Lighting Regulations in Franklin, Kentucky: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Franklin, Kentucky, founded in 1820 and named after Benjamin Franklin, is a city that takes pride in its rich historical heritage. With its iconic 1882 Italianate courthouse and historic buildings surrounding the town square, Franklin has established itself as a community that values preserving its architectural character while meeting modern needs and safety standards.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance – ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality while respecting the historical ambiance that makes Franklin special. These regulations are designed to maintain the charm of this Simpson County gem while providing residents and visitors with well-lit, secure environments.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements in Franklin

• Security Lighting: Business establishments must provide adequate outside lighting for parking areas to ensure customer safety
• Residential Lighting: Every habitable room requires specific electrical outlets for lighting
• Multiple Dwellings: Public halls and stairways must be adequately illuminated at all times (5+ units) or have convenient lighting systems (4 units or less)
• Historic Properties: Light fixtures are considered part of the exterior features for historic sites and districts
• Subdivisions: All new subdivisions must include street lighting with approved designs
• Minimum Illumination: Adult establishments must maintain minimum illumination of 10 foot candles measured at floor level

Residential Lighting Requirements

Basic Habitable Room Standards

Franklin's building code ensures that all residential spaces have adequate lighting infrastructure. Every habitable room must have either:

• Two separate wall-type convenience outlets, OR
• One ceiling-type fixture and one wall-type outlet

Additional Room Requirements

The same standards of adequate lighting extend beyond just living spaces. The following areas must have at least one wall outlet or ceiling fixture:

• Water closet compartments
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Furnace rooms
• Public halls
• Stairways

Multi-Unit Dwelling Requirements

Franklin's regulations recognize that common areas in multi-unit buildings have special lighting needs:

For Buildings with 5+ Units:

• All public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times

For Buildings with 4 Units or Less:

• Must have either:
• Conveniently located switches controlling an adequate lighting system for public halls and stairways, OR
• Adequate full-time lighting for these areas

Habitability Standards

It's worth noting that Franklin considers proper lighting essential for habitability. The city's regulations explicitly state that it is unlawful to rent a structure deemed unfit for habitation due to lack of light (among other factors). This underscores the city's commitment to ensuring properly illuminated living spaces.

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Security Lighting

Business licensees in Franklin must prioritize safety through appropriate outdoor illumination:

• Responsibility: The licensee is responsible for maintaining security on the premises
• Requirement: Must provide adequate outside lighting for parking areas
• Purpose: To promote the safety, health, and welfare of customers and the general public

Adult Establishments

The city has specific, more stringent lighting requirements for adult entertainment venues:

• Minimum Illumination Level: At least 10 foot candles measured at floor level
• Coverage: Every place where patrons are permitted access must be illuminated
• Maintenance: Owners/operators must ensure this illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present
• Purpose: These requirements help "curb illegal and unsanitary activities"

Limited Storage Areas

For designated limited storage areas, the regulations specify:

• Must be equipped with essential lighting
• Must be flood resistant
• Cannot contain other utilities
• Cannot be temperature controlled

Historic Preservation and Lighting

Franklin's commitment to preserving its historical character is evident in how it approaches lighting for historic properties.

Light Fixtures as Historic Elements

The city specifically includes "light fixtures" among the exterior features considered when evaluating historic sites or resources within historic districts. This inclusion recognizes that:

• Lighting elements contribute to a building's architectural style and character
• The type and style of light fixtures are important aspects of historic preservation
• Changes to lighting may impact the historical integrity of protected buildings

This approach helps maintain the authentic character of Franklin's treasured historical landmarks, including the renowned courthouse and the Old Jail and Jailer's Quarters.

Subdivision Development Lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

All new subdivisions in Franklin must include street lighting as part of their development plans:

• Approval Process: Design must be approved by either:
• Franklin Simpson Electric Plant Board (EPB), OR
• Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (WRECC)
• Provider: The electric supplier will provide the streetlights
• Developer Responsibility: Coordination with EPB or WRECC for street poles or underground service
• Documentation Requirements:
• Street lighting must be shown on the subdivision's final plat
• All electrical easements must be included
• General location should appear on construction plans for informational purposes

Supporting Franklin's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Franklin's commitment to preserving its historical character while providing safe, well-lit environments for residents and visitors. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we value the balance between heritage preservation and modern functionality that Franklin embodies.

Our experience with communities like Franklin has given us insight into the challenges of meeting lighting regulations while maintaining a town's distinctive character. We understand the importance of lighting solutions that complement Franklin's historic structures, including the magnificent 1882 Italianate courthouse and surrounding historical buildings.

We aim to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance that helps maintain Franklin's special ambiance while meeting all code requirements. Our approach focuses on supporting the community's vision for appropriate lighting that enhances safety without compromising historical integrity.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

If you own property in Franklin, understanding these lighting regulations is essential for:

• Code Compliance: Ensuring your property meets basic habitability standards
• Historic Preservation: Maintaining appropriate lighting fixtures for historic properties
• Safety & Security: Providing adequate illumination for security purposes
• Development Planning: Including required lighting elements in new construction

Guidance for Different Property Types

Residential Owners

Focus on ensuring each room has the required electrical outlets and fixtures to meet basic illumination standards.

Commercial Property Owners

Pay special attention to security lighting for parking areas and customer access points.

Historic Property Owners

Recognize that light fixtures are considered part of your building's historic character and should be maintained or replaced with consideration for historical accuracy.

Developers

Plan for street lighting requirements early in your subdivision development process and coordinate with the appropriate electrical service provider.

Conclusion

Franklin's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a city that values both its historical character and the safety of its residents. By establishing clear standards for illumination across different property types, Franklin ensures that its architectural heritage is preserved while providing adequately lit environments for modern living and commerce.

Whether you own a historic building on the town square, operate a business, or are developing a new subdivision, understanding these lighting requirements helps maintain the special character that makes Franklin, Kentucky a remarkable place to live, work, and visit.

By balancing preservation with practical illumination needs, Franklin continues its tradition of honoring its past while moving confidently into the future.