Lighting Regulations in Hansen, Idaho: A Guide to Simple Rural Standards

Introduction

Hansen, Idaho, a small city in Twin Falls County, embodies the practical and community-oriented values typical of rural Idaho communities. While not boasting extensive historical districts or landmarks, Hansen maintains a focus on functionality and simplicity in its municipal regulations, reflecting its agricultural heritage and tight-knit community structure.

The city's approach to lighting regulations mirrors this pragmatic outlook, with straightforward requirements designed to maintain safety and community welfare without imposing overly complex restrictions. Understanding these lighting standards is essential for property owners, developers, and businesses operating within Hansen's jurisdiction.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Hansen Lighting Requirements:

• General Standard: Lighting must not produce excessive glare detrimental to property or general welfare
• Street Lighting Intensity: Minimum of one-half (1/2) foot-candle required on all streets
• Subdivision Requirements: Streetlights mandatory at intersections throughout subdivisions
• Mobile Home Standards: Separate metered electrical service required for each space, must meet city electrical codes

General Lighting Requirements

Avoiding Detrimental Glare

Hansen's municipal code explicitly prohibits lighting installations that could negatively impact the community. Specifically, the code states lighting "will not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, equipment and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any person, property or to the general welfare by reason of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare or odors."

Practical Implications

This regulation gives Hansen authorities discretion to address problematic lighting installations on a case-by-case basis. While not providing specific technical limitations on glare, the regulation clearly establishes that lighting should not:

• Create hazardous conditions for pedestrians or drivers
• Intrude excessively onto neighboring properties
• Diminish residents' quality of life through light pollution

Community Considerations

In keeping with Hansen's community-focused values, this regulation encourages residents to be mindful of how their lighting choices affect neighbors. For property owners, this means considering the direction, intensity, and timing of exterior lighting installations.

Street Lighting Standards

Minimum Illumination Requirements

Hansen's code establishes concrete standards for street lighting throughout the city:

• Minimum illumination: One-half (1/2) foot-candle on all streets
• Intersections: Streetlights specifically required at all subdivision intersections

Responsibility for Installation

The code clearly delineates responsibility for various lighting configurations:

• Standard Configuration: "Cost of conventional wood pole, mercury vapor luminaire and overhead service shall be the responsibility of the city"
• Alternative Configurations: "Other types or configuration for lighting shall be approved by the city engineer and the cost shall be borne by the subdivider"

Planning Considerations for Developers

Developers working on new subdivisions should:

• Include streetlight installations at all intersections in initial plans
• Budget for lighting costs if planning non-standard configurations
• Consult with the city engineer early in the planning process for lighting approvals

Mobile Home Lighting Requirements

Electrical Service Standards

Hansen has specific requirements for electrical service at mobile home parks, which indirectly impact lighting capabilities:

• Separate metering: "Each mobile home space shall be provided with a separate metered service"
• Capacity requirements: Service must be "of sufficient capacity to adequately supply electric power to meet the needs of each individual mobile home"
• Implementation standard: "The installation shall comply with all city electrical codes and ordinances"

Weather Protection

The code specifically requires that "electrical outlets shall be weatherproof," ensuring safety and reliability in exterior lighting installations at mobile home parks.

What Property Owners Should Know

Navigating Limited Regulations

Hansen's lighting regulations are relatively minimal compared to larger municipalities. This gives property owners considerable flexibility, but also requires good judgment in installation decisions.

Best Practices to Follow

Even with limited specific regulations, property owners should consider:

• Direction of lighting: Aim fixtures downward to minimize light trespass
• Appropriate intensity: Choose lighting that provides safety without excessive brightness
• Timing considerations: Consider using timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary nighttime illumination

Consulting with Professionals

When in doubt about compliance with Hansen's regulations, consulting with:

• Local electrical contractors familiar with Hansen's codes
• The city engineer for larger projects
• Building department officials for clarification on standards

Supporting Hansen's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate the practical, community-oriented approach that defines Hansen's municipal standards. Our roots as a manufacturer dating back to 1918 have given us unique insight into the lighting needs of communities of all sizes, from rural municipalities to larger urban centers.

We recognize that Hansen's approach to lighting reflects its agricultural heritage and community values of simplicity and functionality. Our team is committed to providing lighting solutions that respect these principles while meeting the practical needs of Hansen's residents and businesses.

Bock Lighting strives to serve as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. We understand the balance between providing adequate lighting for safety and functionality while respecting the rural character and dark sky values important to many small communities.

By focusing on sustainable, practical lighting approaches, we aim to support Hansen's vision of maintaining its community character while ensuring appropriate illumination for streets, businesses, and homes.

Conclusion

Hansen, Idaho takes a straightforward approach to lighting regulations, focusing on basic requirements for street illumination, subdivision development, and mobile home parks. While not providing extensive technical specifications, the regulations establish important principles regarding light intensity, placement, and avoiding detrimental glare.

Property owners and developers should consider not just the letter of these limited regulations, but also how their lighting choices affect the community as a whole. This approach aligns with Hansen's practical, community-focused values as a small rural municipality.

By understanding these basic requirements and applying common-sense considerations to lighting installations, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Hansen's practical, community-oriented character while ensuring appropriate illumination for safety and functionality.