Lighting Regulations in Tatamy Borough, Pennsylvania: A Guide to Community Safety and Development Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Northampton County, Tatamy Borough has thoughtfully designed its lighting regulations to ensure safety, security, and aesthetic appeal throughout the community. While not extensive, the borough's lighting standards focus primarily on development planning and street lighting to maintain the quality of life residents expect.

These regulations reflect Tatamy's practical approach to community development – balancing the need for adequate lighting in public spaces with responsible planning requirements. Whether you're a developer, property owner, or simply a curious resident, understanding these standards helps ensure your project aligns with the borough's vision.

Quick Reference Guide

• Street lighting is required at intersections, curves, and isolated areas where deemed necessary for safety
• Security lighting is specifically identified as important for parks and public spaces
• Outdoor lighting plans must be included in development proposals for non-single-family properties
• Developer responsibility includes installation costs for public street lighting
• Private street lighting systems must be provided by developers
• Maintenance systems must be established for lighting in residential developments

Street Lighting Requirements

Placement and Safety Considerations

Tatamy Borough places significant emphasis on strategic street lighting placement. According to municipal code § 154.169, street lights must be installed along streets within and abutting proposed subdivisions or land developments where the Borough Council determines they are necessary for safe traffic or pedestrian circulation.

Specifically, street lights should be provided at:

• All street intersections
• Curves in streets
• More isolated areas of a development

Technical Standards

While the borough code doesn't specify detailed technical requirements for street lighting, it does establish a clear framework:

• Street lights must meet design standards established by the applicable electric company
• No specific illumination levels or fixture types are mandated in the available regulations
• The focus is on placement for safety rather than specific light characteristics

Developer Responsibilities

The borough places clear responsibilities on developers regarding street lighting:

• For public streets: Developers must either complete installation or reimburse reasonable costs to the public utility
• For private streets: Developers must provide complete lighting systems
• For residential developments: Developers must establish an acceptable system for maintenance and funding of electricity

Park and Public Space Lighting

Security-Focused Design

Tatamy Borough specifically identifies security lighting as an important component of public spaces:

• Security lighting is listed as a support facility that is important for any major park
• Park design should carefully consider security concerns by incorporating appropriate lighting
• All park areas should be visible from adjacent streets, complemented by security lighting

Planning Considerations

The borough's approach emphasizes thoughtful integration of lighting into the overall park design rather than prescribing specific technical standards. This allows for appropriate contextual solutions while ensuring security needs are met.

Development Plan Requirements

Outdoor Lighting Documentation

For development plans in Tatamy Borough, lighting information must be included in submissions:

• "Major types and locations of outdoor lighting" must be specified in plans for:
• All uses other than single-family detached dwellings
• Twin dwellings
• Preliminary plans for larger developments

Street Lighting Documentation

Development plans must also include details about street lighting:

• Existing street lighting locations
• Any proposed street lighting (or notation stating none is proposed)
• Types of poles to be used
• Spacing of poles
• Intensity of lamps

This documentation ensures that lighting is thoughtfully integrated into development plans from the earliest stages.

What Property Owners Should Know

Residential Properties

For most single-family homeowners, there are minimal specific lighting requirements mentioned in the available regulations. However, it's always advisable to:

• Check with the borough before installing significant exterior lighting
• Consider how your lighting might impact neighbors
• Be aware that future residential developments will include street lighting systems

Commercial and Development Properties

If you're developing property or operating a business:

• Include comprehensive outdoor lighting information in your plan submissions
• Be prepared to install or fund street lighting where required
• Establish maintenance systems for lighting in residential developments
• Ensure park areas include appropriate security lighting

Supporting Tatamy's Lighting Vision

Community-Focused Lighting Solutions

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of appropriate lighting in maintaining community character while ensuring safety and security. Our experience working with municipalities throughout Pennsylvania has given us insight into balancing practical lighting needs with community values.

Educational Resources for Compliance

We're committed to helping property owners and developers understand and navigate lighting regulations. While Tatamy Borough has targeted its regulations primarily toward development planning and street lighting, our team can help interpret these requirements and suggest appropriate solutions that meet both regulatory needs and community expectations.

Regional Understanding

As a manufacturer with deep roots in the region, we appreciate Tatamy's practical approach to lighting regulations. Our experience with similar communities allows us to provide context-appropriate lighting solutions that complement the borough's character while meeting safety and security needs.

Conclusion

Tatamy Borough's lighting regulations focus primarily on ensuring adequate street lighting for safety and requiring proper planning documentation for developments. While not extensively detailed in technical specifications, the regulations establish clear responsibilities and planning requirements.

For developers, the key takeaway is the need to incorporate lighting considerations early in the planning process and to prepare for installation and maintenance responsibilities. For residents, understanding these regulations helps explain the borough's approach to lighting in public spaces and new developments.

By maintaining this balance of safety, security, and thoughtful planning, Tatamy Borough continues to create a well-lit community that serves the needs of all residents.