Lighting Regulations in Newburgh, Indiana: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled along the picturesque Ohio River, Newburgh, Indiana has a rich historical heritage dating back to its founding in 1829 (originally called Sprinklesburgh). With its distinctive riverfront dotted with specialty stores, antique shops, and restaurants, Newburgh takes pride in preserving its historical charm while meeting modern community needs.

The town's notable historical significance—including being the first town north of the Mason-Dixon line captured by Confederate forces during the Civil War—has influenced its approach to development and preservation. This unique history has shaped Newburgh's lighting regulations, which balance safety and functionality with respect for the town's historical character.

Quick Reference Guide to Newburgh Lighting Regulations

• Residential Interior Lighting:
• Every habitable room requires at least one ceiling-type electric light fixture
• Every bathroom, laundry room, furnace room and public hall needs at least one ceiling or wall-type fixture
• All fixtures must be properly installed and maintained in safe working condition
• Exterior Lighting:
• All exterior lighting must be directed away from residential properties
• No lighting may cause glare considered a public hazard or nuisance
• No flashing or strobe lighting permitted
• Parking area lighting must not exceed three footcandles at the property line
• Multi-Family Requirements:
• Public halls and stairways in buildings with 5+ units must be adequately lit at all times
• Smaller buildings (4 or fewer units) may use conveniently located light switches
• Light switches must be in accessible locations
• Sign Lighting:
• Subdivision signage may not be illuminated
• Internally illuminated signs generally prohibited (with specific exceptions)
• External illumination must be directed from top down

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Newburgh's code establishes clear minimum standards for interior lighting to ensure safety and habitability. These requirements focus on providing adequate illumination in all living spaces.

Every habitable room in a dwelling must contain at least one ceiling-type electric light fixture. Additionally, all bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, and public halls must have at least one supplied ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture.

For electrical convenience, habitable rooms must have either:

• Two separate floor or wall-type electric convenience outlets, or
• One convenience outlet plus one ceiling-type electric light fixture

Multi-Family Building Requirements

The town's regulations recognize that common areas in multi-family buildings have special lighting needs for safety and accessibility:

• Buildings with 5+ units: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with 4 or fewer units: May use conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system instead of full-time lighting
• All multi-family dwellings must have light switches, electrical outlets, and other environmental controls in accessible locations

Exterior Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Newburgh's exterior lighting regulations focus on minimizing light pollution while maintaining safety. The overarching principle is simple: light your property, not your neighbor's.

All exterior lighting must be:

• Directed away from adjoining residential property
• Of an intensity that does not interfere with the enjoyment of adjacent residential property
• Shaded or inwardly directed to prevent direct lighting or glare from affecting neighboring properties
• Permanently or semi-permanently affixed to its unit
• Free from glare that could be considered a public hazard, nuisance or distraction

Parking Area Lighting

Specific standards apply to parking areas to balance safety with neighborhood compatibility:

• Lighting must be designed to cast light downward from the fixture head
• Light must be directed away from residential properties and public streets
• Maximum illumination: three footcandles measured at the lot line
• Pedestrian areas must use pedestrian-scale lighting

Outdoor Storage and Display

When lighting outdoor storage or display areas, fixtures must be:

• Directed or shaded to contain the light within the display area only
• For business zoning districts, designed to contain direct light and glare to the commercial parcel only

Documentation Requirements

Site Plan Requirements

For projects requiring an improvement location permit (except one and two-family dwellings), site plans must include detailed lighting information:

• A complete outdoor lighting plan
• Height of all fixtures
• Type of fixtures to be used
• Light throw area
• Location of all fixtures
• Intensity of illumination
• Hours of operation for all exterior lighting

These documentation requirements help ensure compliance with regulations before construction begins.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting

Newburgh carefully regulates sign lighting to maintain its historic character while allowing for necessary business visibility:

• Subdivision signage may not be illuminated
• Accent lighting for signs must minimize visibility of the light fixture and avoid glare
• External illumination should be from top down, not bottom up
• Light sources must be located, shielded and directed to prevent direct visibility from streets or residences
• Any receptacle for external wall sign illumination cannot protrude more than 12 inches from the sign face

Special Considerations

Certain types of illuminated signs face additional restrictions:

• Internally illuminated signs: Generally prohibited, with limited exceptions for reverse lit channel letter signs in specific commercial areas
• Electronic message signs:
• Permitted only in nonresidential sign districts as a special use
• Prohibited in residential and historic districts (with limited exceptions)
• Must change instantaneously at no less than 15-second intervals
• Must be turned off between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Cannot be located within 200 feet of a residential structure
• Must be at least 400 feet from another electronic message sign

Historic District Considerations

Town Center District Requirements

Newburgh's Town Center District has special requirements to preserve its historic character:

• Changes to exterior lighting require review by the Administrator
• New lighting installations must:
• Preserve and protect the original architectural features of buildings
• Maintain a harmonious relationship with other improvements in the district
• Preserve the distinctive historic and aesthetic character of the district

These requirements ensure that modern lighting solutions don't detract from Newburgh's historic charm.

Street Lighting

Installation and Maintenance

Newburgh's approach to street lighting balances community needs with practical considerations:

• Developers must install street lights in conformance with town standards
• After installation, the town assumes responsibility for maintenance and operation
• For accounting purposes, street lights have a useful life of 20 years

Supporting Newburgh's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Newburgh's commitment to preserving historical character while meeting modern needs. As a manufacturer with extensive experience in historic communities, we understand the importance of balanced lighting solutions that respect community heritage.

Our team appreciates Newburgh's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which protect the town's unique architectural character while ensuring safety and functionality. Bock's expertise in regional architectural styles makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating these regulations.

We're committed to helping communities like Newburgh maintain their distinctive character through lighting solutions that honor historical contexts while incorporating modern technology. Our focus remains on supporting community education about lighting best practices that align with local values and regulations.

Conclusion

Newburgh's lighting regulations reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By establishing clear standards for both interior and exterior lighting, the town maintains its distinctive charm while meeting modern needs.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements, particularly when planning renovations or new construction. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Newburgh's vision of a town that honors its past while embracing its future.

The thoughtful balance of historical preservation and modern functionality embedded in these regulations helps ensure that Newburgh remains a vibrant community with a distinctive sense of place for generations to come.