Lighting Regulations in West Des Moines, Iowa: Balancing Modern Development with Historical Character

Introduction

West Des Moines, Iowa, has transformed dramatically since its incorporation as Valley Junction in 1893. From its roots as a settlement founded by cattle farmer James C. Jordan to its current status as a thriving city of nearly 70,000 residents, West Des Moines has managed this growth while preserving its historical character, particularly in the Valley Junction district.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance between growth and preservation. These standards aim to ensure safety and functionality while respecting the historical and aesthetic integrity of neighborhoods. As West Des Moines has expanded from 21 to 48.2 square miles since 1990, these regulations have become increasingly important in maintaining the city's unique character.

Quick Reference Guide

• Maximum Light Trespass: Generally 1 foot-candle at property lines
• Fixture Requirements: Most exterior lighting must be downcast, cut-off type fixtures
• Wall Pack Lighting: Typically prohibited or heavily restricted
• Parking Lot Lighting Height: Generally limited to 25 feet maximum
• Residential Proximity: Additional height and illumination restrictions apply near residential properties
• Documentation Required: Photometric plans often required for site plan approval
• Exit Signs: Must use LED lighting systems and be internally illuminated with battery backup

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Cut-Off Requirements

All light fixtures mounted on or near buildings must be downcast or shielded and positioned to eliminate glare and spillover lighting beyond the property line. This requirement appears consistently throughout West Des Moines' code.

Light Trespass Limitations

The city generally requires that light levels at property lines not exceed one foot-candle. For properties adjacent to residential areas, even stricter standards may apply, sometimes requiring zero foot-candles at the property line.

Photometric Plan Requirements

For many developments, a photometric plan must be submitted during site plan review. These plans must:

• Use 20-foot grid centers
• Show fixture locations, heights, and types
• Demonstrate compliance with foot-candle limitations
• Extend at least 20 feet beyond property lines in some cases

Parking Lot Lighting

Height Restrictions

Parking lot light fixtures are typically limited to:

• 25 feet maximum height from ground to top of fixture in most areas
• Reduced heights when near residential properties:
• 16 feet within 100 feet of residential property lines
• 22 feet within 100-150 feet of residential property lines
• 28 feet beyond 150 feet from residential property lines

Direction and Shielding

Lighting used to illuminate parking areas must be arranged to direct light away from:

• Adjoining residential uses
• Residential districts
• Public streets and roadways

Design Consistency

Many developments, particularly Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), require consistent fixture designs throughout a project to create a unified visual element.

Building-Mounted Lighting

Wall Pack Restrictions

Wall pack lighting is generally prohibited throughout West Des Moines. When allowed under specific circumstances, wall packs must:

• Include shields to direct light to a defined target
• Be downcast to prevent glare
• Not extend below the fixture housing

Architectural Lighting

Building uplighting for architectural interest may be allowed in certain areas provided it does not produce light spillover or pollution. Decorative building lighting is typically reviewed during the site plan process.

Canopy and Drive-Through Lighting

Gas Station Canopies

Light fixtures attached to fuel pump island canopies must be:

• Recessed into the canopy with flush-mounted lenses
• Designed to illuminate downward
• Positioned to eliminate glare and spillover lighting

Drive-Through Facilities

Canopy lighting for drive-through facilities must use recessed or flush lighting fixtures with no part of the fixture visible from the street.

Signage Lighting

Illumination Methods

The city allows various sign illumination methods based on zoning district and proximity to residential areas:

• Halo lighting (reverse channel letters)
• Channel letters with internal illumination
• External illumination with properly shielded light sources
• Contoured panel signs with opaque backgrounds

Time Restrictions

Illuminated signs located within 300 feet of residential properties generally must:

• Turn off by 11:00 PM or within one hour after business closing
• Remain off until 5:00 AM
• Use timers to ensure compliance

Special Considerations for Properties Near Residential Areas

Buffer Requirements

Properties near residential areas face additional lighting restrictions:

• Parking lots may encroach into buffers only when headlight glare and lighting impacts are properly mitigated
• Outdoor areas within 300 feet of residential property must be oriented to direct light away from residential areas

Timing Restrictions

Fixtures located within 150 feet of residential properties typically must be turned off 30 minutes after the closing of the last business, except for security lighting.

Emergency Lighting Requirements

Power Failure Illumination

In the event of power supply failure, emergency lighting is required for:

• Rooms 400 square feet or larger
• Spaces requiring two or more means of egress
• Exit access stairways and ramps
• Exit passageways
• Electrical equipment rooms
• Fire command centers
• Fire pump rooms
• Generator rooms
• Public restrooms with multiple fixtures or accessible facilities

Exit Signs

Exit signs must:

• Use LED lighting systems
• Be internally illuminated
• Have battery backup (unless on-site generator is used)
• Have a luminance intensity of at least 5.0 foot-candles on the face
• Not use self-luminous technology (prohibited since July 2004)

Public Streetlight Requirements

Developers are generally responsible for all costs associated with the installation of public streetlights within or adjacent to any area proposed for development. This requirement appears consistently throughout the code.

Supporting West Des Moines' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique balance West Des Moines strives to maintain between modern development and historical preservation. As a manufacturer with nearly a century of experience, we appreciate the city's efforts to preserve the character of areas like Valley Junction while accommodating growth.

We serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, helping implement solutions that respect both technical requirements and community character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to support West Des Moines' vision for appropriate lighting that enhances safety while maintaining neighborhood aesthetics.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with West Des Moines' goals, particularly in areas where residential and commercial uses interface. We believe quality lighting enhances communities without compromising their unique character.

Conclusion

West Des Moines' lighting regulations create a framework that allows for modern, functional lighting while protecting neighborhood character and residential quality of life. Property owners should be particularly attentive to requirements related to light trespass, fixture types, and special considerations when near residential areas.

Early consultation with the city's planning department and inclusion of required photometric plans in development applications can help ensure compliance with these regulations. By following these standards, property owners contribute to West Des Moines' continued success in balancing growth with preservation of its unique character.

Remember that specific developments, particularly PUDs, may have additional requirements beyond the general standards outlined here. Always consult with city officials for the most current and applicable regulations for your specific property.