Lighting Regulations in Avon, Ohio: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in Lorain County, Avon, Ohio has roots dating back to 1814 when Wilbur Cahoon and his family established a settlement on 800 acres of land. The Cahoon family's Greek Revival home, built in 1825, stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This historical foundation has shaped Avon's approach to urban development, including its lighting regulations. As the city balances growth with preservation, its lighting ordinances aim to maintain the community's historical charm while meeting modern safety and functionality requirements.

With a growing population (21,193 as of the 2010 census), Avon's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its distinctive character while accommodating contemporary needs.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Lighting Requirements:

• General Outdoor Lighting:
• Must direct light away from adjacent properties and streets
• No direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public roadway
• Maximum height for freestanding light posts: 30 feet in nonresidential areas
• Parking Areas:
• Minimum illumination: 1 foot-candle for all parking areas and walkways
• Light sources must be shielded to control impact on residential areas
• Maximum pole heights: 12 feet in residential districts, 30 feet in nonresidential districts
• Signs:
• Residential district signs generally cannot be illuminated (with limited exceptions)
• Business, office, and industrial district signs may be illuminated
• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent buildings and streets
• Flashing, moving or intermittent illumination generally prohibited

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Light Direction and Intensity

Avon's regulations consistently emphasize good neighbor policies when it comes to lighting. Property owners must ensure that:

• All lighting is arranged to direct light away from adjacent parcels and streets
• Lighting is not of excessive brightness
• Lighting does not cause glare that could be hazardous to motorists
• Lighting is not reasonably objectionable to adjacent property owners

Glare Prevention

The city strictly prohibits direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public thoroughfare. This requirement reflects Avon's commitment to reducing light pollution while maintaining the historical character of the community.

Fixture Height Restrictions

To maintain appropriate scale in different areas of the city:

• No freestanding light post shall exceed 30 feet in height in nonresidential zones
• No freestanding light post shall exceed 12 feet in height in residential zones

These height restrictions help ensure lighting solutions remain in proportion to the surrounding architecture and landscape.

Area-Specific Lighting Requirements

Parking Areas and Walkways

Safety is a priority in public access areas, with specific illumination requirements:

• All parking areas and walkways must be illuminated to a minimum of one foot-candle
• Light sources must be designed and positioned to shield/control impact on adjacent residential districts and streets
• Lighting should not cause excessive brightness or hazardous glare

Street Lighting Standards

Avon's requirements for street lighting balance visibility and aesthetic concerns:

• Required at intersections, cul-de-sacs, and crosswalks
• Maximum spacing of 500 feet between fixtures
• Pedestrian light fixtures should be spaced approximately 100 feet apart
• Must use metal halide, single-pole fixtures with banner brackets

Swimming Pool Lighting

Special consideration is given to recreational lighting:

• Maximum intensity of two foot-candles
• Must be installed and shielded to eliminate direct rays
• Must minimize reflected rays upon adjoining premises

Sign Illumination Regulations

Zone-Specific Requirements

The city's approach to sign illumination varies by district:

Residential Districts

• Signs generally cannot be illuminated
• Exceptions: bulletin boards, subdivision signs, and institution identification signs

Business, Office and Industrial Districts

• Signs may be illuminated unless otherwise specified
• Light sources must be shielded from all adjacent buildings and streets
• Illumination must not be of excessive brightness or cause glare

French Creek District

• No self-illuminating, free-standing ground signs permitted
• Only continuous, soft, non-glare, indirect-type lighting allowed

Prohibited Lighting Types

To maintain Avon's aesthetic standards, certain lighting elements are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing, moving or intermittent illumination
• Beacon lights and outline lighting
• Searchlights, flashers, and animators
• Rotating or whirligig devices
• Blinking, racer type, and moving signs
• Exposed light bulbs and bare strings of light bulbs

Exception: Time, temperature, and message signs may be permitted with certain lighting effects.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Construction and Safety Lighting

Safety requirements for construction sites include:

• Excavations and street hazards must be protected with suitable warning devices or lights
• Construction materials in streets must not be left without proper lighting
• Unauthorized removal of safety lighting is prohibited

Specialized Businesses

Specific businesses have additional lighting requirements:

• Sexually oriented businesses:
• Minimum illumination level of five foot-candles at floor level
• Adequate exterior lighting for visual inspection to prevent loitering

Infrastructure Elements

• Wind turbines require a lighting plan as part of the application
• Antennas or towers generally shall not be illuminated unless required by FAA regulations

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

If you're planning to install illuminated signage, be aware that:

• Electrical signs require an electrical permit at a rate of $35.00
• Permit applications must specify the method of illumination

Maintenance Responsibilities

Ongoing compliance requires attention to:

• Exterior lighting fixtures over steps, paths, walkways, courts, and drives must be neatly maintained
• Outside lighting must be positioned to avoid creating a nuisance to adjacent properties

Tree Management Considerations

The Director of Public Service, in consultation with a certified arborist, has the right to prune public trees that obstruct street lights. For property owners, this means selecting tree species that won't interfere with street lighting or visibility at intersections.

Supporting Avon's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Avon's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern technology. We understand the balance Avon seeks to maintain between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Our experience with lighting projects throughout the region has given us a deep appreciation for Avon's architectural heritage and the importance of lighting solutions that complement this character. From the historic Cahoon House to newer developments, Avon's distinctive blend of old and new requires thoughtful lighting approaches.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting community education about lighting regulations and helping property owners understand how to enhance their spaces while maintaining compliance with local ordinances. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for those navigating Avon's specific requirements.

We value our role as a community partner in Northeast Ohio and strive to contribute to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Avon's vision for controlled growth that honors its historical foundations.

Conclusion

Avon's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture heights, and light direction, these ordinances help create a cohesive community aesthetic while preventing light pollution and nuisance.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for minimum illumination levels in parking areas (1 foot-candle), maximum fixture heights (12-30 feet depending on district), and shielding requirements to prevent glare impacts on neighboring properties.

By understanding and following these lighting standards, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining Avon's distinctive character – a community that honors its past while thoughtfully embracing its future.