• No direct light source should be visible from adjacent residential uses or public right-of-way

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Shielding and Direction

The city code places strong emphasis on controlling light direction and preventing unwanted glare:

• Lighting in all instances must be diffused or directed away from residential districts and public streets
• All exterior lighting must be designed so it doesn't direct illumination upon or into contiguous residential districts
• The source of light must be hooded or controlled to avoid lighting adjacent property

Glare Prevention

Elko New Market takes glare prevention seriously:

• No exterior lighting may be arranged so as to create direct viewing angles of the light source by pedestrians or vehicles
• Lenses, deflectors, shields, louvers, and prismatic control devices are required to eliminate nuisance lighting
• Direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights or high-temperature processes must not be directed into adjoining properties

Measurement Standards

The city provides specific measurements to ensure compliance:

• Any light or combination of lights casting light on public streets must not exceed 1 foot-candle as measured from the street centerline
• Any light combination casting light on residential property must not exceed 0.5 foot-candle as measured from the property

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Swimming Pools and Recreational Areas

Pool and recreational lighting has specific requirements:

• All swimming pool, hot tub, or spa lighting must be directed toward the pool and not toward adjacent property
• Lighting fixtures for outdoor sports facilities adjoining residential uses must eliminate reflected glare and spill light from the bottom one-third of the reflector

Business Lighting

Several business types have unique lighting requirements:

Sexually Oriented Businesses

• Must maintain minimum illumination of 1 foot-candle measured at floor level
• Premises must include diagram showing overhead lighting fixtures

Canopy Lighting

• Must consist of canister spotlights recessed into the canopy
• No portion of light source may extend below canopy ceiling
• Total illumination below canopy cannot exceed 115 foot-candles at ground level

Drive-Through Facilities

• Require a lighting and photometric plan for service lane lighting
• Must be designed to minimize glare to adjacent premises, particularly residential properties

Security Lighting

For properties requiring security monitoring:

• Exterior lighting must be sufficient for observers and cameras
• May be constantly on or activated by motion detectors
• Must comply with all general lighting regulations of section 11-4-7

Home Occupation and Residential Considerations

The code provides clear guidelines for residential properties:

• No home occupation shall produce light or glare that has an objectionable effect on adjacent property
• Repair services producing objectionable light or glare (including auto repair, appliance repair, and small engine repair) are specifically prohibited as home occupations
• Model homes with temporary real estate offices must not use outside lighting that creates a nuisance due to glare or intensity

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting

For illuminated signs throughout the city:

• Signs must be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources
• Light must be directed solely at the sign or internal to it
• Must not cause glare for motorists, pedestrians, or neighboring premises
• Any sign with electrical components must be wired by a licensed electrician

Electronic Signs

Electronic displays have additional requirements:

• Must be equipped with automatic dimming devices
• Light cast upon adjacent rights-of-way must not exceed 0.3 foot-candle measured from the curb line or road edge

Street Lighting Requirements

The city maintains specific standards for street lighting infrastructure:

• Streetlights must conform to city specifications per the engineering manual
• Spacing between streetlights must not exceed 350 feet
• Easements may be required along property lines to maintain proper streetlight intervals
• Developers must install and pay for light poles and fixtures as part of the final plat before streets are surfaced

Telecommunications Towers

Telecommunications facilities have unique lighting standards:

• Towers shall not be artificially illuminated unless required by law or governmental agency
• Light fixtures to illuminate ball fields, parking lots, or similar areas may be attached to towers when incorporated into approved designs
• Any lighting must not project onto surrounding residential property

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing your property or installing new lighting:

• Include lighting plans with permit applications
• Show locations of all overhead lighting fixtures in site diagrams
• Consider engaging a lighting professional to ensure compliance
• Remember that comprehensive lighting plans are required for conditional use permits

Common Violations to Avoid

The most frequent lighting violations include:

• Unshielded light sources visible from adjacent properties
• Excessive light trespass beyond property boundaries
• Improper direction of lighting fixtures causing glare
• Inadequate shielding near residential areas

The Purpose Behind the Regulations

Understanding why these regulations exist helps with compliance:

• Preserving the historical character and aesthetic quality of Elko New Market
• Balancing safety and security with neighbor considerations
• Minimizing light pollution that can affect quality of life
• Preventing nuisance complaints between neighboring properties

Supporting Elko New Market's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Elko New Market with rich historical backgrounds. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Elko New Market's commitment to preserving community character while embracing modern technology.

Understanding Regional Needs

With deep experience in the Midwest, Bock Lighting appreciates how communities like Elko New Market must balance:

• Historical preservation with modern safety standards
• Aesthetic considerations with practical lighting needs
• Energy efficiency with adequate illumination

Community Partnership

Our approach goes beyond simply providing lighting products:

• We offer educational resources to help understand complex lighting regulations
• Our team stays current with regional building codes and requirements
• We value opportunities to support communities in maintaining their unique character

Sustainability and Responsibility

Like Elko New Market, we believe in responsible development:

• Our lighting solutions are designed to minimize environmental impact
• We prioritize technologies that reduce light pollution
• Our fixtures are engineered to direct light precisely where needed, helping meet local regulations

Conclusion

Elko New Market's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining community character while ensuring safety and functionality. By understanding these requirements, property owners can avoid potential violations while contributing to the city's overall aesthetic and quality of life.

Whether you're installing security lighting, planning a business sign, or simply upgrading your home's exterior illumination, these regulations provide a framework for responsible lighting that respects neighboring properties and preserves the unique character of this historic community.

Remember that proper lighting not only ensures compliance but also enhances safety, security, and the overall appearance of your property—benefits that extend to the entire Elko New Market community.