Lighting Regulations in Willcox, Arizona: Preserving Dark Skies in Historic Railroad Country

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Primary Goal: Restrict outdoor artificial lighting that emits undesirable rays into the night sky
• Preferred Light Source: Low pressure sodium lamps are specifically preferred to minimize impact on astronomical observations
• Metal Halide Restrictions: Cannot be used for security lighting after 11:00 p.m. unless fully shielded
• Searchlights: Operation for advertising purposes is prohibited
• Illumination After Hours: Outdoor recreational facilities cannot use non-conforming lighting after 11:00 p.m. (except to conclude events in progress)
• Yard Lighting: Minimum of two-tenths footcandles required along driveways and walkways
• Historic Districts: Special approval required for signage and lighting installations

Understanding Willcox's Lighting Priorities

Willcox, Arizona, established in the late 19th century as a railroad town, maintains a character deeply influenced by its historical roots. Named after General Orlando B. Willcox, this community of approximately 4,000 residents sits at a high elevation on the eastern edge of the Sonoran Desert, creating ideal conditions for astronomical observation.

The town's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving both its historical character and its dark skies. The multi-paned windows and ornamental details that characterize Willcox's architecture are complemented by thoughtful lighting requirements that maintain the town's charm while enabling scientific pursuits.

Why Dark Sky Protection Matters in Willcox

The primary purpose of Willcox's lighting code is explicitly to restrict outdoor artificial illuminating devices that emit rays into the night sky which would have a detrimental effect on astronomical observations. This unique focus underscores the importance of dark sky preservation in the region's identity and scientific contributions.

Technical Specifications for Outdoor Lighting

Shielding Requirements

Willcox requires most exterior illuminating devices to be either fully or partially shielded:

• Fully Shielded: Light rays must be projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the fixture where light is emitted
• Partially Shielded: The bottom edge of the shield must be below the plane center line of the light source (lamp), minimizing light above the horizontal

Filtering Standards

Specific lamp types require special filtering to minimize adverse effects:

• Metal Halide Fixtures: Must have a filter with less than 5% total emergent flux at wavelengths less than 3,900 angstroms
• Mercury Vapor Fixtures: Must have a filter with less than 10% total emergent flux at wavelengths less than 4,400 angstroms
• Total Emergent Flux: Defined as that between 3,000 and 7,000 angstrom units

Lamp-Specific Requirements

Different types of lighting have varying shielding and filtering requirements:

| Fixture Lamp Type | Shielding Required | Filtering Required | |:------------------|:-------------------|:-------------------| | Low pressure sodium | Partially shielded | None | | High pressure sodium | Fully shielded | None | | Metal halide | Fully shielded | Yes | | Fluorescent | Fully shielded | Yes (warm white and natural lamps preferred) | | Incandescent >150W | Fully shielded | None | | Incandescent ≤150W | None | None | | Mercury vapor | Fully shielded | Yes | | Fossil fuel | None | None | | Glass tubes (Neon, Argon, Krypton) | None | None |

Special Lighting Situations

Medical Marijuana Facilities

Dispensaries and cultivation locations have specific lighting requirements:

• Exterior Areas: Must be illuminated during all nighttime hours, including parking areas, sidewalks, and building entrances
• Interior Requirements: Areas where the public has access and where marijuana is stored must be well-lit
• Compliance: All outdoor lighting must still comply with the city's light pollution regulations

Historic District Considerations

Special care must be taken when installing lighting in historically significant areas:

• Review Process: Written recommendation required from the historic preservation commission
• Sign Lighting Restrictions:
• Visible bulbs cannot exceed ten watts per bulb
• Neon tubing requires special permission
• Luminous paints and flashing lights are prohibited

Commercial and Industrial Applications

• Zone Boundaries: Activities must not generate intermittent light or glare discernible beyond zone boundary lines
• Commercial Signs: Can be illuminated but must comply with chapter 10.03 light pollution regulations
• Non-Residential Areas: All lights must be non-flashing and non-rotating
• Residential Proximity: No signs or lights shall exist within 30 feet of any residential property

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit and Application Requirements

Before installing outdoor lighting, property owners need to:

• Submit Evidence: Applications for building permits involving outdoor lighting must demonstrate compliance with the code
• Provide Plans: Include locations of fixtures and descriptions of illuminating devices
• Technical Details: Catalog cuts and drawings may be required to verify compliance

Exemptions and Special Considerations

Not all lighting situations fall under the strict regulations:

• Grandfathered Fixtures: Outdoor light fixtures installed before the code's effective date may remain "nonconforming" until replaced or significantly altered
• Temporary Needs: 30-day exemptions can be requested from the city zoning inspector
• Permanently Exempt: Fossil fuel lights and Federal/State facilities are not subject to these regulations

Yard and Security Lighting Standards

• Minimum Illumination: Driveways and walkways require at least two-tenths footcandles along their full length
• Security After Hours: Metal halide display lighting cannot be used for security after 11:00 p.m. unless fully shielded
• Unshielded Illumination: Prohibited except with incandescent fixtures less than 150 watts

Supporting Willcox's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Willcox's appreciation for the delicate balance between historical preservation and modern lighting needs. Our experience working with communities that value their architectural heritage and natural resources gives us unique insight into the challenges faced by property owners in Willcox.

How Bock Lighting Aligns with Willcox Values

We understand that Willcox's lighting regulations serve dual purposes: preserving the town's historic railroad character while protecting the dark skies that make it special. As a manufacturer committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices, we recognize the importance of these regulations in maintaining the community's unique identity.

Educational Resources, Not Just Products

Rather than simply selling lighting fixtures, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource, helping property owners understand technical requirements like light filtering and shielding. We can help explain how specific requirements—like the preference for low-pressure sodium lamps—support astronomical observations while maintaining safety and functionality.

Our commitment to community support includes helping property owners navigate complex regulations to find solutions that respect both code requirements and Willcox's historic character.

Conclusion

Willcox, Arizona's lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful approach to preserving both the town's historical railroad heritage and its ideal conditions for astronomical observation. By carefully regulating outdoor illumination, the community maintains its distinctive character while protecting dark skies.

Property owners should pay particular attention to shielding and filtering requirements, which vary by lamp type. The preference for low pressure sodium lamps and specific technical standards for different applications demonstrates Willcox's commitment to balanced, purposeful lighting solutions.

These regulations ensure that as Willcox continues to evolve, it will retain the character and environmental qualities that make it a special place in Arizona's eastern Sonoran Desert.