Lighting Regulations in Mount Washington, Kentucky: Balancing Growth with Community Character

Introduction

Mount Washington, Kentucky, has an illuminating history that dates back to its humble beginnings as "The Crossroads." Established at the strategic intersection of Highway 31E and Highway 44, this once-small town has evolved into a vibrant community that values its historical character while embracing modern development.

Originally renamed from "The Crossroads" to Mount Washington in 1828 (after a failed attempt to name it Mount Vernon), the city was officially incorporated in 1834. Throughout its growth, Mount Washington has maintained a commitment to preserving its architectural heritage and small-town charm—a commitment that extends to its approach to lighting regulations.

As the city continues to grow and develop, these lighting standards help ensure that Mount Washington retains its distinctive character while meeting practical needs for safety and visibility.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of Mount Washington's most important lighting regulations:

• Property Lighting Limits: Maximum 0.5 foot candles at property lines
• Lighting Pole Height: Cannot exceed 25 feet
• Nighttime Lighting: Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., lighting limited to LED (with possible variances for low-pressure sodium)
• Digital Sign Brightness: Maximum 5,000 nits during daylight, 150 nits between sunset and sunrise
• Sign Illumination: Maximum intensity of 15 foot candles at any point on sign face
• Light Trespass: Illuminated signs must prevent light rays from shining beyond property lines
• Mobile Vendor Lighting: No flashing or strobe lighting permitted; must not cause glare

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Mount Washington has developed comprehensive outdoor lighting policies to ensure adequate security while preventing problematic glare.

Fixture Types and Installation

• Fixture Style: Outdoor lighting must be consistent with those identified in the City of Mount Washington Streetscape and Community Master Plan
• Mounting Requirements: Horizontally mounted fixtures with full cut-off must be utilized
• Maximum Pole Height: 25 feet
• Property Line Limits: Lighting cannot exceed 0.5 foot candles at the property line

Nighttime Lighting Restrictions

• Limited Hours: Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., outdoor lighting is restricted
• Approved Technology: During restricted hours, lighting limited to light emitting diodes (LED)
• Possible Exceptions: Applicants may apply for variances to use low-pressure sodium lighting

Documentation Requirements

For new developments or lighting modifications, Mount Washington requires comprehensive documentation:

• A photometric plan and outdoor lighting report must address all aspects of property illumination, including:
• Parking area lighting
• Building illumination
• Signage lighting
• Mitigation approaches for impacts on residential properties
• Specific strategies to reduce negative lighting impacts during nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.)

Special Considerations

• Architectural and Decorative Lighting: Evaluated on a case-by-case basis
• Public Infrastructure: The city may relocate lighting facilities in the right-of-way when necessary for public improvements

Sign Illumination Requirements

Mount Washington has established clear guidelines for illuminated signage to prevent light pollution while allowing for effective business visibility.

General Sign Lighting Rules

• Light Trespass Prevention: Illuminated signs must be located to prevent direct rays from shining beyond property lines
• Prohibited Locations: No signs may be attached to or painted on utility poles or streetlights
• Neon Restrictions: Neon or lighted tubing signs are permitted only:
• When used behind solid lettering to produce a "halo" effect
• When used indirectly
• (Not Permitted: Using neon to outline buildings, structures, or ornamental features)

Monument Sign Requirements

• Lighting Placement: External lighting of monument signs must be concealed and ground-mounted
• Direction Control: Illumination must be directed away from all traffic and adjoining residential areas
• Maximum Intensity: Light intensity cannot exceed 15 foot candles at any point on the sign face

Digital and Electronic Sign Regulations

Mount Washington has specific regulations for digital and electronic signage:

Location and Quantity Limits

• Zoning Restrictions: Digital signs allowed only on properties zoned for commercial or industrial use
• Quantity Limits:
• Commercial properties: Limited to one (1) digital sign
• Industrial properties: Limited to one (1) digital sign
• Gas/fueling stations: May have one additional digital sign exclusively for fuel prices (maximum size: 3 feet by 6 feet)

