Lighting Regulations in Spaulding Township, Michigan: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction: Understanding Spaulding Township's Lighting Approach

Spaulding Township, located in Saginaw County, Michigan, encompasses 27 square miles of predominantly rural landscape. With approximately 2,141 residents and about 70% rural land, the township has developed lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving natural resources and rural character.

The township's geographical features, including the Shiawassee River forming its western boundary and the 7,300-acre Shiawassee Flats National Wildlife Refuge, have influenced its approach to development and lighting. These natural treasures attract visitors year-round and contribute to the community's strong conservation values.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore Spaulding Township's lighting regulations and what they mean for property owners, businesses, and residents.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here's a quick overview of the most important lighting regulations in Spaulding Township:

• Height Restrictions: Parking area lighting fixtures cannot exceed 12 feet when within 200 feet of Residential Districts and generally cannot exceed 16 feet
• Direction Requirements: Exterior lighting must be deflected away from Residential Districts and adjacent streets
• Electronic Message Boards:
• Maximum size: 24 square feet
• Maximum brightness: 5,000 nits during day, 1,000 nits at night
• Must include dimmer controls for nighttime
• Dark Sky Considerations: Solar energy facilities must implement dark sky-friendly lighting solutions
• Dance Halls/Public Venues: Must be well-lit both inside and outside when events are in progress

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Positioning and Design

Spaulding Township's regulations emphasize considerate lighting placement to minimize impact on neighbors. This aligns with the township's rural character and natural environment.

Key requirements include:

• Exterior lighting must be positioned to deflect light away from adjacent Residential Districts and streets
• Natural landscape features should be retained where practical to help reduce glare
• Lighting features introduced to properties should complement the surrounding environment

Height and Placement Guidelines

The township has established specific height limitations for exterior lighting fixtures:

• Parking area lighting fixtures cannot exceed 12 feet in height when located within 200 feet of a Residential District
• Generally, exterior lighting fixtures cannot exceed 16 feet in height

These height restrictions help maintain the township's rural aesthetic while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Special Purpose Lighting Requirements

Public Venues and Dance Halls

For public gathering spaces, the township emphasizes adequate lighting for safety:

• Public dance halls must be well lighted both inside and outside whenever dances are in progress
• Premises, adjoining rooms, and halls must maintain proper illumination during events

Adult Businesses and Entertainment Venues

Specific lighting requirements apply to adult entertainment venues:

• Overhead lighting must be maintained whenever patrons are present
• Areas used for viewing entertainment must be lighted so that persons are visible from adjacent public rooms
• Lighting intensity must not interfere with the viewing of entertainment

Tower Lighting Restrictions

The township's rural character is protected through restrictions on tower lighting:

• Towers should not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA or other applicable authority
• If lighting is required, designs must cause minimal disturbance to surrounding views
• "Alternative tower structures" like light poles may be used to camouflage antenna towers

Sign Illumination Standards

Residential District Sign Lighting

Signs in residential areas have specific illumination restrictions:

• May be illuminated with no more than 200 watts of non-flashing white light
• Lights must be shielded to illuminate only the sign surface

Universal Sign Lighting Prohibitions

For all areas, these illumination types are prohibited:

• No blinking, flashing, rotating or fluttering illumination
• No changing light intensity, brightness or color
• No colored lights that might be confused with traffic control devices or emergency vehicles
• No illumination creating traffic hazards for motorists

Electronic Message Board Requirements

Electronic message boards have precise brightness and functionality requirements:

• Maximum size: 24 square feet
• Maximum brightness:
• 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight
• 1,000 nits during nighttime (sunset to sunrise)
• Must include dimmer control to reduce illumination at night
• Must adjust brightness according to ambient light conditions
• No additional electronic message boards permitted on buildings if visible from public roads

Solar Energy Systems and Light Impact

Glare Prevention Requirements

Solar installations must be designed and positioned to prevent light-related issues:

• Must be placed so solar glare does not project onto nearby inhabited structures, non-participating parcels, or roadways
• Applicants must prove that glare will not adversely affect neighboring uses
• If glare occurs, property owners are responsible for mitigation
• Systems must not produce light emissions that interfere with pilot vision or traffic control

Aesthetic Considerations

• Solar energy equipment should be located in the least visibly obtrusive location where panels would still be functional
• Solar energy facilities must implement dark sky-friendly lighting solutions

Commercial-Specific Requirements

Drive-In Establishments

Businesses with drive-in service have special lighting considerations:

• All lighting and illuminated displays must not reflect onto any adjacent residential zone
• Adequate lighting must be provided for customer safety while minimizing impact on surrounding properties

Supporting Spaulding Township's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and respect Spaulding Township's commitment to preserving its rural character while providing safe, functional lighting for residents and businesses. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share the township's values regarding environmental preservation and community character.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating Spaulding Township's lighting regulations. We appreciate the delicate balance between safety, functionality, and preserving the natural beauty that makes this community special.

With the Shiawassee Flats National Wildlife Refuge being such an important natural treasure, we recognize the importance of dark sky-friendly lighting solutions that protect wildlife habitats and allow residents to continue enjoying starry rural skies.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Spaulding Township's vision for thoughtful development that respects the natural environment.

Conclusion: Balancing Functionality with Rural Character

Spaulding Township's lighting regulations reflect its unique character as a predominantly rural community with significant natural resources. The regulations aim to:

• Ensure adequate lighting for safety and functionality
• Prevent light trespass into residential areas
• Minimize disruption to the natural environment
• Preserve the rural aesthetic and dark sky conditions

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners, businesses, and residents can contribute to maintaining the special character of Spaulding Township while meeting their lighting needs.

Remember that lighting requirements may be updated periodically, so it's always advisable to check with township officials for the most current regulations before undertaking any significant lighting installation or modification projects.