Lighting Regulations in Selma, Indiana: What You Need to Know About Public Safety Lighting

Introduction

Nestled in Delaware County, Indiana, the small town of Selma carries a rich historical legacy dating back to 1853 when its post office first opened. Formally incorporated in 1907, Selma's development was significantly shaped by the Indiana Gas Boom, which brought industrial growth to this charming community. While Selma has evolved over time, it has maintained its small-town character and community-focused values.

The town's approach to regulations, including those related to lighting, reflects its practical needs while preserving its modest architectural heritage and rural atmosphere. Understanding these regulations is essential for residents and businesses operating within town limits.

Quick Reference Guide

Selma's documented lighting regulations are focused primarily on public safety:

• Warning lights required for any excavation or obstruction on public ways
• Minimum of two illuminated red lamps must be installed during nighttime
• Additional lighting required for larger obstructions (one lamp per additional 50 feet)
• Lights must be securely and conspicuously posted at both ends of the obstruction

Public Safety Lighting Requirements

Warning Lights for Public Way Obstructions

Selma's municipal code specifically addresses lighting requirements in the context of public safety. According to § 92.05 WARNING LIGHTS, any person who excavates or creates an obstruction on a public way must implement proper lighting during nighttime hours to ensure public safety.

Specific Requirements for Obstruction Lighting

The regulation outlines several key requirements:

• A minimum of two illuminated red lamps must be installed
• Lamps must be maintained throughout the night
• Lights must be securely and conspicuously posted on, at, or near each end of the obstruction or excavation
• For larger projects, additional lighting is mandatory - specifically, one additional lamp for every additional 50 feet (or portion thereof) of excavated or obstructed area

Purpose of These Requirements

These lighting regulations serve an important public safety function in Selma. Proper illumination of obstacles, construction zones, and excavations helps prevent accidents and injuries during low-light conditions. This is especially important in a small community like Selma, where street lighting may be limited in some areas.

What Property Owners Should Know

When These Regulations Apply

These lighting requirements apply whenever you or your contractors are:

• Conducting excavation work that impacts a public way
• Creating any obstruction on streets, sidewalks, or other public thoroughfares
• Performing construction that temporarily impedes normal passage on public property

Responsibility for Compliance

As a property owner, it's important to understand that:

• The responsibility for proper warning lights falls on whoever is conducting the excavation or creating the obstruction
• This includes both professional contractors and private individuals
• Proper lighting must be maintained throughout the entire nighttime period for as long as the obstruction exists

Planning Your Projects

When planning any work that might impact public ways in Selma:

• Include appropriate warning lights in your project plan and budget
• Ensure contractors are aware of and prepared to comply with these requirements
• Consider the length of your project area to determine how many lights will be needed
• Remember that each additional 50 feet requires an additional warning light

Supporting Selma's Community Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of maintaining the character and safety of small towns like Selma. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value their historical heritage while addressing practical needs.

Understanding Local Needs

Selma's focused approach to lighting regulations reflects the practical needs of a small community. The emphasis on safety lighting for public obstructions demonstrates how regulations can be targeted to address specific community concerns without imposing unnecessary restrictions.

Community Partnership

We believe in supporting communities like Selma by:

• Providing lighting solutions that respect the town's historical character
• Offering expertise on effective safety lighting that meets local regulations
• Understanding the balance between visibility, safety, and maintaining small-town atmosphere
• Serving as an educational resource on lighting best practices

Our commitment extends beyond products to include helping communities maintain their distinctive character while meeting safety needs. For towns like Selma, this means supporting solutions that preserve the night sky visibility that makes small-town living special, while ensuring public areas remain safe.

Conclusion

While Selma's documented lighting regulations focus primarily on safety lighting for public obstructions, this targeted approach reflects the town's practical, community-oriented values. The requirements ensure public safety during construction or excavation without imposing unnecessary restrictions on property owners.

The emphasis on proper warning lights around obstructions demonstrates Selma's commitment to maintaining safe public spaces while preserving its small-town character. As with many aspects of small-town governance, these focused regulations address specific needs while allowing the community's historical character to shine through.

Property owners planning work that may impact public ways should ensure compliance with these lighting requirements to maintain both safety and good community relations. By understanding and following these regulations, residents help preserve what makes Selma special – a community that values both its heritage and the well-being of its citizens.