Lighting Regulations in Saint Matthews, Kentucky: Understanding Sign Illumination Standards

Introduction

Saint Matthews, Kentucky, is a city with a rich historical character and architectural heritage dating back to its early settlement by pioneers and farmers. Named after St. Matthews Episcopal Church, the city's growth accelerated following the Ohio River flood of 1937, when many families relocated from Louisville to the higher ground of Saint Matthews.

Since its incorporation in 1950, Saint Matthews has evolved into a vibrant commercial hub while maintaining its community-centered values. The development of Mall St. Matthews—Kentucky's second-largest mall—and the historic Vogue Theater illustrates how the city balances commercial growth with preserving its unique character.

This balance extends to the city's approach to lighting regulations, particularly for signage. These guidelines aim to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the community while ensuring safety and functionality for businesses and residents alike.

Quick Reference Guide

• Flashing Lights Near Highways: Prohibited within 100 feet of city-maintained highway rights-of-way
• ECMD Sign Requirements:
• Must be LED message centers only
• Must feature automatic dimming capability
• Maximum illumination levels vary by location and time of day (ranging from 100-7,500 nits)
• Time restrictions apply near residential areas (11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.)
• Static displays only, changing no more than once every 5 minutes
• Prohibited Features: Flashing, oscillating, rotating lights or displays that mimic traffic signals

Highway-Adjacent Lighting Restrictions

Safety First: Flashing Light Prohibitions

Saint Matthews prioritizes traffic safety by restricting certain types of lighting near roadways. According to city ordinance § 70.22, no person shall install or maintain red, yellow, green or similarly colored flashing lights within 100 feet of the right-of-way of any city-maintained highway.

Exceptions for Essential Services

This prohibition comes with important exceptions. Flashing lights are permitted when used for:

• Safety purposes
• Highway construction
• Emergency situations

These exceptions ensure that necessary warning systems can function while preventing potentially distracting or confusing lighting displays that might affect driver safety.

Electronic Sign Illumination Standards

What is an ECMD?

Electronically Changeable Message Displays (ECMDs) are digital signs that can display changing text or images. In Saint Matthews, these signs are subject to specific regulations to ensure they contribute positively to the community's appearance and don't create light pollution or safety hazards.

Technology Requirements

Saint Matthews requires that all ECMDs:

• Must be LED message centers only
• Must incorporate automatic dimming capability to adjust brightness based on ambient sunlight conditions
• Must be programmed to freeze in a static display if a malfunction occurs
• Must have an accessible exterior cut-off switch for city enforcement

Illumination Limits in Commercial Areas

For ECMDs in commercial zoning districts, the following maximum illumination levels apply:

• Daytime: 7,500 nits (measured at the sign's face)
• Nighttime (dusk to dawn): 750 nits (measured at the sign's face)
• Near residential zones: 200 nits if within 350 feet of a residential zone and visible from residences

Illumination Limits in Residential Areas

ECMDs located in residential districts face stricter limitations:

• Daytime: 7,000 nits maximum (measured at the sign's face)
• Nighttime (dusk to dawn): 100 nits maximum (measured at the sign's face)

Night Operation Restrictions

To protect residential areas from light disturbance during sleeping hours:

• ECMDs within 150 feet of a residential zone must discontinue display between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• ECMDs located within residential zones must also follow this nighttime shutdown period

Content Display Regulations

Static Display Requirements

Saint Matthews regulations specify that ECMD displays must be:

• Static in appearance
• Change instantaneously (no transitions or animations)
• Change no more frequently than once every five minutes

Prohibited Display Features

The following display characteristics are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing effects
• Undulating or pulsing elements
• Explosions or fireworks simulations
• Blinking or chasing lights
• Movement toward or away from viewers
• Expanding or contracting elements
• Bouncing, rotating, spinning, or twisting animations
• Displays mimicking traffic control or public safety devices

Compliance Documentation

Sign owners and installers must provide:

• A signed and notarized statement acknowledging display restrictions
• Certification of compliance with maximum illumination levels
• Annual renewal of compliance certification

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Purpose Behind Regulations

Saint Matthews' sign illumination regulations reflect the city's commitment to:

• Preserving community character
• Reducing light pollution
• Ensuring traffic safety
• Respecting residential areas with stricter nighttime standards

Planning for Compliance

If you're considering installing an electronic sign in Saint Matthews:

• Consult the full code for specific requirements based on your location
• Document compliance measures carefully for permit applications
• Install required safety features including automatic dimming and emergency cut-off switches
• Program appropriate timing controls to comply with nighttime restrictions
• Maintain proper illumination levels appropriate to your zoning district

Special Considerations

Property owners should note that:

• Applications for increased illumination may be considered in areas with uniquely high ambient light levels
• Any ECMD must have programming capability to freeze in static display upon malfunction
• Signs must be equipped with accessible exterior cut-off switches

Supporting Saint Matthews' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Saint Matthews' commitment to balancing modern needs with community character. Our experience with historic communities throughout the region has given us a deep appreciation for municipalities like Saint Matthews that prioritize their architectural heritage while embracing appropriate modern technologies.

We understand the importance of lighting that complements rather than detracts from a community's established character. Our expertise in helping property owners navigate lighting regulations can be a valuable resource for Saint Matthews residents and businesses seeking to enhance their properties while respecting local standards.

Bock Lighting's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Saint Matthews' evident concern for appropriate illumination levels and minimizing light disruption in residential areas. Our team appreciates the thoughtful approach Saint Matthews has taken to electronic signage regulations, which protect community aesthetics while allowing businesses to effectively communicate with customers.

Conclusion

Saint Matthews' lighting regulations, particularly regarding electronic signage, reflect a thoughtful approach to balancing business needs with community aesthetics and residential comfort. The specific limitations on illumination levels, display characteristics, and operating hours demonstrate the city's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while accommodating modern signage technology.

Property owners considering electronic signs should pay careful attention to location-specific requirements, with special consideration for proximity to residential areas. By adhering to these regulations, businesses and organizations can contribute positively to Saint Matthews' visual environment while effectively communicating with their audiences.

These standards help ensure that Saint Matthews maintains its welcoming community feel while continuing to evolve as a vibrant commercial and residential hub in the greater Louisville area.