Lighting Regulations in West Wendover, Nevada: Balancing Entertainment, Safety, and Community Character

Introduction: Illuminating West Wendover's Unique Character

West Wendover, Nevada has a distinctive history shaped by its location and economic focus. Founded in 1926 by William "Bill" Smith with a simple cobblestone service station on the Utah/Nevada border, the city transformed after Nevada legalized gaming in 1931. This small border town has evolved into a vibrant entertainment destination, symbolized by its iconic neon cowboy sign, "Wendover Will," erected in 1952.

With a population of approximately 4,500 residents, West Wendover balances development needs with preservation of its unique character. The city's approach to lighting reflects its identity as a welcoming entertainment hub while maintaining safety and functionality for both residents and visitors.

Quick Reference Guide: West Wendover Lighting Requirements

Key Lighting Requirements:

• Minimum Illumination Levels: 1 foot-candle at floor level for certain businesses
• Business Entrance Lighting: "Dusk till dawn" illumination required for cannabis establishments
• External Lighting Direction: Must be shielded from residential areas and not interfere with traffic
• Sign Illumination: Restrictions on brightness, flashing, and placement
• Street Lighting: Required for all subdivisions per City Engineer specifications

Business and Commercial Lighting Standards

Entertainment Venue Lighting

West Wendover's economy is centered around entertainment venues, which have specific lighting requirements:

• Interior lighting in establishments serving liquor must be sufficient to make patrons easily discernible upon entering
• Minimum light intensity must be at least 1 foot-candle when measured 30 inches from the floor
• An exception exists for floor shows, where lights may be temporarily dimmed, but must be restored immediately after the show concludes

Cannabis Establishment Requirements

Cannabis businesses face strict security and visibility requirements:

• All entrances must have "dusk till dawn" lighting
• Entrances must be visible from a public street or parking lot
• A comprehensive lighting system must illuminate the building, parking area, gate area, and loading areas in low light conditions
• Lighting must support security camera surveillance that clearly identifies activities within 20 feet of the exterior

Adult Business Illumination Standards

Sexually oriented businesses must maintain:

• Minimum illumination of 1 foot-candle measured at floor level
• Lighting plans showing location of all overhead fixtures must be submitted with license applications
• Owners and operators must ensure proper illumination whenever patrons are present

Exterior and Public Area Lighting

Commercial Property Lighting Controls

For commercial properties, West Wendover requires:

• All lighting for advertising, off-street parking, loading areas, or external building illumination must be directed away from and shielded from any adjacent residential districts
• Lighting must not detract from driver visibility on adjacent streets
• Illumination should not interfere with or cause confusion regarding traffic control devices
• Lighting must not create traffic hazards or interfere with driver vision

Street Lighting Requirements

For new developments and subdivisions:

• Street lighting is required on all streets within subdivisions
• Placement locations are designated by the City Engineer
• All installations must conform to specifications in the West Wendover Construction Standards and Specifications Manual
• Subdividers bear all costs related to the purchase and placement of streetlights (unless the city has an agreement with the power company for reimbursement)

Utility Easements for Lighting

The code specifies easement requirements for lighting infrastructure:

• Utility easements of five feet on each side of side lot lines where required for distribution facilities
• Service to street lighting requires one foot on each side of lot lines (or as required by the utility company)
• Street lighting service lines must be channeled in easements four feet wide on each side of lot lines separating pairs of lots

Sign Illumination Regulations

Prohibited Sign Lighting

West Wendover prohibits certain types of sign illumination to maintain safety and community character:

• Signs using strobe lights exceeding 100 watts
• Signs that imitate or simulate official signs
• Signs using lights that resemble danger or warning signs (except approved community service signs)
• Private signs on public property or attached to utility poles or streetlight standards

Off-Premises Sign Illumination Controls

For signs not located on the business property:

• Illumination must be effectively shielded to prevent beams or rays from being directed at traveled ways
• Light intensity must not cause glare or impair vision of drivers
• Illumination must not interfere with the effectiveness of or obscure official traffic signs or signals

Sign Illumination Definitions

The code provides specific definitions for different types of illuminated signage:

• Electronic Message Center: Contains a grid of electrically activated light panels that can be changed by computer (not considered flashing)
• Flashing Sign: Uses blinking, flashing, or intermittent illumination (direct, indirect, or internal)
• Indirect Illumination: Light cast on a sign from an external source with the light source shielded from direct view

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing property in West Wendover, consider these lighting requirements early:

• Site plans must show the location and design of all lighting for off-street parking
• Exterior lighting within developments must be provided on private common drives, vehicular streets, and public streets
• Lighting on public streets must conform to standards approved elsewhere in the city
• Additional lighting may be required as part of graffiti prevention measures

Safety and Security Considerations

West Wendover's code emphasizes lighting for safety:

• Businesses may be required to ensure adequate lighting in sidewalk and parking areas to support security camera systems
• Insufficient illumination can be considered a nuisance under the city code
• During construction projects like sewer work, barriers and warning lights must be maintained to warn the public of hazards

Supporting West Wendover's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique character that West Wendover seeks to maintain. With the city's vibrant gaming and entertainment industry, proper lighting plays a crucial role in creating the welcoming atmosphere that draws visitors while ensuring safety.

We appreciate West Wendover's approach to lighting regulations that balance the needs of its entertainment-focused economy with practical safety considerations. Our experience working with communities that have distinctive character helps us understand the intersection of lighting requirements and community identity.

As a resource for property owners and businesses, Bock Lighting can help navigate the specific illumination requirements of West Wendover's various districts and business types. Our commitment to education about lighting regulations aligns with West Wendover's need for both vibrant, attention-grabbing illumination in entertainment areas and appropriate, safety-focused lighting throughout the community.

Conclusion

West Wendover's lighting regulations reflect its unique position as a border town entertainment destination with specific needs for both vibrant commercial areas and safe residential neighborhoods. From the minimum illumination requirements for businesses to the careful controls on sign lighting, these standards help maintain the city's distinctive character.

Property owners should pay particular attention to minimum illumination levels, requirements for shielding and directing light away from residential areas, and the detailed specifications for street lighting and utility easements. By understanding and following these regulations, both businesses and residents contribute to West Wendover's continued success as a welcoming destination with a clear sense of community identity.