Lighting Regulations in Kasson, Minnesota: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Community Values

Quick Reference Guide to Kasson's Lighting Requirements

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.30 footcandles at property lines adjacent to residential uses
• Maximum 0.40 footcandles as measured from adjacent residential property
• Maximum 1.0 footcandle on public streets (measured from centerline)
• Commercial Lighting:
• Drive-through lighting must be LED and fully shielded
• CCT of 3,000 Kelvin or lower required for most commercial lighting
• Lights must dim or turn off at 11:00 PM or one hour after closing
• Menu board lighting limited to 5,000 Kelvin CCT (4,000K or lower preferred)
• Height Restrictions:
• General light pole height limit: 30 feet
• Mini-storage facilities: Light fixtures cannot exceed height of principal structure
• General Requirements:
• Bare incandescent bulbs not permitted in view of adjacent property
• All lighting must deflect light away from residential areas and public streets
• Glare must be hooded or controlled to avoid affecting adjacent properties

Introduction: Lighting in Historic Kasson

Founded in 1865, Kasson has grown to become the largest town in Dodge County while maintaining its distinctive small-town character. As a community that values both its historical heritage and modern development, Kasson has established lighting regulations that reflect this balance.

The city's approach to lighting mirrors its broader development philosophy: respecting historical context while meeting contemporary needs. From the historic Pleasant Corners Evangelical Church to modern commercial developments, Kasson's lighting standards help preserve the town's aesthetics while ensuring safety and functionality.

These regulations didn't emerge in a vacuum. They represent Kasson's commitment to maintaining its community character while accommodating growth – values celebrated annually during the Festival in the Park, a tradition since 1991 that highlights the town's heritage and community spirit.

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Drive-Through Facility Standards

Drive-through businesses in Kasson must adhere to specific lighting requirements designed to minimize light pollution while maintaining functionality:

• All new lighting must be LED and fully shielded
• Brightness must be appropriate to the task (not brighter than necessary)
• Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) must be 3,000 Kelvin or lower
• Lights must dim or turn off at 11:00 PM or one hour after business closes
• Existing lighting should be retrofitted or replaced to meet these standards

Menu Board Illumination

Menu boards at drive-through facilities have their own specific requirements:

• Brightness limited to what's needed for the task
• LED lighting required with CCT no higher than 5,000 Kelvin (4,000K or lower preferred)
• Automatic shut-off required when the drive-through closes

Mini-Storage Facilities

Mini-storage facilities face a unique height restriction:

• Light fixture height cannot exceed the height of the principal structure when illuminating parking lots and exterior grounds

Light Trespass and Measurement Standards

Residential Protection Measures

Kasson's code includes several provisions to protect residential areas from unwanted light:

• Property line limit: 0.30 footcandles maximum at property lines adjacent to residential uses
• Residential impact limit: 0.40 footcandles maximum when measured from an adjacent residential property
• All lights must be directed away from residential areas

Public Street Illumination

To prevent excessive light on public roadways:

• Maximum 1.0 footcandle measured from the centerline of any public street
• Distracting or confusing rays of light onto roadways are prohibited

Fixture Height Restrictions

• Standard maximum light pole height: 30 feet (where not otherwise regulated)

Shielding and Glare Prevention

Required Light Controls

Kasson's regulations emphasize proper shielding and light direction:

• All lighting must deflect light away from residential areas and public streets
• Direct or sky-reflected glare must be hooded or controlled
• Bare incandescent light bulbs are not permitted in view of adjacent properties or public right-of-way

Sign Illumination Restrictions

• Flashing, moving, or intermittently lighted signs are prohibited in residential districts (except on school property)
• Signs casting distracting or confusing rays onto public roadways are prohibited

Tower Lighting Limitations

Towers require special consideration:

• No artificial illumination allowed unless required by federal (FAA) or state regulations
• Exceptions for towers used to illuminate ball fields, parking lots, or for crime prevention

Planning and Documentation Requirements

Required Lighting Plans

Several development scenarios require lighting documentation:

• Lighting plans showing site illumination are required for certain developments
• Subdivision applications must include lighting and signage plans
• Street lighting is a basic required improvement for subdivisions
• Subdividers must complete street lighting within two years of commencing work

Cost Estimates

• Subdivision applications must include the estimated cost of energy for street lights for the first two years of operation

Solar Farm Regulations

Glare Mitigation Requirements

Solar energy installations must address potential light impacts:

• Screening required when solar arrays are less than 1,000 feet from residential dwellings
• Screening may use earth mounds, berms, neutral colored fences, or landscaping
• Screening must block direct visual access and mitigate potential glare
• Failure to mitigate glare issues constitutes a violation of the Conditional Use Permit

Supporting Kasson's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Kasson's balanced approach to community development and preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Kasson's commitment to honoring historical character while embracing appropriate modern technology.

We recognize that communities like Kasson have unique lighting needs that reflect their specific values. The town's careful approach to lighting regulations demonstrates its commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while meeting contemporary standards for safety and efficiency.

Our expertise in architectural lighting allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating Kasson's specific requirements. We understand the importance of preserving the distinctive character of communities through thoughtful lighting choices that respect local regulations and community aesthetics.

Whether for historic buildings like the Pleasant Corners Evangelical Church or new commercial developments, appropriate lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining Kasson's community character while meeting practical needs for safety and visibility.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

If you're a property owner in Kasson, these practical steps will help ensure compliance:

• Measure light levels at property boundaries to verify compliance with footcandle limits
• Check the CCT rating of your LED lights to ensure they meet the 3,000K requirement
• Install timers or dimmers to automatically reduce lighting after hours
• Use fully shielded fixtures to prevent light trespass
• Include lighting details in all development applications

Common Compliance Challenges

Some aspects of lighting compliance require special attention:

• Retrofitting existing lighting to meet new standards
• Balancing security needs with light trespass requirements
• Selecting fixtures that provide adequate illumination while limiting light spread
• Coordinating lighting plans with landscaping to ensure effective screening

Conclusion

Kasson's lighting regulations reflect the community's values and priorities. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture types, and light direction, these regulations help preserve the town's character while ensuring safety and functionality.

For property owners, understanding and following these regulations not only ensures compliance but also contributes to the community's overall quality of life. Proper lighting enhances safety, maintains property values, and respects neighbors' right to enjoy their properties without light intrusion.

As Kasson continues to grow while honoring its historical roots, these thoughtful lighting standards will help guide development that respects the town's past while embracing its future.