Lighting Regulations in Pewee Valley, Kentucky: Preserving Historic Charm While Ensuring Public Safety

Introduction: Lighting in the Land of the Little Colonel

Nestled just east of Louisville, the picturesque community of Pewee Valley has a rich historical character dating back to its establishment in 1852. Originally known as Smith's Station, this railroad stop was renamed in 1856 after the Eastern Wood Pewee bird when Charles Franklin Smith established a post office.

Today, Pewee Valley is celebrated for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and as the setting for Annie Fellows Johnston's beloved "Little Colonel" book series. Within its compact one-square-mile area, the community maintains a delicate balance between preserving its historical charm and meeting modern needs.

This commitment to historical preservation and community character is reflected in the town's approach to outdoor lighting regulations. These standards help ensure that lighting enhances safety and security while respecting Pewee Valley's unique aesthetic and historical ambiance.

Quick Reference Guide to Pewee Valley Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Light Intensity: 4 footcandles measured at 4 feet above surface
• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 1 footcandle at any point on neighboring property
• Maximum 0.1 footcandle at any point on neighboring residential structures
• Maximum Height: Generally 25 feet for luminaires, with some restrictions
• Placement Restrictions: No luminaires in rear or side setback areas of residential property (with exceptions for entrances)
• Sign Illumination: White, steady light or white interior light; backlighting preferred
• Shielding Requirements: Luminaires with lamps >1800 lumens must not emit direct light above horizontal plane

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Light Intensity Limitations

Pewee Valley carefully regulates the intensity of outdoor lighting to maintain its small-town character. All outdoor lighting must conform to these intensity limits:

• Maximum intensity of 4 footcandles measured at 4 feet above the surface
• No luminaire shall cast light beyond property boundaries with:
• Intensity greater than 1 footcandle at any point on another property
• Intensity greater than 0.1 footcandle at any point on another's residential structure

Placement Restrictions

The placement of outdoor lighting fixtures is regulated to minimize light pollution and preserve neighborhood aesthetics:

• No luminaires allowed in rear or side setback areas of residential properties
• Exception: Luminaires may be placed in these areas if used for entrance illumination
• Entrance lighting must not cast light on public right-of-way exceeding 4 footcandles

Height and Mounting Requirements

Careful attention to the height and mounting of lighting fixtures helps preserve Pewee Valley's charming atmosphere:

• Maximum height formula: For luminaires with lamps >1800 lumens, height limited to 3 + (D/3) feet, where D is distance to nearest property boundary
• Absolute maximum height: 25 feet for most luminaires
• Public roadway luminaires: May be installed at maximum height of 25 feet up to edge of bordering property

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Illumination Methods

Pewee Valley allows specific methods for illuminating signs while maintaining its historical aesthetic:

• Recommended methods:
• Backlighting and indirect lighting
• Internal lighting (when only illuminating lettering and logos with remainder opaque)
• Permitted light sources:
• White, steady stationary light directed solely at the sign
• White interior light

Outdoor Advertising Sign Requirements

For outdoor advertising signs, additional requirements apply:

• Lighting fixtures must be mounted on top of the sign structure
• Bottom-mounted lighting is prohibited
• Internally illuminated signs must be less than 41 watts
• Dark backgrounds with light lettering/symbols are preferred
• Laser lights and searchlights are prohibited

Special Considerations

• Sign luminaires may be mounted up to 25 feet regardless of lumen rating
• Light sources must be shielded from residential buildings and streets
• No glare that creates hazards for pedestrians or drivers

Exceptions and Special Cases

Lower-Output Luminaires

The regulations provide exceptions for lighting fixtures with lower light output:

• Luminaires rated ≤1800 lumens: Unrestricted regarding light distribution or mounting height
• Flood/spot luminaires rated ≤900 lumens: Generally unrestricted unless creating direct light toward residential buildings or driver glare

Temporary Lighting

Pewee Valley provides flexibility for temporary lighting needs:

• Conforming temporary lighting is allowed without special permission
• Non-conforming temporary lighting may be permitted by City Council after review
• Defined as: Illumination for less than 7 days with at least 180 days between uses

Spot and Flood Lighting

• May be used to illuminate: Buildings, signs, flags
• May be used for temporary purposes: Backyard, driveway, or security
• Restrictions: Must not cause glare from street or light trespass >1 footcandle on neighboring property

Street Lighting Provisions

City Acceptance of Private Street Lighting

The city may take over private street lighting under specific conditions:

• Written request required with exact location and fixture types specified
• Majority consent from residents living around the street lighting
• Standard fixtures required: Must be standard LG&E fixtures and poles normally used by the city
• Limited purpose: Providing public safety at intersections and entrances

New Public Lighting Installation

For new public lighting installations:

• City Council approval required for new public area and roadway lighting
• Public hearing necessary for multiple roadway lighting luminaires
• Development certification: New subdivisions or developments must certify adherence to lighting provisions

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Timeline

• Pre-existing luminaires: Grandfathered but must be replaced with compliant fixtures when moved or replaced
• All luminaires: Must be brought into compliance within 10 years of ordinance enactment
• Violations: Must be corrected within 90 days

Permit Requirements

• Building permit applications: Must include statement regarding planned outdoor lighting
• Sign permit applications: Must specify method of illumination, if any
• Subdivision plans: Must include lighting plans, description, and data for approval

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Minimum penalty: $250
• Continuing violations: Up to $25 per day, not to exceed city's correction costs
• Additional costs: Attorney and legal fees incurred by the city to correct violations

Supporting Pewee Valley's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, appreciates the careful balance Pewee Valley maintains between preserving its historical charm and ensuring modern safety standards. As a manufacturer with deep understanding of regional architectural styles, we recognize the importance of lighting that complements rather than detracts from historic communities.

We share Pewee Valley's commitment to thoughtful lighting practices that respect the town's unique character as the "Land of the Little Colonel." Communities like Pewee Valley inspire our approach to creating lighting solutions that enhance historic areas while meeting contemporary needs.

Our team can serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance that helps maintain the distinctive character that makes Pewee Valley special. We believe that appropriate lighting can both preserve historical authenticity and provide the functionality modern residents need.

Conclusion

Pewee Valley's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the town's historical charm while ensuring public safety. By limiting light intensity, restricting placement, and requiring appropriate fixtures, these standards help maintain the community's unique character.

Whether you're replacing existing lighting or planning new installations, understanding these regulations is essential for compliance. Property owners should pay particular attention to light intensity limits, placement restrictions, and shielding requirements to ensure their outdoor lighting enhances Pewee Valley's distinctive ambiance.

Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses contribute to preserving the historic character that makes Pewee Valley such a treasured community in Kentucky's landscape.