Lighting Regulations in Hayden, Idaho: Balancing Safety and Rural Character

Introduction

Nestled in northern Idaho's picturesque landscape, Hayden is a community that values its natural beauty and rural charm. Founded in 1955, this Kootenai County city has worked to maintain its small-town character while accommodating steady growth and development. With approximately 15,000 residents, Hayden has established lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving the aesthetic qualities that make it special.

The city's lighting regulations are designed to reduce glare, minimize light trespass, and help reduce energy and financial costs of outdoor lighting. They establish clear standards that limit unnecessary illumination while ensuring safety and functionality—a careful balance that protects Hayden's character while meeting the needs of residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide

• Maximum Fixture Heights:
• Standard outdoor fixtures: 18 feet (or height of nearest building, whichever is less)
• Parking lot lighting: 28 feet maximum
• Pedestrian lighting: 15 feet maximum
• Illumination Requirements:
• Parking lots: Minimum 0.2 foot-candles per square foot
• Maximum illumination on adjacent residential properties: 1.0 foot-candles
• Electronic Message Centers: Must not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light
• Key Requirements:
• All exterior lighting must be fully shielded
• Photometric plans required for lighting installations
• All lighting must be contained on the property
• Fixtures must direct light downward and away from adjacent properties
• Prohibited Lighting:
• Colored light bulbs (except seasonal displays)
• Internally lit awnings/canopies (unless made of opaque material)
• Metal halide, mercury vapor, neon, or fluorescent tube lighting
• Flashing or blinking lights (except approved Electronic Message Centers)

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Purpose and Applicability

Hayden's lighting standards are intended to reduce glare, minimize light trespass, and help reduce the energy costs of outdoor lighting. These regulations apply to all business, residential, and community properties, emphasizing the importance of being a "good neighbor" by preventing unnecessary direct light from shining onto abutting properties or streets.

Fixture Requirements

All exterior lighting in Hayden must meet specific technical requirements:

• Lighting must be fully shielded—constructed so that all light emitted is projected below the horizontal plane
• Fixtures must be directed downward and away from adjoining properties and rights-of-way
• Outdoor fixtures are limited to a maximum height of 18 feet or the height of the nearest building, whichever is less
• All lighting must be contained on the lot where it's installed

Documentation and Approval

When proposing lighting for a property in Hayden:

• A photometric plan must be submitted demonstrating compliance with the city's standards
• The plan must show that lighting will not create unwanted illumination on neighboring properties
• For areas within 300 feet of the airport property boundary, approval of proposed lighting must be obtained from the Coeur d'Alene Airport

Illumination Zones and Streetlight Requirements

Hayden divides the city into distinct illumination zones to reflect the different lighting needs of various areas:

Highway Illumination Zone

• Areas requiring illumination along streets with no direct benefit to any particular property owner
• Includes freeway interchanges and limited access portions of U.S. Highway 95
• Lights shall be placed at all intersections and highway overpasses

High Illumination Intensity Zone

• Areas requiring 20,000 lumen lights for public safety
• Includes properties with frontage on Government Way, Hayden Avenue, and portions of Prairie Avenue
• Lights shall be placed at every intersection where practical

Moderate Illumination Intensity Zone

• Areas requiring 10,000 lumen lights
• Where blocks exceed 1,800 feet in length, additional lights are required near the middle of the block

Residential Illumination Intensity Zone

• Areas requiring less than 10,000 lumen lights
• Lights shall be placed at intersections where practical
• For blocks exceeding 600 feet in length, lights should be placed so that no property frontage is more than 300 feet from the nearest light

Parking Lot and Commercial Lighting Standards

Parking Area Illumination

Parking lot lighting in Hayden has specific requirements to ensure safety while preventing light pollution:

• Must be designed to direct lighting away from streets and adjacent properties
• Requires a minimum illumination of 0.2 foot-candles per square foot
• Must not produce illumination greater than 1.0 foot-candles on adjacent residential lots
• Maximum height for parking lot lighting fixtures is 28 feet
• All lighting must be fully shielded and contained on the lot

