Lighting Regulations in Plantation, Kentucky: A Guide to Sign and Safety Lighting Requirements

Introduction

Nestled in northeastern Jefferson County, Plantation, Kentucky is a small residential community of just 0.2 square miles. Founded in the mid-20th century during suburban expansion, this city features characteristic mid-century architecture with an emphasis on uniformity and practical design.

The lighting regulations in Plantation reflect the community's focus on maintaining a cohesive neighborhood aesthetic while ensuring public safety. Though limited in scope, these regulations primarily address sign illumination and safety lighting for construction areas - essential components of preserving the city's residential character.

Quick Reference Guide

For those seeking an at-a-glance summary of Plantation's lighting requirements:

• Construction/Excavation Safety Lighting:
• Minimum of 2 illuminated red lamps required at each end of street obstructions
• Additional lamp required for every 50 feet of obstruction
• Mandatory during all nighttime hours
• Sign Lighting Requirements:
• Illuminated business signs permitted in OTF District
• No flashing/intermittent illumination in PRO and PEC Districts
• All illuminated signs must be constant in intensity and color
• Time and temperature displays permitted in commercial and manufacturing zones
• No glare that interferes with driver vision

Safety Lighting Requirements

Construction and Excavation Lighting

Public safety is a priority in Plantation, as evidenced by the detailed requirements for lighting around construction sites and street obstructions.

Key Requirements for Obstruction Lighting

Anyone who is excavating or obstructing any portion of a street, sidewalk, alley, or public way must:

• Install and maintain at least 2 illuminated red lamps
• Position lamps securely and conspicuously at or near each end of the obstruction
• Add one additional lamp for each additional 50 feet (or portion thereof) of obstruction
• Ensure lighting remains operational throughout all nighttime hours

These requirements help prevent accidents and ensure public safety around construction zones, particularly important in a residential community where pedestrians may be walking during evening hours.

Sign Illumination Regulations

District-Specific Requirements

Plantation's approach to sign lighting varies by zoning district, allowing businesses appropriate visibility while maintaining the residential character of the community.

OTF District Provisions

• Illuminated business signs are permitted
• Must comply with general sign illumination standards

PRO and PEC Districts Restrictions

• Signs may be illuminated, but with specific limitations
• No flashing or intermittent illumination permitted
• Lighting must be constant and steady

General Sign Illumination Standards

All illuminated signs throughout Plantation must adhere to these core requirements:

• Non-flashing illumination only
• Constant intensity and color required
• No glare that could interfere with motorist vision
• Time and temperature displays are permissible exceptions in commercial and manufacturing zones (C-N, C-1, C-2, C-3, C-M, M-1, M-2, and M-3)

The consistency requirements for sign illumination help maintain the orderly visual environment valued by Plantation residents.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Limited Scope

Plantation's current regulations focus primarily on sign illumination and safety lighting for construction sites. Property owners should note:

• The city code does not appear to contain comprehensive regulations on residential exterior lighting, building illumination, or landscape lighting based on the provided extracts
• Sign illumination is the most regulated aspect of lighting in the community
• Safety requirements apply primarily to construction situations

Best Practices for Residential Lighting

Even without comprehensive regulations, property owners can support community aesthetics by:

• Choosing exterior lighting that complements mid-century architectural styles
• Considering neighbors when positioning outdoor lighting
• Avoiding harsh glare that might impact drivers (applying the same principle as the sign regulations)

Commercial Property Considerations

Business owners should pay particular attention to:

• The specific sign illumination regulations for their zoning district
• The prohibition against flashing or intermittent lighting in certain districts
• The need to ensure all illumination doesn't create hazardous glare for motorists

Supporting Plantation's Community Character

Bock Lighting as a Community Resource

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Plantation. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we appreciate the balance between modern lighting needs and neighborhood aesthetic cohesion.

Our experience with mid-century architectural styles allows us to provide guidance that respects Plantation's suburban character while incorporating appropriate lighting solutions. Though Plantation has limited formal lighting regulations, we recognize the importance of maintaining the community's visual harmony.

Bock Lighting is committed to serving as an educational resource for property owners, helping them understand both the formal requirements and informal best practices that contribute to community aesthetics and safety.

We value Plantation's focus on residential character and can help identify lighting options that enhance rather than detract from the neighborhood's appeal.

Conclusion

Plantation, Kentucky maintains a focused approach to lighting regulations, with specific requirements for construction safety lighting and sign illumination. These limited but purposeful regulations reflect the city's emphasis on residential character and safety.

Property owners should be aware of the sign illumination restrictions, particularly regarding flashing lights and glare that could impact drivers. Though comprehensive exterior lighting regulations aren't apparent in the current code, maintaining consideration for neighbors and community aesthetics remains important in this close-knit suburban community.

For those undertaking construction that impacts public ways, the safety lighting requirements are clearly defined and must be strictly followed to ensure public safety during nighttime hours.