Lighting Regulations in Erlanger, Kentucky: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Infrastructure

Introduction

Nestled in northwestern Kenton County, Erlanger's journey from a small settlement known as Timberlake to the vibrant suburban city we know today reflects a rich historical tapestry dating back to 1807. As the community evolved—spurred by the Covington-Lexington Turnpike in 1829 and later the Southern Railroad in 1873—so too did its approach to infrastructure and development.

Today, Erlanger's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its unique suburban character while ensuring public safety and efficiency. These regulations honor the historical foundations laid by early settlers and visionaries like Baron Frédéric Émile d'Erlanger, after whom the city was named in the 1880s.

Let's explore how Erlanger's lighting requirements maintain the perfect balance between preserving historical charm and meeting modern infrastructure needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Erlanger Lighting Requirements

• Street Lighting Requirements: Required at all cul-de-sacs and street intersections in new developments • LED Technology: Must meet guidelines for light trespass, glare, and color temperature • Street Obstructions: Must be barricaded and illuminated for safety • Address Numbers: Must be at least 3 inches tall and visible from the street • Sign Illumination: Subject to specific permit fees based on type and quantity

Street Lighting Requirements

New Development Standards

The city of Erlanger places significant emphasis on street lighting as an essential infrastructure component. No new development can proceed without proper street lighting in the public right-of-way.

Specifically, the following activities are prohibited without a system of new development street lights:

• Use of any portion of public street right-of-way • Sale or use of any lot where access is provided by a public street without proper lighting • Issuance of permits or certificates of occupancy for any activity on lots with access from insufficiently lit streets

Minimum Requirements

Erlanger defines a "system of new development street lights" as requiring:

• At least one street light at each street cul-de-sac • At least one street light at each intersection of streets • Placement within the public right-of-way

Authorization and Oversight

The Director of Public Works holds the authority to:

• Provide for the installation of street lights at cul-de-sacs and intersections • Maintain these street lighting systems • Approve lighting designs and specifications

LED Technology Specifications

Technical Requirements

Erlanger has embraced LED technology with specific guidelines to ensure quality, efficiency, and appropriate illumination:

• Light Quality: Must meet all applicable guidelines regarding light trespass, glare, and color temperature for the designated use • Energy Efficiency: Must be energized by electric current from the utility provider's system in a manner maximizing energy efficiency • Illumination Intensity: Must emit light with appropriate intensity for the location, meeting minimum recommendations from the utility provider • Housing Requirements: Must be enclosed in protective housing that meets all applicable LED luminaire regulations • Mounting Standards: Must be supported by a pole system meeting or exceeding standards for the approved LED luminaire regarding mounting height, pole type, and strength

Approval Process

All LED lighting installations must be:

• Recommended by the utility provider • Approved by the Director of Public Works

Safety Lighting Requirements

Temporary Obstruction Lighting

When construction activities or natural events cause debris, stone, dust, mud, dirt, or other materials to obstruct streets or sidewalks:

• Property owners must barricade and light the obstruction until complete removal • Lighting must be maintained throughout the duration of the obstruction • If the owner fails to provide appropriate barricades and lighting within 24 hours of notification, the Director of Public Works is authorized to furnish the necessary safety measures

Address Visibility

To ensure emergency services and visitors can locate properties efficiently:

• Building address numbers must be displayed conspicuously • Numbers must be visible from the street • Numbers must be no less than three inches in height

Illuminated Signage

Permit Fee Structure

For businesses and property owners planning illuminated signage, Erlanger maintains a structured fee system:

• First sign or billboard: $60 • Each additional sign or billboard on the same trip: $25 • Neon outline lighting (up to 3 transformers): $60 • Each additional transformer: $12

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for New Development

If you're developing property in Erlanger, street lighting must be incorporated from the beginning of your planning process. Remember that:

• Your development plans must include lighting at all intersections and cul-de-sacs • Proper lighting is a prerequisite for obtaining necessary permits • The Director of Public Works serves as the approval authority for lighting plans

Maintaining Existing Properties

For existing property owners, staying compliant with Erlanger's lighting regulations means:

• Ensuring address numbers remain visible and adequately sized • Promptly addressing any lighting needs for temporary obstructions • Obtaining proper permits for illuminated signage before installation

Understanding the Historical Context

Erlanger's approach to lighting reflects its evolution from a small settlement to a suburban city with significant historical character. The regulations aim to:

• Preserve the community's unique aesthetic appeal • Ensure public safety through adequate illumination • Balance modern infrastructure needs with historical preservation

Supporting Erlanger's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of communities like Erlanger. With manufacturing roots dating back to 1918, we share Erlanger's appreciation for balancing historical character with practical infrastructure needs.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, we recognize how Erlanger's journey from the Timberlake settlement to today's vibrant community influences its approach to development and infrastructure. Our team appreciates the importance of lighting systems that respect both historical context and modern needs.

We're committed to helping communities understand and navigate lighting regulations, serving as an educational resource for property owners and developers. Our experience with projects that respect community character positions us to support Erlanger's vision for thoughtful development that honors its past while embracing the future.

Conclusion

Erlanger's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to thoughtful development that respects its historical character while ensuring public safety and modern infrastructure needs. From the specific requirements for street lighting in new developments to the technical specifications for LED technology, these regulations guide the community's growth while preserving its unique identity.

For property owners and developers, understanding these requirements is essential to successful projects that contribute positively to Erlanger's continued evolution. By embracing these standards, the community maintains the balance between honoring its rich history—from Bartlett Graves' log cabin to Baron d'Erlanger's vision—and building a bright future for generations to come.