FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about STREET LIGHTING

Q: If I want decorative lighting for my neighborhood, how do I get started?

A: Contact Mike Barry, Salt Lake City's Street Lighting Administrator, at 801.535.7147 or by email at Michael Barry. Mike can provide more detailed information on your options and answer your questions on the two programs available: SID Lighting and Private Lighting.

Q: What areas of the City already have decorative lighting?

A: Most of Downtown and more than two dozen residential neighborhoods have decorative lighting. A map showing their locations can be seen on the City's website at: www.slctrans.com/StreetLighting

Q: If my neighborhood wants to pursue SID decorative lighting, how much will it cost?

A: The cost is shared equally among the abutting property owners where the lighting is installed. Mike Barry will prepare a cost estimate that will be included in a petition that will be sent to neighborhood property owners. If sufficient interest in SID lighting is shown by return of a signed petition indicating a willingness to participate in an SID and acknowledging the estimated cost, the process to create an SID can begin.

Q: If my neighborhood wants to pursue Private Lighting, how much will it cost?

A: The cost of private lighting depends on the number of lights installed and the type of lights and poles used. Neighborhoods typically contract with an electrical contractor to purchase and install private lights. Any qualified contractor can be used and Mike Barry can provide a list of contractors who have done private lighting installations in the City. The responsibility for private lighting costs is borne entirely by the neighborhood, which determines how to pay for it. The City does have a Neighborhood Matching Grant Program which can help pay some of the capital cost for private lights.

Q: What is the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program, and how does it help pay for private lighting?

A: The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program provides a cash match of up to 50% of the capital costs of private lighting, with a maximum grant of $5,000 per block face. Matching grant funds can be granted to a neighborhood for materials, professional services, and/or cash for projects that result in a physical improvement to the neighborhood. This program is not eligible to fund SID lighting.

Q: How do I apply for the Neighborhood Matching Grant Program?

A: Application forms, guidelines, and answers to frequently asked questions are available online at www.slcgov.com/CED/hand/ or they can be picked up from the City’s Housing & Neighborhood Development Division at the Salt Lake City and County Building, 451 South State Street, Room 406. For more information, contact Bob Gore at 801.535.7122 or Bob Gore

Q: If my private street light isn’t working, what do I do?

A: The outage typically can be resolved in one of three ways: the breaker switch was triggered and needs to be switched back on, the GFI switch on the light pole was triggered and needs to be reset, or the light bulb is burned out and needs to be replaced. If the property owner cannot restore the light to operating condition, he/she is responsible to hire and pay someone who can.

Q: If a street light isn’t working, how can I request it be repaired?

A: To report a street lighting problem call the City's maintenance contractor, Custom Lighting Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the toll-free number 1-800-814-4311. Basic maintenance problems will be repaired within 3 working days.

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