Lighting Regulations in Nicholasville, Kentucky: Illuminating Safety, History, and Community Standards

Introduction

Established in 1798 by Rev. John Metcalf, Nicholasville, Kentucky has grown from a small settlement into a vibrant community while maintaining its historical roots. Named after Colonel George Nicholas, a key contributor to Kentucky's first constitution, the city takes pride in balancing its rich heritage with modern development needs.

As Nicholasville has evolved into a regional retail hub with a growing population commuting to nearby Lexington, the city has established specific lighting standards. These regulations aim to preserve the community's historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses alike.

Quick Reference Guide to Nicholasville Lighting Requirements

• Residential Common Areas: 60-watt incandescent (or equivalent) per 200 sq ft; 30-foot maximum spacing • Non-Residential Egress: Minimum 1 footcandle (11 lux) illumination required • Required Lighting Fixtures: Mandatory in all public halls, stairways, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms • Street Lighting: Specific wattage requirements based on street classification • Parking Areas: Adequate outdoor lighting required for customer safety • Itinerant Merchants: Permanently affixed lighting only; no flashing/strobe lights • Signs: Restrictions on placement relative to street lights and utility poles

Residential Lighting Requirements

Common Areas and Hallways

For multi-family residential buildings (excluding one and two-family dwellings), Nicholasville has established clear illumination standards to ensure resident safety:

• Common halls and stairways must be illuminated at all times with at least one 60-watt standard incandescent light bulb (or equivalent) for every 200 square feet of floor area • Spacing between lights cannot exceed 30 feet • Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room, and furnace room must contain at least one electric lighting fixture

General Illumination Standards

Nicholasville requires that all other spaces be provided with natural or artificial light sufficient to: • Maintain sanitary conditions • Enable safe occupancy of the space • Allow proper utilization of appliances, equipment, and fixtures

These requirements reflect Nicholasville's commitment to residential safety while respecting the historical character of its neighborhoods.

Commercial and Business Lighting Requirements

Egress Lighting

Safety is paramount in Nicholasville's commercial lighting requirements:

• Means of egress in non-residential occupancies (including exterior stairways) must be illuminated whenever the building is occupied • Minimum illumination of 1 footcandle (11 lux) required at floors, landings, and treads • This ensures safe exit paths in emergencies while maintaining visibility for everyday use

Parking Area Illumination

Business licensees in Nicholasville must provide:

• Adequate outside lighting in parking areas • Sufficient illumination to allow customers to safely utilize the parking area • Lighting that promotes the safety, health, and welfare of the general public

Itinerant Merchant Lighting Restrictions

Mobile vendors operating in Nicholasville must follow these specific lighting guidelines:

• Only permanently or semi-permanently affixed lighting allowed on vendor units • No lighting that causes glare that could be considered a public health hazard • No lighting creating nuisances or distractions to vehicular movement • No disruptions to neighboring business operations or residential uses • No flashing or strobe lighting permitted

Street Lighting Standards

Developer Responsibilities

Nicholasville has established comprehensive street lighting requirements for new developments:

Local Streets

• 100 watt (9,500 lumens) high pressure sodium vapor luminaries • 4-foot support arms for these fixtures

Collector Streets

• Either 100 watt (9,500 lumens) or 250 watt (27,500 lumens) high pressure sodium vapor luminaries • Determination based on traffic volume, hazardous conditions, and residential development density • 4-foot support arms for 100-watt fixtures • 6-foot support arms for 250-watt fixtures

Arterial Streets

• 250 watt (27,500 lumens) high pressure sodium vapor luminaries or larger • Final determination made by the supervisor of the electric department • 6-foot support arms required

Utility Provider Specifications

Street lighting in Nicholasville is provided through two utility companies:

• Blue Grass R.E.C.C.: Furnishes and installs street lighting according to their standards and policies • Kentucky Utilities: Furnishes and installs street lighting according to their standards and policies • Both must meet or exceed the city's minimum standards • Developers must pay the city for each lighting unit installed • Street lights remain the property of the utility serving the area

Security Lighting Services

For residents and businesses seeking additional lighting, Nicholasville offers security lighting services:

• Availability: Available to residential and general service electric customers • Equipment: Standard luminaire controlled by photo-electric relay • Installation: Mounted with standard bracket on wood pole with overhead facilities • Monthly Rates for existing city pole installations:

• 100W: $11.00
• 250W: $14.00
• 400W: $17.00

• Additional facilities available at extra cost

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

Understanding Nicholasville's lighting requirements helps property owners maintain compliance while contributing to community safety:

• Residential properties: Ensure all required areas have proper illumination fixtures • Commercial properties: Maintain adequate egress lighting and parking area illumination • Developers: Follow street lighting specifications based on street classification • Mobile vendors: Use only fixed lighting without glare or flashing effects

Permits and Approvals

Any deviations from the city's lighting standards require explicit approval from the city commission. Property owners should consult with city officials before implementing non-standard lighting solutions.

Supporting Nicholasville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Nicholasville maintains between preserving its historical character and meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value their architectural heritage.

Our team recognizes that Nicholasville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to both safety and historical aesthetics. The city's careful attention to appropriate lighting levels in different settings shows dedication to creating well-lit environments that complement its historic areas like the Young House.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities like Nicholasville, helping property owners understand how lighting choices impact the overall character of their neighborhoods. Our appreciation for regional architectural styles and community standards allows us to support Nicholasville's lighting vision through expertise rather than just products.

Conclusion

Nicholasville's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to safety and historical preservation. By establishing clear standards for residential common areas, commercial spaces, street lighting, and security illumination, the city ensures adequate visibility while maintaining its distinctive character.

Property owners, businesses, and developers play important roles in implementing these lighting standards. Through thoughtful compliance with these regulations, community members contribute to Nicholasville's continued evolution as a city that honors its past while embracing its future.

For specific questions about lighting compliance or to request clarification on any regulations, contact Nicholasville city officials directly.