Lighting Regulations in Marshalltown, Iowa: Balancing Safety, History, and Community Character

Introduction

Nestled between Linn Creek and the Iowa River, Marshalltown, Iowa combines a rich historical heritage dating back to the 1850s with forward-thinking urban planning. Founded by Henry Anson, this community has carefully preserved its architectural character while adapting to modern needs, as evidenced by its historical landmarks like the Veterans Memorial Coliseum built in 1929.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance between honoring the past and embracing the future. These regulations aim to ensure safety and functionality while preventing light pollution that can detract from the town's historic charm and rural-urban character.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Light Trespass: 0.2 to 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines
• Maximum Fixture Height: 25 feet for freestanding lights; 16 feet for residential buildings
• Required Fixture Types: Full cut-off fixtures that prevent light spillage
• Sign Illumination: Maximum 0.3 footcandles above ambient conditions; white light only
• Parking Lots: Minimum 0.2 fc; average 2.0 fc; maximum-to-minimum ratio of 20:1
• Prohibited: Searchlights, beacons, exposed strip lighting, and fixtures causing glare

Outdoor Lighting Standards

Marshalltown's comprehensive outdoor lighting regulations (Article H of the zoning code) establish specific standards for different areas of the city.

Illumination Levels by Zoning District

Residential districts (AG, RR, RL, RM, RH) have the strictest limitations:

• Maximum at Residential Property Line: 0.2 footcandles
• Maximum at Nonresidential Property Line: 0.2 footcandles
• Maximum at Public Right-of-Way: 0.5 footcandles
• Average Permitted Horizontal Footcandles: 0.2 fc

Mixed-use and commercial districts (MU, UC, GC, PI, REC) allow more illumination:

• Maximum at Residential Property Line: 0.5 footcandles
• Maximum at Nonresidential Property Line: 2.0 footcandles
• Maximum at Public Right-of-Way: 1.0 footcandles
• Average Permitted Horizontal Footcandles: 5.0 fc

Fixture Requirements

All lighting fixtures must be:

• Fully Shielded: Using "full cut-off" fixtures to prevent light from escaping upward
• Properly Directed: Positioned to prevent glare visible from property lines
• Constant Intensity: No varying brightness levels (except where specifically permitted)

Decorative "no cut-off" fixtures are permitted only when:

• They produce no more than 1,500 lumens (equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb)
• They use energy-efficient bulbs like LED or CFL

Parking Area Lighting

Marshalltown's regulations for parking lots ensure adequate safety while preventing excessive illumination.

Illumination Standards

• Minimum Horizontal Illuminance: 0.2 footcandles
• Average Horizontal Illuminance: 2.0 footcandles
• Uniformity Ratio (Average to Minimum): 4:1
• Maximum to Minimum Ratio: 20:1

Design Considerations

• All measurements are taken at the parking surface
• Lighting calculations shouldn't include shadowing from cars or trees
• Fixtures must be designed to prevent glare beyond the parking area
• Canopy lighting must use recessed fixtures with lenses flush with the canopy bottom

Sign Illumination Regulations

Marshalltown's code (§ 156.G.005) provides detailed regulations for sign lighting that balance visibility with aesthetic concerns.

General Requirements

• Light Color: White light only
• Maximum Brightness: 0.3 footcandles above ambient light conditions
• Electrical Service: Must be permanently installed underground per city code
• Glare Control: No light may cause glare toward adjacent properties or create traffic hazards

Illumination Methods

• External Illumination: Using ground-mounted lights or wall-mounted light bars
• Internal Illumination: Including halo lighting or neon that meets brightness standards
• Flashing Lights: Limited to 350 Lumens per bulb when permitted

Sign-Specific Rules

Different sign types have specific illumination permissions:

• Monument Signs: Internal or external illumination allowed
• Wall Signs: External illumination only for group living facilities
• Window Signs: Indirect or internal lighting permitted for nonresidential uses
• Electronic Message Centers: Must include automatic dimmers for low-light conditions

Special Lighting Applications

Tree Maintenance for Street Lighting

Property owners must trim trees to prevent interference with street lighting:

• Minimum Clearance: 15 feet above streets and 8 feet above sidewalks
• City Authority: The city may trim trees on private property without notice if they interfere with streetlights

Sports and Recreation Facilities

• Illumination Exemptions: May exceed standard maximum footcandle requirements
• Design Standard: Must follow Illuminating Engineering Society (IESNA) publication IES RP-6-15
• Fixture Requirements: Must be fully-shielded for non-aerial sports
• Engineering Certification: Systems must be designed and certified by a registered engineer

Supporting Marshalltown's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting shares Marshalltown's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and historic preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand how proper lighting enhances community character while meeting practical needs.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles positions us as a resource for property owners navigating Marshalltown's lighting regulations. We appreciate the city's thoughtful approach to preventing light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and commerce.

Bock's commitment to sustainable lighting practices aligns with Marshalltown's forward-thinking development goals. We focus on helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community values.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Timeline and Requirements

When making property improvements, lighting compliance may be required if:

• Converting from residential to nonresidential or mixed-use
• Increasing apartment units, floor area, or impervious surface by 20% or more over five years
• Changing use in a way that requires additional parking spaces

Exemptions from Lighting Regulations

Not all lighting is subject to these regulations. Exemptions include:

• Street lighting within public rights-of-way
• Temporary emergency service lighting
• Lighting for public monuments and art
• Minor repairs (less than 25% of total fixtures)
• Underwater lighting in pools and water features

Site Plan Review Process

For many projects, lighting plans must be submitted for review to ensure compliance with:

• Maximum footcandle requirements at property lines
• Fixture height and shielding standards
• Placement to prevent glare or light trespass

Conclusion

Marshalltown's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historic character while providing safe, functional lighting for residents and businesses. The comprehensive standards for fixture types, illumination levels, and placement help prevent light pollution while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and commerce.

Property owners should consult the full text of Article H (Outdoor Lighting) and Article G (Signs) when planning lighting installations to ensure compliance with all applicable standards. By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Marshalltown's vision of a community that honors its past while embracing a bright future.