Lighting Regulations in Rigby, Idaho: A Guide to Property Illumination in the Birthplace of Television

Introduction

Nestled in Jefferson County, Rigby, Idaho, is proudly known as the "Birthplace of Television" due to its connection with Philo Farnsworth, a pioneering inventor in electronic television development. Founded in 1884 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this vibrant community balances its rich historical heritage with modern development needs.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to maintaining community character while ensuring safety and functionality. These regulations serve the dual purpose of preserving Rigby's unique identity while meeting the practical illumination needs of residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide to Rigby's Lighting Requirements

Key lighting requirements to know:

• Parking Areas: Non-daylight use requires proper illumination with lights arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties • Mobile Home Parks: Minimum 300 lumen output at intervals not exceeding 100 feet • Building Safety: All stairs (interior and exterior) must have lighting • Signage: Home occupation signs cannot be illuminated • Business Lighting: Some businesses require minimum illumination levels of 1-2 foot candles • Street Lighting: Required at all subdivision intersections • Airport Considerations: Special restrictions apply near airport areas to prevent pilot disorientation

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Occupation and Residential Property Lighting

Home-based businesses must be particularly careful about lighting impacts. Rigby regulations specify that home occupations must not create glare that's detectable to normal senses beyond the property boundaries.

For signage associated with home occupations: • Signs must be non-illuminated • Size limited to between 2-4 square feet (depending on zone) • Must be mounted flat against the wall of the principal building

Mobile Home Park Illumination Standards

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements designed to ensure resident safety:

• Timing requirement: All driveways, access ways, and walkways must be lit from one hour after sundown to one hour before sunrise • Minimum illumination: Not less than 300 lumen output per fixture • Spacing requirement: Lights spaced at intervals not exceeding 100 feet • Installation method: Wires for service to light poles must be underground

Duplex and Multi-Family Considerations

Tourist homes, apartments, condominiums, duplexes, and twin homes require neighborhood compatibility reviews that specifically include lighting considerations. The Zoning Administrator must approve lighting plans to ensure they integrate appropriately with surrounding properties.

Commercial and Business Lighting Standards

Parking Area Illumination

Any commercial parking or loading area intended for use during non-daylight hours must be properly illuminated to prevent accidents. However, Rigby regulations specify that:

• Lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties • Illumination must not create glare or reflection constituting a traffic hazard

Business-Specific Requirements

Some businesses have additional specific requirements:

Drive-In Restaurants: • Must avoid directing night lighting toward any residence

Manufacturing Districts: • No direct or reflected glare should be visible from properties outside the district or from any street

Sexually Oriented Businesses: • Require detailed lighting plans showing all overhead fixtures • Off-street parking areas must maintain an average horizontal illumination of 1 foot candle • Interior spaces accessible to patrons must maintain a minimum of 2 foot candles measured at floor level

Signage Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Rules

Rigby has clear regulations governing illuminated signs:

• All illuminated signs must emit light of constant intensity • Prohibited: Flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights • Illumination must not be directed toward public thoroughfares or adjacent premises • All electrical components must comply with local electrical codes • Strings of lights cannot be used for advertising purposes when not part of a sign

Special Considerations for Multi-Family Complexes

Apartment or condominium complex identification signs have specific lighting restrictions:

• May only be lit by a white light source aimed directly at the sign • Prohibited: Colored lighting, internal illumination, and neon lighting

Building and Safety Lighting Requirements

Stairway Illumination

For building safety, Rigby code clearly establishes that:

• All stairs between floors must have adequate lighting • All exterior stairs must have lighting • Light fixtures must have canopies and be securely attached to the structure

Subdivision Development Standards

For new subdivisions, street lighting is: • Required at all intersections throughout the subdivision • Must conform to City and public utility provider requirements • The financial responsibility of the subdivider

Special Considerations for Airport Proximity

Properties near the airport have additional lighting restrictions to ensure aviation safety:

• Lighting must not make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and other lights • Prohibited: Glare, coherent light beams, or other visual distractions to pilots • Development near airport approach areas faces height and lighting restrictions per FAA requirements

Supporting Rigby's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern illumination needs with community character. We appreciate Rigby's unique heritage as the "Birthplace of Television" and recognize how lighting plays a role in preserving this special community.

Our team is familiar with the technical requirements that communities like Rigby establish to maintain their distinctive character. We're committed to serving as an educational resource on lighting regulations and helping property owners navigate compliance while achieving their aesthetic and functional goals.

Bock Lighting shares Rigby's commitment to thoughtful development that respects both historical significance and modern needs. Our experience with projects in communities that value their heritage makes us a helpful partner in achieving compliant, effective lighting solutions.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your Rigby property, keep these key points in mind:

• Zoning-specific requirements: Different zones and property uses have varying lighting standards • Neighborhood compatibility: For many residential properties, lighting must be approved as compatible with surrounding areas • Directional considerations: Light must be directed to avoid glare impacting neighbors or roadways • Technical specifications: Know the foot candle or lumen requirements for your specific property type

Common Compliance Issues

The most frequent lighting compliance challenges in Rigby involve:

• Improperly directed lighting causing glare for neighbors or traffic • Insufficient illumination in required areas like stairs or mobile home park walkways • Incorrect signage illumination, particularly for home occupations • Failure to consider airport proximity requirements in affected areas

Conclusion

Rigby's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a community that honors its unique heritage while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By understanding these requirements, property owners can contribute to the city's vision while meeting their illumination needs.

For specific questions about your property's lighting requirements, it's always best to consult directly with Rigby's Zoning Administrator or building department. These regulations may be updated periodically, so checking for the most current requirements is recommended before beginning any lighting project.