Footcandles & Lumens

[osgoor]

Hi all,

In trying to be a good citizen, I contacted my local city office and posed the question of what restrictions, permits, etc I would have in putting up my display. The following is what they sent back:

Here is the information from the ordinance Chapter 535.590 of the MCO:

Lighting. (a) In general. No use or structure shall be operated or occupied as to create light or glare in such an amount or to such a degree or intensity as to constitute a hazardous condition, or as to unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of property by any person of normal sensitivities, or otherwise as to create a public nuisance.
(b) Specific standards. All uses shall comply with the following standards except as otherwise provided in this section:
(1) Lighting fixtures shall be effectively arranged so as not to directly or indirectly cause illumination or glare in excess of one-half ( 1/2) footcandle measured at the closest property line of any permitted or conditional residential use, and five (5) footcandles measured at the street curb line or nonresidential property line nearest the light source.
(2) Lighting fixtures shall not exceed two thousand (2,000) lumens (equivalent to a one hundred fifty (150) watt incandescent bulb) unless of a cutoff type that shields the light source from an observer at the closest property line of any permitted or conditional residential use.
(3) Lighting shall not create a sensation of brightness that is substantially greater than ambient lighting conditions as to cause annoyance, discomfort or decreased visual performance or visibility to a person of normal sensitivities when viewed from any permitted or conditional residential use.
(4) Lighting shall not create a hazard for vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(5) Lighting of building facades or roofs shall be located, aimed and shielded so that light is directed only onto the facade or roof.
(c) Exceptions. The uses listed below shall be exempt from the provisions of this section as follows:
(1) Publicly controlled or maintained street lighting and warning, emergency or traffic signals shall be exempt from the requirements of this section.
(2) Athletic fields and outdoor recreation facilities serving or operated by an institutional or public use that otherwise meet all of the requirements of this zoning ordinance shall be exempt from the requirements of sections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., because of their unique requirements for nighttime visibility and limited hours of operations.
(2001-Or-063, § 5, 5-18-01)


Unless I read this wrong, nobodys Christmas light display will meet code. Can anyone comment on my thinking (kindly please). My concern would be if I get a grumpy neighbor and he complains to the city. By the way, I live in Minneapolis. We call it the city within the state where nothing is allowed.

Thanks

[dirknerkle]

Hi, Neighbor.

I'm fairly new to all this electronic stuff too -- I only started "officially" messing with it this past January. But I'll bet that almost to a person, nobody has ever been so thorough in trying to follow the rules and regulations of a city as you -- especially before firing up a soldering iron for the very first time. You are to be commended!

I will bet that almost everybody here at DIYC took the "shoot first and ask questions later" approach. We're celebrating the birth of our Lord.

I can't imagine the volume of negative publicity the City of Minneapolis would get if it tried too hard to restrict a person's Christmas lights. It would hit all the local news stations -- over and over and over again -- and in enforcing it, Mayor Rybak could likely become the most hated man in the state. I can see the headlines now: "Bah, humbug -- Scrooge really does exist!"

I believe it's simpler just to casually mention to your neighbors that you're planning to put up some extra lights this season and "I hope that's okay with you." I doubt any of them will say "No." Having done that, my advice would be just to "go for it" in a tasteful and considerate way. Locate them so they won't shine directly into your neighbors' windows, use an FM transmitter instead of putting speakers outdoors, and enjoy the season.

When (if) you run into issues related to traffic I'm sure other issues arise, but I've checked with my brother (he's an officer in a Mpls. suburb) and he old me not to worry about it. The cops are much too busy with other issues during that time of year to want to arrest someone because they had too many Christmas lights.

[Wayne J]

I have found, It is always better to ask for forgiveness, than permission. ;)

[BF210]

"It ought to be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. Because the innovator has for enemies all those who have done well under the old conditions, and lukewarm defenders in those who may do well under the new. This coolness arises partly from fear of the opponents, who have the laws on their side, and partly from the incredulity of men, who do not readily believe in new things until they have had a long experience of them." Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince (1513) [thanks to wikiquote (http://simple.wikiquote.org/wiki/Niccol%C3%B2_Machiavelli)]

"There is no more difficult mind to change than someone with a badge who thinks he's protecting the public. There is no more solid obstacle to pass than a bureaucrat convinced his pension is at risk." This observer, more recently.

What can happen?
This is the story (http://thecitythatstolechristmas.com/) of one family that tried to work within the system. Read about the current situation, and continue through to the archive for the background story.

May you fare better.
(yet another Don)

[osgoor]

You know, I thought that sounded like Machiavelli. :)

[WWNF911]

There's always some that feel compelled to "do the right thing" The fact remains that just because you're going to the added cost to animate your's doesn't mean that you have to go out of your way to make sure you're not going to offend. In fact the house across town who will be competeing with their neighbor as to who can have the most lights, will probably not ask anyone AND won't care. You are celebrating a holiday. (It's a holy day but never-the-less its a celebration) Asking the local authorities probably, at 1st , got the desired reaction. They can't however, for the record, officially respond any other way than what you've been given. So, in that regard, what Wayne said is soooo true.
Just put it up, celebrate and don't bring any more attention to it than is absolutely necessary. You'll be happy you did.
2.536 Cents

Leon

[BuzzKill]

Umm... I dont know about that. I read that to mean 2,000 lumens per fixture, which could also be interpreted as a "string" or any sub unit of lights that has its own power plug. So it seems really very easy to meet the requirements.

Also, there is almost always a provision for temporary holiday lighting anyway. This is a temporary display. It may not be subject to the code anyway.

[osgoor]

Thanks all ... I guess I'll take the "ask for forgiveness" route.

[ErnieHorning]

I searched the online version of the Minneapolis ordinance and it only refers to public buildings and places. There is nothing that pertains to residential dwellings.

Unless you’re trying to be seen from space, it looks like you should be OK. It also helps if your neighbors like you.:p

[rstehle]

you know, i thought that sounded like machiavelli. :)

rofl!!

[lakewood]

Hey - when I told my neighbors about my plans (50 000 + lights and displays) - they were all for it and reckon they won't put any displays out themselves this year. Rather they'll just put up mirrors.:D

Must admit we live in a great neighbourhood in a culdesac where we are all good friends. So that probably helps - being on good terms with your neighbors.

Best!

[ErnieHorning]

… they'll just put up mirrors.And put the light that escaped, right back where it belongs.:D