Lighting Regulations in Twin Falls County, Idaho: Balancing Agricultural Heritage with Modern Illumination Standards

Introduction: Twin Falls County's Lighting Vision

Twin Falls County, with its rich agricultural heritage dating back to the 1860s, has always maintained a careful balance between development and preservation. Founded in 1907 and named after the spectacular Twin Falls on the Snake River, this region's growth was driven not by mining or timber, but by the agricultural potential unlocked through irrigation projects.

The county's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balanced perspective - ensuring safety and functionality while preserving the character that makes Twin Falls unique. Whether you own commercial property, agricultural land, or are planning development in special zones, understanding these regulations is essential.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Below are the most critical lighting requirements that property owners in Twin Falls County should know:

• Prohibited Lighting Types: Any pulsating, flashing, rotating, oscillating, or attention-getting lighting is prohibited
• Light Direction Control: Floodlights and spotlights must be shielded to prevent upward illumination
• Building Materials: Glare-producing building materials are not permitted on structures
• Height Restrictions: No lighting fixtures shall exceed 35 feet in height (specific to AFOs)
• Shielding Requirements: Full cutoff, fully shielded fixtures are required for Animal Feeding Operations
• Light Trespass Prevention: Outdoor lighting must be designed to eliminate direct glare beyond property boundaries

Understanding these regulations is the first step toward compliance and supporting Twin Falls County's commitment to preserving its unique character.

General Lighting Requirements

Light Fixture Positioning and Design

Twin Falls County places significant emphasis on how light fixtures are positioned and designed. The regulations state that floodlights, spotlights, and other lighting devices must be arranged or shielded to prevent upward illumination above an imaginary line extended parallel to the ground from the light source.

This requirement helps maintain the county's visual character while reducing unnecessary light pollution that can impact both residents and the natural environment.

Prohibited Lighting Types

The county code is very clear about certain types of lighting that are not permitted:

• Pulsating lights
• Flashing lights
• Rotating lights
• Oscillating lights
• Any lighting specifically designed as an attention-getting device

These restrictions help maintain the calm, agricultural character of the region while preventing distractions that could potentially impact traffic safety.

Building Material Restrictions

Beyond the light fixtures themselves, the county also regulates the materials used in construction. Glare-producing building materials are prohibited on any structure or other use of land. This requirement ensures that buildings themselves don't create unwanted reflections or glare that could impact neighboring properties.

Zone-Specific Lighting Requirements

Airport Overlay Zone

The Airport Overlay (AP) Zone has specific lighting requirements designed with aircraft safety in mind. In these areas, regulations for light, glare, and smoke are particularly stringent to prevent visual loss of contact with the ground, structures, or other obstructions for pilots.

These requirements recognize the critical safety considerations around airports and help ensure that lighting installations don't interfere with aircraft operations.

Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs)

Animal Feeding Operations in agricultural and agriculture range preservation zones must adhere to specific lighting standards:

• All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded to eliminate direct glare beyond property boundaries
• Lighting systems must use full cutoff fixtures that prevent light emission above an 85° angle from directly below the fixture
• No lighting fixtures may exceed 35 feet in height
• Direct glare (where the lamp is visible in the fixture) must be eliminated

These detailed requirements balance the operational needs of agricultural facilities with respect for neighboring properties.

Industrial Areas and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)

Industrial uses and parcels must be developed with landscaping and natural features that function as buffers to screen lighting. This approach creates park-like surroundings that minimize the visual impact of industrial lighting on neighboring areas.

For Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), the regulations require:

• Yards, fences, walls, or vegetative screening at PUD edges to protect residents from undesirable lighting
• Screening for extensive off-street parking areas, loading/service areas, and garbage collection areas

These requirements recognize that different land uses have varying lighting needs while ensuring compatibility between adjacent properties.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Telecommunication Towers

The county code specifically addresses lighting for telecommunication towers, stating that these structures shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other applicable regulatory authorities.

This regulation prevents unnecessary lighting of tall structures while respecting federal safety requirements.

Wind Energy Projects

Large-scale wind projects must adhere to specific lighting guidelines:

• Use the minimum lighting necessary for safety and security purposes
• Incorporate appropriate lighting techniques to prevent glare
• Include aviation warning lights as required by federal or state law

These requirements reflect the county's commitment to balancing renewable energy development with minimal light pollution.

Street and Pathway Lighting

Driveway and Walkway Illumination

The code requires that all driveways and walkways must be hard-surfaced and lighted at night with adequate illumination. While not specifying exact light levels, this requirement ensures basic safety and accessibility during nighttime hours.

Public Street Lighting

For public streets and outdoor areas, lighting must be shielded or adequately focused to prevent light or glare beyond the intended service area. This requirement helps prevent light trespass while maintaining appropriate illumination for public safety.

What Property Owners Should Know

Site Plan Requirements

If you're planning development in Twin Falls County, be aware that site plans must include details about outdoor lighting. This requirement appears in multiple sections of the code, highlighting the importance of lighting considerations in the planning process.

Property owners should:

• Include comprehensive lighting details in site plan submissions
• Prepare to provide evidence from qualified professionals that lighting will meet shielding requirements
• Consider lighting impacts on neighboring properties during the design phase

Sign Illumination Considerations

The code defines illuminated signs as those using a light source to make messages readable in darkness, including internally lit, externally lit, reflecting, glowing, or radiating signs. While this definition sets the framework, sign owners should pay special attention to the prohibition on pulsating, flashing, or oscillating lighting.

Supporting Twin Falls County's Lighting Vision

Twin Falls County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its agricultural heritage and community character. As a local resource familiar with Idaho's unique lighting needs, Bock Lighting understands the importance of maintaining this balance.

With roots in the region and an appreciation for Twin Falls County's historical significance, we recognize how proper lighting can enhance safety and functionality while respecting the area's agricultural legacy. Our expertise in lighting solutions that comply with local regulations can help community members navigate these requirements.

We share Twin Falls County's commitment to responsible lighting practices that prevent light pollution and preserve the area's natural beauty. As community partners, we believe that educational resources on lighting regulations and best practices benefit everyone who calls this special region home.

Conclusion

Twin Falls County's lighting regulations reflect its agricultural heritage and commitment to balanced development. By focusing on shielding requirements, height restrictions, and glare prevention, these regulations help maintain the county's unique character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for site plans, specialized zones like Airport Overlays, and specific use cases like agricultural operations. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents can contribute to preserving the visual character that makes Twin Falls County special.

The careful approach to lighting regulation demonstrates the county's ongoing commitment to managing growth in harmony with its rich heritage and natural environment.