Lighting Regulations in The Village, Oklahoma: A Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

The Village, Oklahoma, established in 1950 as part of the post-World War II suburban expansion, has maintained its identity as a close-knit residential community over the decades. With approximately 9,538 residents spread across just 2.5 square miles, this small Oklahoma County city prioritizes residential quality of life in its municipal regulations.

Unlike some historic communities, The Village's mid-century modern character doesn't stem from preservation of colonial or Victorian-era structures, but rather from maintaining the planned suburban aesthetic that defined its founding. The lighting regulations in The Village reflect this focus on residential comfort, neighborhood aesthetics, and community safety.

Quick Reference Guide

• Telecommunications Facilities: Tower illumination prohibited except as required by FAA; ground-level security lighting limited to 20 feet in height
• Childcare Facilities: Lighting in children's areas must be at least 20 foot-candles at 30 inches height
• Signs: Illumination should be used only when necessary and must not exceed 0.2 foot-candles at property boundaries
• Electronic Message Displays: Must include automatic dimming features; some types prohibited in certain districts
• Residential Considerations: Lighting arrangements must not direct annoying glare toward residential buildings

Telecommunications Facility Lighting

The Village maintains specific lighting requirements for telecommunications facilities to minimize their visual impact on the surrounding residential areas.

Tower Illumination Restrictions

• Tower illumination is prohibited except when required by the Federal Aviation Administration
• Strobes cannot be used for nighttime lighting under any circumstances
• Any required lighting must be directed upward and away from adjoining properties

Security Lighting Requirements

• Ground-level security lighting at telecommunications facilities must not exceed 20 feet in height
• Lighting must be positioned to minimize impact on residential areas

Childcare Facility Lighting

Given The Village's family-oriented community values, proper lighting in childcare settings is specifically regulated.

Indoor Lighting Standards

• All areas used by children must maintain lighting at not less than 20 foot-candles measured at a height of 30 inches
• Exception: During naptime, lighting may be reduced but must still allow for children to be observed

Automated Gate Lighting

The Village has specific requirements for lighting on automated gates to ensure safety and emergency access.

Required Lighting Components

• All automated gates must be equipped with one flasher unit and one external lamp assembly with a red globe and guard
• The light must be visible from both sides of the gate
• Lighting must be mounted at the top of the fence within 2 feet of the gate opening

Operation Requirements

• The light must flash upon gate activation by the emergency access system
• Lighting must continue flashing as long as the gate is being held by the emergency access system

Sign Lighting Regulations

Sign lighting represents the most comprehensive lighting regulations in The Village's code, reflecting the community's desire to maintain its residential character while accommodating necessary commercial visibility.

General Sign Illumination Standards

• Sign illumination should be used only when necessary
• Lighting must complement, not overpower the overall site composition
• Lighted signs must have their lighting directed only at the sign face
• External light sources must be concealed from pedestrian and motorist lines of sight
• Sign illumination must not exceed 0.2 foot-candles at the property boundary
• Illumination sources must remain static in color and intensity

Prohibited Sign Lighting

• Internally illuminated box signs are prohibited
• Flashing, moving, blinking, or chasing effects are prohibited (with limited exceptions)
• Strobe or high-intensity intermittent lights are not permitted except for required aircraft warning lights
• Signs must not project beams of light that could confuse, annoy, or distract drivers

Electronic Message Displays (EMDs)

• EMDs in the C-2 Zoning District must include automatic dimming features that adjust brightness based on ambient light
• Level 4 EMDs are specifically prohibited in the C-2 Commercial District
• For EMDs in A-1 Single Family Zoning District, the City Council may limit operating hours and require dimming to reduce illumination impact on nearby residences
• Level 1 EMDs must not have movement or the appearance of movement
• Level 2 EMDs must contain static messages only, with transitions limited to dissolve or fade effects

Window Signs

• Illuminated signs in interior windows of buildings in the C-2 Commercial District are allowed to flash or scroll
• Neon tubing is acceptable for window sign illumination

Residential Considerations

The Village's regulations consistently prioritize protecting residential areas from lighting impacts.

Glare Prevention

• Lighting, including illuminated signs, must be arranged to prevent annoying glare directed toward residential buildings
• Light intensity and reflector arrangements must not interfere with residential district use

Home Sharing Properties

• Properties used for home sharing must not generate glare that unreasonably interferes with neighbors' enjoyment of their residences

Maintenance Requirements

The Village requires ongoing maintenance of lighting installations to ensure continued compliance and safety.

Sign Lighting Maintenance

• Sign owners are jointly and severally liable for maintaining illumination sources in neat and orderly condition
• All lighting must be kept in good working order at all times
• Sign lighting must comply with all building and electrical codes
• Sign owners must prevent development of rust, corrosion, or other deterioration of lighting elements

What Property Owners Should Know

If you own property in The Village, understanding these lighting regulations can help you maintain compliance while creating appropriate illumination for your needs.

Key Considerations

• Prioritize residential comfort: All lighting should be designed with neighboring residential properties in mind
• Use only necessary illumination: The Village's regulations consistently emphasize using lighting only when needed
• Maintain your lighting: Regular maintenance isn't just good practice—it's required by code
• Seek guidance on special cases: For Electronic Message Displays or telecommunications facilities, consult with city officials about specific requirements

Planning New Lighting

When installing new lighting on your property, consider:

• Direction and shielding: Ensure light is directed where needed and shielded to prevent unnecessary spillover
• Intensity levels: Keep illumination at appropriate levels (especially near property boundaries)
• Residential impact: How will your lighting affect nearby homes?
• Permit requirements: Check whether your lighting installation requires permits or approvals

Supporting The Village's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of mid-century suburban communities like The Village. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we've witnessed the evolution of American suburbs and appreciate the balance these communities seek between modern functionality and neighborhood character.

Community-Centered Approach

We recognize that The Village's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to residential quality of life. The focus on preventing glare, limiting light trespass, and maintaining appropriate illumination levels aligns with Bock Lighting's belief that good lighting enhances communities without creating nuisance or disruption.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles—including The Village's predominant mid-century modern aesthetic—enables us to suggest lighting solutions that complement rather than detract from community character. As The Village continues to maintain its suburban charm while addressing modern needs, appropriate lighting plays an essential role in preserving neighborhood ambiance.

Educational Resources

Navigating lighting regulations can be challenging for property owners. Bock Lighting is committed to serving as an educational resource, helping residents and businesses understand how to achieve their lighting goals while respecting local regulations. Our expertise in lighting design allows us to support communities like The Village in maintaining their distinctive character while meeting functional lighting needs.

Conclusion

The Village's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a primarily residential community focused on quality of life. While not as extensive as some municipalities' lighting codes, the regulations consistently prioritize preventing negative impacts on residential areas while allowing for necessary illumination of commercial properties, signs, and specific facilities.

Property owners should focus particularly on preventing glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties, using only necessary illumination, and maintaining lighting installations in good working condition. By following these principles, residents and businesses can contribute to The Village's continued quality of life as a desirable suburban community.