Lighting Regulations in Jamestown, Indiana: Understanding Utility Service Options and Rates

Introduction

Nestled in Boone County, Jamestown, Indiana carries a rich history dating back to its founding in 1830 by James Mattock. The town experienced significant growth with the arrival of the Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Western Railway in 1869, which shaped both its economic development and architectural character. Many historical structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries remain standing today, contributing to Jamestown's distinctive small-town charm.

The town's lighting regulations and utility service options reflect its practical approach to balancing modern needs with community values. While Jamestown doesn't have extensive lighting ordinances, it does maintain specific guidelines for utility-provided lighting services that residents and businesses should understand.

Quick Reference Guide

• Outdoor Lighting Service (Security Lights)
• Available to properties adjacent to electric distribution lines
• Operates automatically from dusk to dawn (~4,000 hours annually)
• Three lamp options: 50W LED, 175W Mercury vapor, 100W High pressure sodium
• Public Street Lighting Service
• Available for standard overhead street lighting
• Options include 65W LED, 142W LED, and Flasher lights
• Alternating current, single-phase, 60 Hertz service
• General Requirements
• Lighting current cannot be taken from power lines without town consent
• Power exceeding three horsepower cannot be drawn from lighting lines without approval

Outdoor Lighting Service (Security Lights)

Availability and Service Characteristics

The town offers outdoor lighting service (sometimes called security lights) to residential, farm, commercial, and industrial customers. To qualify, your property must be located adjacent to an existing electric distribution line.

These lights automatically operate from approximately 30 minutes after sunset until approximately 30 minutes before sunrise each day of the year, totaling about 4,000 hours of operation annually.

Lamp Options and Monthly Rates

Jamestown offers three types of lamps for security lighting:

• 50-watt LED
• $4.25 per month (Phase I and Phase II)
• Most energy-efficient option
• 175-watt Mercury Vapor
• $6.42 per month (Phase I)
• $6.55 per month (Phase II)
• Higher brightness but less energy-efficient
• 100-watt High Pressure Sodium
• $6.42 per month (Phase I)
• $6.55 per month (Phase II)
• Yellowish light common in older security lighting

Installation Requirements

The standard installation includes:

• A single luminary
• A bracket not exceeding four feet
• One span of secondary conductors

If your installation requires additional facilities beyond these standard components, you'll need to pay for those costs in advance. The utility will calculate these costs based on what's needed to supply service from the closest suitable existing pole to your designated location.

Public Street Lighting Service

Service Characteristics

Jamestown offers public street lighting with the following electrical specifications:

• Alternating current
• Single-phase
• 60 Hertz
• Voltage of approximately 115 volts two-wire, or 115/230 volts three-wire

Available Options and Rates

The town provides three types of street lighting options:

• 65-watt LED
• Phase I: $4.65 per month ($55.80 per year)
• Phase II: $4.35 per month ($52.20 per year)
• Suitable for residential streets and areas requiring moderate illumination
• 142-watt LED
• Phase I: $5.40 per month ($64.80 per year)
• Phase II: $5.75 per month ($69.00 per year)
• Higher brightness for busier intersections or community gathering areas
• Flasher Light
• Phase I: $6.50 per month ($78.00 per year)
• Phase II: $8.00 per month ($96.00 per year)
• Used for hazard notification or special attention areas

General Electrical Requirements

Jamestown has specific guidelines regarding the source of electrical power for lighting. The regulations state:

"Lighting current must not be taken from power lines, nor current for power purposes from lighting lines in excess of three horsepower, without the consent of the town."

This requirement helps maintain electrical system integrity and ensures proper load balancing on the town's utility infrastructure.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Outdoor Lighting

If you're considering adding security lighting to your property, start by determining if your location is adjacent to an electric distribution line. This is the primary qualification for service eligibility.

Consider which lamp type best suits your needs:

• LEDs offer the most energy efficiency and typically the lowest monthly cost
• Mercury vapor and high-pressure sodium lamps provide different light characteristics but at a higher monthly rate

Understanding Phase I and Phase II Rates

The town's rate structure includes Phase I and Phase II pricing, which may reflect different implementation periods or service zones. When inquiring about lighting services, be sure to ask which phase applies to your property.

Adaptive Design Considerations

For residential properties, Jamestown acknowledges the importance of accessible environmental controls. While not strictly a lighting regulation, the town recognizes that "light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls in accessible locations" are important features of adaptive design in dwellings.

Supporting Jamestown's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Jamestown's appreciation for historical character and practical infrastructure needs. As a manufacturer that understands the unique challenges of small towns with rich architectural heritage, Bock recognizes the importance of lighting solutions that respect community character.

With Jamestown's history closely tied to its railroad-era development, lighting choices play a crucial role in maintaining the town's distinctive atmosphere while providing necessary illumination for safety and security.

Bock's experience working with communities similar to Jamestown allows us to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting decisions. We understand the balance between preserving historical character and meeting modern lighting needs, especially in communities where historical structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries contribute significantly to local identity.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with communities seeking to maintain their unique character while embracing practical solutions for residents and businesses.

Conclusion

Jamestown's approach to lighting regulations focuses primarily on utility service options rather than extensive design requirements. Property owners have several choices for security lighting, while the town maintains a structured approach to public street illumination.

When planning lighting for your property in Jamestown, consider both the practical aspects of service availability and installation requirements as well as how your choices will contribute to the overall character of this historic community.

For specific questions about lighting service options, rates, or installation requirements, contact the town utility department directly to ensure you have the most current information for your specific location and needs.