Lighting Regulations in Woodward, Oklahoma: Balancing History and Modern Standards

Introduction

Nestled in the western part of the Cherokee Outlet, Woodward, Oklahoma has evolved from its 1887 railway town origins into a thriving commercial hub serving over 70,000 area residents. The city's unique blend of "eastern aggressiveness and western hospitality" is reflected in its approach to urban development, including its lighting regulations.

These regulations aim to preserve Woodward's distinctive character while meeting the needs of a growing community. From its early days as a frontier town with saloons lining the streets to today's modern city powered by oil and gas industries, Woodward has always balanced preservation with progress.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specific details, here's a quick overview of Woodward's most important lighting regulations:

• Signs: Only nonintermittent white lighting is permitted on signs
• Residential Protection: No lighted signs within 100 feet of residential districts unless shielded
• Light Trespass: Maximum 0.2 foot-candle spillover onto residential properties
• Height Restrictions: Light fixtures within 50 feet of residential zones cannot exceed 15 feet in height
• Prohibited Lighting: No fiber optic/neon decoration, flashing lights, or searchlights (except temporarily)
• Residential Standards: Multiple dwellings must maintain minimum one foot-candle illumination in halls and stairways

Sign Lighting Requirements

Basic Sign Illumination Standards

Woodward's sign regulations reflect the city's practical approach to business needs while preventing light pollution. All electrically illuminated signs must conform to the city electrical code, ensuring safety and consistency.

Only nonintermittent white lighting is permitted on signs, though message center signs are allowed. This requirement maintains a clean, professional appearance throughout commercial areas.

Placement and Protection

No poles, posts, or standards used to support signs or floodlights may be placed on sidewalks, streets, public property, or easements. This ensures pedestrian pathways remain clear and public spaces unobstructed.

Special Considerations for Portable and Residential-Adjacent Signs

For businesses using portable signs, illumination may be:

• White or yellow in color
• Maximum of 60 watts
• Compliant with city electrical code requirements

To protect residential neighborhoods, no lighted sign is permitted within 100 feet of a residential district unless the lighting is shielded from view in the direction of the residential area.

Residential and Multi-Dwelling Lighting Standards

Minimum Illumination Requirements

Woodward's code establishes clear standards for interior lighting in multi-family dwellings:

• Every public hall or stairway in multiple dwellings must have a minimum of one foot-candle of illumination, measurable at floor level in halls and at tread level on stairways
• Every habitable room must contain at least two separate wall-type electric outlets or one outlet and one ceiling light fixture
• Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, and public hall requires at least one ceiling or wall light fixture

Safety Standards

The code allows for condemnation of habitations deemed "so deficient in illumination...that it jeopardizes the health or safety of the occupants or of the public." This underscores the city's commitment to ensuring adequate lighting for safety purposes.

Light Trespass and Neighborhood Protection

Preventing Nuisance Lighting

Woodward's regulations include several provisions to prevent light from becoming a neighborhood nuisance:

• Any lighting must be arranged to prevent annoying glare directed toward residential buildings in residential districts
• Spillover lighting onto residential properties cannot exceed 0.2 foot-candle measured at the lot line
• The intensity and arrangement of reflectors must not interfere with residential district uses

Height and Type Restrictions

In areas near residential zones:

• Light fixtures within 50 feet of residentially zoned property cannot exceed 15 feet in height
• Fiber optic and neon lighting or building decoration is prohibited
• Flashing or intermittent lighting is not permitted

Special Lighting Situations

Construction and Safety Lighting

When construction creates trenches in public streets and alleys, proper lighting is required:

• All trenches must be protected with a substantial barricade at least 3 feet high
• Amber lights must be placed at each end of trenches 10 feet or longer
• These lights must remain brightly burning from sunset to sunrise

Temporary Event Lighting

While searchlights are generally prohibited, they may be permitted for:

• Grand openings
• Special occasions
• Maximum duration of 10 days

Tower Lighting

Towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA or other authorities. When lighting is required, designs causing the least disturbance to surrounding views must be selected.

Industrial Area Requirements

In the I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehousing District, any glare from operations must be completely confined within enclosed buildings. This requirement helps maintain visual comfort in surrounding areas while allowing for industrial activities.

Additionally, outdoor lighting in commercial and industrial areas must have an arrangement of reflectors and intensity that won't interfere with adjacent land uses or streets.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Your Responsibilities

As a property owner in Woodward, you're responsible for ensuring your lighting complies with city regulations. This includes:

• Keeping lighting confined to your property as much as possible
• Selecting appropriate fixtures and bulbs
• Ensuring illuminated signs meet color and intensity requirements
• Maintaining minimum lighting standards in multi-family buildings

The Energy Code Connection

Woodward has adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (2009 edition), which includes regulations for the design and selection of illumination systems. While specific lighting efficiency requirements aren't detailed in our extracts, this adoption indicates Woodward's commitment to energy-efficient lighting practices.

Supporting Woodward's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Woodward's commitment to balancing modern needs with historical character. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with experience in communities transitioning from historical to modern standards, we understand the importance of lighting that complements Woodward's unique atmosphere.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles allows us to help property owners navigate lighting regulations while maintaining the character that makes Woodward special. We appreciate the city's practical approach to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetics.

As a resource for understanding lighting regulations, Bock Lighting is committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with community values. Our experience with projects that respect community character puts us in a unique position to support Woodward's vision for appropriate lighting.

Conclusion

Woodward's lighting regulations reflect its evolution from frontier railway town to modern commercial center. While not as extensive as some municipalities, these guidelines effectively balance the needs of businesses, residents, and the city's historical character.

By focusing on preventing light trespass, maintaining minimum safety standards, and controlling sign illumination, Woodward has created a framework that supports growth while respecting neighborhood quality of life. Understanding these regulations helps property owners contribute to the city's continued development while honoring its unique heritage.