Lighting Regulations in Ashtabula, Ohio: Navigating Requirements for Property Owners

Introduction

Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, Ashtabula, Ohio carries a rich maritime history as one of the busiest port cities in the Great Lakes region. From its historic harbor to its railway heritage, the city's character is deeply intertwined with its past. Lighting regulations in Ashtabula reflect this unique history, balancing practical safety concerns with preservation of the city's distinctive character.

The city's lighting requirements vary across different districts and applications, with special attention paid to the Harbor Historical District, where preserving the aesthetic of this National Register area remains a priority. Whether you're a property owner, business operator, or simply interested in understanding local regulations, this guide provides a clear overview of Ashtabula's approach to lighting.

Quick Reference Guide

• Safety lighting: Warning lights required for excavations at night
• Historical District: Special illumination guidelines prohibit internally lit signs in National Register area
• Sign illumination: Must be concentrated on signs to prevent glare on streets or adjacent properties
• Parking areas: Lights must be shielded to direct light away from adjoining properties and traffic
• Public spaces: Multiple dwellings require minimum one footcandle of illumination in halls and stairways
• Electrical requirements: Permits required for lighting installations with compliance to National Electrical Code

Safety and Construction Lighting

Excavation Safety Requirements

Safety remains a primary concern in Ashtabula's lighting regulations. Section 521.03 specifically addresses the need for proper illumination around potential hazards:

• Excavation warning lights: Required at night for any excavation, well, cesspool or structure under construction
• Protection requirement: All construction areas must be "adequately protected by suitable barricades and guarded by warning devices or lights at night"
• Tampering prohibition: No person may "destroy, remove, damage or extinguish any barricade or warning light" placed for public protection

Railway Crossing Illumination

Railway companies operating in Ashtabula must:

• Light all street intersections with their tracks
• Erect "all necessary poles, wires and lamps" to provide illumination
• Use "the kind of electric lights ordinarily used by the City"
• Operating hours: Lights must burn "from one-half hour after sunset until sunrise of each day"
• Non-compliance results in the city handling lighting at the company's expense

Waterfront and Maritime Lighting

Marina and Harbor Requirements

Ashtabula's position as a port city necessitates specific lighting regulations for its waterfront areas:

• Marina illumination: Must provide "sufficient intensity to make all docks, buildings, walkways, ladders and other obstructions reasonably visible"
• Self-unloading vessels: Must display "a conspicuous light" at nighttime when equipment is extended
• Bridge lighting: All bridges over the Ashtabula River must be "lighted in accordance with the regulations of the United States Coast Guard"
• Visibility requirement: Lights must be visible "on a dark night with clear atmosphere at least one nautical mile, or about 2,000 yards"

Swimming Areas

For public swimming facilities:

• Adequate lighting must be provided for bath houses and bathing areas where night bathing is permitted
• Diving areas require specific illumination when used after dark

Business and Commercial Lighting

Parking Area Requirements

Commercial properties with parking areas must adhere to specific lighting guidelines:

• Shielding requirement: "Any lighting used to illuminate an off-street parking area shall be shaded or diffused"
• Light direction: Must "reflect the light away from the adjoining property and away from abutting traffic"
• Design standard: "All lights illuminating a parking area shall be designed and located so as to reflect away from any street and adjacent property"
• R District protection: "All lights shall be shielded to protect adjacent properties in 'R' Districts from glare"

Facility Operation After Dark

• Facilities operating after sundown must provide "suitable lighting" for all areas
• The Planning Commission may impose "reasonable additional requirements" regarding lighting for the protection of adjoining residential property

Adult Entertainment Venues

Adult cabarets are subject to specific lighting standards:

• Minimum lighting level: Not less than 30 lux horizontal
• Measurement standard: Measured at 30 inches from the floor and on 10-foot centers
• Coverage requirement: Must be maintained at all times in all areas where patrons are admitted
• Distribution requirement: Lighting must be "equally distributed throughout the public areas"

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Ashtabula has detailed regulations for illuminated signs:

