Lighting Regulations in Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety

Introduction

Upper Dublin Township, Pennsylvania, with its roots dating back to 1701, has carefully crafted lighting regulations that reflect its unique character and values. Established by Welsh Quakers over three centuries ago, the township maintains a delicate balance between preserving its historical heritage and embracing modern development needs.

The township is home to historic treasures like the Upper Dublin Friends Meeting House (built in 1814) as well as the modern Fort Washington Office Park, which opened in 1955 as the first modern suburban business park on the East Coast. This 566-acre commercial hub houses over 80 buildings and employs more than 12,000 workers.

Upper Dublin's lighting regulations, primarily found in § 158-14 of the township code, reflect this balance - designed to enhance safety and functionality while respecting the township's aesthetic values and minimizing light pollution and glare.

Quick Reference Guide to Upper Dublin's Lighting Requirements

• Primary lighting regulation section: § 158-14 (Added 10-8-2002 by Ord. No. 1093)
• Full cutoff luminaires required for horizontal tasks (roadways, sidewalks, entrances, parking)
• Maximum mounting heights: 20 feet for full cutoff luminaires, 16 feet for other fixtures
• Light trespass limit: Maximum 0.1 vertical footcandle onto adjacent residential properties
• Timing requirements: Most lighting to be extinguished between 11:00 p.m. and dawn
• Post-11:00 p.m. operation: 75% reduction in illumination levels for late-night lighting
• Flagpole illumination: Maximum 10,000 lumens per pole
• Enforcement: Property owners must maintain approved lighting plans without alteration
• Sign illumination limits: Internally illuminated (6 footcandles maximum at 8 feet), Externally illuminated (17 footcandles maximum at sign face)

General Outdoor Lighting Purpose and Requirements

Purpose of Lighting Regulations

Upper Dublin Township established its comprehensive lighting regulations to:

• Provide appropriate lighting in outdoor public places to protect public health, safety, and welfare
• Protect drivers and pedestrians from the glare of nonvehicular light sources
• Protect the public and environment from nuisance glare and intrusive light

Applicability of Regulations

The lighting regulations apply to:

• Multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional uses
• Residential uses when combined with these uses
• Public assembly areas requiring safety and security lighting

Township officials may require lighting controls for nuisance glare in residential uses as necessary. Public rights-of-way and township/school district properties are exempt from these regulations.

Technical Definitions

Understanding these technical terms is crucial for compliance:

• Full Cutoff Luminaire: A lighting unit that allows no direct light above a 90-degree plane, and no more than 10% of rated lamp output on an 80-degree plane
• Fully Shielded: Providing internal/external shields to prevent glare at normal viewing angles
• Footcandle: A unit of light intensity stated in lumens per square foot
• Light Trespass: Light that shines beyond property boundaries

Technical Specifications and Requirements

Illumination Level Standards

• Adult-oriented businesses: Minimum 5.0 footcandles measured at floor level
• Amusement game locations: Minimum 10 footcandles
• All applications: Must not exceed current Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) recommendations

Fixture Design Requirements

• Horizontal tasks (roadways, sidewalks, parking): Full cutoff luminaires required
• Floodlighting/spotlighting: Only permitted with township approval and adequate glare control
• Barn lights/dusk-to-dawn lights: Prohibited unless fitted with reflectors to render them full cutoff
• Mounting height: Maximum 20 feet for full cutoff luminaires, 16 feet for other fixtures

Light Trespass Controls

• Adjacent residential properties: Maximum 0.1 vertical footcandle measured line-of-sight
• Glare prevention: Primary control through cutoff fixtures, shields, baffles, and proper mounting
• Vegetation screens: Not permitted as primary means for controlling glare
• Pole placement: Minimum 5 feet outside paved areas or on 30-inch pedestals

Special Applications and Requirements

Canopy Lighting

Only full cutoff luminaires may be used under outdoor canopies, including:

• Fuel island canopies
• Exterior canopies above storefronts
• Driveways and building entrances
• Pavilions and gazebos
• Parking garages with visible interior lighting

