Lighting Regulations in Springfield Township, Pennsylvania: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Quick Reference Guide

Springfield Township's lighting regulations aim to balance safety, functionality, and preservation of the township's historic character. Here are the key requirements:

• Full cut-off fixtures required for most outdoor lighting installations
• Maximum illuminance at property lines:
• 0.5 footcandles when adjoining public roadways
• 0.2 footcandles when adjoining nonresidential properties
• Height restrictions:
• Full cut-off luminaires: maximum 20 feet above grade
• Non-cut-off luminaires: maximum 16 feet above grade
• Recreational lighting: Maximum post height 60 feet
• Business lighting curfew: Most outdoor lighting must be extinguished 30 minutes after business closure
• Sign lighting curfew: Most must be turned off between 11 PM and dawn

Introduction: Springfield Township's Lighting Heritage

Springfield Township, Pennsylvania, established in 1743, is a community rich in historical character and architectural heritage. The township's well-preserved historic districts, including the Springtown Historic District, showcase architectural styles dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The township's lighting regulations reflect a careful balance between modern safety needs and preservation of its historical and rural character. These regulations aim to minimize light pollution while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Springfield Township's approach to lighting demonstrates its commitment to preserving its unique identity while accommodating necessary development. By controlling light trespass, glare, and excessive illumination, the township maintains its traditional ambiance while ensuring residents and visitors can navigate safely after dark.

Understanding General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Full Cut-Off Fixtures: The Foundation of Lighting Compliance

At the core of Springfield Township's lighting regulations is the requirement for full cut-off fixtures. These specialized luminaires prevent light from escaping upward above the horizontal plane, significantly reducing light pollution and sky glow.

Maximum Illuminance Levels

Springfield Township strictly regulates the amount of light that can spill onto neighboring properties:

• 0.5 footcandles maximum at property lines adjoining public roadways
• 0.2 footcandles maximum at property lines adjoining nonresidential properties

These limits help prevent light trespass while ensuring adequate illumination for safety purposes.

Height Restrictions

To further control light distribution and minimize glare:

• Full cut-off luminaires cannot exceed 20 feet mounting height
• Non-cut-off luminaires cannot exceed 16 feet mounting height

Recreational Facility Lighting Requirements

Playfields and Playgrounds

Springfield Township has specific regulations for recreational facilities:

• Playfields shall only be used during daylight hours with no lighting permitted
• Tot lots and playgrounds are limited to daylight hours only with no lighting installed
• Tennis and basketball courts may have lighting for nighttime use (until 10 PM) arranged to prevent glare

Sports Lighting Specifications

For facilities where lighting is permitted:

• Maximum post height: 60 feet for performance area lighting
• Post height limited to minimum necessary for specific sports/recreational use
• For-profit recreational facilities can only be illuminated in HC or PI Districts
• All sports and recreational lighting must be extinguished when not in use

Consolidation Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to consolidate tennis or basketball courts in one area to restrict light to a single location, minimizing the impact on surrounding properties.

Business and Commercial Lighting Requirements

Hours of Operation

Springfield Township places limits on when outdoor lighting can operate:

• Event-related lighting: Must be turned off 30 minutes after event conclusion
• Parking facility lighting: Must be extinguished 30 minutes after business closure
• After-hours security lighting: Limited to 25% of normal illumination

Canopy Lighting Specifications

For gas stations, drive-throughs, and similar structures:

• Must use flat-lens full-cutoff fixtures aimed straight down
• The opaque edge of the fixture must be level with or below the light source
• Canopies themselves may not be illuminated (except for signage portions)

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements for All Signs

All illuminated signs in Springfield Township must follow these guidelines:

• Light source must not be visible from any point off the property
• External illumination must use steady, stationary light sources
• Light must be shielded and directed solely at the sign
• Light source must be static in color

Hours and Installation Requirements

• On-lot lighted signs must be extinguished between 11 PM and dawn (except for businesses open during those hours)
• Electrical supply must be concealed with underground cables
• Signs over 20 square feet with external illumination must have lighting placed at the top and aimed downward

District-Specific Requirements

Different districts have varying restrictions on sign illumination types:

• Some districts allow internal illumination, external illumination, halo illumination, and neon lighting
• Other districts restrict illumination to external lighting only
• Certification of compliance with brightness standards is required before permit issuance

Residential and Farm Lighting Guidelines

Exemptions for Low-Output Fixtures

Springfield Township provides some flexibility for residential properties:

• Luminaires with aggregate output of 500 lumens (approximately equivalent to a 40W incandescent bulb) are exempt from some requirements
• Non-cutoff luminaires must have glare shields to control light distribution

Controlling Light Trespass

Even on residential properties, lighting must be designed to prevent disruption to neighbors:

• Vegetation screens cannot be the primary means for controlling glare
• Glare control must be achieved through proper fixtures, shields, and placement

Supporting Springfield Township's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Springfield Township's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern technology. We understand the importance of maintaining the aesthetic integrity of communities like Springfield Township.

With deep experience in illuminating historic districts across the Northeast, Bock Lighting appreciates Springfield Township's balance of safety, functionality, and preservation of historical ambiance. Our expertise in regional architectural styles enables us to provide guidance that respects the township's unique historical character.

As a community partner, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. We're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through responsible lighting practices that align with local regulations and community values.

Our local presence enables us to better understand Springfield Township's specific needs and standards, allowing us to support projects that preserve the community's historical integrity while meeting modern safety requirements.

Conclusion

Springfield Township's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By controlling light trespass, glare, and excessive illumination, these regulations help maintain the township's traditional ambiance.

Property owners planning lighting installations should carefully review these requirements and consider consulting with professionals familiar with local regulations. With proper planning and design, lighting can enhance safety and aesthetics while respecting Springfield Township's unique historical character.

By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to preserving the township's distinctive rural and historical identity for future generations to enjoy.