Lighting Regulations in Lexington-Fayette County, Kentucky: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Illumination

Introduction

Founded in 1775 and named after the first battle of the American Revolution, Lexington has long been known as the "Athens of the West" for its cultural significance and architectural heritage. As the urban center of Fayette County, Lexington has evolved while maintaining its historical character through thoughtful regulation, including comprehensive lighting standards.

Since the 1974 merger that created the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, the city has balanced development needs with preservation priorities. This careful approach is reflected in the community's lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety and functionality while preventing light pollution that could detract from Lexington's historic charm.

Quick Reference Guide

Key lighting requirements in Lexington-Fayette County include:

• Maximum mounting height: 25 feet for most outdoor lighting fixtures
• Maximum color temperature: 3,000 Kelvin
• Light trespass limit: Must not exceed 0.5 horizontal foot-candles at property lines
• Shielding requirements: All outdoor lighting must use fully shielded fixtures
• Maximum lumens:
• Non-residential properties: 100,000 lumens per net acre
• Residential properties: 25,000 lumens per net acre
• Fixture placement: Light sources must not be visible from other properties
• Documentation: Professional lighting plans required for many developments

Article 30: Comprehensive Outdoor Lighting Standards

Lexington's lighting requirements are primarily defined in Article 30 of the zoning ordinance, establishing a framework that protects public health, safety, and welfare while minimizing light pollution.

Purpose and Intent

The regulations aim to foster high-quality outdoor lighting that enhances the built environment while preventing:

• Light pollution
• Glare
• Light trespass
• Sky glow
• Nocturnal impacts on wildlife

Applicability

These standards apply to all zones except principal and accessory uses within:

• Agricultural Rural (A-R)
• Agricultural Buffer (A-B)
• Agricultural Natural (A-N) zones

Exemptions

A few limited exemptions exist:

• Unshielded fixtures with maximum output of 70 lumens per fixture
• Shielded fixtures with maximum 1,000 lumens per fixture (if light source isn't visible from other properties)
• Lighting required by Federal or State regulations
• Lighting associated with approved Special Events Permits

Technical Requirements for Outdoor Lighting

Fixture Requirements

All outdoor lighting installations must meet these specifications:

• Shielding: Must be fully shielded unless specifically exempted
• Visibility: Luminous elements of the fixture cannot be visible from any other property
• Color temperature: Maximum 3,000 Kelvin
• Placement: Must not direct illumination outside property boundaries
• Fixture design: If mounted on a building, light source must be at least 2 inches recessed
• Prohibited types: Drop lens, sag lens, and similar fixtures are prohibited
• Dynamic lighting: Blinking, flashing, moving, color-changing lights are prohibited unless exempted

Height Restrictions

• Near property lines: Maximum 12 feet within 15 feet of property boundaries
• General areas: Maximum 25 feet for pole-mounted lights
• Recreation fields:
• Under 2,500 seats: Maximum 80 feet
• 2,500+ seats: Maximum 125 feet

Lumen Limitations

• Non-residential: Maximum 100,000 lumens per net acre
• Residential: Maximum 25,000 lumens per net acre
• Light trespass: Cannot exceed 0.5 horizontal foot-candles at property lines

Lighting Plans and Documentation

When Required

Lighting plans must be submitted when:

• A landscape plan is required
• A final development plan is required

Plan Requirements

Plans must include:

• Written description of lighting fixture types, numbers, and heights
• Complete fixture schedule
• Lumen specifications for each fixture type
• Square footage of illuminated area and lumens per net acre calculations
• Location of all lighting fixtures
• Foot-candle levels within property and extent of light trespass

Professional Standards

All lighting plans must be:

• Prepared by a licensed architect, landscape architect, or professional engineer
• Show consistent illumination across parking and pedestrian areas
• Eliminate dark areas
• Be stamped at final development plan certification or before building permit issuance

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Recreation and Entertainment Venues

While outdoor recreation facilities have some flexibility during operations:

• Maximum color temperature for playing surfaces: 4,100 Kelvin
• Light trespass limited to 1 horizontal foot-candle during operation
• Hours of operation cannot exceed 1 hour after end of event
• Recreation lighting plans must conform to Section 30-3 requirements

Commercial Development

• All exterior lighting must be directed away from adjacent agricultural and residential areas
• Building illumination must be aimed at the structure, not into the sky
• Light fixtures for walkways cannot exceed 15 feet in height
• Parking area lighting cannot exceed 25 feet and must prevent light spill

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Requirements

• Illuminated signs must prevent direct rays from shining beyond property lines
• Many zones require signs to be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated only
• Window signs may have direct illumination in some zones

Electronic Message Displays

• Static images must remain fixed for at least 8 seconds
• Maximum daytime luminance: 5,000 nits
• Maximum nighttime luminance: 500 nits
• Must include automatic dimmer controls
• Cannot be located directly across from residential zones

Supporting Lexington's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Lexington's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern technology. We understand the balance between modern safety standards and maintaining the aesthetic integrity that makes Lexington the "Athens of the West."

As a regional manufacturer familiar with the architectural styles and lighting needs of historic communities like Lexington, Bock Lighting appreciates the city's thoughtful approach to illumination that prevents light pollution while enhancing public spaces.

Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations gives us insight into how lighting can complement rather than detract from historic districts. We're committed to serving as an educational resource to help property owners understand and navigate lighting regulations.

Bock's expertise in sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Lexington's vision for thoughtful urban development that honors its past while looking toward the future.

Conclusion

Lexington-Fayette County's lighting regulations represent a thoughtful approach to illumination that balances safety, functionality, and historic preservation. By establishing clear standards for fixture types, mounting heights, and light levels, the community works to prevent light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security.

Property owners and developers should carefully review Article 30 requirements when planning new construction or renovations, as lighting plans require professional preparation and must meet specific technical standards.

These regulations help maintain the distinctive character that makes Lexington special, preserving dark skies and historic ambiance while allowing for modern, efficient lighting solutions.