Lighting Regulations in New Castle, Indiana: Preserving Historic Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

New Castle, Indiana, founded in 1822, is a city rich in historical significance as the county seat of Henry County. With landmark structures like the Henry County Courthouse (built 1865-1869) and a commitment to preserving its architectural heritage, New Castle has developed lighting regulations that reflect its community values.

While New Castle's lighting regulations are relatively limited in scope, they focus primarily on preserving historic character, ensuring safety, and maintaining aesthetic standards throughout the city. These regulations help balance modern lighting needs with the city's commitment to its historical districts and landmarks.

Quick Reference Guide: New Castle Lighting Regulations

• Ornamental Light Poles: Cannot be used for posting signs, advertisements, or altered without Council permission
• Historic Properties: Light fixtures can only be altered in ways that preserve historical character
• Sign Lighting: Must be shielded, low intensity, and cannot exceed 300 foot lamberts
• Cemetery Lighting: Specific rules for "memory lights" during mowing season
• Lamp Posts: Permitted in any required front, side, or rear yard as accessory uses
• Tower Lighting: Prohibited unless specifically required by FAA or other authorities
• Accessibility Requirements: Light switches and controls must be in accessible locations

Historical Preservation and Lighting

New Castle takes pride in its architectural heritage, which is reflected in its approach to lighting regulations for historic properties.

Historic Light Fixtures

• Preservation Requirement: Light fixtures that are part of historic buildings or structures can only be moved, reconstructed, altered, or maintained in ways that preserve their historical and architectural character.
• Commission Approval: The city's Commission evaluates changes to historic light fixtures based on:
• Texture, material, color, style, and detailing
• Relationship to similar architectural features within the same historic district

Maintaining Historical Character

When considering modifications to lighting on historic properties, the Commission requires that all work preserves the historical and architectural integrity of the building or structure. This helps maintain New Castle's distinctive character and honors its rich history dating back to the 1820s.

Sign Lighting Requirements

New Castle's regulations on sign lighting aim to balance visibility with safety and aesthetic considerations.

Shielding and Intensity

• Shielding Requirement: Sign lighting must be effectively shielded to prevent beams or rays from being directed at vehicles traveling on streets
• Intensity Limitations:
• Must be of low intensity/brilliance
• Cannot cause glare or impair driver vision
• Cannot exceed 300 foot lamberts when measured at property lines

Restrictions on Dynamic Lighting

• Flashing/Moving Lights: Signs with flashing, moving, or revolving illumination are generally not permitted
• Blinking Prohibition: Signs cannot blink or flash unless specifically permitted by other provisions

These regulations help ensure that sign lighting enhances visibility without creating distractions or safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

Cemetery Lighting Regulations

New Castle has specific regulations for lighting in cemetery areas, focusing on both aesthetics and practical maintenance concerns.

Memory Lights

• Permitted Use: Memory lights are allowed during mowing season
• Material and Placement Requirements:
• Metal lights: May be placed on the ground close to monument bases
• Plastic lights: Only permitted if placed directly on gravestones or memorials
• Maintenance Considerations: Memory lights must not:
• Require special maintenance
• Cause difficulty in mowing or grounds maintenance
• Create safety hazards for employees

These thoughtful regulations balance the desire to honor loved ones with the practical needs of cemetery maintenance.

Other Lighting Regulations

Lamp Posts and Accessory Lighting

• Placement Flexibility: Lamp posts are permitted in any required front, side, or rear yard as accessory uses

Accessibility Requirements

• Control Placement: Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls must be installed in accessible locations

Tower Lighting

• General Prohibition: Towers shall not be illuminated by artificial means or display strobe lights
• Exception: Illumination is permitted only when specifically required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other federal/state authorities

Public Infrastructure

• Ornamental Light Poles: It is unlawful to:
• Paste, paint, or fix signs, placards, or advertisements on ornamental light poles/globes
• Change the paint on ornamental light poles without direction from the Common Council

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding New Castle's lighting regulations helps property owners make informed decisions that comply with local requirements while enhancing their properties.

Key Considerations

• Historic Properties: Consult with the Commission before making any changes to historic lighting fixtures
• Signs and Business Lighting: Ensure lighting is shielded, not overly bright, and doesn't flash or blink
• Outdoor Lighting Approval: Outdoor artificial lighting must be approved by the Commission
• Respecting Public Infrastructure: Never post signs or advertisements on public light poles

These regulations reflect New Castle's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality in public spaces.

Supporting New Castle's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates New Castle's commitment to preserving its historical character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with deep roots in American lighting traditions, we recognize the importance of balancing preservation with functionality.

Communities like New Castle with rich historical character require lighting solutions that complement architectural heritage dating back to the 1820s. The Henry County Courthouse and other historic structures represent important chapters in New Castle's story, and appropriate lighting helps highlight these treasures.

We believe in supporting communities by providing educational resources on lighting regulations and helping property owners understand how to enhance their historic properties while remaining compliant with local ordinances.

By understanding the specific needs of communities with historic preservation priorities, lighting manufacturers can serve as partners in maintaining the distinctive character that makes places like New Castle special.

Conclusion

New Castle's lighting regulations, though limited in scope, reflect the city's priorities: preserving historic character, ensuring safety, and maintaining aesthetic standards. These guidelines help property owners make informed decisions about lighting while honoring the city's rich architectural heritage.

From historic light fixtures to cemetery memory lights, the regulations demonstrate a thoughtful approach to balancing practical needs with preservation goals. By following these guidelines, property owners and businesses can contribute to New Castle's distinctive character while meeting their lighting needs.

As New Castle continues to evolve, these lighting regulations help ensure that new developments harmonize with the city's historic landscape, creating a cohesive community aesthetic that respects the past while embracing the future.