Lighting Regulations in Sterling Heights, Michigan: A Comprehensive Guide to Property Illumination Standards

Introduction

Sterling Heights, Michigan, has evolved from its humble beginnings as Sterling Township in 1835 to become one of the largest suburbs in the Detroit metropolitan area. With a population exceeding 130,000 residents, the city balances suburban development with community values and responsible growth.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to safety, residential charm, and quality of life for all residents. These standards aim to ensure adequate illumination while preventing light pollution, glare, and unwanted light trespass that could affect neighboring properties.

Quick Reference Guide: Critical Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specific details, here are the most important lighting regulations to know in Sterling Heights:

• Exterior Lighting Direction: Must be fully shielded and downward directed
• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum 0.1 footcandles at residential property lines
• Maximum Fixture Heights: Range from 15 feet in residential areas to 30 feet in certain commercial/industrial zones
• Required Illumination Levels:
• Parking lots: 5 footcandles
• Building entrances: 10 footcandles
• Walkways: 5 footcandles
• After-Hours Lighting: Non-essential lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Prohibited Fixtures: Mercury vapor lights, unshielded illumination, flashing lights

Exterior Lighting Standards: Section 24.06

Purpose and Intent

Sterling Heights' lighting regulations serve three primary purposes:

1. Ensuring Safety: Providing sufficient lighting for parking areas, walkways, driveways, building entrances, and other common spaces
2. Preventing Adverse Effects: Minimizing glare, light trespass, light pollution, and energy waste
3. Enhancing Aesthetics: Promoting lighting that complements and enhances the city's visual appeal

Fixture Shielding Requirements

All exterior lighting fixtures must be fully shielded and downward directed. This means:

• No light may project above a 90-degree horizontal plane running through the fixture's lowest point
• Light-emitting surfaces must not be visible from any residential area or public roadway when viewed at ground level
• Flat lenses are required - "sag" or protruding lens types are prohibited

Exemptions to shielding requirements include:

• Incandescent fixtures of 100 watts or less
• Flag illumination (when not creating disability glare)

Maximum Light Fixture Heights

Heights vary by zoning district:

• Residential Districts: 15 feet maximum (R-60, R-70, R-80, R-90, R-100, R-2, MHP)
• Multiple Family Districts:
• Low Rise (RM-1, RM-2): 15 feet
• Mid and High Rise (RM-3): 22 feet
• Commercial Districts: Generally 22-30 feet, depending on specific zone
• Industrial Districts: 30 feet maximum

Light Intensity and Trespass Standards

Maximum Illumination Levels (in footcandles)

Sterling Heights specifies maximum illumination levels for different areas:

• General Areas: 3 footcandles
• Driveways: 3 footcandles
• Walkways: 5 footcandles
• Building Entrances: 10 footcandles
• Parking Lots: 5 footcandles
• Loading Areas: 5 footcandles
• Building Facades: 10 footcandles

Light Trespass Limitations

Light trespass is strictly regulated to prevent unwanted illumination spilling onto neighboring properties:

• Residential Boundaries: Maximum 0.1 footcandles at ground level at any property line adjacent to residential zones
• Commercial/Industrial Boundaries: Maximum 2 footcandles at ground level between different commercial or industrial uses

House shields must be provided on all fixtures located within 75 feet of residentially zoned or used property to reduce light trespass.

Special Application Requirements

Canopy Lighting

Canopy structures (such as gas station pump canopies) must have:

• Recessed canopy fixtures
• Diffusers that do not extend below the ceiling surface of the canopy

Parking Areas

During business hours after sunset, parking areas must be:

• Adequately lighted for safety and security
• Compliant with all exterior lighting standards
• Directed away from public streets and abutting uses

After-Hours Illumination

Non-essential lighting must be turned off after business hours, with only security lighting remaining on. Motion detectors or automatic switching systems should be used for security lighting wherever practicable.

Prohibited Lighting Types

Sterling Heights prohibits several types of lighting installations:

• Unshielded illumination of buildings or landscaping (except for small incandescent fixtures)
• Mercury vapor light fixtures
• Moving, flashing, or intermittent lighting
• Laser source lights that project above the horizontal plane
• Searchlights for advertising between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise
• Luminaires with swivel mounting hardware

Site Plan Requirements

When applying for permits involving exterior lighting, applicants must submit:

• A lighting plan showing all fixture locations
• Photometric grid overlaid on the site plan
• Maximum, average, and minimum illumination levels
• Light trespass levels at boundary lines
• Zoning classification information
• Fixture specifications with manufacturer's catalog cut sheets
• Proposed operating hours and switching systems
• "To scale" drawing with footcandle values at maximum 20-foot intervals

Supporting Sterling Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance Sterling Heights seeks to maintain between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. Our experience with similar suburban communities has given us insight into the unique lighting needs of areas like Sterling Heights.

We share Sterling Heights' commitment to responsible lighting practices that enhance community character while minimizing light pollution. Our team can serve as a resource for property owners navigating these regulations, helping to identify compliant solutions that respect both the letter and spirit of the city's lighting standards.

As a regional partner with deep understanding of Michigan's suburban architectural styles and lighting requirements, Bock appreciates Sterling Heights' efforts to create safe, well-lit environments that also protect the night sky and residential tranquility.

Conclusion

Sterling Heights has developed comprehensive lighting regulations that serve multiple community goals: ensuring safety and security, preventing light pollution and trespass, and enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal. Property owners should carefully review these requirements when planning exterior lighting installations.

By following these standards, residents and business owners contribute to a well-lit community that respects the needs of all and preserves the suburban character that makes Sterling Heights a desirable place to live and work.

Remember that while this guide covers major regulations, it's always advisable to consult with the city's Planning Department for project-specific guidance and to verify current requirements before beginning any lighting installation or modification.