Lighting Regulations in Carey, Ohio: A Guide to the Village's Limited Lighting Requirements

Introduction

Nestled in rural Ohio with a population of just over 3,000 residents, Carey maintains a delicate balance between preserving its historical charm and meeting modern community needs. Incorporated as a village in 1858, Carey has evolved from its humble beginnings in 1843 when the first hotel and several homes were constructed.

Despite its small size, Carey has developed a unique cultural significance, even inspiring fictional elements in Universal's Halloween Horror Nights. This blend of quaint village atmosphere and distinctive character is reflected in the village's approach to municipal regulations, including those related to lighting.

In Carey, lighting regulations are notably limited, focusing primarily on ensuring safety and visibility in public spaces rather than imposing strict technical specifications on private property lighting.

Quick Reference Guide

• Tree maintenance: Trees overhanging streets must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lamp light
• Clearance requirement: 8-foot clear space required above streets and sidewalks
• Construction site safety: Warning lights required at night for excavations and construction sites
• Security lighting: Only available to customers who were already receiving this service as of April 16, 2001
• Utility pole/security light relocation: Available upon customer request with agreement to cover costs

Tree Maintenance and Street Lighting

Pruning Requirements for Street Light Visibility

Property owners in Carey have specific responsibilities regarding trees that might impact street lighting effectiveness. According to Village ordinance 151.14, every owner of trees overhanging any street or right of way must prune branches to ensure they don't obstruct light from street lamps.

This requirement serves a practical purpose: ensuring that public spaces remain properly illuminated for safety and visibility during nighttime hours.

Village Authority for Light Obstruction

The Village maintains the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they interfere with street lighting. Specifically, the Village can take action when vegetation:

• Interferes with the proper spread of light from street lights
• Blocks visibility of traffic control devices or signs

Clearance Requirements

To maintain proper visibility and lighting effectiveness, property owners must ensure:

• A clear space of eight feet above the surface of streets or sidewalks
• Unobstructed views at street intersections

Construction and Excavation Lighting Requirements

Safety Lighting for Hazardous Areas

Section 521.03 of Carey's code addresses lighting requirements for construction and excavation sites. These regulations focus on public safety rather than aesthetic considerations.

Property owners and contractors must ensure that:

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction are adequately protected by warning lights at night
• These protective measures prevent conditions that could "reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb"

Protection of Warning Lights

The Village code explicitly prohibits anyone from destroying, removing, damaging, or extinguishing:

• Barricades or warning lights placed for public protection
• Safety devices intended to prevent injury

This protection ensures that temporary safety lighting remains functional throughout construction projects.

Security Lighting Provisions

Limited Availability

Carey's municipal code contains specific limitations regarding security lighting services. According to the provided regulations:

• Security lighting service is only available to customers who were already receiving this service as of April 16, 2001
• This suggests the Village has discontinued offering new security lighting installations through municipal services

Utility Pole and Security Light Relocation

Property owners can request relocation of utility lines, poles, or security lights for convenience, but must:

• Agree in writing to reimburse the utility for all costs incurred
• Make an advance deposit equal to the estimated cost of the relocation

What Property Owners Should Know

Limited Formal Regulations

Unlike many municipalities, Carey has relatively few formal lighting regulations for private property owners. The Village code does not specify:

• Maximum light levels or brightness restrictions
• Fixture design requirements
• Light trespass limitations
• Color temperature specifications

This minimal regulatory approach allows property owners considerable flexibility in lighting choices for private property.

Focus on Public Safety

The lighting regulations that do exist in Carey primarily focus on public safety concerns:

• Ensuring adequate illumination of public streets
• Requiring warning lights at potentially hazardous sites
• Maintaining visibility at intersections and along roadways

Practical Considerations

Even with limited formal regulations, property owners should consider:

• The impact of lighting choices on neighbors
• Energy efficiency and operational costs
• Maintenance requirements for outdoor lighting
• Security needs balanced with community character

Supporting Carey's Community Character

Bock Lighting: Understanding Small-Town Lighting Needs

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Carey. We recognize that in smaller villages where formal lighting regulations are limited, community standards and historical character often guide lighting choices.

Balancing Modern Needs with Historical Character

Carey's blend of historical charm and rural character creates a distinctive community atmosphere. Bock Lighting shares Carey's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing practical modern lighting solutions that enhance safety and functionality.

Educational Resources for Property Owners

Even in communities with fewer formal regulations, making informed lighting choices matters. Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners seeking to understand:

• Best practices for exterior lighting in historical contexts
• Energy-efficient options that maintain community character
• Lighting solutions that enhance safety without creating light pollution
• Approaches that respect neighboring properties

Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to help property owners make choices that complement Carey's unique village atmosphere.

Conclusion

Carey, Ohio takes a relatively minimalist approach to lighting regulations, focusing primarily on safety considerations rather than imposing detailed technical specifications for private property lighting. The village's regulations center on maintaining clear visibility from street lights, ensuring proper warning lights at construction sites, and managing existing security lighting services.

For property owners, this means greater flexibility in lighting choices, but also a responsibility to consider how lighting impacts the community's character and neighboring properties. While formal regulations are limited, the village's historical charm and small-town atmosphere suggest an approach to lighting that balances modern needs with respect for Carey's distinctive character.

By understanding the limited formal requirements that do exist and considering community standards, property owners can make lighting choices that enhance both their properties and the village as a whole.