Lighting Regulations in Wellston, Oklahoma: Preserving Route 66 Heritage Through Thoughtful Illumination

Quick Reference Guide

• General Outdoor Lighting: Must not interfere with adjacent land uses or streets; no flashing or intermittent lighting permitted
• Sign Illumination: Must use constant light only (no flashing or intermittent lighting)
• Marijuana Growing Facilities: Lighting input power cannot exceed 1,000 watts per light with power factor greater than 0.8
• Electrical Circuits: Residential and mercantile lighting circuits limited to 1,000 watts with maximum of eight outlets per circuit in fire limits

Introduction: Wellston's Historical Lighting Context

Founded in 1883 by Christian T. Wells, the town of Wellston, Oklahoma carries a rich historical legacy tied deeply to its position along the iconic Route 66. As a trade center for the surrounding agricultural region, Wellston's development was significantly shaped by the arrival of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Railroad in 1898, which later became part of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway.

This small town's character and charm reflect its historical significance, with lighting regulations designed to preserve the authentic atmosphere while accommodating modern needs. The lighting ordinances in Wellston balance the town's commitment to its Route 66 heritage with practical considerations for safety, functionality, and aesthetics.

The regulations, though limited in scope, focus primarily on preventing light pollution and maintaining a consistent visual environment that honors the town's historical roots.

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Interference

Wellston's general approach to outdoor lighting emphasizes consideration for neighboring properties and roadways. The town code specifies that outdoor lighting must be installed with:

• An arrangement of reflectors that prevents interference with adjacent land uses
• Appropriate intensity levels that don't impact neighboring properties
• Configurations that avoid interference with the use of adjacent streets
• No flashing or intermittent lighting permitted

Public Nuisance Considerations

The town code specifically addresses the issue of lighting as a potential public nuisance. Activities producing excessive light or glare may be deemed detrimental to public health, safety, or welfare if they interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of life and property.

This provision demonstrates Wellston's commitment to maintaining a pleasant environment for all residents while allowing for necessary lighting installations.

Sign Illumination Standards

Constant Light Requirement

One of the most consistent themes throughout Wellston's lighting regulations is the requirement for constant illumination of signs. Multiple sections of the code specify that various sign types must use constant light if illuminated:

• Bulletin boards: Illumination, if any, must be by constant light
• Business signs: Illumination, if any, must be by constant light
• Identification signs: Illumination, if any, must be by constant light
• Real estate signs: Illumination, if any, must be by constant light
• Ground signs: Illumination, if any, must be by constant light

Non-Illuminated Options

The code also makes provisions for non-illuminated signage, specifically mentioning that nameplates not exceeding two square feet in area may be non-illuminated.

Definition of Illuminated Signs

Wellston's code defines an illuminated sign as "A sign designed to give forth any artificial light, or designed to reflect light from one or more sources, natural or artificial." This broad definition encompasses both internally and externally lit signage.

Specialized Lighting Requirements

Marijuana Growing Facilities

For medical marijuana growing facilities, Wellston has established specific lighting requirements that balance cultivation needs with energy efficiency and safety:

• All lighting components must comply with municipal building and fire codes
• Lighting input power cannot exceed 1,000 watts per light
• Power factor must be greater than 0.8
• Lighting must not produce glare that constitutes a public nuisance

Electrical Code Requirements

Wellston's electrical code includes several provisions related to lighting:

• In mercantile occupancies where electric irons are used, they must be installed with approved pilot lights
• If the pilot light is in an enclosure (such as an alteration room), an additional light must be installed in a visible position outside the enclosure
• Lighting branch circuits in residential and mercantile occupancies shall be confined to 1,000 watts
• No more than eight outlets per circuit are allowed in the fire limits

Supporting Wellston's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we deeply appreciate Wellston's commitment to preserving its unique Route 66 heritage while meeting modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing historical character with contemporary functionality.

We recognize that Wellston's lighting regulations reflect the community's values – preventing light pollution, maintaining the town's authentic atmosphere, and ensuring safety for residents and visitors. Our approach to lighting design embraces these same principles, focusing on solutions that enhance rather than detract from a community's distinctive character.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities like Wellston, helping residents and businesses understand how lighting choices can support local regulations while meeting practical needs. Our experience with projects in historical districts and small towns across America gives us insight into the unique challenges faced by communities working to preserve their heritage.

We're committed to supporting Wellston's vision through lighting solutions that respect the town's connection to Route 66 and its agricultural history while providing the functionality needed for a thriving community.

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Points

If you're a property owner in Wellston, here are the most important lighting considerations to keep in mind:

• Outdoor lighting must not interfere with neighbors or street use
• Avoid flashing or intermittent lighting in all outdoor applications
• Sign illumination must use constant light only
• Lighting circuits in residential and commercial buildings have specific limitations
• Light trespass that creates a public nuisance is prohibited

Planning for Compliance

When installing new lighting or updating existing fixtures, consider consulting with professionals familiar with Wellston's regulations. This proactive approach can save time and resources while ensuring your lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community.

Conclusion

Wellston's lighting regulations, though not extensive, reflect the town's commitment to preserving its historical character while addressing practical concerns. The focus on constant illumination for signs, prevention of light trespass, and specific technical requirements for certain applications demonstrates a thoughtful approach to community lighting.

These regulations help maintain the authentic small-town atmosphere that makes Wellston special, honoring its Route 66 heritage while ensuring appropriate illumination for safety and functionality. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners contribute to preserving Wellston's unique charm for future generations.

For more specific information about Wellston's lighting requirements, residents and business owners should consult the full municipal code or contact local building officials.