Lighting Regulations in Bedford Heights, Ohio: Balancing Safety and Community Character

Introduction

Bedford Heights, Ohio, with its rich history dating back to the early 19th century, has evolved from agricultural beginnings to a diverse suburban community within Cuyahoga County. As the city developed from its early settlement in the 1830s, it has maintained a commitment to thoughtful development that respects its historical roots while addressing modern needs.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance, aiming to ensure safety and functionality while preventing light nuisance between neighbors. These regulations are particularly important in preserving the residential character that makes Bedford Heights a desirable place to live.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Residential Lighting Restrictions:

• Maximum illumination at residential lot lines: 0.2-0.3 foot-candles at ground level
• Maximum height for unshielded lights: 6 feet
• Maximum height for shielded lights: 10 feet

Outdoor Lighting Fixtures:

• Maximum height: 30 feet from finished grade
• Operation hours: Must be turned off between 11:00 pm and sunrise (with exceptions)
• Prohibited types: Flashing, rotating, moving, and digital lights

Specific Applications:

• Reading areas in day care facilities: Minimum 20 foot-candles at work level
• Swimming pools: 2-5 foot-candles required during nighttime use
• Emergency lighting: Minimum 1 foot-candle measured at floor level

Residential Lighting Regulations

Height and Illumination Restrictions

In Bedford Heights residential districts, lighting must be designed to avoid creating a nuisance for neighbors. The code provides specific technical requirements:

• Unshielded lights must be no higher than 6 feet with maximum illumination at the lot line of 0.2 foot-candles
• Shielded lights may be up to 10 feet high with maximum illumination at the lot line of 0.3 foot-candles

What Constitutes a Light Nuisance

Bedford Heights considers exterior lights that exceed the standards outlined above to be a "light nuisance." This occurs when strong light directly shines on neighboring properties or interferes with the use and enjoyment of adjacent lots or residences.

Enforcement Process

Before issuing violations, the city follows a specific process:

• The city serves notice to the property owner about the alleged violation
• The property owner has seven days to comply
• If compliance isn't achieved, the Building Official may issue a complaint
• Violations are classified as fourth-degree misdemeanors, with potential fines up to $250 and/or incarceration up to 30 days
• Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Fixture Design and Shielding

All outdoor lighting in Bedford Heights must be controlled to prevent direct lighting into the sky or onto neighboring properties. The code specifically requires:

• Fully shielded cut-off fixtures for security lighting and illumination of walkways, roadways, equipment yards, or parking lots
• Shielding to ensure light cannot be seen at a reasonable distance
• Downward direction of light fixtures rather than upward

Time Restrictions and Controls

Bedford Heights regulates when outdoor lighting can operate:

• Outdoor lights on private property must be turned off between 11:00 pm and sunrise
• Exceptions exist for security purposes and to illuminate walkways and roadways
• Illuminated signs for commercial purposes must also be turned off during these hours

Height and Illumination Limits

The code provides specific technical requirements:

• Maximum fixture height: 30 feet measured from finished grade
• Grade must be established at least 15 feet from the light pole
• Maximum illumination at residential property lines: 1 foot-candle

Special Purpose Lighting Requirements

Swimming Pool Lighting

When used during hours of darkness, family pools must have adequate illumination:

• Illumination level: Between 2 and 5 foot-candles
• Coverage area: Pool surface plus 10 feet from edge
• Height restriction: Lights placed not over 10 feet above illuminated area
• All lighting must comply with the National Electrical Code (1981 edition)
• All fixtures and equipment must be UL approved

Sign Illumination

The city provides detailed regulations for sign lighting:

• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent buildings and streets
• Excessive brightness and glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers is prohibited
• Red or green illumination that might interfere with traffic signals is not permitted
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination is prohibited
• Signs in residential districts generally cannot be illuminated (except for permanent ground signs)

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

EMCs have specific brightness limitations:

• Maximum brightness: 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light level
• Must include automatic dimming capability based on ambient light conditions
• Minimum display time of 8 seconds with maximum 3-second transition time
• Continuous scrolling, flashing, spinning, and similar effects are prohibited

Day Care and Public Facility Lighting

Child and Adult Day Care Requirements

Day care facilities must meet specific illumination standards:

• Reading, writing, and close work areas: Minimum of 20 foot-candles at work level
• Facilities must have "sufficient light" for general day care purposes

Public Facilities

Public governmental facilities, libraries, and parks must ensure:

• Exterior lighting is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and development
• Adequate lighting is included in exterior development plans

Emergency and Safety Lighting

Building Exit Illumination

Safety lighting requirements apply to various public spaces:

• Stairways, hallways, and means of egress must be kept "adequately lighted" whenever the building is occupied
• Spaces with capacity for 100+ people require emergency lighting of at least 1 foot-candle measured at floor level
• Places of business open after 9:00 pm and apartment houses have specific emergency lighting requirements

Emergency Systems

The code requires backup systems for emergency lighting:

• Emergency lighting systems must be independent of general lighting
• Automatic transfer capability is required in case of service interruption
• All emergency generators, batteries, elevator cab lights, and emergency power must be maintained in serviceable condition

Supporting Bedford Heights' Lighting Vision

Bedford Heights balances modern lighting needs with community character preservation—a value shared by Bock Lighting. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique architectural styles and community values that define our region.

Our expertise aligns with Bedford Heights' thoughtful approach to development that respects its historical foundations. We appreciate the city's careful balance of safety requirements, functionality needs, and neighborhood harmony in its lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating these regulations. Our team can help residents and businesses understand how lighting choices impact both compliance and community character. As a regional partner, we're committed to lighting solutions that enhance Bedford Heights' distinctive character while meeting all technical requirements.

Conclusion

Bedford Heights' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a high-quality residential environment while ensuring safety and functionality. The specific technical requirements—from illumination levels to fixture heights—help create a community where lighting enhances rather than detracts from quality of life.

Property owners should pay particular attention to residential light trespass limits, fixture shielding requirements, and specific application standards for pools, signs, and businesses. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to the community's overall character and neighbor-friendly atmosphere.

For questions about specific lighting requirements, contact the Bedford Heights Building Department for official guidance on compliance with the city's lighting regulations.