Lighting Regulations in Schererville, Indiana: Understanding the Crossroads Community's Approach

Introduction

Schererville, Indiana, known as the "Crossroads of the Nation," has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1866 by German immigrant Nicholas Scherer. Positioned at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, this historic intersection of Native American trails and settler routes has evolved from a pioneer settlement into a thriving suburban community just 30 miles from Chicago.

As Schererville balances its historical character with modern suburban development, its approach to community planning reflects these dual influences. The town's regulations, including those related to lighting, aim to maintain community character while ensuring functionality, safety, and quality of life for residents.

Quick Reference Guide: Schererville Lighting Requirements

Based on the available regulations from Schererville's building code, here are the key lighting-related requirements:

• Street Lighting: Must be placed according to recommendations by the Town Engineer and Plan Commission
• Subdivision Development: Developers must pay for street light energy costs for two years after installation
• Street Number Display: Buildings distant from streets may display street numbers on light posts
• Park Facilities: Certain parks have security lighting (e.g., Redar Park)
• Recreational Lighting: Light usage for softball/baseball fields at Rohrman Park charged at $15 per hour
• Alarm Systems: Regulations for systems using flashing lights or beacons as alerting mechanisms

Note: Schererville's publicly available code contains limited specific technical lighting standards. Contact the town planning department for detailed requirements for specific projects.

Street Lighting Requirements

Planning and Placement

Street lighting in Schererville follows specific guidelines for new developments. The town places importance on properly illuminated roadways as part of its infrastructure planning.

Key Requirements:

• Street lights must be provided in the number, manner, and intervals as recommended by the Town Engineer and Plan Commission
• Placement must be shown on the final engineering plan
• Street light placement must be included in survey data with certification by a registered professional engineer or land surveyor

Developer Responsibilities

Subdividers creating new developments in Schererville have specific obligations regarding street lighting:

• The subdivider is responsible for paying street light energy costs for two years from the date of installation
• Street lights shall be installed in a timely manner as per the discretion of the Town

Street Planning Considerations

The Plan Commission evaluates street designs with several factors in mind, including lighting adequacy:

• Streets must be of sufficient width and proper grade
• Streets must accommodate anticipated traffic volume
• Streets must afford adequate light and air
• Street design must facilitate fire protection
• Street layout must provide a coordinated system conforming to the Thoroughfare Plan

Property Identification Lighting

Street Number Display Requirements

Schererville's code includes specific provisions for displaying street numbers when buildings are set back from the road:

• Buildings distant from streets where standard number display is impractical must display the assigned street number on a light post, mailbox, fence, or other structure
• The display must be near the entrance to the parcel
• Numbers must be plainly and readily visible to the naked eye from the adjoining street or public way

Parks and Recreation Lighting

Facility Lighting

Schererville maintains lighting at various park facilities:

• Redar Park features security lighting alongside other amenities including a parking lot, softball fields, basketball court, restrooms, picnic shelter, and playground
• Rohrman Park includes softball/baseball fields with available lighting

Usage and Fees

For those using lighted recreational facilities:

• Light usage for softball/baseball fields at Rohrman Park is charged at $15 per hour

Building Safety Standards

Habitability Requirements

Lighting adequacy is part of Schererville's building safety standards:

• Buildings intended for dwelling purposes may be determined unsuitable by the Unsafe Building Administrator if they have inadequate light along with other potential deficiencies
• Buildings with insufficient light may be deemed unsanitary or unfit for human habitation

Alarm System Regulations

Visual Alarm Requirements

Schererville regulates alarm systems that use visual signals:

• Systems may employ flashing lights or beacons designed to alert persons outside the premises
• Local alarms may include visual signaling devices activated on the premises
• Signaling devices can include electrically operated instruments that automatically send visual signals to indicators at a monitor panel

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidelines

When planning lighting for your property in Schererville, consider these practical approaches:

• Contact Town Officials: For specific projects, consult with Schererville's planning department for detailed requirements
• Street Number Visibility: Ensure your property address is visible from the street, potentially using a lighted display if needed
• Safety First: Remember that adequate lighting is considered part of building safety requirements
• New Developments: If developing property, include street lighting plans according to Town Engineer recommendations

Maintaining Community Character

While specific aesthetic standards aren't detailed in the available regulations, consider how your lighting choices impact:

• The suburban character of Schererville
• Your immediate neighborhood aesthetic
• The balance between functionality and visual appeal

Supporting Schererville's Community Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of communities like Schererville that balance historical significance with suburban development. With roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, we share Schererville's commitment to maintaining community character while embracing practical functionality.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for Schererville residents and businesses navigating lighting decisions. We appreciate Schererville's position as the "Crossroads of the Nation" and its blend of historical and modern influences.

As a community partner, Bock Lighting offers educational resources to help property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that respect both regulations and community aesthetics. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Schererville's focus on quality of life and community development.

Conclusion

Schererville's approach to lighting regulations reflects its practical needs as a suburban community while honoring its historical significance. While the town's publicly available code contains limited specific technical lighting standards, clear requirements exist for street lighting, property identification, and safety standards.

As Schererville continues to grow and develop, its lighting practices will likely continue to balance functionality, safety, and community character—reflecting its unique position as a crossroads between historical significance and modern suburban living.

For specific projects, property owners should consult directly with Schererville's planning department to ensure compliance with all current regulations and standards beyond what is outlined in this overview.