Lighting Regulations in Flora, Indiana: Preserving Small-Town Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Founded in 1827 by John and Sarah Flora, the town of Flora, Indiana has maintained its small-town charm for nearly two centuries. With a population of just over 2,000 residents, this close-knit community values its historical roots and traditional aesthetic.

The town's approach to lighting reflects these values – balancing modern utility with respect for Flora's historical character. Understanding these lighting regulations helps property owners maintain compliance while contributing to the town's distinctive atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide to Flora's Lighting Regulations

Street Lighting:

• Available for standard overhead public street lighting service
• Alternating current, single-phase 60 cycle at approximately 120V or 120/240V
• Monthly rate: $0.115 per KWH plus rate adjustment
• 175 watt mercury vapor lamps: $4.35/month ($52.20/year)
• 100 watt high pressure sodium lamps: $4.35/month ($52.20/year)

Security Lighting:

• Available for dusk-to-dawn lighting of private areas
• Installations include bracket-mounted fixtures with photoelectric control
• Operating hours: Approximately 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise
• Fixtures cannot be mounted on structures inappropriate for supporting them
• One-year initial service period with written application required

Vendor Lighting:

• Must be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to vendor unit
• No glare that could create public hazard, nuisance, or distraction
• No flashing or strobe lighting permitted

Pool Lighting:

• Must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties and streets

Street Lighting Specifications

Availability and Service Characteristics

Flora provides standard overhead public street lighting service with specific technical parameters. The electrical service is alternating current, single-phase 60 cycle, delivered at approximately 120 volts two-wire, or 120/240 volts three-wire.

Lamp Types and Rate Structure

The town offers two primary types of street lighting:

• Mercury Vapor Lamps (175 watt)
• Monthly cost: $4.35
• Annual cost: $52.20
• High Pressure Sodium Lamps (100 watt)
• Monthly cost: $4.35
• Annual cost: $52.20

All metered lights are billed at $0.115 per KWH plus any applicable rate adjustments.

Security Lighting for Private Properties

Service Availability

Flora's security lighting program is available for private property owners who:

• Are located on the town's electric supply lines
• Have infrastructure suitable for supplying the requested service
• Need dusk-to-dawn outdoor illumination

Installation and Ownership

When you request security lighting service:

• The utility installs, owns, and maintains bracket-mounted lighting fixtures
• Each installation includes photoelectric control for automatic operation
• Operational hours: Approximately 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise (approximately 4,000 hours annually)

Mounting Restrictions and Options

Important safety requirement: Fixtures "will not be mounted on a building or structure not appropriate for supporting such fixture."

Available Fixture Types and Rates

Security lighting options include:

• 175 watt mercury vapor-round: $4.35 per month ($52.20 annually)
• 175 watt mercury vapor-cobra: $4.35 per month ($52.20 annually)

Service Terms and Conditions

When applying for security lighting:

• Written application is required
• Initial service period is one year
• Service continues automatically year-to-year unless canceled
• Fixtures may be removed in cases of vandalism
• Security light charges appear separately on your regular utility bill

Additional Facilities

If your security lighting needs require additional infrastructure:

• The utility can install, operate, and maintain these facilities
• Labor, materials, installation, and maintenance expenses are the customer's responsibility

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Vendor Lighting Regulations

Vendors operating in Flora must adhere to specific lighting guidelines:

• Lighting must be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the vendor unit
• Prohibited: Any lighting causing glare that could be considered:
• A public hazard
• A nuisance
• A distraction to vehicular movement
• Disruptive to neighboring businesses or residential areas
• Strictly prohibited: Flashing or strobe lighting of any kind

Pool Lighting Requirements

Pool owners should note this important regulation:

• Light direction control required: "Lights used to illuminate any pool shall be so arranged and shaded as to reflect light away from adjoining premises and public streets."

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Security Lighting

If you're considering security lighting for your property in Flora:

1. Confirm your location has suitable electric supply lines
2. Submit a written application for the service
3. Be prepared for the one-year initial commitment
4. Understand that additional infrastructure may require extra costs
5. Ensure your chosen mounting locations can properly support the fixtures

Understanding Billing Practices

Security lighting charges:

• Appear as a separate line item on your regular utility bill
• Follow the same payment terms as your standard utility services
• Reflect the specific fixture type you've selected

Supporting Flora's Lighting Vision

The lighting regulations in Flora reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historical character while meeting modern safety and utility needs. Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Flora's appreciation for balancing tradition with functionality.

As a manufacturer with deep understanding of small-town architectural styles and lighting needs, Bock recognizes the importance of lighting that complements Flora's historical aesthetic. We believe thoughtful illumination should enhance community character, not detract from it.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Flora's community-centered approach. We focus on providing resources and expertise to help communities maintain their distinctive character while meeting practical lighting needs.

Our experience with projects that respect community identity makes us a valuable resource for Flora residents navigating lighting regulations and seeking solutions that honor the town's heritage.

Conclusion

Flora's lighting regulations reflect the town's balanced approach to maintaining its historical character while meeting modern illumination needs. By following these guidelines, property owners contribute to the aesthetic harmony and safety of this charming Indiana community.

From street lighting to security illumination, pool lighting to vendor displays, these standards ensure that Flora remains both well-lit and true to its small-town character. Understanding and adhering to these regulations helps preserve the distinctive atmosphere that has defined Flora since its founding nearly two centuries ago.