Lighting Regulations in Jenkins, Minnesota: Preserving Natural Beauty Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in northwest Crow Wing County, the small city of Jenkins, Minnesota serves as a gateway to the scenic Whitefish Chain of Lakes. With its rich natural surroundings and commitment to outdoor recreation, Jenkins has developed lighting regulations that reflect its community values and environmental priorities.

These regulations aim to balance practical lighting needs with the preservation of Jenkins' rural charm and natural beauty. By minimizing light pollution, the community protects its night skies while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Jenkins:

• Residential Boundaries: Light cannot exceed 0.5 footcandles at property lines abutting residential parcels
• Commercial Boundaries: Light cannot exceed 1 footcandle at property lines abutting commercial/industrial parcels
• Direction Requirements: Lighting must be downward directional in most applications
• Public Streets: Any light cast on public streets cannot exceed 1 footcandle measured from the property line
• Hooding Requirement: Exterior lights must be hooded or controlled to prevent lighting adjacent properties
• Bare Bulbs: Bare incandescent light bulbs are not permitted where visible from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way

General Lighting Standards

Minimizing Light Nuisance

Jenkins' regulations clearly state that uses shall not present light nuisances. This fundamental principle underlies the city's approach to exterior lighting.

Direction and Design Requirements

When installing exterior lighting in Jenkins, remember these key guidelines:

• Lighting shall be minimal
• Fixtures must be downward directional
• All lighting must be compatible with surrounding development
• Hooding or similar controls must prevent light from spilling onto adjacent properties

Measurable Limits

Jenkins provides specific, measurable standards for light levels:

• Maximum 0.5 footcandles at property lines abutting residential parcels
• Maximum 1 footcandle at property lines abutting commercial or industrial parcels
• Maximum 1 footcandle for any light casting onto residential property
• Maximum 1 footcandle for any light (except street lights) casting onto public streets

Special Application Requirements

Waterfront Properties

Properties that serve patrons arriving by watercraft have special considerations:

• May use lighting to convey needed information to the public
• Outside lighting near shorelines must be shielded to prevent illumination across public waters
• Navigational lights are permitted exceptions

Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)

PUDs have strict lighting requirements:

• All exterior lighting must be directed downward
• Lighting cannot illuminate adjacent parcels, either directly or indirectly

Parking Areas

When illuminating parking areas:

• Lighting must be directed away from residential properties
• Design must eliminate glare from adjacent roadways
• Safety of vehicular traffic must be maintained

Security Lighting Requirements

Properties requiring security monitoring have additional standards:

• Illumination of premises' exterior must be adequate to observe location and activities of all persons on exterior premises
• Still must comply with footcandle limits at property boundaries

Special Structures

Tower Lighting

Jenkins has specific regulations for towers:

• Towers shall not be illuminated by artificial means
• Exception: when required by the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Communications Commission, or state agency
• Light fixtures to illuminate ball fields, parking lots, or similar areas may be attached to towers when part of the approved tower design

Wind Energy Conversion Systems

• Lighting shall be limited to FAA requirements only

Sign Illumination

Standard Signs

Sign lighting in Jenkins must be:

• External
• Downward directional
• Hooded to prevent glare
• Designed to maintain neighborhood character

Dynamic Display Signs

Electronic or dynamic display signs have additional requirements:

• Maximum illumination: 0.3 footcandles above ambient light measured from 50 feet
• Automatic dimming: Required for all illuminated dynamic displays
• Timing restrictions: Must dim from half-hour before sunset to half-hour after sunrise
• Prohibited effects: No fluctuating light intensity, intermittent, strobe, moving light, or sudden bursts/zooms/twinkles

Practical Considerations for Property Owners

Maintenance Requirements

Jenkins code requires that exterior light fixtures be properly maintained:

• No broken or cracked glass in exterior light fixtures
• Regular inspection and repair is implied

Balancing Security and Compliance

When designing exterior lighting, property owners should:

• Choose fixtures that direct light downward
• Use hooded designs to control light spread
• Consider motion sensors where appropriate
• Ensure adequate illumination for security without exceeding footcandle limits

Special Cases

For unusual situations like agricultural uses, remember:

• Even utility buildings like chicken coops have lighting requirements (a light bulb or heat lamp for winter months)
• All exterior lighting must still comply with general standards

Supporting Jenkins' Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate the values that shape Jenkins' approach to exterior illumination. Our roots dating back to 1918 have given us perspective on how lighting contributes to community character and environmental stewardship.

We share Jenkins' commitment to preserving natural beauty while providing functional lighting solutions. The balance between adequate illumination for safety and minimizing light pollution aligns perfectly with our design philosophy.

As lighting professionals familiar with the unique needs of communities like Jenkins, we recognize the importance of regulations that protect the night sky while supporting the practical needs of residents and businesses. Our experience working within municipal lighting frameworks helps property owners navigate compliance while achieving their illumination goals.

Bock Lighting is proud to serve as an educational resource for communities seeking to understand lighting regulations and their practical applications, especially in areas where natural beauty is such a treasured asset.

Conclusion

Jenkins, Minnesota's lighting regulations reflect its character as a gateway to natural recreation areas. By implementing thoughtful lighting standards, the city protects its rural charm and natural environment while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Property owners can support these community values by:

• Following downward-directional lighting principles
• Respecting footcandle limits at property boundaries
• Using hooded fixtures to control light spread
• Considering the impact of lighting choices on neighbors and the environment

Through these balanced regulations, Jenkins continues to preserve its connection to nature and maintain its appealing small-town atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.