Lighting Regulations in Grass Lake, Michigan: Preserving Small-Town Charm While Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Introduction: Lighting in Historic Grass Lake

Grass Lake, Michigan, with its population of just over 1,100 residents, embodies the quintessential small-town charm that has characterized this Jackson County village since its relocation in 1842. The village's move to be closer to the Michigan Central Railroad depot marked a pivotal moment in its development, bringing with it original buildings that continue to contribute to its historical ambiance today.

The lighting regulations in Grass Lake reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historical character while addressing modern needs. Situated near outdoor recreational areas like the Sharon State Game Area and Waterloo Recreation Area, the village understands the importance of controlling light pollution to maintain the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a summary of the most critical lighting requirements in Grass Lake:

• Direction and Shielding: All outdoor lighting must be directed away from and shielded from adjacent properties
• Light Levels:
• Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Maximum 1 foot-candle at non-residential property lines
• Maximum 10 foot-candles overall on site (20 under canopies)
• Fixture Requirements: Downward-directed, shielded, full cutoff fixtures required
• Maximum Pole Height: 20 feet (exceptions possible at intersections with approval)
• Sign Illumination: Maximum 3 foot-candles at 15 feet from any sign
• Prohibited Lighting: Exterior neon lighting not permitted

General Lighting Requirements

Shielding and Direction

The fundamental principle of Grass Lake's lighting regulations is minimizing impact on neighboring properties. All lighting must be directed away from adjacent properties and arranged to avoid adverse effects on neighbors or driver visibility on nearby roads.

Shielding is a crucial requirement. Regulations specifically mandate that lighting must be shielded to reduce glare and visibility beyond the property where it's installed.

Light Trespass Limitations

The village has established specific measurements to control light trespass:

• Light shall not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at any residential lot line
• Light shall not exceed 1 foot-candle at any non-residential lot line (except along road frontage)
• The maximum light level on any site is limited to 10 foot-candles
• Areas under canopies (such as gas stations or drive-through banks) may have increased lighting up to 20 foot-candles maximum

Fixture Design Requirements

Grass Lake requires specific types of lighting fixtures to control light pollution:

• Outdoor lighting fixtures, including parking lot lights and wall-packs, must be downward-directed, shielded, full cutoff fixtures
• Lighting must be directed toward and confined to ground areas like lawns and parking lots
• Light pole heights cannot exceed 20 feet, with possible exceptions at road intersections (requires Planning Commission approval)
• Exterior neon lighting is prohibited within the village

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Agricultural and Residential Lighting

For properties with henhouses, only motion-activated lighting may be used to illuminate the exterior of these structures. This requirement helps minimize constant light exposure in residential areas.

Grow Light Restrictions

For agricultural or indoor growing operations, grow lights visible from adjacent properties or rights-of-way may not be used before 6:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. local time. This restriction helps preserve dark skies during overnight hours.

Marihuana Activity Lighting

Lighting associated with marihuana activities must be directed away from and shielded from adjacent properties without building alterations (such as boarded-up windows). These lights must be arranged to avoid adverse effects on adjacent properties or driver visibility.

Sign Illumination Standards

Technical Requirements

For businesses with illuminated signs, the village has established specific technical standards:

• Illuminated signs must use electrical means that satisfy state electrical codes
• Light from illuminated signs must be shielded at its source to prevent light from shining onto adjacent properties or public streets
• Sign illumination cannot exceed 3 foot-candles measured at a distance of 15 feet from the sign

Specific Sign Type Restrictions

Different types of signs have specific lighting restrictions:

• Sandwich board signs cannot be illuminated under any circumstances
• Awnings cannot be internally illuminated
• Signs on awnings must be illuminated by fixtures positioned above the awning and directed downward

Street Lighting Standards

Street Light Requirements by Location

The village has different street lighting requirements depending on location:

• CBD (Central Business District): Street lights are required along Michigan Avenue and Lake Street
• Michigan Avenue (outside CBD) and Union Street: No street lights required

Street Light Design Standards

When required, street lights in Grass Lake must follow these specifications:

• Placement should be coordinated with street tree locations
• Street lights should generally be placed every 60 feet on center
• Electrical outlets must be included in the light design to allow for decorative holiday lighting
• "Village street lights" are specifically required in the Michigan Avenue CBD area

Site Plan Review Requirements

Documentation Requirements

For new development or significant renovations, lighting plans must be submitted as part of the site plan review process:

• Site plans must clearly indicate all proposed exterior lighting and signage
• Commercial or industrial applications must include a photometric plan overlaid on the site plan showing the layout and foot-candles of site lighting
• Plans must include light pole and fixture locations and type designations
• Manufacturer's equipment specifications and data sheets must be submitted

Consistency Requirements

In larger developments, lighting consistency is required:

• Within condominiums, site condominiums, PUD projects, and platted subdivisions, consistent pedestrian-scale lighting shall be provided along all sidewalks, within off-street parking lots, and along road frontages

Industrial Lighting Regulations

Industrial properties in Grass Lake face additional lighting restrictions:

• No industrial use shall carry on operations that would produce heat and glare beyond the boundary line of the industrial district
• Industrial uses shall not use lighting in a manner that produces glare on public highways or neighboring property

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're a property owner in Grass Lake planning new exterior lighting, consider these key points:

• Consult early: Review the village's lighting requirements before purchasing fixtures
• Focus on direction: Ensure all lighting is directed downward and away from neighboring properties
• Check measurements: Verify that your lighting plan meets the foot-candle requirements at property lines
• Document thoroughly: Prepare comprehensive lighting documentation for site plan review

Addressing Lighting Concerns

The village considers problematic lighting to be a potential nuisance. Conditions that render persons insecure in life or in the use and enjoyment of their property, including effects from glare and lights, may be considered nuisances under village code.

Supporting Grass Lake's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Grass Lake's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing functional, appropriate lighting technology.

We understand the unique balance that small historic communities like Grass Lake must maintain—ensuring safety and usability while preserving the distinctive small-town atmosphere that makes the village special. With experience serving communities throughout the Midwest, Bock Lighting understands the particular needs of villages with historical significance.

Our team appreciates Grass Lake's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which carefully balance the practical need for illumination with preserving the village's historical ambiance. We're committed to serving as a resource for community members navigating these regulations, helping preserve the unique character that has defined Grass Lake since its 19th-century origins.

Conclusion

Grass Lake's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical small-town charm while addressing modern lighting needs. The village's approach focuses on minimizing light trespass, controlling glare, and ensuring appropriate illumination levels.

By following these carefully crafted regulations, property owners help preserve the distinctive character that makes Grass Lake special, protecting both the village's historical ambiance and the surrounding natural landscape for future generations to enjoy.

For specific questions about applying these lighting regulations to your property, contact the Village of Grass Lake offices for guidance on compliance and best practices.