Lighting Regulations in White Hall, Arkansas: Balancing Safety, Privacy, and Community Character

Introduction

When White Hall was incorporated in July 1964, it formalized a community with roots stretching back to the early 19th century. What began as a rest stop for travelers seeking its pristine spring waters has evolved into a city that carefully balances modern development with community values.

White Hall's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balanced philosophy. Located along the historic Dollarway Road (the first paved road in Arkansas) and influenced by its proximity to the Pine Bluff Arsenal, White Hall has developed regulations that prioritize safety while respecting neighbors' privacy and the community's aesthetic standards.

Quick Reference Guide to White Hall Lighting Requirements

• Outdoor Lighting: Must be designed to keep all direct illumination within property boundaries
• Means of Egress: Minimum illumination of one footcandle (11 lux) required
• Common Areas: Residential buildings require 60-watt standard lighting per 200 square feet
• Required Fixtures: Every public hall, stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room and furnace room must have at least one lighting fixture
• Excavation Safety: All excavations must be properly barricaded and lighted
• Property Lighting: Must be arranged to reflect away from adjacent properties

Safety-Related Lighting Requirements

Excavation Safety

White Hall takes construction safety seriously. The code specifically requires:

• All excavations must be properly barricaded and lighted to give due notice to the public
• The person making the excavation is responsible for maintaining these lights and barricades

Means of Egress Illumination

For public safety, the code mandates:

• Means of egress must be illuminated at all times when the building is occupied
• Minimum illumination level: one footcandle (11 lux) at floors, landings, and treads
• In non-residential occupancies, exterior means of egress stairways must maintain this same minimum illumination whenever the building is occupied

Residential Indoor Lighting Standards

Habitable Spaces

Every habitable space in White Hall must have:

• At least one window of approved size facing directly outdoors or to a court
• Minimum total glazed area of 8% of the floor area
• Artificial light complying with the International Building Code is permitted as an alternative to natural light

Common Areas in Multi-Family Buildings

In residential occupancies (except one- and two-family dwellings):

• Every common hall and stairway must be lighted at all times
• Minimum requirement: 60-watt standard incandescent light bulb for each 200 square feet
• Maximum spacing between lights: 30 feet

Required Lighting Fixtures

The code specifically requires:

• At minimum one electric lighting fixture in every:
• Public hall
• Interior stairway
• Toilet room
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Laundry room
• Boiler room
• Furnace room

Outdoor Lighting Regulations

Purpose and Applicability

White Hall's outdoor lighting regulations were designed to:

• Protect privacy by limiting glare and light trespass
• Protect drivers, pedestrians, senior citizens, and the visually impaired from glare

These regulations apply to:

• All outdoor lighting fixtures installed after the effective date
• Replacement of existing fixtures
• Existing lighting that creates disabling glare

Key Requirements

Property owners must ensure:

• All outdoor lighting fixtures must keep direct illumination within property boundaries
• Any light used to illuminate property or parking areas must be arranged to reflect away from adjacent properties, including those across rights-of-way

Exemptions

The following are exempt from outdoor lighting regulations:

• Single-family and two-family residential uses
• Street lights (though they must meet State of Arkansas requirements)
• Navigation lights (airports, heliports, radio/television towers)
• Special situations approved by the city for temporary events
• Security lights of any wattage that:
• Are controlled by motion sensors
• Do not remain on longer than 12 minutes after activation
• Spotlighting on landscaping using incandescent lamps not exceeding 150 watts

Sports Field Lighting

For athletic facilities, the code specifically requires:

• Sports field lighting must be designed according to IESNA standards
• Must follow IESNA RP 6-01 "Sports and Recreational Area Lighting"

Street Lighting Guidelines

Planning and Design

For new developments, the code specifies:

• Design, shape, size, and lumination of street lights are determined by the Planning Commission
• Street lights must be placed within or abutting subdivisions
• Locations must be approved by the Planning Commission
• Street light locations must be included on preliminary plats
• For underground supply lines, pole positions should be designated on the plat with necessary easements

Maintenance

To ensure street lighting remains effective:

• Trees and shrubs that obstruct street lamps must be trimmed by the property owner

What Property Owners Should Know

Permits and Inspections

Before making lighting changes:

• No installation, alteration, or removal of wiring for light, heat, or power can be made without a written permit
• The Electrical Inspector regulates the placement of electric wires for lighting
• All lighting apparatus must be placed and constructed to prevent fires or accidents

Habitability Requirements

For building owners and landlords:

• A structure lacking proper illumination may be deemed "unfit for human occupancy"
• All spaces require sufficient natural or artificial light to permit maintenance of sanitary conditions and safe occupancy

Supporting White Hall's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like White Hall that balance modern needs with historic significance. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate White Hall's commitment to quality of life and community values.

We recognize that White Hall's lighting regulations reflect its journey from a historic rest stop along Arkansas' first paved road to a vibrant modern community. Our experience with similar communities helps us provide lighting solutions that respect local regulations while enhancing safety and aesthetics.

Bock Lighting can serve as a resource for property owners navigating White Hall's lighting requirements. We're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character while implementing lighting that prevents glare, respects neighbors' privacy, and contributes to public safety.

Conclusion

White Hall's lighting regulations reflect its community values, emphasizing safety, privacy, and respect for neighboring properties. From the illumination of excavation sites to the precise requirements for outdoor lighting, these standards help maintain the quality of life that has characterized White Hall since its early days.

Property owners should understand these requirements before making lighting changes, ensuring compliance with both the letter and spirit of regulations designed to protect all community members. By following these standards, residents and businesses contribute to White Hall's continued development as a community that respects its history while embracing appropriate modern infrastructure.