Lighting Regulations in McLoud, Oklahoma: Preserving Small-Town Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Founded in 1895 during the land run that opened Oklahoma Territory to non-Native American settlers, McLoud has maintained its small-town charm and rural character for over a century. Named after railroad official John W. McLoud, the town's development has always balanced growth with preservation of its agricultural heritage and community values.

Today, with approximately 4,600 residents, McLoud continues to embrace this balance through various regulations, including those governing outdoor lighting. Though not extensive, McLoud's lighting regulations reflect the community's desire to maintain its rural ambiance while accommodating modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide to McLoud's Lighting Regulations

• General Property Lighting:

• All exterior lighting must comply with National Electric Code plus state and city requirements
• Light must be arranged to prevent interference with adjacent properties and streets
• Non-flashing, non-intermittent lighting is required in commercial areas
• Lighting must be deflected away from adjoining residential uses

• Medical Marijuana Growing:

• Lighting cannot exceed 1000 watts per light
• Growing operations must not be visible from public right of way
• Lighting must not create glare that constitutes a public nuisance

• Sign Illumination:

• Most signs requiring "constant light" illumination (non-flashing)
• Only non-intermittent white lighting of signs permitted in some districts
• Various sign types have specific illumination requirements

• Development Requirements:

• All site lighting distribution must be underground in new developments

General Property Lighting Standards

National Code Compliance

McLoud requires that all exterior lighting be located and installed in accordance with the National Electric Code and must meet all State and City requirements. This ensures a baseline of safety and quality for lighting installations throughout the community.

Light Positioning and Intensity

The town's regulations emphasize considerate lighting design. When outdoor lighting is provided, it must have an arrangement of reflectors and intensity that won't interfere with adjacent land uses or streets. This requirement helps preserve McLoud's rural character while still allowing for adequate illumination.

Residential Protection

McLoud places special emphasis on protecting residential areas from light pollution. Regulations specify that whenever lighting is provided, it shall be arranged so that all light is deflected from adjoining residential uses. This consideration helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere of residential neighborhoods.

Medical Marijuana Cultivation Lighting Requirements

Wattage Limitations

For residents growing medical marijuana for personal use, McLoud enforces specific lighting limitations. Each light used for cultivation must not exceed 1000 watts, providing clear guidance for compliant growing operations.

Visibility Restrictions

The growing of medical marijuana must not be visible from the public right of way. This includes any lighting associated with cultivation, which must be contained within either the interior of a private residence or within an outdoor area secured by a 6-foot sight-proof fence.

Nuisance Prevention

McLoud defines excessive light or glare from medical marijuana growing operations as potential public nuisances. Growing activities should never produce light or glare that is detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare or that interferes with the reasonable enjoyment of life and property.

Sign Illumination Standards

Consistent Lighting Requirements

McLoud's sign regulations consistently specify that illumination, when provided, shall be by constant light. This requirement applies to multiple sign types across various zoning districts, including:

• Business signs • Real estate signs • Identification signs • Bulletin boards for educational, religious, and institutional uses

Commercial District Specifications

In certain commercial districts, McLoud further specifies that only nonintermittent white lighting of signs shall be permitted. This creates a consistent, clean appearance throughout commercial areas while preventing distracting flashing lights.

Underground Distribution

For new developments, McLoud requires that all electrical distribution on the development site shall be underground including site lighting. This creates a cleaner aesthetic by eliminating overhead wiring.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing new outdoor lighting, property owners should:

• Consult the National Electric Code for baseline requirements • Ensure lighting intensity and placement won't affect neighbors or street traffic • Select non-flashing, constant light fixtures for commercial properties • Position lights to deflect illumination away from neighboring residential properties

Special Considerations

If you're planning to grow medical marijuana for personal use, remember:

• Each light must be under 1000 watts • Growing operations must be visually contained from public view • Light and glare must not disturb neighbors or create a public nuisance

Development Requirements

For new developments, remember that electrical distribution for site lighting must be underground, so plan accordingly during the design phase.

Supporting McLoud's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of maintaining McLoud's small-town charm while meeting modern lighting needs. Our roots as a manufacturer date back to 1918, giving us a deep appreciation for communities that value their heritage while embracing appropriate growth.

We share McLoud's commitment to balancing development with preservation of community character. Our experience with similar communities helps us understand the importance of lighting that enhances safety and functionality without creating unwanted light pollution or compromising rural ambiance.

As a resource for communities like McLoud, we focus on educating property owners about lighting regulations and providing solutions that align with local requirements and community values. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with McLoud's vision for mindful development that respects neighboring properties.

Conclusion

McLoud's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the community's values and priorities. They focus on preventing nuisance lighting, protecting residential areas, and maintaining a consistent appearance in commercial zones, all while allowing for adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

By understanding and complying with these regulations, property owners contribute to preserving McLoud's small-town character and agricultural heritage. These balanced approaches to lighting help McLoud maintain its unique identity as it continues to grow and develop.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the McLoud planning department directly to ensure compliance with all current regulations.