Lighting Regulations in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Historical Character

Introduction

Nestled in Pennsylvania with a rich historical heritage dating back to 1771, Hanover Township has carefully developed regulations that balance modern lighting needs with its treasured historical character. The township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the aesthetic integrity of a community with deep colonial roots while ensuring safety and functionality.

Settled initially by Captain Stewart who built the first house in the Breslau area, Hanover Township has grown from its strategic position along roads connecting major cities like Allentown and Bethlehem. Today, the township's approach to lighting reflects this balance between honoring its past while meeting contemporary community needs.

Quick Reference Guide to Hanover Township Lighting Requirements

Critical lighting requirements at a glance:

• Street lighting required at each intersection and at maximum intervals of 350 feet
• Different minimum footcandle levels based on property type (commercial, residential, etc.)
• Light trespass prohibited - no lighting may shine directly onto neighboring properties
• Shielding required for commercial, motel, and betting parlor lighting
• Automatic dimming required for electronic message signs
• No glare permitted beyond property boundaries
• Home occupation businesses cannot have outside lighting visible to neighbors

Street Lighting Requirements

Mandatory Installation Locations

Street lighting in Hanover Township follows specific placement requirements to ensure adequate illumination of public spaces. According to township regulations, street lighting must be:

• Installed at each intersection within the development
• Placed at intervals not exceeding 350 feet between intersections

Development Type Requirements

Different types of developments have distinct street lighting requirements:

• Required for all:
• Commercial land developments
• Industrial land developments
• Multifamily residential areas
• Discretionary for:
• Single-family residential subdivisions (at Township Council's discretion)

Technical Installation Standards

When street lighting is required, property owners must adhere to specific installation standards:

• Metal pole street lights serviced by underground conduit
• Lighting plan must be prepared by the owner's engineer
• Plan requires approval by both the utility company and Township Council
• Metal pole requirement may be waived if wooden poles already exist (with Council approval)
• Single-family subdivisions must install underground conduit and wiring even if lighting fixtures aren't immediately constructed
• Streetlights required at proposed intersections with any major collector or arterial street

Financial Responsibility

Property owners should be aware that they bear financial responsibility for street lighting from the date of first dwelling unit occupancy until the streets are accepted by the township.

Illumination Standards by Property Type

Hanover Township has established specific minimum lighting levels for different areas:

Commercial Properties

• Shopping Centers and Other Commercial Areas:
• Minimum Average Footcandle Level: 2.0
• Average to Minimum Uniformity Ratio: 3:1

Business and Industrial Sites

• Industrial/Office Campuses:
• Minimum Average Footcandle Level: 1.0
• Average to Minimum Uniformity Ratio: 3:1

Recreational Spaces

• Recreational Areas:
• Minimum Average Footcandle Level: 1.0
• Average to Minimum Uniformity Ratio: 3:1

Residential Areas

• Multi-Family and Planned Residential Developments:
• Minimum Average Footcandle Level: 0.6-0.8
• Average to Minimum Uniformity Ratio: 3:1
• Residential Streets:
• Minimum Average Footcandle Level: 0.4
• Average to Minimum Uniformity Ratio: 3:1 (may be 6:1 for streets with ADT less than 200)

Pedestrian Areas

• Sidewalks:
• Minimum Average Footcandle Level: 0.2
• Average to Minimum Uniformity Ratio: 3:1
• Pedestrian Walkways:
• Minimum Average Footcandle Level: 0.4
• Average to Minimum Uniformity Ratio: 3:1

Light Trespass and Glare Control

Hanover Township prioritizes preventing unwanted light from impacting neighboring properties.

