Lighting Regulations in Forest Grove, Oregon: Preserving Historical Charm While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the Tualatin Valley, Forest Grove has maintained its historical charm since its incorporation in 1872. With roots tracing back to the founding of Tualatin Academy (now Pacific University), the city embodies a commitment to education, preservation, and thoughtful development.

The city's lighting regulations reflect a careful balance between modern safety needs and preserving the historical character that makes Forest Grove unique. With several structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including Old College Hall, the city's approach to lighting aims to enhance safety while respecting the community's architectural heritage.

Let's explore Forest Grove's lighting regulations and what they mean for property owners and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Height Restrictions:
• 15 feet maximum in or adjacent to residential districts
• 18 feet maximum in other districts
• 14 feet maximum for poles outside public right-of-way on lots under 20,000 square feet
• 14 feet maximum in all Town Center zones
• Light Spillover Limits:
• Maximum illumination on neighboring properties: 0.5 foot-candles
• All area lighting must be directed downward
• Cut-off shields required for light sources over 10 feet high
• Pedestrian Lighting:
• Minimum level: 0.5 foot-candles
• Average level: 1.5 foot-candles
• Maximum to minimum ratio: 7:1
• Sign Lighting Curfews:
• Signs within 100 feet of residential zones: Off from 10:00 PM to sunrise
• Electronic changeable copy signs: Off from 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Residential Lighting Standards

Safety Without Glare

Forest Grove's regulations ensure residential areas remain well-lit for safety while preventing light pollution that can disrupt the peaceful character of neighborhoods.

Height and Fixture Requirements

• Lighting shall not exceed 15 feet in height in or adjacent to residential districts
• Concrete light fixture bases taller than 8 inches are prohibited
• All exterior dwelling unit entrances must be illuminated

Security Lighting Limitations

An important note for homeowners: Motion activated security lighting is prohibited along public rights-of-way. This regulation helps maintain aesthetic consistency along streets while preventing disruptive light fluctuations.

Sign Regulations for Home Occupations

If you operate a business from your home, signs must be non-illuminated and professionally prepared, not exceeding six square feet.

Commercial Lighting Standards

Building and Site Lighting

Forest Grove's commercial lighting regulations emphasize safety, visibility, and aesthetic compatibility with the city's character.

• Cut-off shields required for any light source over 10 feet high
• Area lighting must be directed downward with no light spill onto adjacent properties
• Lights shall not blink, flash, or change intensity

Illumination Requirements for Safety

• Interior building lighting, exterior building lighting, and parking area lighting must provide sufficient foot-candles and color rendition to identify individuals at a minimum distance of 40 feet
• Entrances and off-street parking areas must be well-lit and visible from public view

Parking Lot Lighting

• Maximum pole height: 14 feet on lots less than 20,000 square feet; 18 feet on larger lots
• Artificial lighting must deflect light away from surrounding residences
• Must not create a glare hazard to public roads or streets

Pedestrian Walkways in Commercial Areas

• Minimum illumination average of 0.5 foot-candles for walkways through parking lots
• Maximum to minimum ratio of 10:1
• All walkways must be lighted for safety purposes

Town Center District Special Requirements

Forest Grove's Town Center is the heart of the community, and lighting plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere while honoring the area's historical significance.

Purpose and Intent

Lighting in this district should provide security, create a lively environment at night, and highlight building and landscape features. The goal is to encourage nighttime use of the town center while avoiding excessive glare.

Specific Standards

• Pole height: Maximum 14 feet in all Town Center zones
• Night lighting: Required for all sidewalks and front entrances
• Direction: Area lighting shall be directed downward with no light spill
• Prohibited features: Lights shall not blink, flash, or change intensity

Sign Lighting in Town Center

• Limited to internal lighting or indirect lighting screened from view
• Light sources located below signs must be part of an ornamental feature
• Braces and struts supporting indirect lighting from top or sides are prohibited
• Backlighting of vinyl awning signs, interior plastic sign lighting, metal halide, neon, or fluorescent tube lighting are prohibited

Sign Lighting Throughout Forest Grove

General Regulations

• No more than two lighted signs permitted in the windows of a business
• Signs within 100 feet of residential zones must be turned off from 10:00 PM to sunrise

Electronic Signs

• Electronic changeable copy signs must not exceed 5,000 nits during daylight and 500 nits between dusk and dawn
• Must include automatic dimmer control for transition between day and night brightness
• Must turn off between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM in residential and institutional zones

Prohibited Sign Lighting

• Interior lighted plastic signs
• Moving or flashing signs
• Metal halide, neon, or fluorescent tube sign lighting
• Backlighting of vinyl awning signs

Administration and Enforcement

Permits and Plans

• Artificial lighting on all off-street parking facilities must be designed to deflect light away from surrounding residences
• Lighting plans must be submitted with site development applications, showing "location, character and dimensions of proposed lighting"
• A streetlight fee (SLF) is imposed on consumers of the city's electric utility to fund street lighting

Standards and Guidelines

The City Manager or designee establishes street and area lighting design guidelines and construction standards, which are kept on file in the city's Light and Power Department.

Height Exceptions

Height limitations do not apply to field lights, provided the Community Development Director finds that off-site light intrusion is limited to the extent feasible.

Conclusion

Forest Grove's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. From the Town Center to residential neighborhoods, these guidelines create a consistent approach to illumination that enhances both security and aesthetics.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential when planning new construction or modifications. By following these guidelines, you'll contribute to maintaining the unique charm and character that have defined Forest Grove since its founding nearly 150 years ago.

For specific questions about your property, always consult with the city's Light and Power Department or the Community Development Department before beginning any lighting projects.