Lighting Regulations in Beachwood, Ohio: A Guide to Compliance and Community Standards

Nestled in Cuyahoga County with its unique blend of historical character and modern development, Beachwood, Ohio has established specific lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to both safety and aesthetic harmony. These standards help maintain the city's distinctive character while ensuring appropriate illumination for residents and businesses.

From its humble beginnings in 1915 to its current status as a thriving suburban community of approximately 12,000 residents, Beachwood has carefully balanced growth with community values. The city's approach to lighting reflects this balance, with regulations designed to provide adequate illumination while respecting neighboring properties and preserving the community's character.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Light Spillage Limits: Maximum 0.1 footcandles at property lines
• Height Restrictions:
• Private street/property lighting: Maximum 15 feet
• General light poles: Maximum 30 feet
• Pool Illumination: 2-5 footcandles for family pools used at night
• Shielding: Light sources must be shielded from direct visibility from residential properties
• Sign Illumination: Residential district signs generally prohibited from illumination
• Wind Energy Facilities: Lighting prohibited
• Electrical Standards: All lighting must comply with National Electrical Code

Site Lighting Plans and Approval Process

Commission Approval Requirement

Multiple sections of Beachwood's code indicate that site lighting plans must be submitted to and approved by the Commission. This requirement ensures that all lighting installations align with the city's standards and community values.

Safety and Protection Focus

According to Section 1116.09, lighting plans must be "designed to promote the safety of pedestrians and vehicles and the protection of persons and property." This underlying purpose guides the Commission's review of all lighting proposals.

Application Components

When submitting lighting plans for review, applicants must include:

• Placement of lighting fixtures
• Heights of lighting fixtures
• Types of lighting fixtures
• In some cases, resulting illumination levels

Height and Placement Restrictions

Private Property Limitations

Beachwood places specific limitations on lighting height based on location:

• Private Streets and Properties: Lighting units cannot exceed 15 feet in height (Section 1116.09)
• Parking Areas and Walkways: Light poles cannot extend more than 30 feet in height above finished grade (Section 1124.07)

Shielding Requirements

The code consistently emphasizes appropriate shielding to minimize light impact:

• Lights must be "so designed and arranged as to direct light away from adjoining property"
• Light sources must be "shielded so that the light source is not directly visible from residential property"
• For buildings and grounds illumination, sources must be shielded to prevent direct visibility from residential areas

Light Spillage Controls

Beachwood strictly limits the amount of light that can cross property boundaries:

• Maximum 0.1 footcandles of light spillage at property lines
• Some sections specifically state "There shall be no light spillage onto adjoining properties"

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Swimming Pool Illumination

Beachwood's code includes specific requirements for pool lighting:

Family Pools

• Illumination Level: Between 2-5 footcandles for the pool surface and 5 feet from edge
• Usage Requirements: Required when pools are used during hours of darkness
• Installation Standards: All lighting must comply with National Electrical Code
• Equipment Standards: All fixtures must be UL approved

Public Pools

• Must have lighting "adequate for the protection of the public" as determined by the Building Commissioner
• Must comply with National Electrical Code
• Must use UL approved fixtures and equipment

Construction and Excavation Lighting

To ensure public safety during construction:

• Excavation Warning Lights: At least two illuminated red lamps must be posted near each end of excavations in public ways during night hours
• Extended Excavations: One additional lamp required for each additional 50 feet of excavation
• Construction Sites: Areas under construction must be guarded by warning lights at night

Sign Illumination Standards

District-Based Regulations

Beachwood regulates sign illumination differently based on zoning:

• Residential Districts: Signs generally cannot be illuminated "except as specifically provided"
• Business/Commercial/Office Districts: Sign illumination permitted with restrictions

Illumination Methods and Restrictions

When illuminating signs, the following standards apply:

• Wall Signs: May be backlit or externally illuminated
• Internal Illumination: Only letters and logos may transmit light; backgrounds must remain solid opaque
• Restaurant Signs: Must be turned off during non-business hours
• Streetscape Tenant Signs: Must be turned off during non-business hours

Technical Requirements

All illuminated signs must meet specific technical standards:

• Must comply with the National Electric Code
• Electrical wiring must be installed underground or within the structure
• Illumination cannot be of "excessive brightness"
• Light must be shielded to prevent direct light or glare from being cast into residential areas
• Red or green colors cannot interfere with traffic signals
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination generally prohibited

Maintenance and Compliance

Ongoing Requirements

Proper maintenance of lighting systems is mandated:

• The condition of lighting fixtures must be maintained
• Lighting standards must be kept in "proper working order" and "structurally safe"
• All installations must comply with the National Electrical Code
• Fixtures must be UL approved where specified

Tree Management for Lighting

Property owners must maintain trees to prevent obstruction of street lighting:

• Tree branches must be trimmed so they do not obstruct light from street lamps
• Branches must not block the view of street intersections

Supporting Beachwood's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Beachwood's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community aesthetics. As a regional manufacturer with deep understanding of local architectural styles and lighting needs, Bock appreciates Beachwood's careful approach to lighting regulation.

Our expertise in lighting design allows us to serve as a resource for Beachwood residents and business owners navigating the specific requirements of the city's lighting code. We understand the importance of maintaining community character while integrating modern technology that enhances safety and efficiency.

Bock Lighting's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Beachwood's vision for thoughtful development that respects both historical context and neighboring properties. Our local presence enables us to better understand the specific needs and standards of communities like Beachwood.

Conclusion

Beachwood's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear standards for light levels, fixture heights, and illumination methods, the city maintains a cohesive community aesthetic while preventing light pollution and nuisance.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing or modifying lighting systems, particularly the need for Commission approval of lighting plans and the strict limitations on light spillage to neighboring properties. These standards help ensure that Beachwood remains a well-illuminated yet visually harmonious community for years to come.

Remember that all lighting installations must comply with the National Electrical Code in addition to Beachwood's specific requirements, and that professional consultation is recommended for any significant lighting project to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations.