Lighting Regulations in Florence, Arizona: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Introduction

Founded in 1866 by Civil War veteran Levi Ruggles, Florence stands as one of Arizona's oldest towns, with a rich architectural heritage reflected in its well-preserved historic district. As the county seat of Pinal County, Florence balances growth with preservation of its unique character, including carefully crafted lighting regulations.

Florence's approach to lighting reflects its dual commitment to preserving its historical ambiance while meeting modern needs. From the adobe structures to Victorian-style buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the town's regulations help maintain its distinctive character while ensuring safety for its approximately 26,000 residents.

Quick Reference Guide to Florence Lighting Regulations

• Outdoor Fixtures: Most outdoor lighting must be fully or partially shielded
• Preferred Light Sources: Low pressure sodium lamps preferred to minimize impact on astronomical observations
• Mercury Vapor: Installation of mercury vapor fixtures is prohibited
• Illumination Levels: Specific settings have minimum requirements (e.g., 5 foot candles for certain businesses)
• Light Trespass: Lighting must be arranged to minimize glare and light spillover to adjacent properties
• Street Lighting: Required for all new residential and commercial developments
• Parking Areas: Maximum light standard height of 24 feet

Understanding Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Shielding Requirements

Florence's regulations are designed to control light pollution while maintaining functionality. The Development Code requires most exterior illuminating devices to be either fully or partially shielded:

• Fully Shielded: Light rays must be projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the fixture
• Partially Shielded: The bottom edge of the shield must be below the plane center line of the light source, minimizing light above the horizontal

Lamp Type Specifications

Different lamp types have specific requirements:

• Low Pressure Sodium: Partially shielded, no filter required (preferred lamp type)
• High Pressure Sodium: Fully shielded, no filter required
• Metal Halide: Fully shielded with filter required; must be in enclosed luminaries
• Fluorescent: Fully shielded with filter required
• Incandescent > 150W: Fully shielded, no filter required
• Incandescent ≤ 150W: No shielding or filter required
• Mercury Vapor: Prohibited for new installations

Prohibited Lighting

Several lighting types face restrictions:

• Beacons: Lights directed into the atmosphere or that rotate are prohibited except with special event permits
• Searchlights: Devices capable of projecting a beam more than half a mile require Council permission
• Mercury Vapor: Installation of these fixtures is prohibited entirely
• Unshielded Outdoor Illumination: Prohibited except with incandescent fixtures less than 150 watts

Street Lighting Standards

Installation Requirements

Florence requires street lighting for all new development:

• Required Installation: All residential and commercial developments must install street lighting on public streets within and adjacent to the project
• Standards: Street lights must be installed on metal standards with fixtures approved by the Planning Department
• Illumination Levels:
• At least 75% of I.E.S. standards for streets within subdivisions
• At least 50% of I.E.S. standards for perimeter streets

Costs and Maintenance

The financial responsibility for street lighting is clearly defined:

• Installation Costs: Developers are responsible for all design, installation, and energizing costs
• Ongoing Costs: Managed through Street Light Improvement Districts
• Warranty: Two-year warranty against defects in design, installation, and operation required from parties dedicating street lights to the town

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sports and Park Lighting

• Extended Hours: Sports lighting in parks may operate until midnight for sporting events and approved activities

Mobile Food Units

• Safety Requirement: Must have adequate lighting to ensure customer safety in vending areas
• Direction: Lighting must be directed downwards and away from rights-of-way and adjacent properties

Marijuana Establishments

• Security Plan: Must include exterior lighting as part of the required security plan
• Surveillance Support: Lighting must facilitate security surveillance

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

• Shielding: Light sources for indirect illumination must be effectively shielded to prevent beams from being directed at roadways or adjacent properties
• Intensity: Brightness cannot interfere with official signs or impair vision of roadway users

Digital Signs

• Brightness Limits: Cannot exceed 0.3-foot candles above ambient light
• Measurement: Measured at a distance calculated by the square root of the sign area times 100
• Auto-Adjustment: Must include photo-sensors for automatic intensity adjustment based on ambient conditions

Sign Type Restrictions

• A-Frame Signs: Cannot include illumination (with limited exceptions for downward-facing solar fixtures)
• Prohibited Sources: No beacons, strobe lights, or racing/traveling lights; no exposed individual light sources exceeding 75 watts

Permitting and Compliance

Application Requirements

Anyone installing outdoor lighting fixtures must submit an application including:

• Plans showing fixture locations on the premises
• Descriptions of illuminating devices, fixtures, and lamps
• Manufacturer catalog cuts and drawings as needed

Exemptions

• Existing Fixtures: Outdoor light fixtures installed before July 19, 2006, may remain nonconforming indefinitely
• Temporary Exemptions: May be requested for up to 30 days
• Fossil Fuel Lighting: Fixtures using natural gas or other utility fossil fuels are exempt

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for New Construction

When planning new construction or exterior renovations in Florence:

• Contact Planning Early: Incorporate lighting requirements into your initial plans
• Professional Design: Consider hiring a lighting professional familiar with Florence's regulations
• Street Lighting: Budget for required street lighting if developing residential or commercial property

Existing Property Considerations

• Grandfathered Fixtures: Pre-2006 fixtures may remain, but any replacements must comply with current regulations
• Renovations: Major renovations may trigger requirements to update lighting

Supporting Florence's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Florence strikes between preserving its historic character and meeting modern lighting needs.

We share Florence's commitment to minimizing light pollution while maintaining the safety and aesthetic character of this historic Arizona town. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and historic preservation priorities allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

As a company that values both heritage and innovation, we appreciate Florence's thoughtful approach to lighting that protects its historic district while accommodating growth. Our expertise can help maintain the character of Florence's historic areas while meeting technical requirements for safety and efficiency.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Florence's vision of preserving its unique desert night sky while providing adequate illumination for residents and visitors.

Conclusion

Florence's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a community that values both its historic character and modern functionality. By minimizing light pollution and glare while ensuring adequate illumination for safety, these standards help preserve the town's unique atmosphere.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to maintaining Florence's distinctive character while ensuring their properties remain compliant and functional. The balance of preservation and progress that defines Florence is clearly reflected in its thoughtful approach to lighting.

Whether you're developing new property or maintaining existing structures, working with professionals who understand these local requirements can help you navigate compliance while enhancing Florence's historic ambiance and desert night sky.