Lighting Regulations in Jordan, Minnesota: A Guide to Compliance and Community Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Scott County, one of Minnesota's fastest-growing regions, the city of Jordan has a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1854. As Jordan balances its small-town charm with modern development needs, lighting regulations play a crucial role in maintaining the city's character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Jordan's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to preserving its historical downtown area while accommodating growth. The city's regulations aim to minimize light pollution, prevent nuisance glare, and create consistent illumination standards that serve the community's needs.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Jordan:

• Street Lighting Spacing:
• Commercial areas: Decorative lights on both sides, maximum 150 feet apart
• Industrial areas: Shoe box lights on at least one side, maximum 200 feet apart
• Residential areas: City standard lantern style lights at intersections, curves, and mid-block, maximum 350 feet apart
• Light Measurements:
• Maximum 1 foot candle on public streets (measured from centerline)
• Maximum 0.4 foot candles on residential properties
• Parking lots (20+ vehicles): 0.4 to 1.0 foot candle average horizontal illumination
• Direction & Height:
• Most outdoor lighting must be directed perpendicular to ground
• Standard maximum height: 25 feet above ground
• Special cases (hospitals, recreational facilities): 30 feet maximum
• Electronic Message Boards:
• Maximum 2 foot candles at property line
• Must be antiglare and equipped with automatic dimmer
• No flashing lights permitted

Street Lighting Requirements

City-Operated System

Jordan operates and maintains a street lighting system for the general health, safety, and welfare of the community. These services are funded through a street lighting utility fee collected along with other utilities such as water, sewer, and storm water.

Spacing Standards

The city has established clear standards for street light spacing based on the zone type:

• Commercial Areas:
• Decorative style streetlights
• Located on both sides of street
• Maximum spacing of 150 feet
• Industrial Areas:
• Shoe box street lights
• Located on at least one side of street
• Maximum spacing of 200 feet
• Residential Areas:
• City standard lantern style lights
• Required at all intersections and sharp curves
• Mid-block placement with maximum 350 feet between lights

Planning Requirements

Plans for overhead street lighting systems must be submitted for approval by the City Engineer. For new developments, decorative street lighting with underground wiring is required in accordance with city specifications.

Outdoor Lighting Direction and Intensity

Light Trespass Prevention

Jordan's regulations consistently emphasize preventing light from spilling onto neighboring properties. All outdoor lighting (except globe lighting) must be directed perpendicular to the ground or directly on a building so that no direct rays are visible from off the property.

Measurement Standards

The city has established specific measurement standards for light intensity:

• Any light or combination of lights casting light on a public street must not exceed 1 foot candle as measured from the centerline of the street
• Light cast on residential property must not exceed 0.4 foot candles
• Parking lots with 20+ vehicles must provide average horizontal illumination between 0.4 and 1.0 foot candles

Light Source Controls

To prevent light pollution and nuisance:

• Light sources must be hooded or controlled to prevent lighting adjacent property
• Bare incandescent bulbs cannot be viewed from adjacent property or public right-of-way
• Direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights or other processes is prohibited

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Commercial and Recreational Facilities

Outdoor recreational lighting has specific restrictions:

• Lights for outdoor recreation cannot be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Recreational commercial facilities must use decorative poles no higher than 30 feet
• Light rays must be directed perpendicular to the ground

Medical and Veterinary Facilities

Hospitals and veterinary clinics have unique lighting requirements:

• All outdoor lighting (except globe lighting) must be no higher than 30 feet
• Light must be directed perpendicular to the ground
• No direct rays may be visible from adjacent residentially used or zoned property

Waterfront Properties

Uses that depend on patrons arriving by watercraft have special lighting considerations:

• Illuminated signs must be shielded to prevent light across public waters
• Outside lighting in shore impact zones must primarily illuminate potential safety hazards
• All lighting must be shielded to prevent direct illumination across public waters

Sign Illumination Standards

Electronic Message Boards (EMBs)

Jordan has detailed regulations for electronic signs:

• No flashing lights are permitted on any EMB
• All EMBs must be antiglare and equipped with automatic dimmers
• Maximum light emanation from an EMB is 2 foot candles at the property line
• EMBs must not cast light on adjacent residential properties
• All electrical equipment must be UL listed and meet State Electric Code
• Dynamic or electronic message signs are not allowed on free standing signs or building exteriors in the C-2 District

Sign Lighting Types

For signs at public parks, churches, schools, hospitals, and similar institutions:

• Lighting shall be indirect or backlighting
• Exposed neon, flashing illuminated, and rotating illuminated signs are prohibited
• Signs attached to buildings must integrate with building design and architecture

Manufactured Home Park Lighting

Manufactured home parks have specific lighting requirements:

• One sign allowed (maximum 25 square feet) with lighting approved by the city
• Street lighting must adequately illuminate streets, sidewalks, service buildings, parking areas and entrances
• Lighting must be shielded to prevent direction at traffic or residential property that might constitute a danger or nuisance

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Essentials

Understanding Jordan's lighting regulations helps property owners avoid potential violations and contribute to the community's aesthetic standards. Key points to remember:

• Direction matters: Nearly all outdoor lighting must point straight down
• Intensity matters: Know the foot candle limits for your property type
• Shielding matters: Prevent light from spilling onto neighboring properties
• Height matters: Most lighting cannot exceed 25 feet (30 feet for special uses)

Approval Process

For new developments or significant lighting changes:

• Street lighting plans require City Engineer approval
• Manufactured home park lighting requires city approval
• Assembly areas must have sufficient lighting if operating during darkness

Supporting Jordan's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the balance Jordan seeks to maintain between modern development and preserving its historical character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the importance of lighting standards that protect community character while ensuring functionality and safety.

Our experience working with communities like Jordan gives us insight into how lighting can enhance historic downtown areas while complying with modern regulations. We're committed to helping property owners understand the technical requirements of Jordan's lighting ordinances and identify solutions that align with the city's vision.

Bock Lighting shares Jordan's commitment to preventing light pollution and nuisance glare while creating safe, well-lit environments. Our understanding of regional architectural styles enables us to recommend lighting options that complement Jordan's historic buildings and maintain its small-town charm.

Conclusion

Jordan's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its character while ensuring safety and functionality. From street lighting spacing requirements to light trespass prevention measures, these standards help create a cohesive community aesthetic.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential for compliance and contributes to the overall quality of life in Jordan. By directing light appropriately, controlling intensity, and using approved fixtures, residents and businesses can help preserve the charm that makes Jordan special.

As Jordan continues to grow as a cultural and economic hub in Scott County, these lighting standards will help ensure development enhances rather than detracts from the city's unique character and historical assets.