Lighting Regulations in Highland Heights, Kentucky: A Guide to Limited But Important Requirements

Introduction

Highland Heights, Kentucky, a charming city in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, has a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1927. Home to Northern Kentucky University, the city successfully maintains its small-town atmosphere while providing residents access to metropolitan amenities.

Highland Heights has been recognized as one of the safest cities in Kentucky, reflecting the community's commitment to public safety and well-being. This value is evident in the city's approach to development, including its lighting regulations.

Though Highland Heights maintains relatively few specific lighting regulations compared to many municipalities, the requirements that do exist focus primarily on safety and visibility concerns in specific contexts.

Quick Reference Guide

• Game Room Lighting: Sufficient lighting required so all coin-operated machines and operators are clearly visible from entrance
• Construction/Excavation Warning Lights: Red illuminated lamps required at both ends of street/sidewalk obstructions (plus additional lamps for every 50 feet)
• General Approach: Highland Heights focuses lighting requirements on safety-critical situations

Game Room Lighting Requirements

Visibility Standards

Highland Heights municipal code contains specific lighting requirements for business establishments operating as game rooms. The regulation focuses on ensuring adequate visibility throughout these establishments.

Key requirement: Lighting must be sufficient enough that all coin-operated machines and any person operating them are clearly visible from the entrance.

Prohibited Lighting Approaches

The code specifically addresses inadequate lighting solutions:

• Lighting emitted solely from coin-operated machines themselves is not sufficient to meet this requirement
• Additional ambient lighting must be provided throughout the establishment

Purpose Behind the Requirement

This regulation appears designed to support Highland Heights' commitment to safety and security. By ensuring clear visibility throughout game rooms, the city helps:

• Discourage potential illegal activities
• Maintain oversight of operations
• Create a safer environment for patrons

Construction and Excavation Lighting Requirements

Warning Light Specifications

The Highland Heights municipal code includes clear requirements for lighting any obstruction or excavation of public ways:

• Minimum number: At least two illuminated red lamps
• Placement: Securely and conspicuously posted at or near each end of the obstruction/excavation
• Additional requirements: One extra lamp for each additional 50 feet (or portion thereof) of obstructed area
• Timing: Must be installed and maintained during all nighttime hours

Safety Purpose

These requirements directly support public safety by:

• Alerting pedestrians and drivers to potential hazards
• Preventing accidents around construction areas
• Ensuring visibility of obstructions during nighttime hours

Responsibility for Compliance

The responsibility for these warning lights falls to:

• Any person engaged in excavation work
• Any person employing others in such work
• Anyone obstructing any portion of a street, sidewalk, or alley

Understanding Highland Heights' Approach to Lighting

Limited but Focused Regulations

Highland Heights has chosen to implement targeted lighting regulations rather than comprehensive codes covering all aspects of outdoor and architectural lighting. This approach:

• Focuses on specific safety concerns
• Allows flexibility in most lighting applications
• Addresses the most critical visibility issues

Community Character Considerations

Highland Heights' approach to lighting regulation reflects its character as a community that:

• Values safety as a top priority
• Maintains a small-town atmosphere
• Balances growth with preservation of community feel

Safety as the Primary Driver

The existing lighting regulations in Highland Heights clearly prioritize safety concerns:

• Game room lighting ensures proper visibility for security
• Construction warning lights prevent accidents
• Both regulations focus on protecting the public

What Property Owners Should Know

Limited Scope of Regulations

Property owners in Highland Heights should understand that:

• The city maintains minimal specific lighting regulations
• Most property lighting decisions remain at the owner's discretion
• Safety and consideration for neighbors should guide lighting choices

Best Practices to Consider

Despite limited regulations, property owners should consider:

• Using fixtures that direct light downward to reduce light pollution
• Avoiding overly bright lighting that could disturb neighbors
• Ensuring adequate lighting for safety in parking areas and entryways
• Considering energy efficiency in lighting choices

When Planning Construction Projects

If you're planning construction that will obstruct public ways:

• Budget for appropriate warning lights
• Ensure proper placement at both ends of the obstruction
• Calculate additional lights needed for projects exceeding 50 feet
• Maintain lights throughout the nighttime hours for the duration of the project

Supporting Highland Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Highland Heights maintains between small-town charm and metropolitan accessibility. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value safety while maintaining their distinctive character.

We recognize Highland Heights' approach to lighting regulation focuses on critical safety aspects while allowing flexibility in most applications. This aligns with our philosophy that lighting should enhance community character while serving practical needs.

Bock Lighting can serve as a resource for Highland Heights property owners seeking to make informed lighting decisions that complement the community's values. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to support projects that respect both regulatory requirements and community character.

We're committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that support communities like Highland Heights in maintaining their safety, visibility, and distinctive atmosphere without contributing to unnecessary light pollution.

Conclusion

Highland Heights maintains a focused approach to lighting regulations, targeting specific safety concerns rather than implementing comprehensive lighting codes. The requirements for game room visibility and construction warning lights demonstrate the city's commitment to public safety.

Property owners have considerable flexibility in most lighting decisions but should be guided by consideration for neighbors and community character. Understanding the existing requirements helps ensure compliance while supporting Highland Heights' vision as a safe, welcoming community.

By balancing limited regulation with a focus on safety, Highland Heights continues its tradition of maintaining a high quality of life while preserving the small-town character that makes it one of Kentucky's most desirable communities.