Lighting Regulations in New Plymouth, Idaho: Guidelines for the Double Horseshoe City

Introduction

New Plymouth, Idaho stands as a unique community with its distinctive double horseshoe layout—the only town in America designed in this fashion. Founded in the 1890s by the National Irrigation Congress, this planned agricultural community was meticulously designed with curved streets and an 80-foot park boulevard. This thoughtful urban planning reflects the founders' vision of a close-knit, self-sufficient community where residents could easily access shared resources.

In such a carefully designed city, lighting plays an important role in maintaining both the functionality and aesthetic character of the community. The lighting regulations in New Plymouth, while not extensive, aim to preserve the town's distinctive charm while ensuring proper illumination for safety and convenience.

Quick Reference Guide

New Plymouth's lighting regulations primarily focus on:

• Parking lot lighting: Must be arranged to direct light away from adjacent residential areas
• Sign illumination: House number signs and announcement signs may only use reflector method illumination with hidden light sources
• Street lighting: Must comply with the city's Standard Specifications
• Vegetation management: City may prune trees interfering with streetlight distribution
• Development requirements: Lighting plans must be included in certain development applications

Residential Lighting Regulations

Sign Illumination Requirements

The city provides specific guidance for illuminating signs in residential zones:

• House Number Signs:
• Permitted in Residence A, B, and C Zones
• Must not exceed one square foot in area
• Can only be illuminated by the reflector method
• Must be placed behind the building line
• Light source must not be visible from outside the premises
• Announcement Signs:
• Permitted in Residence B and C Zones only
• Limited to twelve (12) square feet in area
• May only use reflector method illumination
• Must be placed behind the building line
• Light source must not be visible from outside the premises

Streetlight Access

To ensure proper street illumination throughout the community:

• The city reserves the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they "interfere with the proper spread of light along the street from a streetlight"
• This helps maintain visibility and safety while preserving the community's designed landscape

Commercial and Development Lighting Requirements

Parking Lot Illumination

For commercial and multi-family developments:

• Lights used to illuminate parking lots must be arranged to reflect lighting away from adjoining premises in Residential Districts
• This requirement helps minimize light trespass into residential areas

Mobile Home Parks

For mobile home parks, courts, and subdivisions:

• "Electrical service for lighting and power" must be provided as part of the required site improvements
• This ensures adequate illumination for safety and convenience

Development Application Requirements

When submitting plans for development:

• Applications must include "details of fence and wall construction and lighting installation in accordance with applicable code requirements"
• Plans shall include "landscaping, lighting, and any other information deemed necessary by the City"
• This ensures lighting is properly considered during the development review process

Conditional Use Permits

Applications for conditional use permits must include:

• "A narrative statement evaluating the effects on adjoining property of such elements as noise, glare, odor, fumes and vibration"
• This requirement acknowledges the potential impact of lighting on neighboring properties

Street Lighting Standards

New Plymouth maintains consistency in its street lighting through a straightforward requirement:

• "Street lighting where provided shall be in accordance with the Standard Specifications of the City"
• This ensures uniformity and appropriate illumination levels throughout the community's unique street layout

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Considerations

When planning lighting for your New Plymouth property:

• Be mindful of light direction: Position lights to illuminate your property without affecting neighbors, especially if adjacent to residential zones
• Consider light source visibility: For sign illumination, ensure light sources are concealed from external view
• Maintain trees and shrubs: Regularly trim vegetation that might block streetlights to avoid city intervention
• Consult planning department: Before installing significant outdoor lighting, check with the city to ensure compliance

Best Practices Beyond Requirements

Even where specific regulations don't exist:

• Consider using shielded fixtures that direct light downward
• Select appropriate brightness levels for the intended purpose
• Choose warm-colored lighting that creates a welcoming atmosphere
• Be conscious of energy efficiency to reduce environmental impact

Supporting New Plymouth's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of planned communities like New Plymouth. Our experience with historically significant towns helps us appreciate New Plymouth's distinctive double horseshoe layout and the special lighting considerations such a design entails.

We share New Plymouth's commitment to preserving community character while providing functional lighting solutions. Our understanding of how lighting impacts the experience of curved streets and boulevard settings allows us to serve as a resource for property owners seeking to enhance their properties while respecting the community's aesthetic.

As lighting professionals, we value New Plymouth's balance of safety, functionality, and preservation of its unique urban design. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the community's vision of thoughtful development that honors its distinctive heritage.

Conclusion

New Plymouth's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the community's desire to maintain its distinctive character while ensuring appropriate illumination. The focus on minimizing light intrusion into residential areas, controlling sign illumination, and maintaining consistent street lighting aligns with the city's origins as a carefully planned community.

By understanding and following these lighting guidelines, property owners contribute to preserving New Plymouth's unique double horseshoe design and the quality of life it was intended to provide. These thoughtful lighting practices help maintain the special character that makes New Plymouth unlike any other community in the United States.