Lighting Regulations in Mounds View, Minnesota: A Practical Guide to Compliance

Introduction

Nestled in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, Mounds View has evolved from its early days as a township of loggers, mill hands, and trappers into a thriving suburban community of approximately 13,000 residents. Incorporated as a village in 1958—on the same day Minnesota became a state—Mounds View has maintained its practical, community-oriented values throughout its development.

The city's pragmatic approach to growth is evident in its lighting regulations, which focus on balancing safety and functionality with respect for neighboring properties. Following a tragic pipeline explosion in 1986 that led to the creation of the Office of Pipeline Safety, Mounds View has consistently demonstrated its commitment to community welfare—a commitment that extends to its approach to exterior lighting.

Quick Reference Guide

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting requirements in Mounds View:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 1 foot-candle on public streets (measured from centerline)
• Maximum 0.4 foot-candles on residential properties
• General Requirements:
• All light sources must be hooded and directed to prevent visibility from public rights-of-way or neighboring properties
• Bare incandescent light bulbs must not be visible from adjacent properties
• All illuminated signs require shielded light sources
• Dynamic Display Signs:
• Maximum brightness: 500 Nits at night, 7,500 Nits during day
• Must include ambient light monitors for automatic brightness adjustment
• Permitted only in specific business and industrial zones

Glare Control and Light Trespass

Preventing Unwanted Light Spillover

Mounds View's code places significant emphasis on preventing light from affecting neighboring properties or creating hazards for drivers on public streets.

Specific Measurement Requirements

The city code provides clear metrics for acceptable light levels:

• Light cast on public streets must not exceed one foot-candle as measured from the centerline of the street
• Light cast on residential property must not exceed four-tenths foot-candles as measured from the property line

Hooding and Direction Requirements

Perhaps the most frequently repeated requirement in Mounds View's lighting regulations is the need for proper shielding:

• Light sources must be hooded or controlled to prevent light from reaching adjacent property
• Direct or sky-reflected glare from floodlights or high-temperature processes must not be directed into adjoining properties
• Bare incandescent bulbs are not permitted in view of adjacent property or public right-of-way

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Parking Areas

Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be arranged to reflect light away from:

• Adjoining properties
• Abutting residential uses
• Public rights-of-way

Pool Lighting

Pool owners should note that all pool lighting must be directed toward the pool to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties.

Mobile Home and Manufactured Home Parks

These residential areas have specific lighting requirements:

• Artificial light must be maintained during all hours of darkness in public or community buildings
• Park grounds must be lighted from sunset to sunrise as approved by the City Council

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Mounds View's code contains detailed regulations for illuminated signs:

• The illumination of signs near residential districts must be diffused or indirect and positioned to avoid directing light on residences
• All illuminated signs must have a shielded light source
• Light sources must not be directly visible to pedestrians or motor vehicle operators
• Signs with moving sections or intermittent/flashing lights are prohibited (with exceptions for government signs and approved dynamic displays)

Dynamic Display Signs

These electronic signs have additional specific requirements:

• Must not flash or blink
• Must include ambient light monitors for automatic brightness adjustment
• Maximum brightness: 500 Nits at night and 7,500 Nits during the day
• Must include automatic shut-off or freeze functionality if malfunction occurs
• Permitted only in Limited Business (B-2), Highway Business (B-3), Regional Business (B-4), Commercial Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), or Industrial (I-1) zoning districts
• Exceptions for schools, churches, and institutional uses with conditional use permit

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When planning exterior lighting for your property in Mounds View, consider:

1. Direction and shielding of all light fixtures
2. Measurement of light levels at property lines and street centerlines
3. Impact on neighboring properties, especially residential areas
4. Specific requirements for your property type and zoning district

Permit Requirements

Remember that permits are required for:

• Changes to a sign's illumination or electrical service
• Installation of new lighting systems that affect public areas

Mobile and Manufactured Home Parks

If you operate a mobile or manufactured home park, you must include lighting plans and specifications in your development application, and ensure lighting is maintained from sunset to sunrise.

Supporting Mounds View's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the practical, community-oriented values that shape Mounds View's approach to lighting regulations. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that balance safety and functionality with respect for neighboring properties.

Our team recognizes that Mounds View's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to community welfare—a commitment that began with its founding and continues through its pragmatic approach to growth and development. We share these values and strive to create lighting solutions that help communities maintain their unique character while meeting modern needs.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners, offering guidance on meeting local regulations while achieving aesthetic and functional goals. Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to suggest solutions that respect Mounds View's community character and local regulations.

We're committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Mounds View's vision for a safe, functional, and neighborly community.

Conclusion

Mounds View's lighting regulations reflect its practical, community-oriented values, focusing on preventing light trespass while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. The specific requirements for hooding, direction, and maximum light levels demonstrate the city's commitment to balancing the needs of individual property owners with respect for neighboring properties.

Whether you're installing new lighting, modifying existing fixtures, or planning a development with lighting components, understanding these regulations is essential for compliance and good neighborly relations in Mounds View.

By following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to Mounds View's vision of a well-lit yet respectful community environment that honors both its practical roots and its commitment to community welfare.