Lighting Regulations in Tell City, Indiana: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety and Security

Introduction

Nestled along the picturesque Ohio River, Tell City stands as a testament to its rich Swiss-German heritage. Founded in 1858 by the Swiss Colonization Society, this charming Indiana community was meticulously planned to reflect the European roots of its settlers. The city's name honors the legendary Swiss folk hero William Tell, showcasing the founders' commitment to preserving their cultural identity.

Today, Tell City's approximately 7,000 residents continue to embrace this historical legacy. The city's architectural character and community layout reflect its unique heritage, with preservation efforts supported by organizations like the Tell City Historical Society.

This cultural and historical backdrop informs many of Tell City's regulations, including those pertaining to lighting. While Tell City's lighting regulations might not be as extensive as those in some other municipalities, they reveal a thoughtful approach to balancing safety, functionality, and respect for the community's historical character.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements in Tell City

• Exterior Flood Lighting: Upward-projecting exterior flood lighting is prohibited • Construction Safety: Red lights required at both ends of street obstructions from dusk until sunrise • Street Lighting: Required at intersections and as specified under the city's street light policy • Mobile Food Vendors: Prohibited from using strobe lights, neon signs, or other unreasonable lighting • Emergency Protocols: Specific blackout procedures exist for emergency situations • Manual Control: Certain lighting must be under immediate manual control of a responsible person over 18 years of age

General Lighting Regulations

Exterior Lighting Restrictions

Tell City's regulations specifically address exterior flood lighting, with a clear prohibition against any type that projects light upward. This restriction helps reduce light pollution and preserves the night sky visibility that would have been familiar to the city's original settlers.

The regulation of upward-projecting light demonstrates Tell City's commitment to maintaining its historical ambiance while ensuring practical lighting for safety and security.

Illuminated Signs and Lighting Control

Tell City maintains specific regulations regarding:

• Billboard lighting and exterior building lighting (including outline lighting) • Exterior illuminated signs • Interior illuminated signs visible from outside • Show window lights and other interior lights visible from the exterior

These lighting elements must be under the immediate manual control of a responsible person over 18 years of age. This requirement ensures that lighting can be quickly adjusted or turned off when necessary, particularly during emergency situations.

Street Lighting Requirements

The city code specifies that provisions shall be made for locating street lights at intersections. Additional street lighting may be required under the city's street light policy, helping maintain safe navigability while respecting the historical character of the community.

During regular non-emergency periods, street lighting is an essential service, though the code notes that "street lights or security lights will only be restored during regular working hours" in certain contexts.

Special Situation Lighting Requirements

Construction and Obstruction Lighting

Safety is paramount when construction or repairs create obstructions in Tell City's streets. The regulations require:

• Two red lights must be placed in front of any obstruction • Lights must be positioned at either end of the obstruction • Lighting must remain in place from dusk until sunrise • This requirement applies as long as the obstruction remains

These measures ensure pedestrian and vehicular safety while maintaining the orderly character of the community's public spaces.

Mobile Food Vendor Lighting Restrictions

Tell City's regulations specifically address mobile food vendors, prohibiting them from using devices or machines that produce unreasonable amounts of light. Specifically prohibited are:

• Strobe lights • Neon signs • Other devices producing excessive illumination

Additionally, mobile food vendors must be self-sufficient regarding power, as they are prohibited from utilizing city or private electrical outlets while in operation.

Emergency Lighting Regulations

Blackout Procedures

Tell City maintains comprehensive blackout procedures for emergency situations. During a declared blackout:

• It is unlawful to display, operate, maintain, or permit any lights except within an opaque enclosed structure • No reflection or leakage of light from any structure is permitted • Property occupants must prevent any display, operation, maintenance, reflection, or leakage of light from premises under their control • Decorative street lighting is prohibited • Illuminated house numbers are prohibited unless under immediate manual control of a responsible person over 18 years • Exterior flood lighting that projects light upward is prohibited

Emergency Signals and Indicators

The city has established specific protocols for emergency situations:

• Air Raid Warning: Consists of lights with hooded red lenses at designated points (not visible from aircraft) • All Clear Signal: Consists of light behind a hooded white or clear lens at designated points

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Implications

Property owners in Tell City should be particularly mindful of:

1. The prohibition against upward-projecting flood lights, which may affect exterior building illumination
2. Requirements for manual control of certain lighting types by an adult
3. The need to comply with blackout procedures during emergencies

These regulations work together to preserve Tell City's historic character while ensuring practical lighting for safety and security.

Compliance Considerations

While Tell City's lighting regulations may not be as comprehensive as those in some other municipalities, they reflect the community's values and priorities. Property owners should consider how their lighting choices impact:

• The historical ambiance of the community • Light pollution and night sky visibility • Neighbor properties and public spaces • Safety and security needs

Supporting Tell City's Lighting Vision

As a historic manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation. We appreciate Tell City's commitment to maintaining its distinctive Swiss-German character while ensuring practical safety and security measures.

Our experience with communities that value their historical heritage has taught us the importance of thoughtful lighting designs that complement, rather than detract from, architectural character. Tell City's careful approach to lighting regulations—particularly the restrictions on upward-projecting light and excessive illumination—reflects a community that values its unique heritage.

Bock Lighting shares Tell City's appreciation for the delicate balance between modern functionality and historical preservation. We believe lighting solutions should enhance community character while meeting practical needs for safety and visibility.

Conclusion

Tell City's lighting regulations reflect its unique heritage and community values. While not exhaustive, these regulations demonstrate a thoughtful approach to maintaining the city's historical character while ensuring safety and security. From the prohibition of upward-projecting flood lights to specific requirements for construction safety lighting, these regulations help preserve the community's distinctive atmosphere.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements, particularly regarding exterior lighting and emergency protocols. By understanding and complying with Tell City's lighting regulations, residents and businesses contribute to preserving the city's remarkable Swiss-German heritage for future generations.

The careful consideration of lighting helps Tell City maintain its connection to its founders' vision—a community that honors its European roots while meeting the needs of its current residents. This balance of preservation and practicality continues to make Tell City a distinctive gem along the Ohio River.