Lighting Regulations in Sebewaing, Michigan: Balancing Small-Town Charm with Safety and Functionality

Introduction: Sebewaing's Lighting Philosophy

Nestled in the Thumb region of Michigan, the village of Sebewaing embraces its rich heritage as a place "by the river" - the literal meaning of its Ojibwe-derived name. This charming agricultural community values both its natural surroundings and traditional Midwestern character.

Sebewaing's approach to lighting reflects these community values. While the village doesn't have formally designated historical districts, its regulations aim to balance practical lighting needs with preservation of the night sky and the village's aesthetic character.

This guide outlines the lighting regulations found in Sebewaing's code, providing property owners with a clear understanding of requirements that maintain the village's unique character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here are the most important lighting regulations in Sebewaing:

• Light Direction & Shielding: All exterior lighting must be directed away from and shielded from adjacent properties
• Height Restrictions: Light poles and mounts must be 15 feet or less in height
• Residential Protection: Illuminated signs must be located at least 150 feet from any residential use
• Mobile Home Parks: Specific foot-candle requirements apply (detailed below)
• Glare Prevention: Lighting must not create glare that causes annoyance, discomfort, or visibility issues
• Sign Restrictions: Special regulations apply to sign illumination, especially near traffic control devices

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Light Direction and Shielding

Sebewaing's code consistently emphasizes the importance of proper light direction and shielding. All exterior lighting, including signs, must be:

• Hooded and shielded to direct light away from adjacent properties
• Arranged to not adversely affect driver visibility on adjacent thoroughfares
• Designed to prevent light from being cast upon adjoining residences

Light Fixture Height

For off-street parking and loading areas:

• All light poles and mounts must be 15 feet or less in height

Residential Considerations

Special care must be taken when lighting is placed near residential areas:

• No external lighting of temporary structures abutting residential districts is permitted (except existing lighting)
• Illuminated signs must be designed to prevent light from being cast upon adjoining residences
• Illuminated signs must be located at least 150 feet from any residential use

Safety and Nuisance Prevention

The code defines "glare" as "the effect produced by brightness sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility" and includes several provisions to prevent it:

• Sign illumination must not be detrimental or annoying to surrounding property
• Lighting must not constitute a safety hazard (as determined by the Zoning Administrator)
• Trees and shrubs overhanging streets must be trimmed so branches don't obstruct light from street lamps

Sign Illumination Regulations

Permitted Illumination

The code specifies where and how signs can be illuminated:

• In AG, R-1, R-2, and MR districts, only non-dwelling use signs may be illuminated
• Electronic message boards must have a message/symbol/picture change cycle of not less than 30 seconds

Prohibited Illumination

Several types of sign illumination are specifically prohibited:

• No flashing, oscillating, or intermittent illumination of signs located in the line of vision of traffic control devices
• Signs are prohibited that have illumination which may be confused with or construed as a traffic control device or emergency vehicle
• Sign illumination must not interfere with safe vision along any roadway, especially at intersections

Permit Requirements

When applying for a sign permit, applications must include:

• An elevation drawing of the proposed sign depicting its method of illumination and other relevant information

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home parks have detailed illumination requirements:

• Access points to public thoroughfares must be lighted
• At street intersections and pedestrian crosswalks: minimum 0.15 foot-candles
• Streets, parking bays, and sidewalks: minimum 0.05 foot-candles
• Central park, mailbox, or park directory: minimum 3.15 horizontal foot-candles
• All lighting must be located and shielded to direct light away from abutting premises

Storage Facilities

Storage facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Lighting must be provided to illuminate access to each storage unit
• Such lighting must be reflected away from any adjacent residential use

Commercial Properties

For certain commercial properties:

• All parking must be situated in the front yard, adjacent to and visible from a public road, and must be lighted
• All entrances and exits to structures must be lighted during hours of operation

Cottage Industries

For home-based cottage industries:

• No equipment or process should create glare exceeding what's customary for residential uses
• Signs must be non-illuminated and not exceed eight square feet

Tower Lighting Regulations

FAA Requirements

For towers, lighting is generally minimized:

• The minimum FAA lighting standards shall not be exceeded
• All tower lighting required by the FAA must be shielded to reduce glare and visibility from the ground
• Towers shall not be illuminated unless required by the FAA
• Towers shall not display strobe lights unless required by federal or state authority

Special Provisions

In limited circumstances, additional lighting may be permitted:

• Light fixtures used to illuminate ball fields, parking lots or similar areas may be attached to towers when incorporated into the approved design

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When planning exterior lighting for your property in Sebewaing:

1. Consider your neighbors: Directing light away from adjacent properties isn't just regulation—it's good neighborly practice
2. Check zoning district: Different zones have different lighting permissions, especially for signs
3. Submit complete applications: Include all lighting details when submitting parking area or sign permit applications
4. Focus on safety: Ensure lighting enhances safety without creating hazardous glare for drivers

Common Compliance Issues

The most frequent issues property owners encounter with lighting compliance include:

• Improper shielding causing light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Excessive height of light poles (remember the 15-foot maximum)
• Sign illumination too close to residential areas or in prohibited zones
• Glare affecting driver visibility on adjacent roads

Supporting Sebewaing's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates Sebewaing's commitment to preserving its small-town charm while ensuring functional lighting for safety and visibility. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Sebewaing's values of balancing modern needs with traditional character.

Our team recognizes the unique challenges faced by communities like Sebewaing that seek to maintain their distinctive Midwestern aesthetic while providing proper illumination. Bock's experience with regional architectural styles and understanding of rural community lighting needs aligns well with Sebewaing's approach.

We view our role not just as lighting suppliers, but as educational partners who can help property owners navigate lighting regulations and find solutions that respect community standards. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices supports Sebewaing's environmental values and agricultural heritage.

Conclusion

Sebewaing's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its charming character while ensuring safety and functionality. By focusing on light direction, shielding, appropriate heights, and residential protection, these regulations help maintain the quality of life that makes Sebewaing special.

Property owners who understand and follow these guidelines contribute to the village's efforts to balance growth with preservation of its historical and cultural assets. When planning your next lighting project, remember that proper lighting enhances both your property and the overall community experience.

For specific questions about lighting regulations in Sebewaing, contact the Village Office or Zoning Administrator who can provide guidance for your particular situation.