Recommended Lighting Levels
(in footcandles)
     Building entries             4.0
     Sidewalks              1.0 - 3.0
     Pedestrian paths           1.0
     Parking lots                   0.5

Lighting Design
Exterior lighting is an integral part of the architectural and landscape design of a project.  Fixture style and design should complement building design while providing a minimum level of illumination.  The amount of lighting required depends, in part, on the land use.  Lights placed at regular intervals may be necessary in frequently used areas while lights just at intersections and crosswalks may be sufficient in residential districts.  Regardless of the land use, appropriate site lighting will address safety concerns without contributing to light pollution or disturbing neighboring properties.  Lights should indicate key site elements (e.g., vehicular and pedestrian intersections, pedestrian pathways, building entrances, essential signage), yet they should be shielded to reduce glare to adjacent roads and properties.

Lighting should be scaled for a specific use.  Using pedestrian-scaled lighting (i.e., lighting with nine (9) to twelve (12) foot pole heights and/or three (3) to four (4) foot bollards) contributes to the formation of pedestrian-oriented streetscapes and pathways, as well as minimizes glare and light pollution associated with tall street lights.  The style and height of lights in parking areas is equally important: select light fixtures that meet Dark Sky Lighting standards.

Establishing the appropriate amount of lighting in our region’s hamlets and villages requires careful consideration.  Many of our older communities are minimally lit, and new ones should follow this pattern.  Lights should provide sufficient illumination to allow pedestrians and vehicles safe site access; however, too much lighting can alter community and regional character.  Many of the region’s communities have implemented dark sky ordinances and can serve as a reference for other jurisdictions looking to establish their own.

Bury Utility Lines
Views along roadways should be pleasing, and burying utilities or routing them away from the streets can help maintain our region’s scenic views.  Road commissions and utility companies that utilize the same rights-of-way and easements can minimize the destruction of the region’s natural character.

Burying utilities lessens maintenance, weatherrelated repair, and service disruption costs.  Most ordinances ensure utilities are buried on new developments within Northern Lower Michigan; however, local communities should encourage it be done whenever infrastructure improvements are made on sites within their jurisdiction.  Utility meters, electrical boxes, and other service lines should also be located such that they are not visible from streets.  When a project includes multiple buildings, shared utility systems should be encouraged in lieu of individual wells, septic, heating fuel tanks, as well as mechanical facilities and dumpsters.