Lighting Regulations in Purcell, Oklahoma: Balancing Safety, History, and Community Character

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Oklahoma, Purcell boasts a rich history dating back to its 1887 founding as a railroad station for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. This charming city, with its scenic views from Red Hill overlooking the South Canadian River valley, carefully preserves its architectural heritage while embracing growth as part of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area.

Purcell's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance between preserving historical character and ensuring modern safety standards. Understanding these regulations helps property owners contribute to the city's aesthetic harmony while meeting all compliance requirements.

Quick Reference Guide to Purcell's Lighting Requirements

• Direction: Lights must not shine directly on public roads or adjacent properties
• Height: Ground-level security lighting limited to 20 feet maximum height
• Illumination Levels:
• Parking areas: 3 foot-candles average (minimum 0.75)
• Pedestrian areas: 6 foot-candles average (minimum 1.5)
• Signs: No flashing, intermittent, revolving, or moving lights allowed
• Review Process: All lighting installations require Planning Commission review and approval
• Mobile Home Parks: Must meet Illuminating Engineering Society standards or minimum 0.5 candlepower

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

Purcell's regulations focus on minimizing light trespass—unwanted light that spills onto neighboring properties. Per city code, no person shall permit lights to shine directly on public roads, adjacent property, or property in the general vicinity.

To achieve this, regulations specify that site lighting should be:

• Directed downward and internally to avoid glare
• Focused away from public roads and adjacent buildings
• Designed with cutoff luminaries and shields where needed to minimize light trespass

Height and Positioning Restrictions

Ground-level security lighting comes with specific limitations:

• Maximum height of 20 feet
• Must be focused to avoid conflict with:
• Vehicle operators in public right-of-way
• Adjacent residential zones and structures

Low-Intensity Preference

The city expresses a clear preference for low wattage or low-intensity light fixtures in development plans, reinforcing the community's commitment to responsible lighting practices.

Specific Illumination Standards

Parking Areas

For safe vehicle navigation while minimizing excess light:

• Maintained average of 3 foot-candles throughout parking areas
• Minimum illumination of 0.75 foot-candles at any point

Pedestrian Areas

For enhanced safety in high-traffic pedestrian zones:

• Maintained average of 6 foot-candles required for:
• Pedestrian walkways and common areas
• Areas of concealment needing visual access
• All building entries and exits
• Minimum illumination of 1.5 foot-candles at any point

Design Considerations

Regulations emphasize the balance between different lighting purposes:

• Provide pedestrian-scaled lighting for circulation and visibility
• Ensure effective vehicular traffic lighting that doesn't overwhelm pedestrian lighting
• Use cutoff luminaries and house-side shields to minimize unwanted light spread

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Mobile Home and Travel Trailer Parks

Streets and driveways within these residential communities must be illuminated according to:

• Current standards of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, OR
• One-half (1/2) candlepower, whichever provides higher illumination

Street Lighting in New Subdivisions

When developing new subdivisions, regulations require that:

• Developers must make provisions for adequate lighting of public streets
• All street lighting must conform to the City's standards and specifications
• Prior to installation, the authority determines costs for providing street lighting services

Tower Lighting Restrictions

Towers in Purcell face strict illumination controls:

• Tower illumination is prohibited except when required by the FAA
• Strobes may not be used for nighttime lighting
• Required lighting must be directed upward and away from adjoining properties

Marijuana Growing Facilities

Marijuana cultivation lighting comes with specific limitations:

• Lighting must not exceed 1,000 watts per light
• Lighting must not create a public nuisance or interfere with neighbors' enjoyment of property
• All lighting components must comply with municipal building codes

Sign Lighting Regulations

Preventing Distracting Illumination

Purcell prohibits signs that:

• Contain flashing, intermittent, revolving, or moving lights
• Cause annoying glare to residential neighborhoods

Residential Protection

Lighted signs must be arranged so there will be no annoying glare directed or reflected toward residential buildings in residential districts.

Sign Types and Illumination

The code distinguishes between different illumination types:

• Some commemorative and historical signs may be "nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated"
• Signs authorized for public purposes may have specific illumination types as authorized by law

Planning and Approval Process

Required Review

All lighting installations must go through proper channels:

• No lighting may be installed without being reviewed as part of a development plan
• All lighting improvements must be presented to the Planning Commission for review and final approval prior to commencing work

Documentation Requirements

When submitting plans, applicants must include:

• A description of lighting for the development
• Details showing compliance with all applicable standards
• Information about intensity, positioning, and potential impact on surrounding areas

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Ahead

Before installing or modifying exterior lighting:

• Consult with the Planning Commission early in your project
• Document your lighting plans thoroughly, including technical specifications
• Consider neighbors and adjacent properties when designing your lighting scheme

Best Practices for Compliance

To ensure your lighting meets Purcell's standards:

• Use downward-directed fixtures to minimize light trespass
• Select appropriate light intensity for the intended purpose
• Consider using timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary illumination
• Choose low-intensity fixtures when possible for both compliance and energy efficiency

Supporting Purcell's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. As a manufacturer committed to responsible lighting practices, we appreciate Purcell's thoughtful approach to regulations that maintain its unique historical charm.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting requirements allows us to serve as a resource for communities like Purcell that value their heritage while embracing necessary growth. We understand the technical specifications required by local regulations and can help educate property owners about creating lighting solutions that complement Purcell's aesthetic vision.

Bock Lighting shares Purcell's commitment to minimizing light pollution while ensuring safe, functional illumination—a balance that honors both the city's railroad town origins and its vibrant present as part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Conclusion

Purcell's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. By directing light downward, limiting intensity, and preventing glare and light trespass, these standards help maintain the city's unique charm.

Property owners and developers who understand and follow these guidelines contribute to the continued aesthetic harmony of "The Heart of Oklahoma"—a community that thoughtfully balances growth with preservation of its rich architectural heritage.