Lighting Regulations in Lino Lakes, Minnesota: A Guide for Property Owners and Businesses

Introduction: Balancing Growth and Heritage Through Thoughtful Lighting

Lino Lakes, Minnesota has come a long way since its incorporation as a village in 1955. Originally comprised of three distinct settlements – the "German settlement" to the west, the "Swede settlement" to the south, and the "French settlement" to the east – the city has maintained its unique character while growing into a suburban community of approximately 21,000 residents.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance between growth and preservation. As stated in the city code (§ 1007.046), Lino Lakes' lighting ordinances exist "to reduce light pollution and promote energy conservation while increasing night time safety, utility, security and productivity."

This thoughtful approach to lighting helps preserve the city's natural landscapes and residential character while ensuring businesses and public spaces remain well-lit and safe.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements in Lino Lakes

Light Intensity Limits:

• Public Streets: Maximum 1 foot candle measured from right-of-way line
• Adjacent Properties: Maximum 0.4 foot candles measured at property line
• Canopy Lighting: Maximum 115 foot candles at ground level

Fixture Requirements:

• Maximum Height: 30 feet for poles and fixtures
• Cutoff Requirement: Luminaires must direct light at 90 degrees or less
• Setbacks: 10 feet from street right-of-way, 5 feet from side/rear lot lines

Hours of Operation:

• Commercial Parking Lots: Must turn off one hour after business closing
• Illuminated Signs: Must turn off between midnight and sunrise (unless business is open)
• Outdoor Recreation Facilities: No illumination after 11:00 p.m. except security lighting

Understanding Light Intensity Requirements

Measurement Standards

Lino Lakes has specific standards for measuring light intensity:

• Light meter readings are taken with the meter held 6 inches above ground
• The meter must face the light source directly
• Readings are taken with light on, then off – the difference is the light intensity

Maximum Allowable Intensity

The city code clearly establishes maximum light levels to prevent light pollution:

• No light may exceed 1 foot candle when measured from the right-of-way line of any public street
• No light may exceed 0.4 foot candles when measured at any adjacent property line
• For canopy lighting: Total illumination cannot exceed 115 foot candles at ground level

Indoor Lighting Requirements

Public and commercial spaces have specific indoor lighting requirements:

• Public halls and stairways: Minimum illumination of 1 foot candle per square foot in darkest areas
• Work spaces: Every laundry, furnace room and similar non-habitable work space must have at least one functioning electric light fixture

Fixture Specifications and Placement

Fixture Design Requirements

All outdoor lighting must be carefully designed to prevent light pollution:

• Cutoff design: Luminaires must contain cutoffs directing light at 90 degrees angle or less
• Shielding: Techniques must be used to prevent light projection above horizontal plane
• Bare bulbs: Not permitted where visible from adjacent properties or public right-of-way
• Canopy lighting: Must be recessed into the canopy with no portion extending below ceiling

Height and Placement Restrictions

Maximum Height:

• 30 feet for fixtures and poles above ground grade
• Building-mounted lights cannot exceed building height
• In no case can lighting exceed the height limits of the zoning district

Setback Requirements:

• 10 feet from any street right-of-way
• 5 feet from any interior side or rear lot line
• No light sources on roofs unless enhancing architectural features (requires approval)

Special Applications and Requirements

Commercial and Business Lighting

Businesses have additional requirements to prevent light pollution while maintaining adequate illumination:

• All lighting must deflect away from adjoining property or public right-of-way
• Drive-through service lanes require a lighting and photometric plan
• Placement of order boards and windows must minimize glare to adjacent premises

Recreation Facilities and Sports Lighting

Recreation facilities have specific allowances with limitations:

• No outdoor recreation facility can be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. (except security lighting)
• Off-street parking for recreation uses must meet business lighting requirements
• Special height allowances: Public outdoor recreational fields up to 80 feet, hockey rinks up to 60 feet

Sign Illumination

Sign lighting standards:

• Illuminated signs are allowed in all zoning districts
• Light sources must be controlled to not shine directly on adjacent property
• Non-internally illuminated signs must have light fixtures screened from view
• No temporary signs may have any lighting or illumination
• No illuminated sign may face residential-zoned land

Application and Permit Requirements

When submitting applications that include outdoor lighting (except for single-family residential), you must provide:

• Site plans showing the location of all illuminating devices and fixtures
• Detailed descriptions of lighting devices, fixtures, lamps, supports, and reflectors
• Photometric plans illustrating light emissions and the illumination field

For special cases like commercial or public recreational lighting that doesn't comply with standard regulations, an administrative permit is required.

Exemptions and Non-Conforming Uses

Exempt Lighting

The following lighting is exempt from standard regulations:

• Temporary outdoor lighting used during holidays and civic celebrations
• Government lighting for airplane operation or government building security
• Emergency lighting used by police, fire, and rescue authorities

Non-Conforming Fixtures

• Outdoor lighting fixtures installed prior to March 10, 2003 are generally exempt
• However, these fixtures must still comply with basic glare requirements
• When older fixtures are replaced, the new installations must comply with current code

Supporting Lino Lakes' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates Lino Lakes' balanced approach to community development. With roots dating back to 1918, our Northeast Ohio manufacturing heritage aligns with Lino Lakes' commitment to preserving community character while embracing necessary growth.

We recognize the importance of lighting regulations that protect residential areas while providing adequate illumination for safety and commerce. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for Lino Lakes property owners navigating these regulations.

Bock Lighting shares Lino Lakes' commitment to reducing light pollution and promoting energy conservation. We can help residents and businesses understand how to implement lighting that respects both the letter and spirit of local regulations while enhancing the unique character of this historic community.

As a resource focused on community education rather than just product sales, we're committed to supporting Lino Lakes' vision for thoughtful development that honors its diverse cultural heritage.

Conclusion: Lighting with Purpose in Lino Lakes

Lino Lakes' lighting regulations are carefully designed to create a community that balances safety, functionality, and environmental consideration. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners and businesses can contribute to the city's vision while ensuring their properties are properly illuminated.

Whether you're planning a new development, updating an existing property, or simply replacing outdoor fixtures, these regulations provide clear guidance on creating lighting that works for you while respecting neighbors and the community's character.

For specific questions about your particular lighting needs, consider consulting with the Lino Lakes Zoning Administrator or a lighting professional familiar with local requirements.