Lighting Regulations in Scottsville, Kentucky: Preserving Small-Town Charm While Ensuring Public Safety

Introduction

Founded in 1817 and named after Kentucky's fourth governor, Scottsville has carefully maintained its small-town charm and historical character over the centuries. The traditional town square, historic buildings, and close-knit community atmosphere all contribute to Scottsville's unique identity.

As part of preserving this charming character while ensuring public safety, Scottsville has established specific lighting regulations that balance traditional aesthetics with modern needs. These guidelines help maintain the town's warm, welcoming atmosphere while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide to Scottsville's Lighting Regulations

Before diving into the details, here are the key lighting requirements you should know:

• Public Establishments: Minimum light level of 10 foot-candles at floor level in public areas
• Exit Signs: Must be internally illuminated with letters at least 5 inches in height
• Habitable Rooms: Must have windows in outside walls for natural light
• Basement Apartments: Required to have outside lighting
• Illuminated Signs: Light must not shine beyond property lines
• Home Occupations: Must not create glare outside the dwelling

Residential Lighting Requirements

Habitable Room Requirements

The building code specifies that all habitable rooms must have access to light through windows in outside walls. This regulation ensures that residents have natural light in their living spaces, which contributes to both quality of life and energy efficiency.

Basement Apartment Standards

If you own a property with basement apartments, take note that outside lighting is specifically required for these units. This requirement likely exists to ensure safety and visibility for basement dwelling entrances and exits.

Home Occupation Restrictions

For those running businesses from their homes, the regulations state that:

• No equipment or process shall create glare outside the dwelling unit
• This restriction helps maintain the residential character of neighborhoods and prevents light pollution

Commercial and Public Space Lighting

Public Establishment Standards

For businesses and public spaces, Scottsville requires:

• A light level of no less than ten-foot candles at floor level
• This standard applies to every portion of the establishment to which the public is admitted
• The requirement ensures adequate visibility for safety and security

Shopping Center Requirements

Shopping centers have specific lighting guidelines:

• Access ways and parking areas must be "adequately lighted"
• Lighting fixtures must be installed to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• Shopping centers adjacent to residential districts must include landscaping and screening to prevent light transmission

Amusement Areas

For establishments with amusement devices or viewing areas:

• Exit doorways must have internally illuminated exit signs
• Exit sign letters must be at least five inches in height
• This requirement ensures clear visibility of exits during emergencies

Signage Lighting Regulations

Light Trespass Prevention

Scottsville takes care to prevent light pollution from signs:

• Illuminated signs must be positioned to prevent direct rays from shining beyond property lines
• This regulation helps maintain the dark night sky and prevents light nuisance to neighbors

Prohibited Lighting Types

The regulations specifically limit certain types of sign lighting:

• Neon or lighted tubing signs are generally not permitted
• Exceptions exist for:
• Lighting used behind solid lettering to create a "halo" effect
• Indirect use of such lighting
• Neon lighting cannot be used to outline buildings, structures, or ornamental features

Sign Placement Restrictions

The code also specifies that:

• No sign shall be attached to or painted on any tree, utility pole, or streetlight
• This helps maintain the aesthetic integrity of the public spaces

Special Use Lighting Guidelines

Parks and Recreation Areas

All parks in Scottsville must:

• Be equipped with lighting units that comply with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards
• Follow the recommendations in the "Information Guide for Roadway Lighting"

Transmission Towers

For transmission towers within city limits:

• Towers should not be artificially lighted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration or appropriate commonwealth authority
• Unless otherwise required by regulations, all transmission towers shall be light gray in color

What Property Owners Should Know

Historical Context

Scottsville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety. The city has a long history of attention to lighting, with ordinances dating back to 1938 specifically addressing street lighting.

Practical Compliance Tips

When planning lighting for your property in Scottsville:

1. Focus on containing light within your property boundaries
2. Choose fixtures that direct light downward to minimize glare and light trespass
3. Consider the historical character of your neighborhood when selecting fixtures
4. Remember that natural light through windows is required for habitable spaces
5. Ensure commercial spaces meet the minimum 10 foot-candle requirement

Balancing Aesthetics and Safety

Scottsville's regulations aim to:

• Preserve the town's quaint, historic atmosphere
• Prevent light pollution that would detract from the small-town character
• Ensure adequate illumination for safety and security
• Protect residential areas from commercial light intrusion

Supporting Scottsville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that small historic towns like Scottsville must maintain between preserving traditional character and meeting modern lighting needs.

As a manufacturer with a deep appreciation for historical contexts, Bock Lighting shares Scottsville's commitment to maintaining aesthetic integrity while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality. We recognize the importance of lighting solutions that respect the quaint charm and close-knit community feel that makes Scottsville special.

Our expertise in lighting for traditional town squares, historic buildings, and small communities can serve as a resource for property owners looking to enhance their spaces while complying with local regulations. We understand that in communities like Scottsville, lighting isn't just about visibility—it's about reinforcing the warm, welcoming character that defines the town's identity.

Conclusion

Scottsville's lighting regulations, though not extensive, reflect the city's commitment to balancing its historical character with modern safety needs. The focus on containing light within property boundaries, requiring adequate illumination in public spaces, and limiting glare and light trespass all support the city's small-town atmosphere.

For property owners, understanding these regulations helps ensure compliance while contributing to the preservation of Scottsville's unique charm. As the city continues to grow and evolve, these lighting standards will help maintain the warm, welcoming environment that makes Scottsville special.

Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or developer, thoughtful lighting choices that respect both the letter and spirit of these regulations will help Scottsville shine brightly while preserving its distinctive historical character for generations to come.