Lighting Regulations in Alliance, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Development, and Heritage

Introduction: Lighting in the Carnation City

Alliance, Ohio, with its rich heritage dating back to 1850, maintains a delicate balance between preserving its historical character and embracing modern development. Founded through the merger of three small settlements—Williamsport, Freedom, and Liberty—and later expanded with the addition of Mount Union, the "Carnation City" takes pride in its architectural heritage and community aesthetics.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance, ensuring proper illumination for safety and functionality while respecting Alliance's historical integrity and residential quality of life. These regulations help maintain the city's charm while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Most important lighting regulations in Alliance, Ohio:

• Parking lots for late-night retail and gas stations: Minimum of 5 foot candles per square foot (measured 3 feet above pavement)
• Parking areas: Minimum light level of 1 footcandle at any location within the lot
• Gas station canopies: Maximum intensity of 20 footcandles, with fixtures fully recessed
• Exterior lighting: Must be designed to minimize glare and light trespass
• Sign illumination: Must use constant intensity light sources, positioned to avoid traffic hazards
• Construction sites: Warning lights required at night for safety
• Street trees: Must be pruned to avoid blocking street lamp light

Parking Area and Commercial Lighting Standards

Commercial Parking Illumination Requirements

Alliance's code establishes clear standards for parking area lighting. All lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be:

• Confined within and directed onto only the parking area and property it serves
• Positioned to avoid creating traffic hazards
• Maintained at minimum light levels of one footcandle at any location within the lot

Late-Night Establishments

For businesses operating during evening hours, safety is a particular concern. The code specifies:

• Parking lots of late night retail establishments and gas stations must be lighted at a minimum of 5 foot candles per square foot
• This level must be measured at a height of 3 feet above pavement level

Gas Station Canopy Lighting

Gas stations have specific requirements for their pump island canopies:

• All lighting fixtures under canopies must be fully recessed into the canopy structure
• The Planning Commission may permit a maximum intensity of 20 footcandles for under-canopy lighting
• This exception applies only when all other site lighting complies with City ordinances

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Standards

The Alliance building code includes detailed regulations for sign illumination:

• Signs may be illuminated by direct or indirect light sources
• All illuminated signs must employ light of constant intensity only
• Lighting must not be placed, directed or beamed upon public thoroughfares, highways, sidewalks, or adjacent properties in ways that cause glare or create traffic hazards
• Temporary signs cannot be illuminated or have the potential to be illuminated

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Several types of sign lighting are expressly prohibited:

• Signs with flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights
• Interior illumination except as specifically permitted
• Outline lighting of buildings or roof lines
• Internal illumination of all or part of the roof

Aesthetic Considerations

Beyond safety concerns, Alliance also addresses the aesthetic impact of sign lighting:

• Sign lighting fixtures must complement the architecture of the building
• Lighting must be placed in an appropriate location on the building façade

Residential and Mixed-Use Area Lighting

Residential District Protections

Alliance's code includes special provisions for lighting near residential areas:

• In R-1 or R-2 Districts, any use area with unreasonable and excessive lighting must include landscaping and/or fencing to provide separation from abutting R-1 Districts
• Parking lots opposite residential property must include special treatment at street boundaries
• The Planning Commission may restrict lighting for certain uses like outdoor amusement centers

PUD (Planned Unit Development) Requirements

Larger developments have additional lighting requirements:

• Buildings over 40 feet tall in PUDs must be designed to avoid unreasonable adverse impacts from glare
• Exterior lighting in PUDs must be designed, arranged and shielded to minimize glare and light trespass
• Lighting plans must show methods of shielding lights from shining off-site

Safety and Construction Lighting Requirements

Construction Site Safety

Alliance requires specific lighting for construction and excavation sites:

• Warning lights required at night for excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction
• These must be adequately protected by suitable barricades and guarded by warning lights at night

Street Excavation Requirements

When streets or public grounds are opened for construction:

• Not less than two signal lanterns must be placed near the opening
• Lanterns must be kept lighted from dusk until daylight as long as the excavation remains open
• Lighting must make the opening visible to anyone passing nearby

Supporting Alliance's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we deeply understand Alliance's commitment to balancing heritage preservation with modern development needs. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share the Carnation City's appreciation for historical character and community aesthetics.

We recognize that Alliance's lighting regulations serve multiple purposes - enhancing safety, supporting economic development, and preserving the city's distinctive charm. Our expertise in architectural lighting solutions aligns with these community priorities.

As neighbors who understand the region's architectural styles and lighting needs, we strive to be a resource for Alliance property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices parallels Alliance's thoughtful approach to urban development.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Requirements

Property owners in Alliance should understand several key aspects of lighting regulations:

• Lighting plans are required for most commercial and multi-family developments
• Plans must show exterior lighting locations and methods of shielding lights
• All exterior fixtures must be designed to minimize glare and light trespass
• Lighting must be arranged to prevent night blindness and vision impairments

Tree Maintenance Near Street Lights

Property owners have specific responsibilities regarding vegetation and lighting:

• Trees overhanging streets must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lamp light
• The City has the right to prune trees on private property if they interfere with street lighting

Working with the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission reviews lighting as part of development proposals:

• They may require performance guarantees to ensure proper lighting installation
• They review lighting for its impact on traffic safety and adjacent properties
• They consider how lighting contributes to the overall character of development projects

Conclusion

Alliance's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to safety, development, and preservation of its historic character. By establishing clear standards for different contexts—from commercial areas to residential neighborhoods—the code helps ensure that lighting enhances the community without creating nuisances or hazards.

Property owners should consult with lighting professionals familiar with Alliance's requirements when planning new developments or modifications. Through thoughtful lighting design that complies with these regulations, Alliance can continue to balance growth with the preservation of its unique character as the Carnation City.