Lighting Regulations in Worthington, Minnesota: A Guide to Community Standards

Introduction

Founded in 1871, Worthington, Minnesota has evolved from a small settlement established by Dr. Aaron P. Miller and the National Colony into a vibrant city that values both its historical roots and modern development. As the county seat of Nobles County, Worthington has always balanced progress with preservation of its community character and values.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance – ensuring safety and functionality while respecting the aesthetic quality and historical character that makes Worthington unique. With nineteen city parks, recreational areas around Lake Okabena, and a strong commitment to quality of life, the city's lighting standards help maintain the charm and livability that residents value.

Quick Reference Guide

• Street Lighting: Must follow Illuminating Engineer's Society standards
• Building Identification: Address numbers must be visible at night with spotlight or porch light
• Public Areas: Multiple-dwelling public halls and stairways require minimum 10 footcandles at floor level
• Glare Control: Exterior lighting must direct light away from adjoining properties
• Premises Security: Exterior premises must be adequately illuminated to observe activities
• Sign Illumination: Restrictions on blinking/flashing lights in residential areas
• Electronic Signs: Residential electronic message signs limited to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Street Lighting Requirements

Ornamental Street Lighting Standards

Worthington's regulations specifically address ornamental street lighting in residential areas. These fixtures must be installed according to the most recent standards established by the Illuminating Engineer's Society, ensuring consistent quality throughout the community.

Assessment Considerations

For rectangular corner lots, the city uses a special calculation for ornamental street lighting in residential areas. The "frontage" is considered equal to only the dimension of the smaller of the two sides of the lot for assessment purposes.

Installation Timeline

Surface improvements, including ornamental street lighting, are coordinated with utility installation. All utilities and utility service lines must be installed prior to street construction and surfacing or resurfacing.

Residential and Multi-Family Lighting

Building Identification

Address visibility is critical for emergency services. Worthington requires that address numbers be:

• Located near the front door
• Clearly visible from the street
• Readable at night with either:
• A spotlight, or
• A porch light attached to the building

Public Hall and Stairway Illumination

In multiple-dwelling buildings, safety is paramount:

• Every public hall and stairway must be adequately lit by natural or artificial light at all times
• Lighting must provide at least 10 footcandles of light at the tread or floor level
• Buildings with no more than two dwelling units may use conveniently located light switches instead of full-time lighting

Bathroom Lighting Safety

Electrical safety is specifically addressed for bathroom lighting:

• Light switches must minimize the danger of electric shock
• All lights and outlets must be installed and maintained to minimize electrical shock hazards

Habitability Standards

Worthington's code recognizes that adequate lighting is essential for habitability. "Inadequate light" is specifically mentioned as a factor that can contribute to a structure being deemed unsanitary and unfit for human habitation.

Commercial Property Lighting

Exterior Illumination

Commercial properties must ensure:

• Premises exteriors are adequately illuminated to observe the location and activities of all persons
• Lighting used for off-street parking areas is directed away from residential properties
• No light creates a nuisance to either residential properties or oncoming vehicles

Downtown Parking

The city recognizes the importance of well-lit public areas downtown:

• Electricity for lighting downtown parking lots within the downtown parking district is considered an assessable cost

Business Establishment Requirements

For businesses requiring special licensing:

• Proper ventilation, toilets, washrooms, and lighting facilities must be demonstrated before licensing
• Public dance locations must be "adequately illuminated" at all times
• Dancing while lights are "extinguished, dimmed or turned low" is prohibited
• All exit areas must remain illuminated during public dances

Signage Illumination

General Requirements

Worthington has specific requirements for illuminated signs to balance visibility with neighborhood compatibility:

• Signs should not create traffic hazards through position, movement, shape, or illumination
• No sign shall reflect light onto residential structures
• Nonconforming illuminated signs have specific restrictions

Residential Area Restrictions

In residential areas, illuminated signs face additional restrictions:

• No blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights except in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
• Electronic message signs in residential areas require a conditional use permit with specific limitations:
• Message display limited to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Messages can only change once every ten seconds
• Flashing or fluttering messages are prohibited (scrolling only)

Scoreboard Regulations

Scoreboards with illuminated displays have specific brightness requirements:

• Video displays can only operate during events
• Brightness shall not exceed 6,000 nits after sunrise and before sunset
• Brightness shall not exceed 600 nits after sunset and before sunrise
• Automatic dimmer controls are required
• Emergency shutdown capability must be included

Glare Control and Light Trespass

Preventing Nuisance Lighting

Worthington prioritizes preventing light nuisance between properties:

• Glare from floodlights or high-temperature processes shall not be visible at any property line
• All exterior illumination must direct light away from adjoining properties
• Commercial property signs cannot reflect light onto residential structures

Mobile Home Park Lighting

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements:

• Parks must be furnished with lighting units spaced and equipped to meet current city standards
• Lighting along public streets follows the same policies as residential neighborhoods

What Property Owners Should Know

Nonconforming Uses

If your property has existing lighting that doesn't conform to current regulations:

• Lighting characteristics that didn't exist when regulations were adopted are considered "nonconforming characteristics of use"
• Nonconforming characteristics may need to comply with current regulations if land use changes or structure reconstruction/expansion increases nonconformity
• For nonconforming signs, specific timelines for removal or modification may apply

Planning Considerations

When planning new construction or renovations:

• Include lighting details in required plans for development
• Consider historic character elements including "light fixtures" for heritage features
• Be aware that inadequate lighting can affect property habitability determinations

Supporting Worthington's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the values that communities like Worthington hold dear. We appreciate Worthington's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

As a regional partner, Bock Lighting recognizes the importance of lighting that respects Worthington's balance of community values, historical preservation, and modern needs. Our experience with diverse architectural styles allows us to understand how lighting contributes to the unique character that defines communities like Worthington.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource on lighting regulations, helping property owners navigate requirements while maintaining the distinctive character that makes Worthington special. Our approach aligns with the community's values of preservation, quality, and responsible development.

Conclusion

Worthington's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to safety, functionality, and preservation of community character. From street lighting to sign illumination, these standards ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the quality of life in this historic Minnesota city.

Property owners should consult the full municipal code or contact city officials when planning lighting installations to ensure compliance with all current requirements. By working together, residents and businesses can maintain the welcoming, safe, and visually appealing environment that makes Worthington special.

By respecting these thoughtful regulations, the community continues to honor its historical roots while embracing appropriate modern development – keeping Worthington a vibrant place to live, work, and visit for generations to come.