• Certification requirement: All electrically illuminated signs must be certified by the Electrical Inspector
• Code compliance: All wiring and accessory equipment must conform to National Electrical Code requirements
• Light concentration: Illumination must be concentrated on signs to "prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property"
• Reflector projection: Lighting reflectors may project up to eight feet beyond wall face if at least twelve feet above sidewalk level
• Boundary limitation: Reflectors must not project beyond a vertical plane two feet inside the curb line

Sign Type-Specific Requirements

Different sign types have specific lighting regulations:

• Projecting signs: May be illuminated if light is concentrated on the sign
• Wall signs: Permitted lighting must prevent glare on streets or adjacent property
• Pole signs: Lighting allowed if concentrated on sign to prevent glare
• Ground signs: Illumination must be concentrated to prevent glare
• Awnings and canopies: Can be illuminated with concentration on the sign
• Hanging signs: Lighting permitted with proper concentration, no flashing or neon signs
• Political signs: Must be non-illuminated in residential districts
• Garage sale signs: No lighted signs permitted

Harbor Historical District Special Regulations

Preservation-Oriented Lighting

The Harbor Historical District has unique lighting requirements designed to preserve its historic character:

• Internal lighting prohibition: Internally lit signs such as backlighted plastic are prohibited in the National Register District
• Back lit signs: May be approved outside the National Register Area if design is appropriate, but are not encouraged
• External illumination: Must be provided by a continuous shielded light source
• Light direction: Must be installed to prevent direct light from shining onto streets or adjacent properties
• Flashing prohibition: Flashing or moving lights are prohibited
• Scale requirement: Size of fixture, type of bulb, and light level must be scaled to sign size and surrounding architecture
• Light quality: Light source must "emit white light that renders objects in their true colors"
• Acceptable fixtures: Spot, track, overhang, gooseneck or wall lamps are all acceptable
• Fixture spacing: Individual fixtures should be positioned three to four feet apart for even lighting
• Thematic restrictions: Thematic fixtures such as carriage lamps are deemed inappropriate

Neon Sign Regulations

• Limited use: Limited use of neon is appropriate with specific approval
• Historical appropriateness: Businesses must make a case for historical appropriateness of neon for their specific business
• Size limitation: Neon "Open" signs may not exceed two square feet
• Prohibitions: No blinking or flashing signs or lighting of any kind

Residential Lighting Requirements

Minimum Lighting Standards

Residential properties must meet basic lighting requirements:

• Habitable rooms: Must contain at least one ceiling electric lighting fixture or two electric convenience outlets
• Utility areas: Every water closet compartment, bathroom, hall, furnace room, or laundry room requires at least one wall or ceiling type electric light fixture
• Multiple dwellings: Public halls and stairways must be lighted to at least one footcandle on the floor and stairs at all times

Home Occupation Restrictions

• Home-based businesses must not produce "objectionable glare or physical activity"

Tower and Specialized Structure Lighting

Height-Based Requirements

• Towers under 150 feet: Shall not be artificially lighted except for safety or FAA requirements
• Towers above 150 feet: Must follow safety marking and obstruction lighting as prescribed by the FAA
• Security lighting: Permitted around equipment shelters

Supporting Ashtabula's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character and history of communities like Ashtabula. We recognize the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with preservation of historic character, especially in areas like the Harbor Historical District.

Our familiarity with regional architectural styles enables us to provide guidance that respects Ashtabula's distinctive character while meeting safety and functional requirements. As lighting regulations evolve to address new technologies and community needs, Bock serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating compliance requirements.

We share Ashtabula's commitment to responsible lighting practices that enhance the city's historic areas while providing necessary illumination for safety and enjoyment. Our local presence means we understand the specific challenges of lighting in Northeast Ohio's climate and environment.

Conclusion

Ashtabula's lighting regulations reflect its unique position as both a historic port city and a modern community. From the specific requirements of its Harbor Historical District to practical safety considerations for excavations and public spaces, these regulations aim to preserve character while ensuring adequate illumination.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the specific requirements for their district, especially when considering sign illumination or exterior lighting that might impact neighboring properties. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining Ashtabula's distinctive character while ensuring safe and appropriate lighting throughout the city.