Core Light Trespass Regulations

The township is clear about preventing light from extending beyond property boundaries:

• No operation may produce heat or glare perceptible beyond property lines
• All artificial lighting for parking must be arranged so no direct rays fall upon neighboring property
• Swimming pool lighting shall not shine directly beyond property boundaries
• Commercial signs illuminated by flood lights must be shielded and directed away from residences

Business-Specific Requirements

Different businesses have specific requirements for controlling light trespass:

• Motels and Motor Inns: "All lighting shall be shielded so as not to shine on abutting properties and highways."
• Betting Parlors: "All lighting shall be shielded so as not to shine on abutting property than highways."
• Drive-In Service Places: Must comply with specific lighting provisions in the township code

Home Occupation Restrictions

If you operate a business from your home, be aware of these lighting restrictions:

• No outside appearance of a business use, including lights
• No equipment creating glare detectable in the neighborhood
• No machinery producing light beyond property boundaries

Sign Lighting Regulations

Types of Illuminated Signs

Hanover Township defines different categories of illuminated signs:

• Directly Illuminated Signs: Signs designed to give forth artificial light directly from a source within the sign (including neon and exposed lamp signs)
• Indirectly Illuminated Signs: Signs with illumination from an external artificial source, arranged so no direct rays project to areas other than the sign
• Flashing Signs: Signs where illumination is not kept constant, exhibiting sudden or marked changes in lighting effects (time/temperature displays are exempt)

Electronic Message Sign Requirements

For electronic message signs (EMS):

• Must be equipped with automatic day/night dimming software
• Must maintain constant illumination intensity or contrast of light level

Commercial Sign Lighting Restrictions

For signs associated with commercial uses:

• May be illuminated by shielded flood lights only
• Lighting must be directed away from adjacent residences
• Signs may be illuminated only during business hours
• No flashing, moving, rotating, oscillating or shuttered devices permitted

Billboard Lighting Requirements

For billboards:

• Light from any fixture illuminating a billboard shall not be directly visible in any part of the public right-of-way or other public property

Solar Lighting Provisions

Hanover Township has specific definitions for solar-powered lighting:

Decorative Solar Lighting

• Decorative Lighting SES: Solar energy system providing power exclusively for an attached light
• Combined height not more than 2 feet
• Provides illumination for driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping decor

Pole-Mounted Solar Lighting

• Pole-mounted solar panels: Limited to total area of not more than 8 square feet
• Permitted exclusively for:
• Providing energy for pool heating
• Power for outdoor lighting systems
• Power for phones, cameras, lighting fixtures, or similar devices mounted on the pole

What Property Owners Should Know

Lighting Plan Requirements

When submitting development plans, property owners must include:

• Location, size, and arrangement of areas for motor vehicle access, parking, loading/unloading
• Provisions for lighting such areas
• Dimensions, location, and methods of illumination for signs
• Description of any commercial/industrial operations that might produce glare
• Methods to control any excess glare or other safety hazards

Temporary Structures and Projects

For construction projects and temporary structures:

• Projects must include appropriate barriers, barricades, lights, warning flags, and danger signs for public protection
• Permittees must comply with any additional warning device requests from Inspectors
• Temporary memorial displays may not contain any electronic lighting

Common Compliance Issues

Areas where property owners often face compliance challenges:

• Light trespass: Ensuring no light crosses property boundaries
• Proper shielding: Especially for commercial properties adjacent to residential areas
• Consistent footcandle levels: Maintaining required illumination standards
• Home-based businesses: Ensuring no visible lighting impact on neighborhoods

Supporting Hanover Township's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and appreciates Hanover Township's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation. As a regional manufacturer, we recognize the unique character of Pennsylvania communities like Hanover Township that value their colonial heritage while ensuring public safety.

Our experience with historic communities throughout the Northeast has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from historical character. We understand the challenges property owners face when trying to navigate lighting regulations while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource for communities, helping residents and business owners understand how lighting choices impact both compliance and community character. Bock Lighting shares Hanover Township's values regarding responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while providing necessary illumination.

Our commitment to sustainability and community-conscious lighting aligns with Hanover Township's careful approach to development that respects its historical roots while meeting modern needs.

Conclusion

Hanover Township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From street lighting requirements to specific illumination standards for different property types, these regulations create a framework for responsible lighting practices.

Property owners should pay particular attention to light trespass regulations, ensuring their lighting doesn't impact neighboring properties. With different standards for commercial, industrial, and residential areas, understanding the specific requirements for your property type is essential for compliance.

By following these carefully crafted lighting regulations, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining the township's unique character and historical integrity while ensuring adequately lit public spaces for safety and convenience.