Lighting Regulations in Jennings County, Indiana: Balancing History, Safety, and Community Character

Introduction

Established in 1817 and named after Indiana's first governor, Jennings County has a rich heritage reflected in its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. From the historic county seat of Vernon to the growing city of North Vernon, the community has consistently valued the balance between development and preservation of its unique historical character.

This commitment to maintaining architectural integrity while ensuring public safety is evident in the county's approach to lighting regulations. These standards are designed to ensure that modern lighting needs are met without compromising the historical aesthetic or creating nuisances for residents.

Quick Reference Guide to Jennings County Lighting Regulations

• General Rule: No lighting may produce glare that creates a hazard beyond property lines
• Tattoo Facilities: Require 20 foot-candles 3 feet off floor; 100 foot-candles at work areas
• Mobile Home Parks: All exterior lights must be shielded to prevent illumination outside the park
• Sexually-Oriented Businesses: Must provide 1 foot-candle illumination in parking areas
• Subdivision Signs: May be illuminated but without flashing or intermittent lighting
• Residential Protection: Lighting near residential areas must be directed and shielded appropriately

General Lighting Requirements

Glare Prevention Requirements

The most consistently mentioned lighting regulation throughout Jennings County's code addresses light trespass and glare. Specifically:

• No use shall produce heat or glare creating a hazard perceptible from any point beyond lot lines
• This regulation appears in multiple sections of the county code
• Applies to all properties and land uses
• Focus is on preventing hazardous conditions and nuisances

Common Light Trespass Concerns

Light trespass occurs when unwanted light extends beyond property boundaries. In Jennings County, the primary concerns include:

• Light interfering with neighboring properties
• Glare creating visibility or safety hazards
• Excessive brightness conflicting with the county's historical character

Properly directed and shielded fixtures can help property owners comply with these regulations while still meeting their lighting needs.

Business-Specific Lighting Requirements

Tattoo and Body Piercing Establishments

Tattoo and body piercing facilities have the most specific lighting requirements, focused on ensuring adequate illumination for safety and cleanliness:

• General Areas: Minimum of 20 foot-candles measured 3 feet off the floor
• Work Areas: Minimum of 100 foot-candles where tattooing/piercing is performed and where instruments are assembled
• These enhanced requirements ensure proper visibility for detailed procedures

Sexually-Oriented Businesses

Lighting requirements for these establishments focus on external safety:

• Parking Areas and Walkways: Must maintain an average of 1 foot-candle of illumination
• Operating Hours: Lighting required from dusk until closing
• Documentation: Lighting plan must be included in premises diagram
• These requirements specifically aim to enhance personal safety and reduce vandalism

Bed and Breakfast Signage

For bed and breakfast establishments, the regulations focus on maintaining residential character:

• Signs must be unlighted
• Maximum size of one square foot
• Must be posted on the premises

Residential Area Protections

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks have specific requirements to prevent light from affecting neighboring properties:

• All exterior lights must be located and shielded
• Must prevent direct illumination outside the park boundaries
• Focuses on containing light within the community

Parking Area Considerations

When designing parking areas, special attention must be paid to lighting impact:

• Lighting must be directed and shielded away from residential properties
• Must not create a nuisance for nearby residents
• Parking design should prevent automobile headlights from shining directly onto residential property

Sign Illumination Near Homes

The county code provides specific protection for residential areas from illuminated signage:

• No illuminated signs within 50 feet of residential districts
• Exception only if sign is designed to prevent light from reflecting onto residential property
• Focuses on minimizing disruption to residential areas

Special Considerations for Airport Areas

Airport Safety Lighting

Due to North Vernon's airport, special regulations exist to prevent lighting from interfering with aviation:

• Prohibited lighting includes any that might:
• Make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport and other lights
• Cause glare for pilots
• Impair visibility near the airport
• Create hazards for aircraft landing, takeoff, or maneuvering

Hazard Marking Requirements

The code also addresses requirements for marking potential hazards:

• The North Vernon Board of Aviation Commissioners may require installation of markers and lights
• These would be installed at the city's expense
• Designed to indicate airport hazards to pilots
• Applies to both new structures and existing non-conforming structures

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

Understanding these regulations helps property owners avoid potential issues:

• Direct lights downward whenever possible
• Use shielded fixtures to prevent light spread beyond property lines
• Consider lower brightness levels that still meet safety needs
• Be especially careful when property adjoins residential areas
• For businesses, document your lighting plan when required

Understanding Common Terms

The regulations use several technical lighting terms:

• Foot-candle: A measurement of light intensity equal to one lumen per square foot
• Light trespass: Unwanted light that extends beyond property boundaries
• Shielding: Physical barriers that direct light and prevent it from spreading in unwanted directions

Supporting Jennings County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Jennings County's commitment to preserving historical character while addressing modern needs. We understand the importance of maintaining the architectural integrity that makes Jennings County special.

Our experience with historically sensitive communities throughout the Midwest has given us insight into balancing safety requirements with aesthetic considerations. We appreciate Jennings County's approach to regulation that preserves its unique character while ensuring public safety.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, we focus on education about best practices that respect both code requirements and community character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles allows us to support property owners in making choices that enhance rather than detract from Jennings County's historical aesthetic.

We're committed to supporting sustainable lighting practices that align with Jennings County's vision of balanced development and preservation.

Conclusion

Jennings County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and preventing nuisances. The focus on containing light within property boundaries, preventing hazardous glare, and providing specific guidelines for businesses demonstrates a thoughtful approach to community planning.

Property owners can support these goals by choosing appropriate lighting that meets their needs while respecting neighbors and the county's historical aesthetic. By understanding these requirements, residents and businesses can contribute to Jennings County's vision of preserving its unique character for future generations.