Central Business District Lighting

For the Central Business District:

• Display windows shall be constructed with internal lighting
• All exterior lighting must be fully shielded
• Street and pedestrian lighting within public right-of-way requires approval by city staff
• Lighting must be consistent with existing fixtures on Government Way

Commercial Property Requirements

Commercial property lighting must meet additional standards:

• Lighting for bed & breakfast facilities must be compatible with neighborhood character
• New parking lots without a building structure must include lighting that meets non-residential site plan requirements
• Lighting greater than one foot-candle is prohibited in certain zones

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

• External lighting must be shielded from view and focused on the sign
• Illumination must be controlled to not shine directly into residential windows
• Flashing, rotating, and intermittent lighting is prohibited
• Signs simulating traffic control devices are prohibited

Specific Sign Type Requirements

Different types of signs have specific illumination allowances:

Monument Signs and Freestanding Signs

• May use internal or external lighting

Wall Signs

• May use internal and external lighting

Canopy Signs

• Lettering may be internally or externally lit
• Flashing lights, exposed raceways, conduits, or transformers are prohibited

Awning Signs

• Shall not be internally lit
• Down lighting or similar lighting may be permitted

Window Signs

• Illumination is not allowed
• No fluorescent colors or reflective material permitted

Electronic Message Centers (EMC)

EMCs have specific technical requirements:

• Must be equipped with technology that automatically dims according to ambient light conditions
• Display shall not operate at brightness levels more than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light
• Measurement distance is calculated using the formula: Measurement Distance = √(Area of Sign × 100)
• Every EMC must display permit number and power consumption information

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Security Lighting

Security lighting is permitted for equipment shelters, cabinets, and on-ground ancillary equipment, provided it is:

• Appropriately down-shielded to keep light within property boundaries
• Fully shielded with all lighting contained on the lot

Tower and Structure Lighting

For water storage structures, support towers, or other tall infrastructure:

• Only lighting necessary to satisfy FAA requirements is permitted
• White strobe lighting is not allowed unless specifically required by the FAA

Entertainment and Recreation Facilities

For playing fields, courts, or tracks:

• All fixtures must be fully shielded or designed with sharp cut-off capability
• Illumination is not permitted after 11:00 p.m., except to conclude scheduled events that began before 11:00 p.m.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

Before installing outdoor lighting in Hayden:

1. Determine your zone - Different areas of the city have different requirements
2. Choose compliant fixtures - Ensure all fixtures are fully shielded and direct light downward
3. Calculate appropriate height - Remember the maximum height restrictions based on your lighting type
4. Prepare documentation - A photometric plan will be required for most lighting installations
5. Consider neighbors - Design your lighting to prevent spill-over onto adjacent properties

Common Compliance Issues

Watch out for these frequent compliance problems:

• Too much light - Exceeding the 1.0 foot-candle limit on adjacent residential properties
• Improper shielding - Failing to use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward
• Excessive height - Installing fixtures above the maximum permitted heights
• Light trespass - Allowing light to spill onto neighboring properties

Supporting Hayden's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Hayden's commitment to preserving its rural charm and natural beauty while ensuring safe, functional lighting for its community. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Hayden's values of balancing modern needs with community character preservation.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for Hayden residents navigating the city's lighting regulations. We recognize the importance of preventing light pollution and maintaining the dark skies that make Idaho's natural landscapes so special.

Bock Lighting is committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Hayden's vision. Our focus is on helping communities like Hayden maintain their distinctive character while meeting practical lighting needs. With our understanding of local regulations and community standards, we can help property owners find lighting solutions that respect Hayden's rural ambiance and comply with city requirements.

Conclusion

Hayden's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its small-town character and natural environment while ensuring safety and functionality. By requiring fully shielded fixtures, limiting light trespass, and establishing clear illumination standards, Hayden has created a framework that protects its unique qualities.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to maintaining the community's charm while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and visibility. Through thoughtful lighting design that complies with local standards, Hayden can continue to grow while preserving the rural character that makes it special.