Lighting Regulations in Williams, Arizona: Preserving the Old West's Night Sky

Introduction: The City of Historic Charm

Nestled in Coconino County, Williams, Arizona carries a rich heritage dating back to its incorporation in 1901. Named after mountain man and fur trapper Old Bill Williams, this charming city played a pivotal role in western frontier development through ranching, railroading, and lumbering.

With its Historic Downtown District spanning six square blocks and deep connections to Route 66 and the Grand Canyon tourism, Williams has always balanced preserving its Old West character while meeting modern needs. This balance extends to the city's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to maintain the historic ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Direction Requirements: Lighting must be directed downward and away from rights-of-way and adjacent properties
• Shielding: Lights must be adequately shielded, especially near residential areas
• Brightness Limits: Electronic Message Center signs must not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light
• Purpose: Regulations aim to minimize light pollution, light trespass, impacts to nocturnal wildlife, and conserve energy
• Zoning: Williams falls under Zone III as established by Coconino County, allowing more flexibility in outdoor lighting than areas closer to observatories

General Exterior Lighting Regulations

Purpose and Intent

Williams' exterior lighting regulations (§150.03) serve multiple purposes that reflect the city's values. These regulations aim to:

• Minimize light pollution and light trespass
• Reduce impacts to nocturnal wildlife
• Conserve energy
• Maintain nighttime safety, utility, security, and productivity

The city falls within Zone III as established by Coconino County lighting regulations, providing increased flexibility in outdoor lighting compared to zones closer to astronomical observatories.

Basic Requirements for All Properties

Regardless of property type, all exterior lighting in Williams must follow these fundamental principles:

• Directional Control: All lighting must be directed downwards and away from rights-of-way and adjacent properties
• Residential Protection: Lighting must be shielded from adjacent residential districts
• Street Visibility: Lighting should not detract from visibility on adjacent streets
• Glare Reduction: Installation should avoid any glare or reflection into residential buildings, streets, alleys, or driveways

Special Lighting Requirements by Property Type

Mobile Food Units

Mobile food units have specific lighting requirements:

• Must provide adequate lighting to ensure customer safety in vending areas
• Lighting must be directed downwards and away from rights-of-way and adjacent properties

Off-Street Parking Areas

For parking facilities, the code specifies:

• All lighting for off-street parking or loading areas must be directed away from adjacent residential districts
• External illumination of buildings near parking areas must be shielded from residential districts
• Lighting must not detract from visibility on adjacent streets

Private Streets in Manufactured Home Parks

• All private streets shall be properly lighted in accordance with a park lighting plan approved by the city

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Historic Preservation Considerations

The Historic Preservation Commission plays an important role in regulating illuminated signs:

• Signs illuminated with visible bulbs require approval from the Historic Preservation Commission
• Neon signs must also receive approval from the Historic Preservation Commission
• Within the historic preservation district, luminous paints are not permitted
• Animated signs are prohibited in the historic preservation district

Electronic Message Center (EMC) Signs

EMC signs are subject to detailed regulations:

Location Restrictions

• EMC signs within 100 feet of residential parcels cannot operate between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• EMC signs are not allowed in the Historic Overlay District (with limited exceptions for window displays up to six square feet)

Technical Requirements

• Brightness Control: All EMC signs must include automatic dimming technology
• Maximum Brightness: Cannot exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light when measured with a foot-candle meter
• Measurement Distance: Based on sign size according to the following scale:

| Area of Sign (sq. ft.) | Measurement Distance (ft) | |------------------------|---------------------------| | 10 | 32 | | 15 | 39 | | 20 | 45 | | 25 | 50 | | 30 | 55 | | 32 | 56.7 |

Display Requirements

• EMC signs must display static images for a minimum of eight seconds before transitioning
• Only one EMC sign is permitted per property (exception: properties fronting more than one street may have one per street frontage)
• EMC signs cannot exceed 35% of the allowable square footage when incorporated into a larger sign
• EMC signs are only allowed in conjunction with non-residential uses

Holiday and Seasonal Lighting

For temporary decorative lighting, Williams has established reasonable time limits:

• Holiday and seasonal decorations using lighting may be erected no more than one month before the holiday
• All holiday lighting must be removed within 15 days after the holiday
• Exception: Christmas decorations may be erected as early as October 15

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Planning

When planning new lighting installations, property owners should:

• Review the specific requirements for their zone and property type
• Consider the historical context of their location, especially if near the Historic Downtown District
• Consult with the city regarding any lighting plan approvals that may be needed
• Pay special attention to shielding and directionality of all lighting fixtures

Common Compliance Issues

The most frequent violations of Williams' lighting code involve:

• Unshielded lights causing glare onto neighboring properties
• Excessive brightness, particularly from electronic signs
• Improper direction of light fixtures (not pointed downward)
• Failure to obtain Historic Preservation Commission approval for illuminated signs in historic districts

Supporting Williams' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting shares Williams' commitment to preserving historic character while embracing appropriate modern technology. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of maintaining the distinctive atmosphere that makes communities like Williams special.

We appreciate Williams' thoughtful approach to balancing safety and utility with the preservation of its Old West heritage and dark sky values. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting is committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Williams' vision of minimizing light pollution while maintaining the character of historic areas. Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations helps property owners achieve compliance while enhancing their properties.

Conclusion

Williams' lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historic character while addressing modern needs. By directing light downward, controlling brightness, and requiring appropriate shielding, these regulations help maintain the Old West atmosphere that makes Williams special.

Property owners planning lighting installations should carefully review the relevant sections of the code and consider consulting with city officials to ensure compliance. With thoughtful planning, lighting can enhance safety and utility while respecting Williams' unique heritage and the beautiful dark skies of northern Arizona.

By working together, residents and businesses can help preserve the authentic character that makes Williams a distinctive gateway to the Grand Canyon and a living monument to Route 66 and the American West.