Lighting Regulations in Ely, Nevada: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled on the eastern edge of Nevada's "Loneliest Highway," Ely stands as a testament to the American West's mining heritage. From its humble beginnings as a Pony Express station to its boom as a copper mining town in 1906, Ely has carefully preserved its historical character while adapting to modern needs.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance between preservation and functionality. As home to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum (a National Historic Landmark) and with proximity to the dark skies of Great Basin National Park, Ely's approach to lighting seeks to honor both its industrial past and natural surroundings.

For residents and business owners in this mountain community of approximately 4,000, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and for contributing to the town's distinctive character.

Quick Reference Guide

• Body Decoration Establishments: Minimum 20 foot-candles 3 feet off floor; 50 foot-candles at procedure areas
• Cultivation Facilities: Motion detection lighting permitted for gate areas
• Commercial Parking: Lighting must reflect away from residential areas
• Infrastructure Placement: Electric light poles must be placed at city engineer-designated locations
• Subdivision Requirements: Street lighting required on all streets in new subdivisions

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Body Decoration Establishments

Facilities performing invasive body decoration procedures (such as tattoo parlors) must maintain specific lighting levels:

• Minimum ambient lighting: At least 20 foot-candles measured 3 feet off the floor
• Procedure areas: At least 50 foot-candles required where invasive procedures are performed
• Instrument assembly areas: Minimum 50 foot-candles where instruments and sharps are assembled

These enhanced lighting requirements ensure safety and precision during invasive procedures.

Licensed Cultivation Facilities

Cultivation facilities have specific security-oriented lighting requirements:

• Gate illumination: Motion detection lighting systems permitted for gate areas in low light conditions
• Surveillance requirements: Must install full video surveillance capable of clearly identifying activities within 20 feet of building exterior
• Coverage areas: Surveillance must cover parking, fenced, and loading areas

Commercial Parking Areas

When illuminating commercial parking, sales, or display areas:

• Lighting must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining residential areas
• Illumination must not cause a nuisance to highway traffic or residential environments
• Light placement should balance security needs with neighborhood consideration

Infrastructure and Public Lighting

Electric Light Pole Placement

• All electric light poles must be set only at locations designated by the city engineer
• This requirement also applies to sign posts, telegraph, telephone poles, and awning or porch posts
• Ensures coordinated infrastructure development that aligns with city planning

Street Lighting in Subdivisions

New subdivisions have specific street lighting requirements:

• Street lighting is mandatory on all streets within subdivisions
• Placement must be at locations designated by the city engineer
• All street lights must meet city engineer specifications for:
• Materials
• Design
• Construction standards
• The subdivider bears all costs for purchase and placement of street lights

Utility Easements for Lighting

• Where service to street lighting is required: 1 foot easement on each side of lot lines
• For distribution facilities: Utility easements 5 feet wide on each side of side lot lines
• Side lot lines: All utility service lines, including street lighting, must be channeled in easements 4 feet wide on each side of lot lines separating pairs of lots

Airport Vicinity Lighting Considerations

Properties near airport areas must adhere to specific lighting restrictions to ensure aircraft safety:

• Lighting must not make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others
• Illumination must not result in glare affecting pilots
• Lighting must not impair visibility in the vicinity of the airport
• No lighting that could endanger aircraft during landing, takeoff, or maneuvering

These regulations prioritize aviation safety while allowing for necessary property illumination.

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Considerations

Understanding Ely's lighting regulations helps property owners contribute to the community's character while avoiding potential violations:

• Consult with city engineer before installing any outdoor lighting poles or fixtures
• For commercial properties, ensure lighting is directed away from residential areas
• When developing subdivisions, budget for required street lighting costs
• For specialty businesses like body decoration establishments, ensure proper illumination levels

Planning for Compliance

When planning lighting for your property:

• Consider both functional needs and community impact
• Balance security requirements with neighbor consideration
• Remember that lighting near the airport faces additional restrictions
• Consult with professionals familiar with Ely's specific requirements

Supporting Ely's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique challenges of communities like Ely that balance historical preservation with modern needs. With roots dating back to 1918, we share Ely's appreciation for historical character while embracing necessary technological advancements.

As a manufacturer with experience in communities that value their distinctive heritage, we recognize the importance of lighting that complements Ely's mining town aesthetic and respects its proximity to dark sky areas like Great Basin National Park.

Our commitment extends beyond products to education and community support. We believe that thoughtful lighting enhances safety and functionality while preserving the character that makes places like Ely special.

By understanding both the technical requirements and community values that shape lighting regulations, we aim to serve as a resource for residents and businesses navigating these standards.

Conclusion

Ely's lighting regulations reflect its unique character as a historic mining community that values both its industrial heritage and natural surroundings. From specific illumination requirements for specialty businesses to infrastructure planning for subdivisions, these standards aim to ensure safety and functionality while preserving the town's distinctive atmosphere.

By following these regulations, property owners contribute to maintaining Ely's character as a special place where history and modern needs coexist harmoniously under the vast Nevada sky.

For specific questions about your property's lighting requirements, contact the Ely city engineer's office for guidance on your particular situation.