Lighting Regulations in Glenpool, Oklahoma: Balancing Growth with Historical Character

Introduction: Oil Heritage and Modern Development

Glenpool, Oklahoma has a rich heritage dating back to 1906 when the discovery of the Glenn Pool Oil Reserve sparked Oklahoma's first major oil boom. This pivotal moment in history established Tulsa as a petroleum hub and shaped Glenpool's identity for generations to come.

Today, as a growing suburb of Tulsa, Glenpool balances community development with a respect for its historical roots. The town's annual "Black Gold Days" festival celebrates this heritage, while its regulations—including those governing lighting—reflect its commitment to maintaining a cohesive community environment.

Understanding these lighting regulations is essential for residents and business owners alike. Let's explore what Glenpool's code requires for property lighting.

Quick Reference Guide: Glenpool Lighting Regulations

• Light Trespass Definition: "The shining of light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located"
• Parking Areas: Must use constant light directed away from residential properties
• Sign Illumination: Generally required to be "constant light" when illuminated
• Digital Signs: Cannot exceed 70 foot-candles (measured at two feet) or 300 NITs at night/6,500 NITs during day
• Location Restrictions: No digital/LED business signs within 500 feet of residential districts
• Subdivision Requirements: Developers must provide adequate street lighting according to city engineering criteria

Understanding Light Trespass Regulations

What Constitutes Light Trespass

Glenpool's code defines light trespass as "the shining of light produced by a luminaire beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located." This definition forms the foundation of many lighting regulations in the city.

While the extracts don't provide comprehensive regulations specifically addressing general property lighting, the light trespass definition suggests that containing light within property boundaries is an important principle in Glenpool.

The Purpose Behind Light Containment

Light trespass regulations help maintain quality of life for residents by preventing unwanted illumination from spilling onto neighboring properties. This is particularly important in a community like Glenpool that balances suburban growth with respect for residential comfort.

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Standards

Throughout Glenpool's regulations, a consistent requirement appears for various types of signs: illumination, if permitted, must be by "constant light." This applies to:

• Bulletin board signs
• Identification signs (both arterial and non-arterial street frontage)
• Real estate signs
• Construction signs
• Signs in residential, office, and other districts

Digital and LED Sign Regulations

Glenpool has established specific technical requirements for digital signs:

• Maximum Illumination: Cannot exceed 70 foot-candles measured at a two-foot distance
• Nighttime Brightness: Limited to 300 candelas per square meter (NITs) between one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise
• Daytime Brightness: Limited to 6,500 NITs between one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset
• Safety Features Required:
• Default mechanism that freezes the sign if a malfunction occurs
• Automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light conditions

Location and Safety Restrictions

• No digital/LED business or outdoor advertising signs within 500 feet of a residential district
• Signs cannot be located in ways that obstruct or interfere with traffic signals or warning signs
• Signs mimicking traffic safety lights or municipal vehicle warnings are prohibited
• Flashing/intermittent lighting that could cause traffic safety hazards is prohibited
• Combinations of colors (such as red and blue) that could be confused with emergency vehicles are not allowed

Promotional Sign Lighting Limitations

Promotional signs face additional restrictions:

• Cannot include: Illuminated digital signage
• Cannot include: Flashing, blinking, or scrolling signage
• Cannot include: Internal illumination
• Cannot have: External illumination that flashes or exceeds 70 foot-candles (measured at two feet)
• Illumination cannot extend beyond the sign surface

Parking and Loading Area Lighting

Off-Street Parking Illumination

The code specifically addresses lighting for parking areas:

• Must use constant light (not intermittent or flashing)
• Must be arranged to direct light away from residential-zoned properties that do not contain the uses for which the parking is provided

Loading Area Requirements

Similar to parking areas, loading areas have specific lighting requirements:

• Illumination must be by constant light
• Must be arranged to direct light away from properties in residential districts that do not contain the uses for which the loading area is provided

Street Lighting in New Developments

Developer Responsibilities

Glenpool requires developers to provide adequate street lighting in new subdivisions:

• Must be installed along street rights of way
• Required at street intersections and cul-de-sacs
• Required at all street entries into the subdivision from adjacent areas
• Must conform to city engineering design criteria

Planning Requirements

Development applications must include:

• A development schedule for street and trail lighting
• Exterior lighting plans as required by the city

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

When installing or modifying lighting on your property in Glenpool, consider:

• The direction and intensity of your lighting to avoid light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Special requirements if you're installing illuminated signs
• Additional restrictions if your property is near a residential district

Planning for New Developments

For those developing new properties or subdivisions, lighting should be integrated into your planning from the beginning. The city will look for:

• Comprehensive lighting plans
• Adherence to engineering criteria for street lighting
• Consideration of impact on surrounding properties

Supporting Glenpool's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character and historical context. Communities like Glenpool, with their rich historical heritage and growing suburban character, need lighting solutions that respect both their past and future.

Bock's appreciation for how lighting impacts community character aligns with Glenpool's approach to development—respecting historical roots while embracing growth. Our experience with projects that honor community identity makes us a valuable resource for understanding lighting regulations.

As Glenpool continues to grow while celebrating its oil boom heritage, thoughtful lighting decisions help maintain the community's unique character. Bock is committed to supporting communities with education about lighting regulations and solutions that enhance rather than detract from local identity.

Conclusion

Glenpool's lighting regulations focus primarily on sign illumination, parking area lighting, and street lighting for new developments. The underlying principle appears to be preventing light trespass while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

As a community with deep historical roots in Oklahoma's oil boom era, Glenpool's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to controlled, thoughtful development that respects both its heritage and its future as a growing Tulsa suburb.

For property owners and businesses, understanding these regulations is an important step in contributing to Glenpool's community vision and avoiding compliance issues. When in doubt about specific requirements, consulting with city officials is always recommended.