Lighting Regulations in Warr Acres, Oklahoma: A Guide to Compliance and Community Considerations

Introduction: Understanding Warr Acres' Lighting Approach

Founded in 1948 by developer C.B. Warr, the city of Warr Acres was established as a suburban community distinct from the growing urban environment of Oklahoma City. With approximately 10,000 residents, this small but vibrant city maintains its suburban character while balancing modern development needs.

Warr Acres' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a pleasant suburban atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality. The city's approach to lighting seeks to minimize nuisance to residents while providing adequate illumination for businesses, educational facilities, and public spaces.

As a community that values both development and quality of life, Warr Acres has established specific lighting requirements that property owners, businesses, and developers should understand.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Commercial Establishments:

• Mixed beverage establishments: Minimum 35 candlepower in all interior areas during business hours
• Service establishments: Minimum 40 foot-candles (direct or indirect) where services are performed
• Commercial facilities: Lighting in accordance with building code (general requirement)

Educational Facilities:

• Work/study surfaces: 60-80 foot-candles of diffused lighting required
• Uncovered bulbs: Not permitted in classrooms
• Classrooms: Must be outside rooms with windows that open and close easily

Residential Considerations:

• Light trespass prohibited: No floodlights/reflector lights causing continuous annoyance to residences
• Security lighting: Height limited to building height or 12 feet (whichever is less) when adjacent to residential areas

Digital Signs:

• Nighttime brightness: Maximum 300 NITs from half-hour before sunset until sunrise
• Daytime brightness: Maximum 5,000 NITs from sunrise until half-hour before sunset
• Must include automatic brightness adjustment technology

Residential Protection: Preventing Light Trespass

Neighborhood Light Considerations

Warr Acres' regulations specifically protect residential areas from excessive light. It is unlawful to maintain "any floodlight or reflector type light" that unnecessarily throws light into nearby residences, causing continuous annoyance to occupants.

Security Lighting Requirements

For commercial properties that border residential neighborhoods, specific restrictions apply:

• Height limitations: Security lighting at commercial sites abutting neighborhoods must not exceed the building height or 12 feet (whichever is less)
• Direction requirements: Light must be projected downward and away from residential property
• Shading requirement: Necessary shading must be added to fixtures facing residential areas

Commercial Zone Restrictions

Multiple commercial zoning districts (including C-1, C-3, and others) specify that "lighting shall be arranged so that no annoying glare is directed or reflected toward residential property." This consistent language across different zones emphasizes the city's commitment to preventing light nuisance.

Business Lighting Standards

Interior Lighting Requirements

Businesses serving the public must meet specific interior lighting standards:

• Service establishments: Minimum of 40 foot-candles (direct or indirect) in areas where services are performed
• Mixed beverage establishments: Minimum of 35 candlepower throughout interior during business hours
• Commercial facilities: Must provide minimum lighting in accordance with building code

Classroom and Educational Spaces

Educational facilities have special requirements:

• Illumination level: Work and study surfaces require 60-80 foot-candles of diffused lighting
• Fixture requirements: Uncovered bulbs are not permitted
• Room design: Classrooms must be outside rooms with windows that can be easily opened and closed

Sign Illumination Regulations

Digital Sign Requirements

Digital signs in Warr Acres must comply with specific brightness limitations:

• Nighttime brightness: Maximum 300 NITs from half-hour before sunset until sunrise
• Daytime brightness: Maximum 5,000 NITs from sunrise until half-hour before sunset
• Safety considerations: Brightness must not impair vision or endanger safety
• Automatic adjustment: Must have ambient light monitors or photocells to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions

Traditional Sign Lighting

For non-digital signs, different requirements apply based on sign type:

• Complex identification ground signs: Must be "lighted from within a translucent face" with no flashing or intermittent lighting
• Wall signs: May use "indirect lighting only"
• General sign illumination: Permitted signs may use direct or indirect lighting
• Maintenance requirement: Backlit or front lit signs must maintain at least 75% of original illumination

Special Zoning Considerations

• Flashing/intermittent lighting: Only permitted in C-4 and C-5 zoning districts
• Time-temperature signs: May be permitted by city council approval in C-3, C-4, and C-5 districts

Parking Lot Illumination

Operating Requirements

Parking lots serving commercial and institutional uses must be illuminated during evening hours of operation, which begin one-half hour after sunset.

Safety and Nuisance Prevention

All lighting equipment used for parking areas must be designed and installed so it does not create a nuisance or hazard for streets or adjoining properties.

Zoning Restrictions

For parking lots in or adjacent to R-1 and R-2 (residential) districts, only the lighting of signs is permitted, with specific limitations.

Special Situations: Construction and Towers

Construction Warning Lights

For excavations or work on public grounds:

• Less than 10 feet in length: One yellow light required
• 10-50 feet in length: Two yellow lights required (one at each end)
• Over 50 feet: One additional light for each additional 50 feet
• Operation time: Lights must be kept burning from sunset to sunrise

Tower Illumination

• General prohibition: Tower illumination is prohibited except as required by FAA
• Strobe restriction: Strobes shall not be used for nighttime lighting
• Direction requirement: Required lighting must be directed upward and away from adjoining properties
• Ground security lighting: Cannot exceed 20 feet in height and must be focused to avoid conflict with vehicle operators

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing or modifying property in Warr Acres, lighting considerations should be included early in the planning process. Several types of developments require lighting plans as part of the approval process.

Balancing Function and Neighbor Consideration

The common theme throughout Warr Acres' lighting regulations is the balance between functional lighting needs and prevention of nuisance to neighbors. Property owners should consider:

• Direction of light: Ensure light is focused on your property
• Intensity of illumination: Meet minimum requirements without excessive brightness
• Positioning of fixtures: Consider the impact on neighboring properties

Special Use Permits

When applying for special use permits, be aware that the "adequacy and manner of the lighting" and its "effect on the surrounding properties" will be considered in the approval process.

Supporting Warr Acres' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the importance of maintaining Warr Acres' suburban character while providing effective illumination. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock appreciates communities that balance modern lighting needs with quality-of-life considerations.

Our experience working with Oklahoma communities gives us insight into the specific lighting challenges faced by property owners in Warr Acres. We understand the need for lighting solutions that:

• Meet specific foot-candle requirements for different applications
• Prevent light trespass into residential areas
• Provide appropriate illumination for security without creating nuisance
• Comply with specific requirements for various zones and applications

Bock Lighting shares Warr Acres' commitment to thoughtful development and can serve as a resource for property owners seeking to understand and implement lighting solutions that comply with local regulations while enhancing the community.

Conclusion

Warr Acres' lighting regulations reflect its identity as a suburban community that values both development and quality of life. By establishing clear standards for lighting intensity, preventing light trespass, and considering the impact of illumination on neighboring properties, these regulations help maintain the character that makes Warr Acres a desirable place to live and do business.

Property owners and businesses should consider these regulations early in their planning process to ensure compliance and contribute positively to the community atmosphere. With thoughtful implementation, lighting can enhance safety, functionality, and aesthetics while respecting the suburban environment that defines Warr Acres.