Lighting Regulations in Plains Township, Pennsylvania: A Guide to Compliance and Community Standards

Introduction

Nestled in the Wyoming Valley of Luzerne County, Plains Township has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1851. The township's coal mining heritage has shaped much of its architectural character, while its modern development – including attractions like Mohegan Pennsylvania casino – demonstrates its forward-looking approach.

The lighting regulations in Plains Township reflect this balance between honoring historical roots and meeting contemporary needs. As a First Class Township governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners, Plains Township has carefully crafted lighting ordinances that prioritize safety and aesthetics while respecting the community's character.

Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or developer, understanding these lighting regulations is essential for compliance and good community citizenship.

Quick Reference Guide

• Off-street parking areas: Must be adequately lighted with plans included in site submissions
• Light direction: Lighting must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way
• Signs: Must maintain at least five footcandles of certified illumination
• Businesses: Outside lighting must be directed away from adjacent properties
• Home-based businesses: No-impact businesses cannot have exterior lighting that indicates business activity
• Construction: Dumpsters on public rights-of-way require barricade lighting from sunset to sunrise
• Mobile food facilities: Limited neon lighting (max 10 sq ft), no floodlights or lasers, and no illumination of public rights-of-way

General Lighting Requirements

Off-Street Parking Illumination

All off-street parking areas in Plains Township must be adequately lighted according to § 27-1112 of the township ordinance. This requirement helps ensure safety while maintaining neighborhood aesthetics.

Key requirements include:

• A detailed lighting plan must be included with required site plan submissions
• All lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties and public rights-of-way
• Lighting devices producing objectionable direct or reflected glare are prohibited

Sign Illumination Standards

Business signage plays an important role in commercial visibility, but must be properly illuminated:

• Signs must be illuminated by certified illumination during all times of occupancy
• Illumination must maintain at least five footcandles on the sign's surface
• The township defines an "illuminated sign" as "a sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source"

Glare Prevention

Plains Township explicitly prohibits lighting that creates nuisance conditions:

• Lighting devices producing objectionable direct or reflected glare on adjoining properties or thoroughfares are not permitted
• General nuisance regulations include prohibitions against "glare" as forms of disturbance inconsistent with public comfort

Business-Specific Lighting Requirements

Commercial Property Standards

Plains Township maintains consistent standards across various business types, with many sharing the same core requirement:

"Outside lighting shall be directed away from adjacent properties."

This requirement applies specifically to:

• Automotive sales establishments
• Car wash operations
• Gasoline service stations
• Public utility buildings and structures
• Convenience stores with gasoline pumps
• Community centers
• Contractors' storage yards
• Eating and drinking establishments
• Trucking facilities (including medical marijuana trucking facilities)
• Funeral homes

Mobile Food Facilities & Booths

Mobile food vendors face specific lighting limitations:

• Neon lighting exceeding ten square feet is prohibited
• No lighting from the facility/booth may illuminate any public right-of-way or adjoining property
• Flood lights and lasers are explicitly prohibited

These regulations ensure that mobile food operations maintain an appropriate visual presence without creating light pollution or safety hazards.

Residential Lighting Regulations

Home Occupation Requirements

For residents operating businesses from their homes, lighting regulations help maintain residential character:

• No offensive glare may be produced by home occupations
• For home occupations with signage, signs cannot exceed two square feet and must be placed flat against the building as a wall sign
• No-impact home-based businesses: "There shall be no outside appearance of a business, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights"

Residential Electrical Requirements

Basic lighting provisions for habitable rooms include:

• Each habitable room must have either two electrical outlets, or one outlet and one light fixture
• This requirement ensures minimum standards for functional living spaces

Construction and Public Safety Lighting

Temporary Construction Lighting

When construction or non-construction waste dumpsters are placed on public rights-of-way:

• A standard barricade light must operate from sunset to sunrise
• The light must be positioned on the dumpster side nearest to the travel lane

Street Lighting Installation

Street lighting is strategically placed throughout the township:

• Street lights must be installed at all street intersections
• Lights are required at the middle point of cul-de-sac termini
• Additional lighting is installed where deemed necessary based on field conditions or Planning Commission requirements

The township has historically installed street lights in numerous locations, including North Street, Oak Street, Parkview Drive, Ridgewood Road, and other areas to ensure public safety.

Airport Safety Lighting

Obstruction Marking and Lighting

Due to aviation concerns, special lighting regulations apply near airports:

• The township may require marking or lighting of structures or natural growth that could pose aviation hazards
• These requirements follow FAA standards for marking and lighting of obstructions to air navigation
• Regulations aim to prevent lights that could make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and others

Supporting Plains Township's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that Plains Township maintains between historical preservation and modern development needs. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we share an appreciation for the region's architectural heritage and the importance of appropriate lighting in maintaining community character.

While lighting regulations serve practical safety purposes, they also reflect Plains Township's values around community aesthetics and consideration for neighbors. Bock Lighting's expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs aligns with Plains Township's approach to development that respects both history and progress.

As a resource for understanding lighting regulations and achieving compliance, Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities like Plains Township in implementing responsible lighting practices that enhance safety, functionality, and community character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Priorities

If you're a property owner in Plains Township, these aspects of the lighting regulations deserve particular attention:

• Direction is key: Almost all lighting regulations emphasize directing light away from neighboring properties
• Parking lots require planning: Ensure off-street parking areas have adequate lighting with proper design documentation
• Avoid glare: Be particularly mindful of preventing objectionable glare conditions
• Business lighting: Commercial properties have specific requirements depending on business type
• Sign illumination: Maintain proper illumination levels for business signage

Practical Implementation Tips

When implementing lighting on your property:

• Consider using shielded fixtures that direct light downward
• Maintain appropriate brightness levels that provide safety without creating nuisance
• For businesses, evaluate how your lighting impacts neighboring properties
• When in doubt, consult with township officials before installation

Conclusion

Plains Township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community aesthetics. These regulations serve to prevent light pollution and nuisance conditions while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and visibility.

By understanding and complying with these lighting requirements, property owners contribute to maintaining the township's character and quality of life. From home-based businesses to commercial establishments, everyone plays a role in implementing responsible lighting practices that respect neighbors and enhance the community.

For specific questions about lighting regulations or to confirm requirements for your particular situation, contact Plains Township officials directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.