Lighting Regulations in North Manchester, Indiana: Preserving Historic Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: North Manchester's Lighting Legacy

Founded in 1846 by Peter Ogan, North Manchester, Indiana carries a rich historical heritage that residents take pride in preserving. The town's architectural character, showcased in the North Manchester Historic District, reflects various historical styles that contribute to the community's unique identity.

The town's lighting regulations aim to maintain this historical ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality. By carefully managing how properties are illuminated, North Manchester balances modern needs with its commitment to preserving its distinctive small-town character and reducing light pollution.

Quick Reference Guide to North Manchester Lighting Requirements

Essential lighting regulations at a glance:

• Security/Wall Lighting: Must be fully shielded with no visible bulb from property line
• Parking Areas: Full cut-off fixtures required for areas used after 6:00 p.m.
• Loading Areas: Must be illuminated during non-daylight use with full cut-off fixtures
• Signs: No illuminated signs within 50 feet of residential districts without special design
• Residential Properties: Adequate lighting required for dwellings
• Mobile Home Parks: Must be adequately lit with shielded fixtures to prevent glare
• General Requirement: All exterior lighting must prevent illumination, glare or reflection on adjacent properties

Residential Lighting Requirements

Dwelling Illumination Standards

North Manchester's building code requires adequate lighting for all structures used as dwellings. This requirement falls under health and safety regulations, with inadequate lighting considered a factor that could make a dwelling "unsanitary" or "unfit for human habitation."

Home-Based Businesses

If you operate a business from your home, any signage must be non-illuminated and no larger than two square feet. The sign must be attached to the structure.

Yard Lighting Allowances

Lamp posts are specifically permitted in any required yard without the need for a permit. In front yards, lamp posts are considered acceptable "appurtenances" along with steps, walks, terraces, and driveways.

Commercial & Industrial Lighting Regulations

Security and Wall-Mounted Lighting

The town has specific requirements for security lighting on commercial and industrial properties:

• Lighting must be fully shielded so that bulbs and glare aren't visible from property lines
• Lighting must be directed downward against the building

Parking Area Illumination

For parking areas used after 6:00 p.m.:

• Adequate lighting must be provided
• Fixtures must be full cut-off design
• Light must be directed to avoid shining directly on adjacent properties

Loading Area Requirements

For commercial loading zones:

• Areas used during non-daylight hours must be illuminated
• All lights must use full cut-off fixtures
• Lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining property

Industrial Operation Restrictions

Industrial facilities face additional restrictions:

• Operations cannot cause glare that creates a public nuisance beyond residence/business district boundaries

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Location-Based Restrictions

• No illuminated signs within 50 feet of residential districts unless designed to prevent light from shining onto residential property
• Central Business District: No flashing, intermittent, revolving, rotating or animated lighting displays
• Other Districts: May allow such lighting with Board of Zoning Appeals variance approval

Illumination Incentives

Property owners can receive a 10% increase in sign face area if their signs are not illuminated (applies to both freestanding and wall/facade signs).

Historical Signage

Commemorative plaques, historical signs, and cornerstones (up to nine square feet) must not be illuminated.

Traffic Safety Considerations

No sign should be positioned, worded, illuminated, sized, shaped, or colored in ways that might be confused with traffic control devices.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Parks and Playgrounds

All exterior lighting for parks and playgrounds must be arranged and sheltered to prevent:

• Illumination on adjacent properties
• Glare affecting neighboring areas
• Light reflection beyond the recreational area

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home communities have specific lighting requirements:

• The park must be adequately lighted
• All lights must be shielded to protect both mobile home units and adjacent residential properties from glare

Development Planning & Lighting Considerations

Plan Commission Review

When evaluating planned unit developments, the Plan Commission considers whether light from proposed uses will adversely affect adjacent lands.

Special Exception Uses

Lighting is specifically listed as a factor in evaluating special exception use applications.

Landscaping Plans

Development proposals requiring detailed landscaping plans must include information about "special lighting fixtures" when applicable.

Supporting North Manchester's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares North Manchester's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing practical modern solutions. As a Midwest manufacturer with deep understanding of small-town architectural traditions, we appreciate North Manchester's balanced approach to lighting regulations.

Our expertise in lighting solutions that respect historical contexts aligns with North Manchester's careful preservation of its architectural heritage. We understand the importance of lighting that enhances safety and functionality without compromising the town's distinctive character or creating nuisance for neighbors.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities like North Manchester, helping residents and businesses understand lighting regulations and find solutions that meet both code requirements and aesthetic goals. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices supports North Manchester's efforts to reduce light pollution and preserve its small-town atmosphere.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Implementation Tips

When installing new exterior lighting on your North Manchester property, remember these key principles:

• Shield all fixtures to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Direct light downward whenever possible
• Avoid glare that might affect roadways or neighboring properties
• Consider non-illuminated signs to take advantage of the 10% size bonus
• Ensure adequate lighting for safety while respecting neighbors

Permit Considerations

While lamp posts don't require permits in required yard areas, other lighting installations may need review, especially in commercial or industrial contexts. Always check with town officials before making significant lighting changes.

Conclusion

North Manchester's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By carefully managing exterior illumination, the town maintains its distinctive small-town atmosphere while reducing light pollution.

Property owners who understand and follow these lighting guidelines contribute to North Manchester's continued efforts to balance modern needs with historical preservation. Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses help maintain the town's unique charm and character for future generations.