Lighting Regulations in Carlisle, Ohio: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in southwestern Ohio, the village of Carlisle carries a rich heritage dating back to 1850 when the railroad extended to the area. Named after George B. Carlisle, a prominent railroad industry figure, the community has maintained strong ties to its transportation roots while carefully managing growth and development.

Lighting regulations in Carlisle reflect this commitment to balancing modern needs with historical preservation. As a village that values landmarks like the early 1800s Tapscott Church, Carlisle's approach to exterior lighting aims to enhance safety and functionality while respecting the community's historical character.

Quick Reference Guide

The most important lighting regulations in Carlisle include:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.5 footcandle at residential property lines
• Maximum 1.0 footcandle at non-residential property lines
• Stray lighting from on-site sources limited to 0.1 footcandle at property lines
• Light Fixture Requirements:
• Full-cutoff fixtures required for most outdoor lighting
• No light permitted above horizontal plane
• High pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide lighting required for commercial applications
• HPS required for street lighting in residential developments
• Maximum Pole Heights:
• Residential districts (R-1 through R-4): 16 feet
• Commercial districts (B-1 through B-3): 22 feet
• Industrial districts (M-1 and M-2): 28 feet
• Hours of Operation:
• Non-essential lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Recreational lighting not permitted after 11:00 p.m.

Street Lighting Requirements

New Subdivisions

In Carlisle, developers are responsible for installing street lighting in new residential subdivisions. The village has established specific requirements to ensure consistency and safety:

• Street lights required at every intersection and at the neck of every cul-de-sac at minimum
• Aluminum or fiberglass poles must be used (wooden poles only permitted if certified necessary for safety)
• High pressure sodium (HPS) lighting required in wattages approved by the Municipal Engineer

Spacing and Style

The village regulates spacing based on the style of lighting chosen:

• Decorative "Coach" Style Lighting: Average spacing no more than 150 feet
• Traditional "Cobra Head" Designs: Average spacing no more than 250 feet

Approval Process

Construction of street lighting cannot begin until approval is obtained from the Municipal Engineer. Once installed and accepted, the Municipality assumes the cost of providing the necessary electrical power.

Commercial and Residential Lighting Standards

Fixture Requirements

Carlisle has established clear parameters for commercial and private residential lighting:

• Mounting Options: Lighting may be pole-mounted or wall-mounted
• Light Direction: No light shall be emitted above a horizontal line parallel to the ground
• Maximum Angle: Luminaires shall emit maximum candlepower at an angle not exceeding 75 degrees
• Material Requirements: Aluminum poles required
• Light Source: High pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide must be used

Documentation Requirements

For new installations or modifications to existing lighting, property owners must provide:

• A photometric analysis showing illumination levels at all strategic points
• Documentation of parking lots, entranceway areas, sidewalks
• Measurement of illumination at lot lines common with residential areas

Controlling Light Trespass

Preventing Nuisance Lighting is a priority in Carlisle:

• No activity on private property shall generate light that creates a nuisance to surrounding property
• Diffusers, lenses, or shields may be used to meet light trespass requirements
• The Zoning Inspector has authority to determine when lighting creates a nuisance

Technical Requirements for Lighting Plans

When Plans Are Required

Exterior lighting plans must be submitted for:

• All uses requiring a development plan
• Existing uses where exterior lighting is installed or changed
• All new developments in residential R-4, commercial, industrial, and planned development districts

Plan Components

The lighting plan must include:

• Site plan showing location of all exterior light fixtures, controllers, and transformers
• Property boundaries, building locations, parking layout, pedestrian paths, and rights-of-way
• Specifications and drawings for all exterior light fixtures, poles, and appurtenances
• Lamp wattage of all proposed luminaires
• Documentation of minimum light level of 0.5 foot-candles at grade in vehicular use areas
• Cut sheets for all proposed fixtures and poles

Measurement and Compliance

How Light Levels Are Measured

• Light levels measured in foot-candles with a direct-reading, portable light meter
• Measurements taken at the property line, along a horizontal plane
• Measurement height: 3.5 feet above the ground

Maximum Permitted Illumination

The village has established clear limits on light trespass:

• At residentially zoned property lines: 0.5 foot-candle maximum
• At non-residentially zoned property lines: 1.0 foot-candle maximum
• For dynamic displays near residential zones: 0.5 foot-candle maximum

Special Applications

Sign Illumination

Carlisle regulates how signs can be illuminated:

• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent buildings and streets
• Brightness must not cause hazardous glare for pedestrians or motorists
• No flashing or intermittent lighting that changes more than once every 20 seconds
• In single-family residential districts, temporary signs cannot be illuminated
• Permanent, freestanding signs in residential areas may only be externally illuminated

Telecommunication Towers

• Towers above 100 feet must be artificially lighted
• Security lighting permitted at the tower base
• FAA regulations for safety marking and obstruction lighting must be followed
• "Stealth" design technology encouraged (including light pole appearance)

Recreational Facilities

Outdoor recreational uses have special exemptions:

• Ball diamonds, playing fields, and tennis courts may exceed standard cutoff angles
• Maximum illumination at property line: 1 foot-candle
• No illumination permitted after 11:00 p.m.

Exemptions from Standard Requirements

The following are exempt from Carlisle's standard lighting regulations:

• Decorative outdoor lighting fixtures with bulbs less than 25 watts, installed seasonally
• Upward-directed architectural, landscaping, and decorative lighting (provided direct light is not visible above the roofline)
• Light fixtures illuminating flags, statues, and similar objects (with narrow beam design)
• Temporary construction or emergency lighting
• Existing outdoor lighting fixtures installed prior to code enactment (until replacement)

Supporting Carlisle's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique challenges communities like Carlisle face in balancing historic preservation with modern lighting needs.

Carlisle's rich railroad heritage and commitment to preserving landmarks like the Tapscott Church require lighting solutions that enhance safety while respecting historical character. Bock Lighting shares this commitment to thoughtful illumination that maintains community identity.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating Carlisle's regulations. We appreciate the village's emphasis on preventing light pollution while creating safe, functional environments.

As a regional partner, Bock Lighting is dedicated to supporting communities like Carlisle through education and expertise—helping to implement lighting solutions that serve public needs while preserving the distinctive character that makes Carlisle special.

Conclusion

Carlisle's lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful approach to community development—balancing the practical needs of safety and visibility with the aesthetic and historical considerations that give the village its distinctive character.

By establishing clear standards for fixture types, light levels, and proper shielding, Carlisle has created a framework that minimizes light pollution while providing adequate illumination for residents and businesses. These regulations help maintain the village's small-town atmosphere while accommodating growth and development.

Property owners planning lighting installations or modifications should consult the full regulations and work with the Planning and Zoning Administrator to ensure compliance with all requirements.