Lighting Regulations in Beavercreek, Ohio: Balancing Modern Needs with Community Character

Introduction

Beavercreek, Ohio, with its rich history dating back to the early 1800s, has evolved from a rural settlement into a thriving modern city while maintaining its distinctive community character. Incorporated in 1980, Beavercreek carefully balances growth with preservation of its historical charm and spacious, rolling landscape.

The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance – ensuring safety and functionality while preserving the visual integrity of neighborhoods and historical areas. These regulations aim to provide adequate illumination for security and visibility while preventing light pollution and preserving the aesthetic quality that makes Beavercreek special.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Main Regulation: All exterior lighting must comply with § 158.136 (Standards for Exterior Lighting)
• Light Levels: Maximum-to-minimum ratio cannot exceed 4:1 for uniform illumination
• Property Line Maximum: 0.5 footcandles at non-residential boundaries; 1.0 footcandles at commercial-to-non-residential boundaries
• Fixture Height: Maximum 16 feet near residential areas
• Cut-off Requirements: Full cut-off fixtures required to prevent glare in most applications
• Plan Approval: All non-residential lighting requires Planning and Zoning Department approval
• Preferred Lighting: True color rendering lamps (metal halide) preferred over sodium lamps

Understanding Beavercreek's Lighting Philosophy

Historical Context and Modern Needs

Beavercreek's approach to lighting reflects its respect for historical character while acknowledging modern safety and functionality needs. With landmarks like the repurposed first Beavercreek High School, the city demonstrates its commitment to preserving its heritage while accommodating growth.

Core Lighting Objectives

The lighting regulations in Beavercreek serve several important purposes:

• Establishing appropriate minimum illumination levels for safety
• Preventing unnecessary glare that can impact visibility
• Reducing light spillover onto adjacent properties
• Minimizing light pollution that obscures the night sky
• Maintaining the visual character of neighborhoods

Lighting Plan Requirements

When a Plan Is Required

The Planning and Zoning Department must review and approve all proposed lighting for:

• Commercial developments
• Industrial sites
• Multi-family residential developments
• Conditional uses requiring site plan approval
• Modifications to existing lighting fixtures

What to Include in Your Lighting Plan

Your lighting plan submission must contain:

• Site plan showing locations of all buildings, landscaping, and lighting fixtures
• Detailed specifications including photometric data, fixture height, and lamp type
• Photometric plan illustrating ground-level illumination accounting for all light sources
• Building elevation drawings showing fixtures and illumination patterns

Technical Standards and Specifications

Illumination Levels

The following minimum standards apply to all exterior lighting:

• Parking Areas: 0.2 footcandles minimum
• Loading/Unloading Areas: 0.4 footcandles minimum
• Walkways: 0.2 footcandles minimum
• Building Entrances (Frequent Use): 1.0 footcandles minimum
• Building Entrances (Infrequent Use): 0.2 footcandles minimum

Fixture Requirements

• Uniform Illumination: Maximum 4:1 ratio of average to minimum illumination
• Lamp Preference: True color rendering lamps (metal halide) preferred over high/low pressure sodium
• Underground Service: Electrical service to light fixtures must be placed underground
• Maintenance: All fixtures must be kept in good repair with working bulbs

Height and Placement Restrictions

• Maximum Height: Cannot exceed district maximum height limitation
• Residential Proximity: Maximum 16 feet when adjacent to residential areas
• Measurement: Height measured from grade to bottom of fixture

Special Requirements for Specific Uses

Gas Stations and Convenience Stores

• Canopy-mounted fixtures must be recessed or flush with the bottom of the canopy
• Drop-down fixtures limited to 1 inch beyond casing
• All canopy lighting must provide 85-degree cut-off angle
• Illumination of canopy sides is prohibited
• Parking areas away from pump islands must follow standard parking illumination rules

Residential Adjacency Requirements

Properties abutting residential districts must follow these additional restrictions:

• Maximum fixture height of 16 feet
• All fixtures must have cut-off angle of 90 degrees or less
• No direct light source visible at the property line at ground level
• Maximum illumination at property line: 0.5 footcandles

Sign Illumination

• Wall signs: Lighting must not produce glare and all elements must be concealed
• Sports facility signs: Illumination only during facility hours of use
• Temporary signs: Illumination prohibited
• Marquee signs: Lighting must be concealed from view

Prohibited Lighting

The following lighting types are explicitly prohibited in Beavercreek:

• Flashing lights
• Beacons and searchlights (except for emergency/safety purposes)
• Blinking or intermittent lighting (except approved electronic signs)
• Lighting that creates traffic hazards or confusion with traffic signals

What Property Owners Should Know

Getting Your Lighting Approved

When planning exterior lighting for your commercial, industrial, or multi-family property:

1. Start early: Lighting plans must be submitted as part of your overall site plan
2. Focus on functionality: Design lighting for minimal necessary illumination
3. Consider neighbors: Special care is needed when adjacent to residential areas
4. Maintain uniformity: The 4:1 ratio requirement helps prevent "hot spots"
5. Budget for quality fixtures: Cut-off fixtures and proper shielding are requirements, not options

Maintenance Requirements

Property owners are responsible for:

• Replacing non-working bulbs promptly
• Repairing broken or malfunctioning fixtures
• Ensuring trees don't obstruct street lights or signs
• Maintaining the approved lighting pattern and levels

Supporting Beavercreek's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Beavercreek. We appreciate the city's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with the preservation of its spacious, rolling environment and historical character.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles helps communities implement lighting solutions that enhance safety while respecting local aesthetic values. Bock's approach aligns with Beavercreek's lighting philosophy – providing appropriate illumination that prevents unnecessary light pollution while maintaining the distinctive character that makes the community special.

We serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance on how to achieve compliance while enhancing the quality and character of developments. Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices supports Beavercreek's goals of reducing light pollution and creating well-designed illumination that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Conclusion

Beavercreek's lighting regulations reflect the city's thoughtful approach to development – balancing safety and functionality with preservation of community character. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture types, and placement, these regulations help ensure that lighting enhances the community without creating nuisances or detracting from its distinctive environment.

Property owners who understand and embrace these standards contribute to Beavercreek's vision of a well-planned community that honors its historical roots while accommodating modern needs. With proper planning and adherence to these regulations, lighting can enhance safety, functionality, and the aesthetic quality that makes Beavercreek special.