Lighting Regulations in Perry, Oklahoma: A Guide to Compliance and Historical Preservation

Introduction

The city of Perry, Oklahoma, established during the Cherokee Outlet land opening of September 16, 1893, has maintained its small-town charm and historical character since its founding days. Named after J.A. Perry, a member of the first Oklahoma Territorial Commission, the city takes pride in its frontier town heritage and architectural preservation efforts, particularly in its historic downtown area.

With a population of just over 5,000 residents, Perry operates under a Home Rule Charter form of government that allows for community-focused policies, including lighting regulations designed to maintain the city's unique aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality for all residents.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Animal Housing: Minimum 25 foot-candles illumination at 30 inches above floor level; 8+ hours daily • Parking Areas: Lighting must prevent glare into abutting properties and not create nuisances • Commercial Properties: Avoid unreasonable reflection, glare onto vehicles, pedestrians, or neighboring properties • Industrial Districts: Exterior fixtures must be shaded to prevent light casting onto residential areas • Public Establishments: Minimum 5 foot-candles illumination at floor level in certain businesses • Prohibited Features: No flickering, moving, or flashing lights that create disturbances • Airport Vicinity: Special restrictions apply near airport to prevent pilot confusion or glare

Residential and Agricultural Lighting Requirements

Animal Housing Facilities

Perry's code includes specific provisions for lighting in animal housing facilities:

• Minimum Duration: Adequate lighting must be provided for at least 8 hours per day • Illumination Level: A minimum of 25 foot-candles of illumination measured at 30 inches above floor level • Distribution Quality: Light must be uniformly distributed throughout the facility • Animal Protection: Enclosures must be positioned to protect animals from excessive illumination

Marijuana Growing Operations

For residents engaged in legal marijuana cultivation, lighting considerations include:

• All lighting components must comply with municipal building and fire codes • Growing operations must not produce light or glare that constitutes a public nuisance • Light should not interfere with neighbors' reasonable enjoyment of life and property

Commercial and Parking Area Lighting

General Commercial Lighting Standards

Perry's regulations ensure that commercial lighting enhances safety while respecting neighboring properties:

• All outdoor lighting must avoid unreasonable reflection or glare affecting vehicle operators, pedestrians, and neighboring properties • Reflector arrangements and light intensity should not interfere with adjacent land uses or streets • Prohibited: Flickering, moving, or flashing lights

Parking Area Illumination

The city has established clear guidelines for parking area lighting:

• All lights used for parking spaces must be installed to prevent glare into abutting property • Lighting equipment for off-street parking must not create nuisances or hazards • Illumination must be designed so that light does not fall onto residentially zoned property • The location, intensity, direction, and time usage of outdoor lighting must be considered to minimize adverse impacts on surrounding areas

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Public Establishments

Certain public establishments have specific illumination requirements:

• Minimum illumination of 5 foot-candles at floor level • This illumination must be maintained whenever patrons are present

Industrial District Lighting (I-2)

Industrial properties have additional restrictions:

• Exterior lighting fixtures must be shaded to prevent direct light from falling on residential districts • Operations producing intense glare must be conducted within completely enclosed buildings • Exposed light sources must be screened to prevent detection beyond lot lines

Towers and Antenna Lighting

• Towers should not be artificially lighted unless required by FAA or other authorities • If lighting is required, designs must cause the least disturbance to surrounding views

Signage Lighting Regulations

Sign Illumination Standards

Perry's code includes provisions for sign lighting:

• Special exceptions may consider the location, height, size, or lighting of signs • The impact on health, safety, and welfare of adjacent residents must be considered

Animated Signs

• Flashing signs are defined as having repetitive on-off illumination with cycles under 4 seconds • Illuminated signs are categorized as either internally or externally illuminated

Development Complexes

• Multi-occupancy development complexes exceeding 8 acres must submit a master sign plan • These plans must address the type of illumination to be used throughout the complex

Airport Vicinity Lighting Considerations

Properties near Perry's airport have special lighting restrictions:

• Lighting near airports should not make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others • Lighting must not result in glare affecting pilots or impair visibility in the vicinity • Owners of structures near airports may be required to install and maintain markers and lights at their expense

Security Lighting Options and Rates

Perry offers municipal security lighting with the following rates and terms:

• One-time installation charge of $20.40 per luminaire on existing utility poles • Monthly rates ranging from $6.40 for 100-watt high pressure sodium/LED to $36.31 for 1000-watt metal halide/LED equivalent • The city provides dusk-to-dawn lighting service • The department handles replacement and repairs at its own expense • Minimum contract period is one year

What Property Owners Should Know

Balancing Safety and Aesthetic Considerations

Perry's lighting regulations aim to balance safety needs with the preservation of the city's historical character. When planning lighting for your property, consider:

• Historical Context: How your lighting choices affect the historical ambiance of your neighborhood • Neighbor Impacts: Ensuring your lighting enhances safety without creating nuisances • Technical Compliance: Meeting specific foot-candle requirements for your property type

Permit Requirements

While the extracts don't specify all permit requirements, it's clear that:

• Development plans must include details about proposed lighting • Special circumstances like development complexes require lighting plans • Consideration of light pollution may be part of approval processes

Supporting Perry's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Perry's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern lighting technology. Our understanding of communities like Perry—with their rich architectural heritage and small-town charm—allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

We appreciate Perry's balanced approach to maintaining safety and functionality while preserving the unique historical ambiance that makes the city special. Our experience with similar communities has taught us the importance of lighting solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and community character.

As lighting technology evolves, Bock remains committed to sustainable practices and educational initiatives that help communities like Perry maintain their distinctive identity while meeting modern lighting needs.

Conclusion

Perry, Oklahoma's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving its historical frontier town character while ensuring the safety and functionality of modern infrastructure. From the specific requirements for animal housing to the careful considerations required near the airport, these lighting standards help maintain the community's unique charm.

Property owners should approach lighting with consideration for both technical compliance and neighborhood impact. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to the preservation of Perry's distinctive character while creating safe, functional spaces for all.

Whether installing security lighting, planning commercial development, or simply updating residential exterior lights, keeping these regulations in mind will help ensure that Perry continues to shine in a manner that honors its rich historical legacy.