Lighting Regulations in Wilmore, Kentucky: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Public Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Wilmore's charm emanates from its rich railroad heritage dating back to 1876. As a town that values both its historical roots and thoughtful development, Wilmore has established specific lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to community safety while preserving its distinctive character.

The East Main Street Historic District and institutions like Asbury University (founded in 1890) and Asbury Theological Seminary stand as testaments to Wilmore's dedication to historical preservation. The lighting regulations in this close-knit community aim to balance modern safety needs with respect for the town's architectural heritage and community values.

Quick Reference Guide: Wilmore Lighting Requirements

• Street Light Approval: All street lighting plans require written approval from the Mayor or Public Works Director
• Fixture Types: Only colonial post top and cobra head fixtures are automatically accepted (others require special approval)
• Light Levels:
• Local streets: 100-watt (9,500 lumens) high-pressure sodium vapor luminaires
• Collector streets: 100-watt or 230-watt (22,000 lumens) high-pressure sodium vapor luminaires
• Arterial streets: 230-watt (22,000 lumens) high-pressure sodium vapor or larger
• Pole Height: 25-foot mounting height for luminaires
• Fixture Spacing: 200-250 feet intervals
• Business Requirement: Adequate outside lighting for customer safety

Street Lighting Requirements

Approval Process

Before any lighting installation can begin in Wilmore, proper planning and approval are essential. The city has established a clear protocol:

• A street lighting plan showing fixture locations, lumen levels, and fixture styles must be submitted to the city
• No construction can begin without written approval signed by either the Mayor or Public Works Director
• All street lights are under the full jurisdiction and control of the Public Works Department

Lighting Equipment Specifications

Wilmore maintains specific requirements for lighting equipment to ensure consistency and quality throughout the community:

Pole Requirements

• Poles must be aluminum composition with sufficient height to provide a 25-foot mounting height
• Wood poles serving other utilities may have street lighting as a secondary use (with prior approval)
• Poles on local or collector streets may be concrete base mounted or direct burial
• Poles on arterial streets must be concrete base mounted only

Fixture Standards

• Only two styles are automatically accepted: colonial post top and cobra head
• All other styles require specific written approval
• Luminaire support arms must be 6 feet for both 100-watt and 230-watt fixtures

Light Levels and Spacing

The city has established clear requirements for illumination based on street classification:

• Local streets: 100-watt (9,500 lumens) high-pressure sodium vapor luminaires
• Collector streets: Either 100-watt (9,500 lumens) or 230-watt (22,000 lumens) high-pressure sodium vapor luminaires, as determined by the Public Works Director
• Arterial streets: 230-watt (22,000 lumens) high-pressure sodium vapor luminaires or larger

Fixtures must be spaced at intervals of 200 to 250 feet, determined by the anticipated coverage and lumen level. This spacing may only be varied with approval from both the city and Kentucky Utilities.

Commercial and Property Lighting Requirements

Business Lighting Requirements

Wilmore's code requires businesses to provide adequate lighting:

• Licensed businesses must maintain adequate outside lighting to permit customers to utilize parking areas
• This requirement is specifically intended to "promote the safety, health and welfare of the general public"

Cemetery Lighting Restrictions

The city has specific regulations regarding cemetery illumination:

• "Excessive lighting" is explicitly prohibited on headstones, bordered areas, or any portion of a cemetery plot
• Such lighting is classified as potentially "offensive" and is not permitted

Limited Storage Areas

For designated limited storage areas, the regulations specify:

• Only essential lighting is permitted in these areas
• These areas must be void of other utilities and cannot be temperature controlled
• Materials must be flood-resistant with low flood damage potential

What Property Owners Should Know

Developer Responsibilities

Property developers in Wilmore should be aware of their lighting obligations:

• All street lighting must be installed by the developer at their own expense
• Installation must follow city specifications
• Developers must pay the city for each street light unit installed
• A complete unit includes pole, concrete base, anchor bolts, luminaire with lamp and photo electric control, bracket, arm, and all wire and labor

Planning for Compliance

When planning new development in Wilmore, consider these key points:

• Submit plans early to allow time for review and approval
• Street light easement or pole locations must be shown on all subdivision plats and development plans
• Understand your street classification (local, collector, or arterial) as this determines lighting requirements
• Any exceptions to the minimum standards require City Council approval

Supporting Wilmore's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates Wilmore's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring public safety. As a manufacturer with over a century of experience, we recognize the importance of balancing modern lighting technology with community aesthetics.

Communities like Wilmore, with their rich heritage and distinctive architectural features, deserve lighting solutions that enhance rather than detract from their unique character. Bock Lighting shares Wilmore's values of thoughtful development, historic preservation, and community safety.

Our experience working with historic communities helps residents and businesses navigate lighting regulations while maintaining the charm that makes places like Wilmore special. We're committed to serving as an educational resource to help property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that respect both regulatory requirements and community character.

Conclusion

Wilmore's lighting regulations reflect its dedication to maintaining its historical character while providing safe, well-lit streets and properties. From specific fixture types to precise illumination levels, these standards ensure consistency throughout the community.

Property owners and developers should work closely with the Public Works Department to ensure compliance with these regulations before beginning any lighting installation. By adhering to these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to preserving Wilmore's unique charm while supporting its continued growth and development.

For detailed specifications on poles, concrete base construction, luminaires, and supporting arms, visit the City Clerk's office where complete documentation is maintained.