Lighting Regulations in Murray, Kentucky: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Needs

Introduction: Murray's Approach to Lighting

The small city of Murray, Kentucky, with its rich history dating back to 1818, has developed a thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that reflects its unique community values. Nestled in the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky, Murray combines rural charm with urban amenities, including the historic Murray State University campus established in the 1920s.

With approximately 19,000 residents, Murray's regulations aim to balance safety and functionality with the preservation of the city's historical character. The lighting standards reflect Murray's commitment to maintaining its architectural heritage while accommodating modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide to Murray's Lighting Requirements

Key lighting requirements in Murray include:

• Business lighting requirements: Must be "of a subdued nature and not imposing to any adjacent property"
• Electronic signs: Maximum brightness of 7,000 nits during day, 1,000 nits at night
• Sign illumination: Measured from two feet from the sign face
• Lighting arrangement: Must prevent direct glare or hazardous interference to adjoining streets or properties
• Commercial parking areas: Adequate outside lighting required for customer safety
• Cellular towers: Generally cannot be illuminated except per state/federal regulations

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Business Lighting Standards

Murray requires commercial properties to balance visibility with neighborhood consideration. The code specifies that lighting must be "of a subdued nature and not imposing to any adjacent property," highlighting the city's concern for preventing light pollution while maintaining safety.

Parking Area Illumination

Businesses serving the public must provide "adequate outside lighting to permit customers to utilize the parking area and to promote the safety, health and welfare of the general public utilizing the licensed premise." This requirement recognizes the importance of well-lit parking areas for both safety and accessibility.

Preventing Light Nuisance

The regulations specifically address the potential for lighting to become a nuisance. Murray's code requires that "lighting facilities shall be arranged in such a manner so as to prevent direct glare or hazardous interference of any kind to adjoining street or properties."

Sign Illumination Regulations

Brightness Limitations

The city sets clear standards for electronic and digital signage brightness:

• Daytime maximum: 7,000 nits (candelas per square meter)
• Nighttime maximum (dusk to dawn): 1,000 nits
• Hours of operation: Limited to 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise approved

Measuring Compliance

To ensure compliance with these brightness standards:

• Sign illumination is measured two feet from the sign face
• For digital displays, brightness measurements must be taken with the display running full white copy
• A luminance meter must be positioned perpendicular to the sign face center

Features and Effects Restrictions

To prevent distracting lighting effects, Murray prohibits:

• Blinking, flashing, or scintillation effects in electronic signs
• Signs that cause "light reflection or diffraction, glare, focus, noise" that are "unduly disturbing to surrounding properties or to the public generally"

Automatic Adjustment Requirements

Digital signs must include technology to automatically adjust to ambient conditions:

• Light monitors: Must be installed to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions
• Non-compliance: Signs not conforming to brightness or illumination standards must be removed or brought into compliance within 28 business days

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult-Oriented Businesses

Murray has specific lighting regulations for adult-oriented businesses:

• These businesses cannot display or exhibit adult-oriented materials using lighting or advertising visible outside the premises
• The business application must include a diagram showing "the locations of lighting fixtures"

Limited Storage Areas

For areas designated as "LIMITED STORAGE," the code requires that these spaces must be void of utilities "except for essential lighting," indicating that minimal lighting is permitted for basic visibility and safety.

Street Lighting

Street lighting within the city must be installed "in accordance to the specifications of the City Engineer or the agency having jurisdiction," ensuring consistent standards for public roadways.

Cellular Towers

The code is straightforward regarding cellular infrastructure: "Cellular antenna towers shall not be illuminated, except in accordance with other state or federal regulations."

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Timeline

If your lighting or signage is found to be non-conforming regarding "brightness or illumination, or its use of strobe or beacon lights," you have 28 business days to bring it into compliance or remove it altogether.

Sign Permissions By District

Different districts in Murray allow various forms of illuminated signage:

• Professional office districts: Allow "non-illuminated, indirectly illuminated, or directly illuminated signs" with specific size limitations (wall signs not exceeding 36 square feet)
• Industrial districts: Allow illuminated signs with wall signs not exceeding 8% of building facade square footage

Temporary Lighting Considerations

For temporary needs, pole banners may be allowed in private parking lots on existing light poles that are privately owned, with prior approval from the property owner. These are limited to six square feet in area.

Supporting Murray's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Murray's approach to balancing modern lighting needs with historic preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Murray's commitment to maintaining community character while embracing necessary technological advancements.

Our experience working with communities throughout the region has given us insight into the unique challenges faced by historic cities like Murray. We value the city's efforts to reduce light glare while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and accessibility.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. We understand the importance of subdued lighting that doesn't impose on neighboring properties while still fulfilling safety and visibility requirements.

Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices aligns with Murray's thoughtful approach to community development. We recognize that good lighting design isn't just about compliance—it's about enhancing the unique character that makes Murray special.

Conclusion

Murray's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for its residents and businesses. The relatively targeted approach to lighting regulation focuses on preventing nuisance lighting while allowing appropriate illumination for commercial and public spaces.

Property owners should pay particular attention to brightness standards for electronic signage, requirements for subdued lighting that doesn't impact neighbors, and special provisions for specific types of businesses.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners can contribute to maintaining Murray's unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience that has characterized this Kentucky community since its founding over 200 years ago.