Lighting Regulations in Perry, Michigan: Understanding the City's Approach to Illumination

Perry, Michigan, with its rich historical roots dating back to 1836, maintains its small-town charm while adapting to modern needs. Though compact at just 3.17 square miles, this community values its distinct identity and balanced approach to development and preservation.

Lighting plays a subtle but important role in maintaining Perry's community character. While the city doesn't have an extensive dedicated lighting code, several provisions addressing illumination can be found throughout various ordinances. This blog post explores Perry's approach to lighting regulations and what property owners should know.

Quick Reference Guide

• Licensees for certain activities must provide sufficient electrical illumination in all occupied areas
• Lighting plans for licensed activities require approval by the Mayor
• Security plans for facilities should include appropriate lighting provisions
• Property developments must demonstrate adequate lighting facilities
• The City Council evaluates whether premises have adequate lighting for their intended use

Historical Context: Perry's Development and Values

Founded in 1850 by William Laing and named after War of 1812 naval commander Oliver Hazard Perry, this small Michigan city has maintained its community-focused character through generations. The arrival of the Grand Trunk Railroad in 1876 and the city's incorporation in 1893 established Perry as an important regional location.

Today, Perry balances preservation with progress. While specific technical lighting standards aren't extensively codified, the city's approach reflects its commitment to maintaining community character while addressing modern needs for safety and functionality.

Community Character and Lighting

Perry's position as a commuter town near larger cities like Lansing and Flint means its regulations reflect both its historical roots and contemporary needs. This balance is evident in the city's general approach to lighting, where the emphasis appears to be on adequacy and appropriateness rather than highly technical specifications.

Licensing and Event Requirements

When it comes to licensed activities in Perry, lighting receives specific attention in the regulations.

Illumination for Licensed Activities

The city code explicitly states that for certain licensed activities:

• Sufficient illumination must be provided in all occupied areas
• Lighting must ensure the safety and comfort of all attendants
• The licensee's lighting plan requires approval by the Mayor

Planning Documentation

For those seeking licenses for certain activities, lighting documentation is required:

• Prospective licensees must include diagrams of illumination facilities where applicable
• These plans demonstrate how adequate lighting will be provided for the specific activity

Security and Facility Requirements

Lighting plays an important role in the security planning for facilities within Perry.

Security Planning Elements

When security plans are required, they must address lighting along with other security measures:

• Plans must include "description of security plan for the facility including, but not limited to, lighting, alarms, barriers, recording and monitoring devices, and security guard arrangements"
• This holistic approach connects lighting directly to overall security considerations

Development Standards

For property development, Perry requires demonstration of:

• Adequate lighting facilities alongside other elements like off-street parking and refuse disposal
• Where appropriate, plans should address screening and noise control as well

City Council Oversight

The Perry City Council maintains oversight authority regarding the adequacy of facility lighting.

Adequacy Determination

The City Council has the authority to determine whether:

• Premises have or will have adequate lighting within a reasonable timeframe
• Lighting is appropriate for the intended use of the property
• The lighting, along with other facility elements, meets applicable city ordinances

This oversight ensures that lighting serves the practical needs of the property while aligning with community standards.

What Property Owners Should Know

If you own property in Perry, understanding the city's approach to lighting helps ensure compliance while contributing to community character.

Key Considerations

When planning lighting for your property:

• Focus on adequacy and appropriateness for your specific property use
• Consider both functional needs and community character
• For licensed activities, be prepared to submit lighting plans for approval
• If developing property, demonstrate how your lighting will be adequate for the intended use

When Planning Events

For those organizing events requiring licenses:

• Plan for sufficient illumination in all occupied areas
• Prepare lighting diagrams as part of your application
• Ensure lighting supports attendee safety and comfort
• Be ready for mayoral review of your lighting plan

Supporting Perry's Community Vision

Bock Lighting, as a regional manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the delicate balance communities like Perry strive to achieve between preservation and progress. Our experience working with small towns throughout the Midwest has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community character while meeting practical needs.

Shared Community Values

We appreciate Perry's commitment to maintaining its distinctive small-town atmosphere while adapting to contemporary needs. This approach aligns with our belief that lighting should complement a community's unique character rather than detract from it.

Educational Resources

Understanding lighting regulations can sometimes be challenging. As a community partner, we're committed to serving as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting decisions. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and community-appropriate lighting solutions can help residents make informed choices that align with Perry's vision.

Sustainable Approaches

Like many small towns in Michigan, Perry values both its natural surroundings and its built environment. Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices supports communities seeking to reduce light pollution and energy consumption while maintaining safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Though Perry's lighting regulations aren't extensively detailed in technical specifications, they reflect the city's balanced approach to development and preservation. The emphasis on adequacy, appropriateness, and mayoral oversight for certain activities demonstrates Perry's commitment to maintaining its character while addressing modern needs.

For property owners, focusing on the adequacy of lighting for specific uses—rather than meeting highly technical specifications—appears to be the primary consideration. When in doubt about specific requirements for your property or project, consulting with city officials directly is always the best approach.

By understanding and respecting Perry's approach to lighting, property owners can contribute to preserving the city's small-town charm while ensuring their properties meet community standards for safety, security, and functionality.