TOWN OF BARRE, VT

STREETLIGHTING POLICY

Purpose of Policy:

The purpose of this policy is to establish a uniform procedure to be used by the Town staff, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, and Selectboard.  The policy is intended to provide a procedure for review and approval (or denial) of streetlight requests.  Furthermore, the policy will provide guidelines for approving installation of new streetlights.  The guidelines will provide partial (safety) lighting.

Purpose of Streetlights:

Streetlights are intended to:  (1) light roadway features such as edge of pavement, intersections, sharp curves, deadends; (2) light obstructions such as median strips and bridge piers; and (3) provide pedestrian safety.  Streetlights, however, are not the only means by which the presence of features and obstructions can be made known.  Streetlights are not intended to light private property nor provide home security.

Considerations:

Streetlighting is a discretionary action.  The staff, Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, and Selectboard will consider roadway safety, costs, excess lighting onto nearby homes, and energy consumption when making recommendations and decisions about new streetlight installations.

Policy for Approval:

Requests for streetlights will be approved by the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and Selectboard when the two bodies conclude:  (1) the streetlight is needed for roadway safety as described in Purpose of Streetlights; (2) other methods such as use of signs, reflectors and paint cannot produce sufficient warning; (3) the cost is warranted; and (4) the negative aspects of streetlighting (see Considerations) do not outweigh the safety needs.  Recognizing that in Barre Town the surroundings can vary dramatically, this policy allows the T.S.A.C. to determine methods for evaluating the factors in Purpose of Streetlighting, and Considerations.

Procedure:

Requests for streetlights may be made by residents, Town staff, or officials.  All requests will be forwarded to the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee for evaluation at a T.S.A.C. meeting.  The T.S.A.C.'s recommendation will be passed on to the Selectboard for action.  If the request is denied by the Selectboard, the Town Manager will inform the resident making the request.  If the request is approved, the Town Manager will place the order with the appropriate electric company.

Equipment:

The T.S.A.C. may suggest luminaire type (high-pressure sodium or mercury vapor), wattage, mounting height, light distribution pattern, and in the case of multiple lights an installation pattern.  Generally, high-pressure sodium lights are preferred because they are less expensive and maintain lumens longer.  Existing poles should be used whenever possible.  All final decisions involving equipment will be decided after consultation with the electric company.

Adopted this 23rd day of January, 1996.

Barre Town Selectboard

By:      /s/  Ronald Tallman, Chair