Content and Display Requirements

• Animation Restrictions: Signs shall not flash, scroll, or distract drivers
• Transitions: Must be instantaneous between messages
• Fixed Images: Signs must use fixed (non-digital) images in certain contexts

Size Limitations

Digital sign area is regulated based on roadway location:

• US 0031E: 15% of total square footage in area
• Highway 44: 20% of total square footage in area
• All other roadways: 20% of total square footage in area

Brightness Controls

• Automatic Adjustment: All electronic and digital signs must have installed ambient light monitors
• Adaptive Technology: Signs must automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions
• Maximum Brightness Levels:
• Daytime: Cannot exceed 5,000 nits (measured at maximum brightness)
• Nighttime: Cannot exceed 150 nits between sunset and sunrise
• Enforcement: The city conducts regular inspections to measure and enforce sign brightness levels through City Code Enforcement

Business-Specific Lighting Requirements

Different types of businesses in Mount Washington face specific lighting regulations tailored to their operations.

Mobile Food Vendor Lighting

• Fixture Requirements: May only use lighting that is permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the unit
• Light Control: Lighting must not cause glare that could be considered a public hazard, nuisance, or distraction
• Prohibited Lighting: No flashing or strobe lighting permitted

Sexually Oriented Business Requirements

These businesses face particularly stringent lighting controls:

• Interior Illumination: Must have overhead lighting fixtures providing at least 5 foot candles of illumination measured at floor level
• Exterior Requirements: Must provide lighting of exterior premises to enable visual inspection or video monitoring
• Signage: Must post required signs in well-lighted entry areas

What Property Owners Should Know

If you own or manage property in Mount Washington, understanding these lighting regulations is essential for compliance and good community relations.

Planning New Lighting Installations

Before installing new outdoor lighting or illuminated signs:

• Review the specific requirements for your property type and location
• Consider consulting with a lighting professional familiar with Mount Washington's regulations
• Prepare the required documentation, including photometric plans for commercial properties
• Remember that architectural and decorative lighting is evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Maintaining Existing Lighting

Regular maintenance of your lighting systems isn't just good practice—it helps ensure ongoing compliance:

• Periodically check that automatic dimming systems for digital signs are functioning correctly
• Ensure that light fixtures remain properly aimed to prevent light trespass
• Replace damaged or aging fixtures that might create glare or excessive brightness
• Be particularly mindful of lighting during the restricted hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

When City Infrastructure Changes

The city ordinances clarify that when Mount Washington makes public improvements:

• Property owners may need to relocate lighting poles or fixtures in the right-of-way
• Such relocation is typically at no cost to the city
• These public improvements take precedence over private uses of public sidewalks

Supporting Mount Washington's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique balance that Mount Washington strives to maintain between growth and preservation of its historical character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value their architectural heritage while embracing necessary modernization.

Our experience working with communities throughout the region has given us insight into the challenges property owners face when navigating lighting regulations. We're committed to helping Mount Washington residents and businesses find lighting solutions that respect both the letter and the spirit of local regulations.

We share Mount Washington's commitment to reducing light pollution and preventing glare while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and visibility. Our lighting experts can serve as a resource for understanding the technical aspects of Mount Washington's lighting requirements, from foot candle measurements to proper fixture selection for minimizing light trespass.

As Mount Washington continues to grow while maintaining its distinctive character, we're proud to be a community partner in supporting responsible lighting practices that honor the city's past while illuminating its future.

Conclusion

Mount Washington's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balanced growth—providing for safety and visibility while preserving the community's character. From specific brightness limits to requirements for nighttime lighting reduction, these standards help ensure that artificial lighting enhances rather than detracts from the city's appeal.

For property owners, understanding and complying with these regulations is an important part of being a good community member. While the technical requirements may seem complex, they serve the practical purpose of creating a more pleasant environment for all residents and visitors.

As Mount Washington continues to grow from its origins as "The Crossroads," these thoughtful lighting standards will help ensure that development respects the city's unique identity and architectural heritage.