Lighting Regulations in Amherst, Ohio: Preserving History While Ensuring Safety and Beauty

Nestled in Lorain County with its rich sandstone quarrying heritage, Amherst, Ohio combines small-town charm with carefully preserved historical character. Since its incorporation in 1960, this growing community has maintained its commitment to balancing development needs with preservation of its architectural heritage—particularly along Cleveland Avenue and Park Avenue, where several buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This commitment to preserving Amherst's unique character while ensuring safety and visibility is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, understanding these requirements is essential for maintaining compliance while contributing to the community's aesthetic goals.

Quick Reference Guide

• Property Lighting: Light sources must be shielded to prevent glare affecting drivers or neighboring properties
• Sign Illumination: Maximum 10 foot-candles of light when measured 1 meter from sign face
• Residential Impact: No more than 0.5 lumens at residential property boundaries
• Multiple Dwellings: Public halls and stairways in buildings with 3+ units must be adequately lit at all times
• Street Lighting: Required for all streets, thoroughfares, and roadways within city boundaries
• Development Requirements: Site plans must include lighting locations, pole heights, foot candle calculations, and shield locations

Understanding Sign Illumination Requirements

Brightness Standards and Measurement

Amherst takes a precise approach to sign illumination. The code specifically defines "excessive brightness" as any sign emitting more than 10 foot-candles of light when measured with a foot candle meter at a distance of one meter (approximately 3'3") from the center of the sign face.

Additionally, signs near residential areas must not produce light measuring 0.5 lumens or more at residential lot boundaries.

Color and Direction Requirements

When illuminating signs, businesses must follow these guidelines:

• Illumination must be arranged to reflect light away from residential premises
• External lighting is limited to no more than two colors (including white)
• Red or green external lights are prohibited if they might create a driving hazard
• Light sources must be shielded to prevent hazardous glare for drivers

Prohibited Lighting Types

The code clearly prohibits certain lighting approaches for signs:

• Flashing signs (where light is not maintained at constant intensity and color)
• Signs with moving or blinking lights (with limited exceptions for ECM signs)
• Animated signs are specifically prohibited in the Downtown Historic District unless based on a historic sign for that building

Electronic Changeable Message (ECM) Signs

Technical Requirements

ECM signs have specific technical requirements to ensure they integrate well with Amherst's aesthetic while maintaining safety:

• Each line of copy and graphics must be at least 6 inches in height
• Must include automatic dimming technology that adjusts brightness with ambient light conditions
• Must be designed to freeze in one position if a malfunction occurs
• The manufacturer must certify that the sign can comply with brightness provisions

Operation and Message Display

When operating ECM signs:

• No animation, full motion video, flashing, scrolling, strobing, racing, blinking, or color fades are permitted
• Messages must be static with instantaneous transitions or a black screen for at least one second
• Each message must be illuminated for a minimum of 10 seconds before changing

Street Lighting Requirements

For developers and property owners, street lighting is a significant consideration in Amherst:

• Street lighting is required on all streetways, thoroughfares, and roadways within city boundaries
• The full cost of construction and installation of street lighting, including fixtures and equipment, is the responsibility of the property owner
• Electronic copies of design drawings for street lighting must be submitted to the City in an acceptable digital format
• Planning Commission reviews lighting impacts when considering development proposals

Multiple Dwelling Lighting Standards

Amherst's code ensures safety in residential buildings through these lighting requirements:

• Every public hall and stairway in buildings with three or more dwelling units must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with one or two dwelling units must have conveniently located switches controlling an adequate lighting system that can be turned on when needed

Cellular Tower Lighting

Cellular communication towers have specific lighting requirements for safety:

• Towers between 100-200 feet in height must have sufficient lighting to alert helicopters
• Lighting should be comparable to FAA requirements for towers over 200 feet
• Property owners are responsible for maintaining lighting in good operating condition until the structure is dismantled or reduced to less than 100 feet

What Property Owners Should Know

When planning lighting installations in Amherst, keep these points in mind:

• All lighting should be designed to avoid light trespass onto neighboring properties
• For developments, submit comprehensive illumination plans including pole heights, locations, foot candle calculations, and house side shields
• No equipment or process should create glare detectable off your property
• Lighting should not impair views from adjacent windows
• For sign permits, plans must show illumination details along with dimensions, materials, and setbacks

Supporting Amherst's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Amherst's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern technology. As a manufacturer with deep understanding of the region's architectural styles, Bock appreciates Amherst's careful balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. We understand how quality lighting can enhance Amherst's historic areas while meeting modern safety standards and regulatory requirements.

As members of the Northeast Ohio community, we're committed to supporting Amherst's vision through educational resources and lighting solutions that maintain the distinctive character that makes the city special. Our local presence enables us to better understand community needs and standards, fostering lighting approaches that align with Amherst's preservation goals.

Conclusion

Amherst's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing historical preservation with safety and functionality. By understanding these requirements, property owners can contribute to the city's unique charm while ensuring compliance with local codes.

From sign illumination standards to street lighting requirements, these regulations help maintain Amherst's character as it continues to grow and develop. The careful attention to lighting details helps preserve the city's historical ambiance while providing the necessary visibility for a safe, functional community.

Remember that specific projects may have additional requirements, so always consult with city officials during your planning process to ensure full compliance with current regulations.