Lighting Regulations in Franklin, Michigan: Preserving Historic Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Franklin, Michigan, founded in 1825, stands as one of Michigan's oldest communities. Named after Benjamin Franklin, this charming village has carefully preserved its historic character for nearly two centuries while adapting to modern needs.

The Franklin Village Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features numerous 19th-century buildings that remain largely unchanged from their original construction. This commitment to historical preservation is reflected in the village's approach to development and community planning—including its lighting regulations.

As Franklin balances preservation with progress, its lighting requirements aim to maintain the village's historic aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. Let's explore these regulations and understand how they help maintain Franklin's unique character.

Quick Reference Guide

The most critical lighting requirements in Franklin include:

• Exterior lighting must be shielded to deflect light away from neighboring properties
• Parking lot fixtures cannot exceed 20 feet in height
• Downward-directed lighting required for most applications
• No internal illumination of signs allowed
• No neon, LED outline tubing, or similar lighting permitted
• Special Historic District considerations apply to lighting installations
• Zero foot-candles measured at property lines for certain installations

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Core Requirements

Franklin's lighting regulations consistently emphasize minimizing light impact on neighboring properties. The municipal code requires that:

• All exterior lighting must be erected, hooded, or shielded to deflect light away from adjacent properties
• Light sources must be constructed, aimed, and shielded to minimize intrusive glare or brightness
• Lighting must be of constant intensity and color—no flashing, moving, or intermittent lighting is permitted

Light Source Containment

The village places particular emphasis on containing light within property boundaries:

• Light sources (other than incandescent or natural gas) must be protected by a shroud, shield, or louver device
• Light must be directed into a cone or pattern that doesn't cross property lines
• No part of the light source should be visible from adjoining property
• No shadows may be cast upon adjoining properties

Safety Considerations

While aesthetic concerns are important, safety remains paramount:

• No light source may obstruct, confuse, or create hazards for vehicular traffic
• Lighting must not interfere with traffic signals or directional signs

Parking Lot Lighting Requirements

Franklin has established specific technical requirements for parking lot illumination that balance safety needs with aesthetic concerns:

Height and Positioning

• Lighting fixtures cannot exceed 20 feet in height (measured from ground level to centerline of light source)
• Fixtures must be focused downward and fully shielded
• Parking lot lighting shall emit no light above 90 degrees
• Lighting must be arranged to reflect away from all residentially zoned properties

Compliance and Approvals

• All parking lot lighting must comply with the National Electrical Code
• Lighting in the Historic District is subject to review and approval by the Historic District Commission

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Franklin's regulations for sign lighting are particularly stringent to maintain the village's historic character:

• Signs may be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded electric light sources
• Light must be directed solely at the sign and obscured from public view
• Glaring, undiffused lights or bulbs are prohibited
• Lights must be shaded to prevent projection onto adjoining properties or thoroughfares

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The following sign lighting methods are explicitly prohibited:

• Internal illumination of any sign
• Neon lighting (including hidden reverse channel set neon)
• LED outline tubing or similar lighting
• Any sign illumination that could distract motorists or create traffic hazards
• Signs with non-operational lights

Special Considerations

• Special displays may be illuminated only between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
• All electrical wiring for ground signs must be installed underground

Specialized Lighting Applications

Outdoor Dining Areas

Restaurants with outdoor dining areas must adhere to these specific standards:

• Lighting must be subdued and downward directed
• No wall pack fixtures are permitted
• Lighting must be shut off when outdoor dining concludes each night

Wireless Facilities and Equipment

• Personal wireless service facility mounts shall be lighted only if required by the Federal Aviation Administration
• Lighting of equipment structures must be shielded from abutting properties
• Foot-candle measurements at the property line must be 0.0 initial foot-candles

Solar Energy Systems

• Solar installations must not generate glare onto adjacent property
• Non-reflective design, materials, or screening may be required to mitigate impact

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When planning exterior lighting for your property in Franklin, consider these key points:

• Consult early with the Building Official or Planning Commission about your lighting plans
• Document light placement on your site plan, showing how light will be contained on your property
• Select fixtures that direct light downward and minimize spillover
• Remember that the Planning Commission will evaluate whether light or glare from your project will have a detrimental effect on neighboring properties

Historic District Considerations

If your property is within the Franklin Village Historic District:

• Additional review by the Historic District Commission will be required for lighting installations
• Period-appropriate fixtures may be recommended to maintain historical character
• The Commission will help ensure your lighting enhances rather than detracts from the historic ambiance

Temporary and Emergency Lighting

Franklin's regulations do make allowances for special circumstances:

• Temporary or emergency lighting is exempt from standard requirements as long as it doesn't remain on the property for more than 48 hours during any 90-day period
• Production activities (filming, etc.) require notification to affected residents about planned lighting impacts

Supporting Franklin's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Franklin's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern technology. We understand the importance of lighting that enhances rather than detracts from the unique architectural heritage of historic communities like Franklin.

Our experience with regional architectural styles enables us to appreciate Franklin's careful balance between safety, functionality, and historic preservation. As lighting specialists familiar with communities that prioritize historical integrity, we recognize the challenges property owners face when navigating lighting regulations in historic districts.

Bock Lighting strives to serve as an educational resource on lighting regulations and best practices, helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate illumination choices. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Franklin's vision for preserving its historic charm and dark night sky.

Conclusion

Franklin's lighting regulations reflect the village's dedication to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. By emphasizing shielded fixtures, downward-directed light, and minimal light trespass, these standards help maintain the village's distinctive atmosphere.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential to planning successful lighting projects that enhance both individual properties and the community as a whole. The careful balance Franklin has struck between preservation and modern needs ensures that the village will continue to shine as one of Michigan's most cherished historic communities for generations to come.