Lighting Regulations in Myrtle Point, Oregon: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction: Myrtle Point's Lighting Legacy

Nestled in the lush Coquille Valley of Oregon, Myrtle Point has maintained its small-town charm since its incorporation in 1887. With roots in timber and agriculture, this community of approximately 2,700 residents takes pride in preserving its historical character while ensuring modern safety standards.

The town's approach to outdoor lighting reflects this balance – providing necessary illumination for safety while respecting the community's historic aesthetics and natural surroundings. Myrtle Point's lighting regulations aim to minimize light pollution while ensuring adequate visibility in public and private spaces.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the essential lighting regulations that property owners in Myrtle Point should know:

• All new outdoor lighting must comply with Section 153.159 of the city code
• Light pole height is limited to 20 feet maximum (except flagpoles and streetlights)
• Downward direction is required for most outdoor lighting fixtures
• Shielding must be used to prevent light spillover onto adjacent properties
• Vertical clearance of 8 feet minimum is required for lighting over sidewalks
• Underground installation of utility lines for lighting is required in new subdivisions
• Maintenance of outdoor lighting fixtures is required for public health and safety

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Purpose and Applicability

Myrtle Point's lighting regulations are designed to provide adequate illumination while minimizing the negative impacts of light pollution. These standards apply to all outdoor lighting installations in the city.

Planning Commission Authority

The Planning Commission plays a significant role in lighting oversight:

• May require installation of lighting as a condition of development approval
• Can limit certain types of lighting to maintain compatibility between different land uses
• May adjust standards by reducing or changing lighting requirements when consistent with city goals
• Can approve adjustments to lighting standards when necessary for security purposes

Technical Specifications

All outdoor lighting must meet these key requirements:

• Height restrictions: Light poles cannot exceed 20 feet (flagpoles and streetlights exempted)
• Directional requirements: Fixtures must be directed downward to preserve night sky views
• Exceptions: Up-lighting is allowed only for flags and permitted building-mounted signs
• Shielding: All fixtures must be shielded to minimize light spillover onto adjacent properties
• Placement: Lighting must not obstruct public ways, driveways or walkways
• Clearance: Lighting over sidewalks/walkways requires minimum 8-foot vertical clearance and 36-inch unobstructed width

Materials and Installation

Property owners should note these important requirements:

• Lighting must consist of materials approved for outdoor use
• Installation must follow the manufacturer's specifications
• Building permits may be required for certain electrical connections
• Outdoor lighting must be maintained in good condition or replaced

Specific Area Requirements

Parking Areas

Parking areas have special lighting considerations:

• Appropriate light levels must be provided for pedestrian safety
• Light standards must be directed downward only
• Fixtures must be shielded to prevent lighting spillover into adjacent residential areas
• The Planning Commission may approve adjustments if lighting is necessary for security and doesn't unduly impact residential uses

Streetlights

Streetlights in Myrtle Point must conform to the city's Public Infrastructure Design Standards Manual. The Planning Commission considers street lighting when determining street width and improvement options.

New Subdivisions

For new subdivisions in Myrtle Point:

• Underground installation is required for all utility lines, including those for lighting
• The Planning Commission may allow exceptions if underground placement would adversely impact adjacent land uses
• Screening and buffering may be required for aboveground facilities
• Developers must make necessary arrangements with utility providers for underground services

Limitations on Light Pollution

Prohibited Impacts

Myrtle Point's regulations explicitly prohibit:

• Any activity producing glare beyond allowable levels as determined by local, state or federal standards
• Light that can be detected beyond the property line

Planning and Review Process

The city's commitment to appropriate lighting is integrated into its planning process:

• Site plans must include location, type, and height of outdoor lighting
• Preliminary plats must show approximate locations of street lighting fixtures
• The city may limit the "location, type, design and/or intensity" of outdoor lighting as part of the approval process
• Applications must demonstrate that adverse impacts such as light and glare are avoided or minimized

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Ahead

When planning new construction or renovations:

• Consult early with the Planning Commission about lighting requirements
• Include lighting details in your site plan submissions
• Consider underground utilities for new subdivisions or major developments
• Balance security needs with impacts on neighboring properties

Compliance Considerations

To ensure your lighting meets Myrtle Point standards:

• Direct fixtures downward to prevent light pollution
• Install proper shielding to contain light within your property
• Maintain fixtures in good working condition
• Verify height restrictions before installing new light poles

Historical Context Considerations

Given Myrtle Point's rich history dating back to the 1860s:

• Consider lighting that complements historic architecture where applicable
• Minimize glare to preserve the town's traditional character and night sky views
• Remember that regulations aim to maintain community character while ensuring safety

Supporting Myrtle Point's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Myrtle Point's commitment to preserving community character while embracing practical lighting solutions. With deep understanding of how lighting affects historical areas, Bock appreciates the careful balance Myrtle Point maintains between safety requirements and preservation of its unique small-town atmosphere.

Our company values align with communities like Myrtle Point that thoughtfully regulate outdoor lighting to prevent light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety. As lighting professionals with experience in communities that value their historical heritage, we serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

Bock's expertise in regional architectural styles and community-sensitive lighting solutions positions us to understand the specific needs of towns with rich historical backgrounds like Myrtle Point. We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that respect both community character and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Myrtle Point's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring public safety. By directing light downward, limiting fixture height, requiring shielding, and preventing light trespass onto neighboring properties, these standards help maintain the town's small-town charm.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements when planning new construction or renovations. By thoughtfully implementing lighting that complies with local regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Myrtle Point's vision of a well-lit community that honors its historical roots and natural beauty.

Remember that the Planning Commission serves as an important resource and has authority to make adjustments to lighting requirements when necessary to balance security needs with community aesthetics. Working collaboratively with city officials is the best way to ensure your lighting meets both regulatory requirements and practical needs.