Lighting Regulations in Wiggins, Colorado: A Guide to Rural Community Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Morgan County, Wiggins, Colorado embodies the charm of rural America with its rich history dating back to 1882. Originally established as a Burlington Railroad depot called "Corona," the town was renamed around 1900 to honor Oliver P. Wiggins, a notable guide for Captain John C. Frémont and companion to Kit Carson.

With a growing population of 1,401 as of 2020, Wiggins balances development with preservation of its historical character, including treasures like the Old Trail School, a historic one-room schoolhouse built around 1912. This commitment to maintaining small-town character while accommodating growth is reflected in the town's approach to various regulations, including those related to lighting.

Quick Reference Guide

• Mobile Home Parks: Minimum illumination of one-foot candle required for service roads and walkways
• Parking Areas: Lighting must not be directed toward residential areas or public streets
• Glare Control: Operations producing intense glare must be conducted within enclosed buildings or screened
• Exterior Lighting: Must be installed to prevent glare on streets, walkways, and residential areas
• Sign Illumination: Many signs require indirect illumination only; hours may be limited
• Prohibited Lighting: Lighting that could be confused with warning, emergency, or traffic signals

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Identification Signs

For homeowners in Wiggins, the regulations establish clear guidelines for residential property identification:

• Single-family and Two-family Dwellings: Identification signs may not have illumination except for house numbers
• Multi-family Dwellings: Identification signs shall have indirect illumination only

Neighborhood Identification

Subdivision entrances have specific requirements:

• One low-profile sign permitted per main street entrance
• Maximum size of 50 square feet
• Maximum height of 10 feet
• Indirect illumination only

Commercial and Institutional Lighting Standards

General Requirements

All exterior lighting for commercial properties in Wiggins must be designed with neighboring properties in mind:

• Light sources must be sufficiently obscured
• Lighting must prevent glare on public streets and walkways
• Light must not spill into any residential area

Sign Illumination

The town places special emphasis on sign lighting:

• Signs shall not be illuminated by rotating, pulsating, or oscillating beacons
• Signs that simulate emergency vehicle visual signals are prohibited
• For businesses in residential zones, the Board of Trustees will consider:
• Hours of illumination
• Method of illumination
• Measures to prevent glare onto adjacent rights-of-way and properties

Architectural Harmony

When reviewing development plans, Wiggins considers whether:

• Exterior lighting is part of the architectural concept
• Lighting is harmonious with the building design

Mobile Home Park Standards

Safety Illumination

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements for safety:

• All service access roads and pedestrian walkways serving more than two mobile home spaces must be lighted for safe movement
• Minimum illumination: One-foot candle
• Mobile homes must have "adequate means of lighting" installed according to applicable codes

Park Signage

• One advertising sign is permitted
• Sign may not be of the "neon, flashing-light variety"

Glare and Light Trespass Prevention

Commercial Operations

Any business operation producing intense glare or heat must take precautions:

• Must be conducted within an enclosed building
• Or use effective screening
• Must make glare or heat completely imperceptible from any property line

Parking Areas

• Lighting from parking areas shall not be directed toward any adjacent residential area or public street
• Lighting fixtures must be designed and positioned to prevent unwanted light spillage

What Property Owners Should Know

Tree Maintenance and Street Lighting

Property owners have responsibilities related to street lighting:

• Prune tree branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• The town has the right to prune trees when they interfere with street light spread
• Trees should not block visibility of traffic control devices or signs

Permitting Requirements

When submitting plans or applications, be prepared to provide:

• Descriptions of any associated lighting for temporary use permits
• Lighting arrangements for parking areas
• Detailed information about lighting fixtures in architectural drawings
• For signs, information about illumination methods and any required electrical permits

Supporting Wiggins' Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of small towns like Wiggins. With roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the balance communities strive to achieve between growth and preserving historic charm.

As a Midwest manufacturer, we recognize the importance of lighting solutions that respect the rural character and historical significance of communities like Wiggins. Our commitment to understanding local regulations and community values enables us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements.

We share Wiggins' commitment to thoughtful development that honors historical heritage while providing safe, functional lighting for residents and businesses. Our expertise in architectural lighting solutions aligns with the town's approach to lighting that prevents glare, minimizes light trespass, and complements building design.

Bock Lighting stands ready to help community members understand and implement lighting solutions that maintain Wiggins' distinctive small-town atmosphere while meeting safety and functional needs.

Conclusion

While Wiggins' lighting regulations are not extensive, they clearly prioritize:

• Preventing glare and light trespass into residential areas
• Ensuring adequate illumination for safety, particularly in mobile home parks
• Limiting sign illumination methods and hours
• Maintaining architectural harmony between lighting and building design

These standards reflect Wiggins' commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its rural, small-town character. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to maintaining the unique charm that makes Wiggins special while ensuring safe and functional lighting for all residents.

For specific questions about lighting regulations or to request variances, contact the Wiggins town offices for the most current information and guidance.