Lighting Regulations in Ada, Ohio: Preserving Small-Town Charm While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Founded in 1853, Ada, Ohio embraces its rich historical character while maintaining its small-town charm. As a Tree City USA since 1981, Ada demonstrates its commitment to preserving green spaces and natural surroundings, including its night sky. The village's approach to lighting reflects a careful balance between safety, functionality, and preservation of Ada's unique character.

Understanding local lighting regulations helps property owners contribute to Ada's community vision while ensuring compliance with village requirements. This guide outlines Ada's current lighting regulations based on the village code.

Quick Reference Guide

• Tree Management: Property owners must prune trees that obstruct streetlights • Construction Safety: Warning lights required at night for excavations/construction sites • Industrial Areas: No visible glare permitted from properties or public roads • Parking Areas: Lighting must reflect away from adjoining residential districts • Signs: Mobile home park signs may be lighted if they don't distract motorists • Underground Requirements: Street lighting wires should be installed underground • Street Lights: Village is responsible for standard street lighting installation

Tree Management and Street Lighting

Property Owner Responsibilities

The village code clearly states that property owners must prune branches so they don't obstruct light from street lamps or block the view of any street. This requirement helps ensure public safety by maintaining adequate visibility along roadways.

Village Authority

The Village retains the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with:

• The proper spread of light from a streetlight • Visibility of traffic control devices or signs

This provision demonstrates Ada's commitment to maintaining safe illumination throughout the village while preserving its tree canopy.

Construction and Safety Lighting

Excavation and Construction Site Requirements

Safety is a priority in Ada, especially around construction areas. The village code (Section 521.03) requires that:

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be adequately protected by suitable barricades and warning lights at night • These measures are mandatory to prevent dangerous conditions for pedestrians and motorists • It is prohibited to remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Protection of Warning Lights

The code explicitly forbids destroying, removing, damaging, or extinguishing any barricade or warning light placed for public protection. This provision helps maintain safety standards throughout the construction process.

Subdivision and Development Requirements

Approval Process

Lighting installations in new subdivisions require proper review and approval before implementation:

• No lighting improvements can be made until preliminary plat, final plat, and construction drawings have been approved • Proposed light pole layout and electric feed must be included in development plans • Telephone, electric, and street lighting wires and cables must be constructed underground unless otherwise approved

Street Light Installation

The village code outlines clear responsibilities for street lighting:

• The Village is responsible for all equipment, labor, and materials for standard street light installation • If a subdivider wishes to upgrade street lighting, they are responsible for all additional costs

Industrial District Lighting Regulations

Glare Restrictions

Ada's industrial zoning districts have specific provisions regarding lighting:

• The I-I Industrial District encourages development free of glare • The I-II General Industrial District promotes manufacturing facilities that are free of hazardous elements, including glare • No direct or reflected glare is permitted that would be visible from any property or public road

These restrictions help maintain visual comfort while allowing for necessary industrial activities.

Parking Area Lighting

Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises in any R-District. This regulation prevents light trespass into residential areas while ensuring parking areas remain safely illuminated.

Sign Lighting

Mobile Home Parks

Signs in Mobile Home Parks may be lighted, but the lighting must be arranged so it:

• Does not distract drivers • Will not temporarily blind motorists on adjacent public streets

Directional Signs

The code specifically mentions that directional signs "may be double faced and lighted," providing clear permission for illuminated wayfinding signage.

Special Applications

Wind Towers

Wind towers and generators have specific lighting limitations:

• They shall be artificially lighted only if lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration or Ohio Department of Transportation • This restriction prevents unnecessary light pollution while ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards

Utility Equipment

Some specific equipment requires indicator lighting:

• Control panel enclosures must have a high water alarm flashing red light on top • Pump run lights must be located on the outside door of enclosures

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidelines

When planning outdoor lighting for your property in Ada, consider these key points:

• Focus on directing light where it's needed while minimizing spill onto neighboring properties • Ensure trees and landscaping don't block street lighting • For new developments, include lighting plans in your submission documents • Remember that underground installation of lighting wires is the standard expectation

Compliance Considerations

While Ada's lighting regulations are not as detailed as those in some municipalities, the emphasis on preventing glare and light trespass is clear. Property owners should:

• Consider how lighting might impact neighbors, especially near residential areas • Consult with the Village when planning significant outdoor lighting installations • Remember that safety lighting for construction areas is mandatory

Supporting Ada's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Ada's commitment to preserving small-town character while addressing modern lighting needs. With a deep understanding of communities like Ada, Bock appreciates the balance between functionality, safety, and preserving the village's historic charm.

Our experience working with small towns throughout Ohio has given us insight into the unique challenges and opportunities they face. We understand that in tight-knit communities like Ada, lighting solutions need to support the village's character while providing necessary illumination for safety and security.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, helping them understand how to enhance their properties while respecting Ada's community standards. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Ada's environmental values as demonstrated by its Tree City USA status.

As a regional partner with an appreciation for Ada's architectural heritage and community vision, we're dedicated to supporting lighting solutions that preserve the night sky while meeting essential illumination needs.

Conclusion

Ada's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality. Though not extensively detailed, the village code provides clear direction regarding the prevention of glare, protection of residential areas from light trespass, and requirements for construction safety lighting.

Property owners can support Ada's community vision by thoughtfully considering how their lighting choices impact neighbors and the overall village atmosphere. By balancing modern lighting needs with respect for Ada's historical character, residents contribute to the preservation of this charming village's unique identity for future generations.