Lighting Regulations in Cleveland Heights, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Needs

Introduction: Cleveland Heights' Lighting Heritage

Cleveland Heights, with its rich architectural history dating back to the early 1800s, has evolved from a landscape of dense forests and log cabins to a vibrant suburb known for its historic districts and architectural eclecticism. The city's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to preserving historic character while ensuring public safety.

Settled atop a bluff near Cleveland, the city's development accelerated with the opening and eventual paving of Mayfield Road in the early 20th century. Today, the community places high value on maintaining its architectural heritage, especially in historic districts like Grant Deming's Forest Hill Allotment, which exemplifies early 20th-century suburban planning ideals.

Cleveland Heights' lighting regulations reflect this balance between preservation and modern functionality, aiming to maintain neighborhood character while meeting contemporary safety standards.

Quick Reference Guide to Cleveland Heights Lighting Requirements

Key Requirements at a Glance:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines
• Maximum 1 footcandle at non-residential property lines
• Height Restrictions:
• Single/two-family residential: 8 feet maximum
• Multi-family residential: 12 feet maximum
• Non-residential: 15 feet maximum
• Recreational facilities: 60 feet maximum
• Illumination Requirements:
• Public areas in multi-dwelling buildings: Minimum 3 footcandles
• Sexually oriented businesses: Minimum 5 footcandles
• Street Light Shields:
• Available by request ($10 fee)
• Installed at Mayor's discretion

Residential Property Lighting Requirements

Height Restrictions

Cleveland Heights has established clear height limitations for lighting in residential areas:

• Single and Two-Family Dwellings:
• Light poles limited to a maximum of 8 feet in height
• Applies to all accessory structures and uses on the property
• Multiple Family and Townhouse Dwellings:
• Light poles limited to a maximum of 12 feet in height
• Includes all accessory structures and uses on site
• Under-Soffit Lighting:
• May be mounted up to 15 feet high as measured from first floor elevation

Recreational Lighting

For residential properties with recreational facilities:

• Swimming Pools and Outdoor Recreation:
• Must be arranged to not shine on adjacent property
• Lighting should be directed inward toward the property

Common Area Lighting in Multiple Dwellings

For apartment buildings and other multi-family properties:

• Public Hallways, Corridors, and Stairways:
• Minimum illumination of 3 footcandles throughout these areas
• Must be maintained at all times the building is occupied
• Other Common Areas:
• Boiler rooms, laundries, basements, etc. require minimum 3 footcandles
• Building Commissioner may increase requirements if safety demands
• Stairway Safety:
• All stairs must be lit so each step is clearly visible in both directions
• Hallways with artificial light require minimum 60-watt bulb

Commercial and Non-Residential Lighting Standards

Height and Installation Requirements

• Light Poles and Building-Mounted Fixtures:
• Maximum height of 15 feet (measured from grade to bottom of luminaire)
• Must use fully shielded luminaires
• Recreational Facilities:
• Maximum pole height of 60 feet for outdoor recreational facilities
• Includes facilities that are part of educational institutions

Parking Area Illumination

• Floodlighting Requirements:
• Adequate illumination required for parking lots used during darkness
• All floodlights must be shielded to minimize glare
• Must comply with Section 1165.07 of the code
• Convenience Store Standards:
• Minimum 10 footcandles at front entrance (extending 5 feet outward)
• Minimum 2 footcandles in parking area within 60 feet of entrance

Signage Lighting

• Commercial and Special Districts:
• Signs may be illuminated with shielded light sources
• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Brightness must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists
• Prohibited Lighting Types:
• Bare strings of light bulbs
• Pennants, banners, streamers, whirligig devices
• Balloons and similar devices

Light Trespass Prevention

Cleveland Heights takes light pollution seriously with specific regulations to prevent unwanted light spillover:

Light Trespass Limits

• Residential Boundaries:
• Maximum 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines
• Non-Residential Boundaries:
• Maximum 1 footcandle at non-residential property lines
• Same limit applies at public right-of-way lines

Prohibited Light Trespass

• No glare into surrounding areas or residential premises
• No interference with safe movement of motor vehicles
• No direct or reflected glare that could disturb vehicle operators
• No lights that might be confused with traffic control devices

Directional Requirements

• For many properties, lighting must be directed from the periphery toward the interior of the site
• No direct light spillover to adjacent properties is permitted

Emergency and Safety Lighting

Emergency Illumination

• Required Locations:
• Stairways, hallways, and passageways
• Exterior fire escapes
• Exterior open spaces to which exitways lead
• Rooms with capacity of 50+ persons
• Places of business open to public after sunset
• Apartment houses
• System Requirements:
• Must provide emergency illumination without appreciable delay during electrical power failure
• Either continuous operation or automatic activation
• Buildings may use two separate systems with independent power supplies

Construction Site Safety

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be protected by barricades and warning lights at night
• Removing or damaging barricades or warning lights is prohibited

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sexually Oriented Businesses

• Minimum Illumination:
• 5 footcandles measured at floor level
• Required in all patron-accessible areas including viewing booths and restrooms
• Must be maintained whenever patrons are present
• Business must close immediately during power failures until minimum illumination can be restored

Solar Panels

• Must be placed so that concentrated solar radiation or glare is not directed onto nearby properties or roadways

Small Wind Energy Systems

• Artificial lighting is prohibited unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Street Lighting Provisions

Street Light Shields

• Mayor or designee may authorize shields on street lights to divert rays from neighboring residences
• Residents can request shielding for a $10 fee (paid in advance)
• Fee is deposited in the General Fund

Maintenance Responsibility

• The Division of Service is charged with maintaining and lighting all streets, highways, and sidewalks throughout the city

Supporting Cleveland Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Cleveland Heights' commitment to preserving historic character while embracing practical lighting solutions. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the architectural heritage that makes Cleveland Heights special.

Our team appreciates the balance Cleveland Heights seeks to maintain between modern lighting needs and preservation of its distinctive neighborhoods. With deep knowledge of the region's architectural styles, we can provide guidance that respects the community's character and helps property owners navigate lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities like Cleveland Heights through educational resources about lighting regulations, sustainable practices, and solutions that enhance safety while preserving neighborhood aesthetics. Our local presence enables us to better understand and serve the specific needs of Northeast Ohio communities.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When planning new lighting installations or upgrades, property owners should:

• Include lighting details in site plans, including location, type, and illumination intensity
• Consider height restrictions based on property type
• Plan to direct light inward to prevent spillover
• Use shielded fixtures where required
• Meet minimum illumination standards for specific areas

Permits and Approvals

Property owners should be aware that:

• Changes to electrical systems may require permits from the Building Department
• The Board of Review considers lighting placement when approving signs
• Special requirements may apply to vacant business properties based on Police Chief requirements

Maintenance Requirements

To stay in compliance:

• Maintain required illumination levels in public and common areas
• Keep all required emergency lighting systems in working order
• Ensure exterior lighting for fire escapes and driveways remains operational

Conclusion

Cleveland Heights' lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear guidelines for light trespass, fixture heights, and illumination levels, the city seeks to create well-lit environments that respect neighborhood aesthetics and resident comfort.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations before making lighting changes, ensuring compliance with both general requirements and any specific provisions that apply to their property type or district. By working together, residents and businesses can maintain Cleveland Heights' unique character while meeting modern lighting needs.