HomeMy WebLinkAboutStreet Lighting PolicyRESIDENTIAL STREET LIGHTING POLICY
Implemented 2007
Revised January 2014
PURPOSE
Residential and commercial street lighting promotes pedestrian and traffic safety by illuminating
intersections, travelled roadways, parks, trails, and sidewalks. Studies have confirmed that
street lighting lends a feeling of safety for children and adults alike. Areas with street lights are
perceived to be more attractive, desirable, and therefore of higher value than those without
lighting. For these reasons, the City of Prior Lake has adopted a policy to encourage street
lighting in existing neighborhoods, new subdivisions, and areas improved as part of the City's
Capital Improvement Program.
OBJECTIVES
To promote the installation of lighting styles consistent with this policy meeting the design
standards set forth herein, the City will pay the ongoing energy and maintenance costs. Failure
to abide by the lighting styles and design standards set forth in this policy will eliminate City
payment.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
The design layout and details of new street lighting must meet the following standards:
• Street lights shall be placed at all intersections
• Street lights shall be installed every 300 feet between intersections
• Street lights shall be installed at the end of cul -de -sacs
• A minimum of four street lights will be required for roundabouts or traffic signals
• 'Traditional" style lights shall be installed on all local residential streets
• "Rectilinear" style lights shall be installed at each local street segment intersecting with
collector streets, County roadways, and MnDOT highways
• "Rectilinear" style lights shall be installed on collector streets, commercial roadways, County
Roadways, and MnDOT highways
• "Decorative" style lights shall be installed on all roadways within the downtown area
including County roadways and MnDOT highways.
• Street light type must match the styles outlined in Plate #106
• As available from power distributor, LED lighting is required
o As an alternative if LED is not available, 100 or 150 watt high pressure sodium lights
are required for "traditional" or "decorative" style street lights. As an alternative if
LED is not available, 150 or 250 watt high pressure sodium lights are required for
"rectilinear" style street lights.
NEW SUBDIVISIONS
All new subdivisions must provide street lighting that meets the design requirements and
lighting styles outlined as a part of this policy. All lighting plans require approval by the City
Engineer and the utility company responsible for street light operation and maintenance.
City of Prior Lake
Residential Street Lighting Policy
The developer shall pay the full capital cost of every light to be installed regardless of style
required for the roadway type; this includes poles, fixtures, underground wiring, and all
appurtenant work. The developer shall pay operation and maintenance for the light system
until the City accepts the project, at which time the billing shall be transferred to the City.
Where a developer wishes to install more lights than warranted by City policy, the monthly
operation and maintenance costs of the additional lights shall be borne by the residents of the
development through their homeowner's association, similar organization, or the individual
residents through covenants filed against the property.
Where a developer wishes to install non - standard lights or deviate from design standards, the
residents of the development through their homeowners' association, similar organization, or
the individual residents through covenants filed against the property are responsible for the cost
of the light and installation if not paid for by the developer, all maintenance and monthly
operation costs, and if applicable, removal costs
EXISTING SUBDIVISIONS
Where traffic safety clearly warrants, a street light may be placed upon the recommendation of
the City Engineer's office or the Traffic Safety Committee. The basis of such warrants shall be a
minimum Average Daily Traffic of 2000 vehicles or a layout such that, in the City Engineer's
estimation, significant improvement in vehicular or pedestrian safety will be attained by the
placement of a street light. Since the benefit of such installations extends to the City as a whole,
these will be done at City expense. Residents concerned with safety at a particular intersection
may call the City Engineering Department at 952 - 447 -9800.
When residents request additional lighting for their neighborhoods, they must do so by petition
signed by 60% of the properties affected; and are expected to pay for a portion of the capital
cost of the proposed light. The affected area shall be 100 linear feet on either side of the
proposed light or lighting area, on both sides of the street. The placement of the proposed light
shall be graphically specified in the petition. Petitioners shall approach the City prior to
circulating their petition to obtain direction as to where street lights are warranted for their
neighborhood. New streetlights must meet current design requirements.
If approved, the City shall pay 50% of the capital cost for the light up to $500 for lights approved
for installation by the City Engineer in existing subdivisions. The remaining capital cost shall be
paid by the affected residents. Payment shall be made prior to the installation of the light and
shall include the cost of poles, fixtures, underground wiring, and all appurtenant work. The
method of payment shall be as directed by the City Finance Department. The City shall assume
operation and maintenance costs for a light from the time it is energized by the utility company.
Where a resident or neighborhood wishes to install non - standard lights or deviate from design
standards, the residents of the neighborhood through their homeowners association, similar
organization, or the individual residents through covenants filed against the property are
responsible for the cost of the light, installation, maintenance, monthly operation costs, and if
applicable, removal costs. Location of this light must still be approved by the City Engineer.
City of Prior Lake
Residential Street Lighting Policy
RECONSTRUCTION OF EXISTING SUBDIVISIONS
When a street is reconstructed, the street lighting shall be upgraded to the current design
requirements outlined in this policy. The cost for upgrading the street lighting is a component of
the street costs and shall follow the assessment policy.
AMENDMENT
The City Council may modify, amend, or discontinue this policy at any time as it determines to
be in the community's best interest.
City of Prior Lake
Residential Street Lighting Policy