Decorative and Special Purpose Lighting

• Searchlights/laser source lights: Prohibited for advertising or entertainment
• Flagpole lighting: Maximum 10,000 lumens per pole
• Façade/landscape lighting: Must not project beyond intended objects, extinguished between 11:00 p.m. and dawn
• White strobe lighting for tall structures: Prohibited during darkness except when required by FAA

Timing and Control Requirements

Automatic Shutoff Requirements

• Standard requirement: Lighting extinguished between 11:00 p.m. and dawn via automatic switching
• Late-night reduction: Lighting for safety after 11:00 p.m. must be reduced by 75%
• Advertising/decorative lighting: Prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise (commercial establishments may operate until one hour after closing)
• Signs: Externally illuminated signs extinguished between 11:00 p.m. and dawn

Exemptions and Special Conditions

• Emergency directional signs
• Physicians providing emergency care
• Governmental signs

Sign Illumination Standards

Internally Illuminated Signs

• Maximum 6 footcandles at 8 feet from sign center line
• Must bear Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label
• Even intensity required

Externally Illuminated Signs

• Maximum 17 footcandles at sign face
• White or amber color range only
• Uniform light distribution
• Most fixtures must be mounted at top of sign and aimed downward
• Must be designed to concentrate light on the sign only

Residential District Signs

Only the following signs may be illuminated:

• Professional signs for physicians and emergency services (white light only, 25-watt equivalent maximum)
• Signs for schools, churches, hospitals, etc. (white light only, 60-watt equivalent maximum)
• Traffic regulation and hazard marking signs

District-Specific Requirements

Dresher Overlay District

Street lighting shall be:

• Model "Old Town No. A850 SR" as manufactured by Sternberg Vintage Lighting
• Poles: Model 5700-KP by Sternberg Vintage Lighting
• Maximum height: 20 feet

Maple Glen Overlay District

Street lighting requirements:

• Manufacturer: Spring City
• Model: Van Buren
• Features: Full vertical cutoffs to conceal lamp and block glare
• Light post: Spring City, Madison Flair Top model

General Commercial Development

• Parking lot lights: Maximum height 22-30 feet with black matte finish
• Wall-mounted lights: Black matte finish
• All lighting: Shielded and diffused in downward orientation
• Pedestrian scale ornamental lighting required in all public spaces

What Property Owners Should Know

Plan Requirements and Compliance

For subdivision and land development applications with four or more lighting fixtures, detailed lighting plans must be submitted including:

• Site plan showing all fixtures, locations, mounting heights and types
• Isofootcandle plots demonstrating compliance
• Equipment descriptions including catalog cuts, photometrics, and glare reduction details

Enforcement and Maintenance

• Township conducts post-installation nighttime inspections
• Property owners must maintain approved lighting plans without alteration
• Changes require Township approval
• Failure to comply results in notification and required remedial action
• Continued non-compliance may result in legal action

Nonconforming Lighting

Existing nonconforming lighting must be made compliant:

• When deemed a safety hazard or nuisance
• When replaced, abandoned, or relocated
• When property use changes
• Within two years of the ordinance effective date

Supporting Upper Dublin's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Upper Dublin Township's commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern functionality. As a manufacturer with deep understanding of regional architectural styles, Bock appreciates the township's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that honor its Quaker heritage while meeting contemporary needs.

The township's detailed technical requirements for full cutoff fixtures, maximum illumination levels, and district-specific standards all contribute to creating spaces that are both safe and aesthetically pleasing. Bock's expertise in architectural lighting aligns perfectly with Upper Dublin's goals of minimizing light pollution while maintaining the character that makes the township special.

With extensive experience working with historic communities like Upper Dublin, Bock serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements. Our understanding of how lighting impacts community character positions us as a valuable partner in preserving the unique atmosphere that makes Upper Dublin Township a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

Conclusion

Upper Dublin Township's lighting regulations carefully balance functionality, safety, and aesthetic concerns. These standards help preserve the township's historic character while providing adequate illumination for modern needs.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for full cutoff fixtures, maximum mounting heights, and automatic shutoff requirements. The township's specific provisions for different districts demonstrate its commitment to maintaining unique neighborhood identities through thoughtful lighting design.

By adhering to these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Upper Dublin's vision of a community that honors its rich history while embracing thoughtful modern development.