Lighting Regulations in Brooklyn, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Community Character

Introduction

Brooklyn, Ohio may be a small suburb of Cleveland, but this pioneering community has a rich history of establishing forward-thinking regulations. From implementing the nation's first seat belt law in 1966 to enacting the first cell phone law for motorists in 1999, Brooklyn has consistently prioritized public safety and community wellbeing.

The city's approach to lighting regulations follows this same tradition, balancing modern safety standards with respect for the community's historical character that dates back to its founding in 1818. These regulations aim to ensure adequate illumination while preventing light pollution, trespass, and glare that could diminish the quality of life for residents.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

For property owners in Brooklyn, here are the most critical lighting requirements:

• Apartment Buildings: Must provide adequate exterior lighting in parking lots and walkways
• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum of 0.1-foot candles 10 feet beyond property lines for apartment buildings
• Color Temperature: Outdoor lighting must not exceed 4000 Kelvin
• Height Restrictions:
• Freestanding fixtures: Maximum 24 feet
• Decorative non-cutoff fixtures: Maximum 12 feet
• Illumination at Property Lines:
• 0.5 footcandles maximum when adjacent to residential properties
• 1.0 footcandles maximum when adjacent to non-residential properties
• Construction Sites: Must provide warning lights at night for safety

Apartment Building Lighting Requirements

Exterior Lighting Standards

Brooklyn has established specific requirements for apartment building owners to ensure adequate lighting for safety while preventing light pollution:

• Must install adequate exterior lighting in parking lots and walkways
• Must follow IESNA RP-33 guidelines for exterior environments
• Light trespass must not exceed 0.1-foot candles 10 feet over the property line

City Support for Compliance

The city doesn't just impose requirements—it offers support to help property owners comply:

• The city provides IESNA RP-33 guidelines to apartment building owners
• Officials offer assistance to ensure owners understand the city's lighting expectations
• Exemptions may be granted for 12 months if alternative security measures are equally effective

Lighting Fixture Requirements

Apartment building owners should be aware of these specific requirements:

• Lighting sources must be designed to minimize light trespass onto neighboring properties
• All exterior lighting must conform to all applicable city codes
• Proper shielding and positioning are essential for compliance

General Property Lighting Standards

Height and Placement Regulations

Brooklyn has established clear standards for the height and placement of lighting fixtures:

• Fixture Heights:
• Fixtures attached to buildings cannot exceed the building height
• Freestanding fixtures cannot exceed 24 feet above grade
• Non-cutoff decorative freestanding fixtures cannot exceed 12 feet
• Positioning Requirements:
• All outdoor lighting must be located, screened, or shielded to prevent direct illumination of adjacent lots and public right-of-way
• Parking lot lighting must use full cutoff fixtures pointed down and away from property lines
• Wall-mounted lights must be screened by architectural features or have cutoff shields

Light Quality and Intensity

The regulations also address the quality and intensity of lighting:

• Color Temperature: All outdoor lighting fixtures cannot exceed 4000 Kelvin
• Maximum Illumination Levels at Property Lines:
• 0.5 footcandles when adjacent to single-family, two-family, or multifamily residential
• 1.0 footcandles when adjacent to non-residential uses
• Measurement: Light levels are measured in footcandles with direct reading, portable light meters

Special Considerations

Certain exceptions and special cases are recognized:

• Statues, monuments, flags, and fountains may use upward lighting (spotlights)
• Lighting fixtures should match the existing character of the surrounding community
• Street lighting may exceed the maximum height allowed in the zoning district

Prohibited Lighting Types

Brooklyn explicitly prohibits certain types of lighting to maintain community character and prevent nuisance:

• Search lights
• Beacons
• Laser source lights
• High-intensity or flashing lights not associated with emergency services
• LED, neon tubing, or string lights used as building accent lighting or window trimming
• Lighting that creates glare beyond the property line

Sign Illumination Requirements

Permissible Illumination Methods

The city allows several methods for illuminating signs, with specific guidelines:

• Signs may be externally illuminated, internally illuminated, backlit, or illuminated through down lighting
• All externally illuminated signs must use steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign
• Electronic signs must be able to adjust intensity based on ambient lighting conditions

Restrictions and Limitations

To prevent nuisance and maintain aesthetics, these limitations apply:

• Prohibited: Glaring, unshielded, or undiffused lights
• Prohibited: Bare bulb illumination
• Prohibited: Illumination that could create a traffic hazard
• Maximum Intensity: Illumination from signs must not exceed 1/2 foot candle at 5 feet height on residential property
• Electronic signs must be located at least 250 feet from residential areas
• Scrolling, flashing, and moving animations are prohibited on electronic signs

Technical Requirements

Sign owners must ensure:

• All electrical signs are properly marked with the erector's name, voltage, and installation date
• Signs are adequately grounded
• Wiring and materials comply with National Electric Code standards
• Wiring is maintained in weather-proof condition

Lighting Plans and Documentation

For new construction or significant modifications, Brooklyn requires:

• Detailed Lighting Plan showing:
• Location of each existing and proposed fixture
• Height of proposed lighting fixtures
• Minimum and maximum illumination for the site
• Photometric plan showing intensity levels
• Details of all proposed lighting fixtures including manufacturer, model, and style
• Permits and documentation for illuminated signs
• Proper marking and labeling of electrical components

Safety and Emergency Lighting

Required Emergency Illumination

Brooklyn prioritizes safety with these emergency lighting requirements:

• Stairways, hallways, and other egress routes must be adequately lighted whenever buildings are occupied
• Rooms with capacity of 100+ persons must have emergency lighting
• Businesses open after 9:00 p.m. must maintain emergency illumination
• Apartment buildings must provide emergency lighting systems

Technical Requirements for Emergency Systems

Emergency lighting must meet these standards:

• Systems must automatically transfer to alternative power when main service is interrupted
• Some facilities require two separate and complete systems with independent power supplies
• Construction sites must have warning lights at night to prevent accidents

Supporting Brooklyn's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Brooklyn's commitment to balancing modern safety standards with community character preservation. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique challenges faced by communities like Brooklyn that want to maintain their distinctive identity while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and security.

Our team appreciates Brooklyn's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which mirrors our own philosophy of responsible illumination that respects neighborhood context. With experience serving communities throughout Northeast Ohio, we understand the region's architectural styles and lighting needs.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource to help property owners and businesses understand and navigate lighting regulations. We believe in supporting communities like Brooklyn by offering guidance on techniques and products that meet local standards while enhancing the character of residential and commercial areas.

Conclusion

Brooklyn's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to ensuring safety and security while preventing light pollution and maintaining community character. From apartment buildings to commercial properties, these standards help create a well-lit environment that respects neighbor privacy and enhances the community's appearance.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing or modifying outdoor lighting systems. Working with lighting professionals who understand Brooklyn's specific regulations can help ensure compliance while achieving your lighting goals.

By following these thoughtful guidelines, Brooklyn residents and businesses contribute to a community that values both modern safety standards and the distinctive character that has defined this historic suburb since 1818.