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

Introduction

Founded in 1815 and named after Brunswick, Germany, the city of Brunswick, Ohio has evolved from its historical roots into a thriving suburban community within the Cleveland metropolitan area. As a city that balances development with preservation, Brunswick's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to maintaining a family-friendly environment with aesthetic appeal.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer in Brunswick, understanding the city's lighting requirements is essential for ensuring compliance while contributing to the community's character and safety. This guide provides an overview of Brunswick's lighting regulations, helping you navigate the requirements with ease.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Brunswick:

• General Illumination Levels:
• Parking and pedestrian areas: Minimum 0.6 footcandles
• Property security lighting: Minimum 0.2 footcandles
• Vehicle use areas: 1.0 footcandle average
• PEV Charging Stations: Minimum 0.6 footcandles
• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 1.0 footcandle at property lines adjacent to residential areas
• Fixture Height Restrictions:
• C-0 Office-Commercial District: Maximum 10 feet
• Other districts: Maximum 25 feet (exceptions possible with Planning Commission approval)
• Pedestrian walkways: Maximum 15 feet
• Streetscape and pedestrian areas: 15 feet in various developments
• Parking areas along Center Road: Up to 35 feet permitted
• General Requirements:
• No flickering, intermittent, or moving lights permitted
• Lights must be shielded from neighboring properties
• Lighting must not be of excessive brightness

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Exterior Lighting

Brunswick's regulations emphasize considerate lighting that enhances safety without creating nuisance for neighbors. For residential properties:

• Every building with exterior illumination must have lights shielded from neighboring properties and streets
• Light sources should not create excessive brightness
• Flickering or intermittent illumination is prohibited
• Home occupations must not use equipment that produces glare or other nuisances outside the dwelling

Neighborhood Development Standards

Several Brunswick neighborhoods have specific lighting requirements:

Meadow View & Market 42 Neighborhoods

• Lamp posts must be installed 24 inches to the house side of sidewalks
• Lighting design and location must be uniform throughout the neighborhood
• Post lights must be designed to limit upward light pollution and focus light downward
• Light bulbs and colors must remain uniform as approved by the homeowners' association

Street Lighting

• Street lights are typically required at intersections and cul-de-sacs
• Fixtures must use downward directional lighting
• Lighting should be appropriately sized for the location

Swimming Pool Lighting

If you have a backyard pool with lighting:

• No lighting permitted after 11:00 p.m. if the pool is within 200 feet of a dwelling (except the owner's)
• Pool lighting must be arranged and shaded to reflect light only on the pool and its aprons
• Light must be directed away from adjoining properties and public streets

Commercial and Public Space Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

Brunswick has specific requirements for commercial parking areas:

• Minimum illumination levels must be maintained during hours of operation
• Lighting may be reduced to security levels (0.2 fc) during hours when areas are not in use
• Uniformity ratio: Average illumination must not exceed four times the minimum level
• Anchor store parking fields should maintain a two foot-candle average minimum
• Main Street areas should maintain a one foot-candle average minimum

Height and Fixture Requirements

• Maximum fixture heights vary by district:
• 10 feet in the C-0 Office-Commercial District
• 25 feet in other districts (Planning Commission may approve greater heights)
• 35 feet permitted for parking areas along Center Road
• 15 feet maximum for pedestrian walkways and areas

Light Trespass Control

• Exterior lighting must provide a maximum of one horizontal footcandle at property lines adjacent to residential uses
• Lighting must be concealed or shielded to avoid glare
• Luminaires over ten feet in height must be cut-off types that eliminate light above an 85-degree angle

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Rules

• Signs may be illuminated by external or internal sources
• No flashing lights or changing colors permitted (except for time/temperature displays)
• Sign colors, materials, and lighting should be restrained and harmonious with the building
• Illumination levels shall not exceed one footcandle as measured from adjacent rights-of-way and residential uses

District-Specific Requirements

• C-N Zone (Commercial-Neighborhood):
• Ground signs: External illumination only; maximum area of 35 square feet, maximum height of 6 feet
• Wall signs: External illumination only
• Commercial Districts (C-N, C-G, GW-C, C-H):
• Wall signs: External illumination only
• Ground signs: Back lit or internal illumination permitted (must be 25 feet from Residential District)

Documentation and Approval Requirements

Required Submissions

When applying for permits or approvals, be prepared to provide:

• Site plans that include exterior lighting details
• Photometric plan showing proposed illumination levels in footcandles
• Calculation of total hardscape square footage and total allowable lumens
• Table of all exterior luminaires showing output in lumens and installation height
• Performance bond to ensure lighting conforms to approved plans

Special Uses and Requirements

• Sexually oriented businesses: Must maintain minimum 5 footcandles illumination at floor level
• Construction sites: Excavations must be protected by barricades and warning lights at night
• Electric vehicle charging stations: Minimum 0.6 footcandle illumination required

Supporting Brunswick's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand Brunswick's commitment to balancing modern development with community character. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Brunswick's values of creating safe, attractive, and functional spaces that respect neighborhood aesthetics.

Our team appreciates Brunswick's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety while preventing light pollution and preserving the city's suburban character. We're committed to helping property owners, businesses, and developers understand and comply with local lighting requirements.

With our deep understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs, Bock Lighting serves as a resource for Brunswick residents seeking lighting solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and aesthetic goals. Our experience with projects throughout Northeast Ohio gives us insight into creating lighting designs that respect community standards while providing the illumination needed for safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Brunswick's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to creating safe, attractive spaces while respecting the character of its neighborhoods. By understanding and following these requirements, property owners can contribute to the community's visual appeal while ensuring proper illumination for safety and security.

Remember that specific projects may require additional consultation with Brunswick's Planning Commission, especially for commercial developments or special use cases. When in doubt, it's always best to contact the city's planning department for guidance on your particular lighting needs.

By working together to implement thoughtful lighting designs, Brunswick residents and businesses can enhance the community's appeal while preserving its distinctive suburban character for generations to come.