Lighting Regulations in New Cordell, Oklahoma: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

New Cordell, Oklahoma, established in 1897, is a community that takes great pride in its historical heritage. The city's crown jewel, the Washita County Courthouse, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As New Cordell balances preserving its small-town charm with meeting modern needs, lighting regulations play a subtle but important role in maintaining the character of this historic community.

While New Cordell's lighting regulations are limited in scope compared to some municipalities, they reflect the city's commitment to preserving its unique atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide

• Sign Illumination: Must use constant light (non-flashing) for all illuminated signs
• Light Screening: Exposed light sources must be screened to prevent light from crossing property lines
• Residential Protection: Exterior lighting near residential areas must be shaded to prevent direct light from spilling onto residential properties
• Parking Lots: When adjacent to residential areas, lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from residential uses
• Sign Lighting Color: Only non-intermittent white lighting is permitted for signs in certain contexts

Sign Illumination Requirements

Constant Light Requirement

Throughout New Cordell's regulations, one consistent theme emerges for illuminated signs: the requirement for "constant light." This applies to:

• Educational, Religious, and Institutional Bulletin Boards
• Business Signs
• Real Estate Signs
• Identification Signs for single-family subdivisions or nonresidential uses

What "Constant Light" Means

The term "constant light" refers to illumination that:

• Remains steady and unchanging
• Does not flash, pulse, or change intensity
• Provides consistent visibility without creating distraction

The Purpose Behind Constant Lighting

This requirement likely exists to:

• Preserve the historical aesthetic of New Cordell
• Reduce visual distraction for drivers and pedestrians
• Maintain a calm, dignified atmosphere appropriate for a historic community
• Prevent modern, flashy signage from disrupting the town's character

Light Trespass Prevention

Screening Requirements

New Cordell's code specifies that "exposed sources of light shall be screened so as not to be detectable beyond the lot lines." This straightforward requirement helps maintain good neighbor relations and prevents light pollution.

Residential Protection Measures

The regulations provide additional protection for residential areas with these requirements:

• "Exterior lighting fixtures shall be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting direct light upon property located in any residential district."
• For parking lots located within or adjacent to residential districts, lighting "shall be arranged so that all light is deflected from adjoining residential uses."

Benefits of Light Trespass Prevention

These regulations help:

• Maintain the quality of life for residents
• Reduce light pollution that could detract from New Cordell's small-town atmosphere
• Preserve the ability to enjoy night skies
• Prevent lighting conflicts between commercial and residential properties

Parking Lot Lighting

Adjacent to Residential Areas

When parking lots are located near homes, New Cordell requires:

• Arrangement of lights to deflect illumination away from adjoining residential uses
• Only non-intermittent white lighting for signs

Balancing Safety and Neighborhood Comfort

These regulations recognize the need to:

• Provide adequate lighting for safety in parking areas
• Respect the privacy and comfort of nearby residents
• Maintain a consistent lighting character throughout the city

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're a property owner in New Cordell planning lighting installations:

• For signage: Ensure any illumination uses constant, non-flashing light
• For exterior lighting: Plan for proper shading and screening, especially near residential areas
• For parking lots: Design lighting to direct light downward and away from residential properties

The Silent Regulations

Note that New Cordell's code does not specify:

• Particular lighting technologies (LED, halogen, etc.)
• Specific color temperature requirements
• Exact lumens or footcandle measurements
• Minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI) values

This gives property owners some flexibility while still maintaining basic standards for light quality and neighborhood compatibility.

Supporting New Cordell's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the delicate balance communities like New Cordell must maintain between preserving historical character and meeting modern lighting needs. With manufacturing roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the importance of maintaining a community's distinctive atmosphere while providing safe, functional lighting solutions.

We recognize that New Cordell's limited but purposeful lighting regulations aim to protect the city's historic charm—particularly around treasures like the Washita County Courthouse. Our team appreciates how lighting can either enhance or detract from architectural heritage, and we're committed to helping communities navigate their local requirements.

As a resource for lighting education, we can help property owners understand how to achieve compliance while respecting New Cordell's unique character. Our experience with projects in communities that value their historical identity means we understand the importance of lighting that complements rather than overpowers architectural elements.

Conclusion

New Cordell's lighting regulations focus primarily on preventing nuisance lighting and maintaining appropriate illumination for signs. While not as extensive as regulations in some other communities, these rules help preserve the historical character and small-town charm that make New Cordell special.

The emphasis on constant lighting for signs and prevention of light trespass onto neighboring properties reflects the community's values of respecting neighbors and maintaining the city's distinctive atmosphere. As New Cordell continues to balance preservation with progress, these lighting standards serve as a simple but effective framework for maintaining the city's unique character for generations to come.

By understanding and respecting these lighting regulations, property owners contribute to the ongoing story of New Cordell—a community that honors its rich heritage while thoughtfully embracing the future.