Lighting Regulations in Franklin County, Kentucky: A Guide to Limited but Important Requirements

Introduction

Founded in 1795 and named after Benjamin Franklin, Franklin County, Kentucky, boasts a rich historical heritage that dates back to the earliest days of Kentucky's statehood. Frankfort, the county seat and state capital, is home to more than half of the county's approximately 44,000 residents and features numerous historical districts and landmarks, including properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

This blend of historical significance and modern development creates a unique environment where lighting regulations, though limited in scope, play an important role in preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality. Franklin County's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its historical and cultural heritage.

Quick Reference Guide

• Street Lights: Required at entrances of new subdivision roads
• Exterior Lighting: Must not cast light or glare onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way
• Adult Entertainment Establishments: Minimum 30 lux horizontal lighting required; no flashing lights permitted
• Drive-in Theaters: Require adequate lighting that must be shielded to prevent glare
• Signs: Illuminated signs must have lighting specifications included in permit applications
• Non-Premises Advertising Signs: May be illuminated with external, directed lighting with deflectors
• Cellular and Small Cell Towers: Generally cannot be illuminated except when required by state/federal regulations

Street Lighting Requirements

New Subdivision Development Standards

Franklin County's subdivision regulations include specific requirements for street lighting. According to § 151.07, any newly proposed road in a subdivision that connects to an existing county-, city-, or state-maintained road must have street lights installed at the entrance to the subdivision.

These lights must be:

• Installed by the applicable utility company
• Built to the utility's specifications
• Paid for by the developer

This requirement can only be waived with specific approval from the County Fiscal Court.

Purpose and Implementation

This requirement helps ensure visibility and safety at subdivision entrances, creating a consistent standard across new developments in the county. The regulation places the responsibility for installation on developers rather than existing residents or the county government.

General Exterior Lighting Standards

While Franklin County does not have comprehensive exterior lighting regulations that cover all properties, it does include a fundamental principle that applies to exterior lighting projects:

"Exterior lighting shall be designed, erected and maintained so that light or glare is not directly cast upon adjacent properties or public rights-of-way."

"Exterior lighting shall be designed, erected and maintained so that light or glare is not directly cast upon adjacent properties or public rights-of-way."

This basic requirement serves to:

• Prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Reduce glare that could affect drivers on public streets
• Minimize light pollution while still allowing for adequate illumination

Practical Implications

This broad standard requires property owners to be mindful of how their lighting affects surrounding areas. Properly aimed fixtures, appropriate shielding, and thoughtful placement are all important considerations to meet this requirement.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Franklin County has established specific lighting requirements for certain types of facilities:

Adult Entertainment Establishments

These venues have the most detailed lighting specifications in the county code:

• Minimum lighting level: 30 lux horizontal, measured at 30 inches from the floor
• Measurement pattern: On ten-foot centers throughout public areas
• Prohibited lighting: No flashing lights, search lights, or spotlights on the exterior

Drive-in Theaters

Drive-in theaters must balance visibility with containment of light:

• Must provide adequately lighted parking areas and access ways
• Lighting must be shielded to prevent glare or reflection onto:
• Public streets
• Neighboring properties

Limited Storage Areas

Limited storage areas in the county code come with specific lighting restrictions:

• Must be void of utilities except for essential lighting
• Cannot be temperature controlled

Sign Illumination Regulations

Illuminated Sign Definition

The county code defines an illuminated sign as:

"Any sign, which is directly lighted by any electrical light source, internal or external. This definition does not include signs, which are illuminated by street lights, or other light sources owned by any public agency or light sources, which are specifically operated for the purpose of lighting the area in which the sign is, located rather than the sign itself."

"Any sign, which is directly lighted by any electrical light source, internal or external. This definition does not include signs, which are illuminated by street lights, or other light sources owned by any public agency or light sources, which are specifically operated for the purpose of lighting the area in which the sign is, located rather than the sign itself."

Permit Requirements

Anyone applying for a sign permit must include specifications for sign lighting in their application.

Non-Premises Advertising Signs

These signs have specific illumination requirements:

• External illumination only - must be directed toward the sign
• Deflectors required - must be attached to lights to direct illumination specifically to the sign
• No internal illumination allowed

Election Signs

Election signs cannot be placed on light poles or utility poles on public property.

Telecommunications Infrastructure Lighting

Cellular Antenna Towers

According to § 155.254 Design Standards:

• Cellular antenna towers shall not be lighted except when required by state and federal regulations (such as FAA requirements)

Small Cell Towers

Small cell towers have additional lighting-related requirements:

• Cannot be illuminated except when required by state/federal regulations
• Exception: Illumination is permitted if it's integral to stealth technology (such as a design intended to look like a streetlight pole)
• In areas with primarily underground utilities, must incorporate stealth technology into streetscape amenities such as decorative lamp posts or streetlights

What Property Owners Should Know

Addressing Light Trespass

The most broadly applicable lighting regulation in Franklin County is the requirement to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties and rights-of-way. Property owners should:

• Aim fixtures downward when possible
• Use shielded fixtures that direct light only where needed
• Consider light placement carefully before installation
• Adjust existing lighting that may be causing glare for neighbors or passing motorists

Planning for New Developments

Developers working on new subdivisions should:

• Budget for street lighting at subdivision entrances
• Coordinate with utility companies early in the planning process
• Include lighting plans in submitted documentation
• Understand that waivers require specific County Fiscal Court approval

Preparing for Sign Permits

Business owners looking to install illuminated signs should:

• Include detailed lighting specifications in permit applications
• Understand restrictions on how signs can be illuminated
• Plan for external illumination with proper deflectors for non-premises advertising signs

Supporting Franklin County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historic preservation efforts in communities like Franklin County. Our experience working with municipalities that value their historical character has given us insight into the specific challenges faced by property owners in historically significant areas.

We appreciate Franklin County's approach to lighting regulations, which focuses on preventing negative impacts while allowing for appropriate illumination. This balanced approach aligns with our philosophy of responsible lighting that enhances community character rather than detracting from it.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, we're committed to helping property owners understand local requirements and find solutions that meet both regulatory needs and aesthetic goals. Our familiarity with regional architectural styles and the unique character of historic Kentucky communities allows us to provide informed guidance that respects Franklin County's blend of historical significance and modern development.

Conclusion

Franklin County's lighting regulations, while limited in scope compared to some municipalities, focus on key areas where lighting impacts community character and quality of life. The regulations emphasize preventing light trespass and glare while establishing specific standards for certain types of facilities and infrastructure.

Property owners and developers should pay particular attention to requirements regarding light trespass, subdivision entrance lighting, and specific regulations for specialized facilities. By understanding and respecting these regulations, community members contribute to preserving Franklin County's unique character and historical significance while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

As the county continues to grow and develop, these lighting standards help maintain the balance between modern needs and historical preservation that makes Franklin County a distinctive place to live and work.