Lighting Regulations in Aurora, Ohio: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Founded in 1799, Aurora, Ohio combines rural charm with modern amenities, making it one of Northeast Ohio's most desirable suburbs. As a community with deep historical roots, Aurora takes pride in its architectural heritage, especially in the Aurora Center Historic District—added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The city's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the character of its historic areas while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These guidelines help maintain Aurora's unique atmosphere while addressing modern lighting needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Aurora Lighting Regulations

• Parking Lots at Late-Night Establishments: Minimum of 5 footcandles per square foot measured at 3 feet above pavement
• Sign Illumination: Maximum luminance of 750 cd/m² (nits) at night
• Property Lighting: Must not shine directly on adjacent properties or create traffic hazards
• Parking Areas: Requires cutoff fixtures approved by the City Engineer
• Construction Areas: Must include warning lights at night for safety
• Sexually Oriented Businesses: Minimum illumination of 1 footcandle at floor level

Property Lighting Requirements

General Lighting Standards

Aurora's regulations emphasize considerate lighting practices that maintain neighborhood aesthetics while ensuring safety. Property owners should understand these foundational requirements:

• Lighting must not create a nuisance for neighboring properties
• Illumination should be designed to prevent glare or direct light from shining into residential areas
• Exterior lighting on some buildings should face the street rather than neighboring properties
• No lighting should impair the safe movement of traffic on any road

Nuisance Prevention

Care must be taken to ensure that lighting doesn't become disruptive to neighbors. The city explicitly states that land or structures shall not create nuisances involving "brilliant light."

When residential areas exist or are permitted within certain districts, special consideration must be given to ensure residents aren't disturbed by excessive light or other annoyances.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting

Parking and Loading Areas

Businesses must follow specific guidelines for illuminating their parking facilities:

• All lighting used for parking and loading areas must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining properties and roads
• Only cutoff fixtures approved by the City Engineer may be installed
• No open light sources such as strings of light bulbs are permitted
• Late-night retail establishments and gas stations must maintain parking areas at a minimum of 5 footcandles per square foot
• This lighting level must be measured at a height of 3 feet above pavement

Outdoor Sales and Display Areas

For businesses with outdoor merchandise or display areas:

• Illumination must be designed to prevent glare or direct light from shining into residential areas
• Lighting should support both security and safety while minimizing impact on surrounding properties

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Rules

Aurora maintains strict standards for sign illumination to preserve community aesthetics:

• Signs may be illuminated at night but cannot exceed 750 cd/m² (nits) regardless of illumination method
• Signs with external illumination must use fully shielded lighting fixtures
• Temporary signs cannot be illuminated
• Building lighting for advertising purposes (including outline lighting) is prohibited

Electronic Display Signs

For businesses using electronic signage:

• Message changes must occur at intervals of 15 seconds or longer
• Must include automatic dimming controls (via photocell or software)
• Cannot exceed maximum luminance of 750 cd/m² (nits)
• May occupy no more than 1/3 of a ground or planter sign
• Different permissions apply based on district:
• Permitted in Commercial, Office, and Industrial Districts (with restrictions)
• Limited permission in Residential Districts (non-residential uses only)
• Not permitted in the Landmark District or within 250 feet of it

Historic District Sign Lighting

In Aurora's historic areas, additional restrictions apply:

• Signs cannot be illuminated from within or behind
• Illumination must use properly shielded lights focused directly on the sign
• Home occupation signs cannot be illuminated
• Pole signs, internally illuminated signs, and plastic signs are not permitted
• Wall signs, projecting signs, awning signs, and monument signs are permitted

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Construction and Excavation Sites

Safety lighting is mandatory for construction areas:

• Any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction must be guarded by warning lights at night
• These lighting features must be maintained to prevent danger to life or limb
• It's prohibited to destroy, remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments must meet specific illumination standards:

• Premises must have overhead lighting providing at least 1 footcandle of illumination measured at floor level
• This illumination level must be maintained whenever any patron is present
• Applications must include diagrams showing the location of all overhead lighting fixtures

Tower Lighting

Towers in Aurora have specific lighting restrictions:

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA
• If lighting is required, designs must cause minimal disturbance to surrounding views
• White strobes may operate during daylight hours only
• A dual lighting system is required when lighting is necessary

Development and Planning Requirements

Lighting Plans

New developments in Aurora must submit comprehensive lighting information:

• Location plans, specifications, and lighting intensity data for public areas
• Diagrams showing light levels measured in footcandles
• For street lighting, plans must comply with ODOT Traffic Engineering Manual requirements

Street Lighting

The city maintains specific guidelines for street lighting:

• Pedestrian-scale light fixtures are encouraged in historic areas
• Street light poles should include provisions for banners and flower baskets
• All underground street lighting systems must be constructed according to the American National Standard, National Electrical Safety Code

Supporting Aurora's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Aurora's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern lighting technology. As a regional manufacturer with deep understanding of Aurora's architectural heritage, Bock appreciates the balance the city maintains between safety requirements and aesthetic preservation.

Our experience with communities like Aurora has fostered an understanding of how quality lighting enhances historic districts while respecting their unique character. We recognize the importance of Aurora's lighting regulations in maintaining the charm that makes the community special.

As a resource for property owners and businesses navigating lighting requirements, Bock's team understands both the technical specifications and the intent behind Aurora's regulations. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Aurora's vision for thoughtful development that respects community character.

Conclusion

Aurora's lighting regulations serve an important purpose: maintaining the city's historic charm while ensuring safety and functionality for its residents and businesses. The comprehensive guidelines covering everything from sign illumination to parking lot lighting reflect the community's commitment to quality of life.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before making lighting changes, particularly in historic districts where additional restrictions may apply. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to preserving Aurora's distinctive character for future generations.

For specific questions about compliance with lighting regulations, contact Aurora's Planning Department or Building Division for guidance on your particular situation.