Lighting Regulations in Huntington, Indiana: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction: Illuminating Huntington's Historical Heritage

Founded in 1834 along the Wabash River, Huntington, Indiana grew into a thriving community thanks to the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal. This waterway transformed the city into a vital hub for commerce and transportation throughout the 19th century. Today, Huntington proudly maintains its historical character while accommodating modern needs.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance between preserving historic charm and ensuring safety and functionality. While Huntington's lighting regulations are not extensively detailed in the municipal code, the existing provisions demonstrate the city's commitment to maintaining its unique character while providing adequate illumination for residents and visitors.

Quick Reference Guide to Huntington's Lighting Requirements

The most important lighting requirements to know:

• Illumination Levels:
• Adult businesses: Minimum 5.0 footcandles at floor level
• Illuminated signs: Maximum 75 foot-candles on sign surface
• Sign illumination must not exceed 1 foot-candle intensity when measured from lot lines
• Parking Areas:
• Lighting must be directed toward parking area and away from adjacent properties
• Design must avoid glare into street rights-of-way
• Sign Illumination:
• Varies by zoning district (many business districts allow illumination)
• Home occupation signs cannot be illuminated
• Residential zones have stricter illumination limitations
• Safety Lighting:
• Public halls and stairways in multiple dwellings must be adequately lit per Indiana Residential Code
• Temporary excavations require red or yellow safety lighting

Zoning District Lighting Permissions

Residential Areas: Limited Illumination

In Huntington's residential districts (A, R-1A, R-l, R-2, R-3, and C-l), illumination for signage is highly restricted. For approved home occupations, wall signs are permitted, but illumination is explicitly prohibited. This helps maintain the peaceful, residential character of these neighborhoods.

Home occupation regulations further specify that no equipment or activity shall create glare detectable to normal senses outside the dwelling unit or accessory structure.

Business and Mixed-Use Districts: More Flexible Lighting

Business districts generally allow for illuminated signage, with specific provisions:

• Professional Office District (POD): Wall signs may be illuminated
• Business Districts: Ground signs, pole signs, and wall signs may be illuminated
• Mixed-Use District (MXD): Wall signs, projecting signs, and ground signs may be illuminated

Most illuminated signs in business zones must be located at least 30 feet from any residential district, creating a buffer between commercial lighting and residential areas.

Industrial Zones: Comprehensive Lighting Permission

In industrial districts (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, and IP), the following signs may be illuminated:

• Wall signs
• Projecting signs
• Roof signs
• Pole signs

Technical Lighting Requirements

Sign Illumination Standards

For businesses with illuminated signage, Huntington's code provides specific technical requirements:

• Light intensity: Cannot exceed 75 foot-candles on the sign surface
• Brightness limits: Illumination cannot exceed one foot-candle in intensity when measured from lot lines
• Light direction: Must be shaded, shielded or directed so light intensity is not "reasonably objectionable" as determined by the Director
• Prohibited effects: No rotating beam, beacon or flashing illumination resembling emergency lights

Safety Lighting Requirements

Several specific safety lighting requirements exist in the Huntington code:

• Excavation lighting: Red or yellow lights must be conspicuously posted at excavations or obstructions in public spaces:
• For spaces 20 feet or less: One light at each end
• For spaces exceeding 50 feet: Additional lights at intervals not exceeding 50 feet
• Must be maintained from dusk until daylight
• Multiple dwellings: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted according to the Indiana Residential Code or National Electrical Code

Historic Preservation and Lighting

Huntington takes its historic character seriously. The code specifically addresses lighting in historic contexts:

"An historic building or structure or any part of or appurtenance to such a building or structure, including stone walls, fences, light fixtures, steps, paving, and signs may be moved, reconstructed, altered, or maintained only in a manner that will preserve the historical and architectural character of the building, structure, or appurtenance."

"An historic building or structure or any part of or appurtenance to such a building or structure, including stone walls, fences, light fixtures, steps, paving, and signs may be moved, reconstructed, altered, or maintained only in a manner that will preserve the historical and architectural character of the building, structure, or appurtenance."

This provision ensures that the distinctive character of historic lighting fixtures is maintained, preserving the authentic feel of Huntington's historic districts like the area around the Forks of the Wabash Historic Park.

Parking Area Lighting Requirements

Huntington's code addresses off-street parking illumination with several important provisions:

• Lights must be installed on private property
• Lighting must be directed toward the parking area
• Light must reflect away from adjoining properties
• Design must avoid glare into street rights-of-way

These requirements balance the need for well-lit parking areas with consideration for neighboring properties and traffic safety.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing or modifying property in Huntington, several lighting-related requirements should be kept in mind:

• Plan submissions: Applications must include the location of all overhead lighting fixtures
• Sign permits: Obtain any applicable electrical permits in conjunction with sign permits
• Home businesses: No illuminated signs for home occupations, and no detectable glare beyond property lines

Understanding Unique Requirements

Some specialized properties have additional lighting considerations:

• Adult businesses: Must maintain minimum 5.0 footcandles illumination at floor level wherever patrons have access
• Educational facilities: Wall signs and ground signs for public and private educational facilities may be illuminated
• Airport vicinity: Structures near airports may require special marking and lighting

Supporting Huntington's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance Huntington maintains between preserving its historic character and meeting modern illumination needs. With roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, we appreciate the importance of maintaining community character while providing functional lighting solutions.

Huntington's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to historical preservation, particularly in managing the visual appeal of its historic districts. Our expertise in architectural lighting allows us to serve as a resource for property owners seeking to comply with local regulations while enhancing the distinctive character of this historic Wabash River community.

We share Huntington's commitment to thoughtful development that honors historical integrity. Our experience with regional architectural styles enables us to provide solutions that respect the city's 19th-century heritage while meeting contemporary needs for safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Huntington's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing modern needs with historic preservation. While not extensively detailed in the municipal code, the existing provisions demonstrate a thoughtful approach to illumination that considers the city's unique character and community values.

Property owners and businesses should carefully review relevant zoning district requirements before installing or modifying lighting. The regulations vary significantly by district, with stricter limitations in residential areas and more flexibility in business and industrial zones.

As Huntington continues to grow and develop, these lighting standards help ensure that the city maintains its distinctive character while providing safe, functional illumination for residents and visitors alike.