Lighting Regulations in Centerburg, Ohio: Balancing History and Modern Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Centerburg has a rich history dating back to the post-Revolutionary War era. Originally established as a midway tavern site on a stage line between Columbus and Mount Vernon, this strategic location earned the village its fitting name. As Centerburg has evolved over centuries, it has maintained a delicate balance between preserving its historical small-town charm and embracing necessary modern development.

This balance is reflected in the village's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to ensure safety and functionality while respecting Centerburg's historical character and community values. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer in Centerburg, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and contributing to the village's aesthetic vision.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know in Centerburg:

• Maximum Light Heights:
• Residential districts: 15 feet maximum for cut-off lighting fixtures
• Nonresidential districts: 28 feet maximum for cut-off lighting fixtures
• Single-family/two-family dwellings: 8 feet maximum with bulbs not exceeding 1,600 lumens
• Decorative non-cutoff fixtures: 12 feet maximum in all districts
• Property Line Illumination: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines
• Prohibited Lighting:
• Search lights and laser lights (except for emergencies)
• Open strings of light bulbs (except for holidays or designated gathering areas)
• Bare bulbs or exposed light fixtures
• Flashing or motion-creating decorative fixtures
• Safety Requirements: Construction sites and excavations must have warning lights at night
• Review Process: New lighting installations require a photometric plan as part of site plan review

Understanding Centerburg's Lighting Philosophy

Community Values and Lighting Approach

Centerburg's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical roots while ensuring public safety. The village emphasizes a close-knit, friendly atmosphere where historical preservation is balanced with modern needs.

Purpose of Lighting Regulations

The village's lighting requirements serve several important purposes:

• Reducing or preventing light pollution
• Minimizing impacts on surrounding properties
• Reducing glare and light trespass
• Conserving energy
• Promoting safety and security

Administration and Oversight

The Village Administrator supervises all lighting improvements, repairs, and maintenance throughout Centerburg. Any modifications to exterior light fixtures after initial approval require submission of a change request to the Zoning Administrator.

General Lighting Requirements

Fixture Specifications

All outdoor lighting installations in Centerburg must comply with these general requirements:

• Shielding Requirements: All outdoor lighting must be shaded or inwardly directed to prevent direct light from being cast upon adjacent property
• Cut-off Fixtures: Lighting must use cut-off style fixtures to control light spread
• Fixture Types: Full cut-off fixtures are required except for decorative lighting fixtures
• Exposed Bulbs: Prohibited in all installations

Light Measurement Standards

Light levels in Centerburg are regulated using specific measurement protocols:

• Measurement Method: Light levels measured in foot-candles with direct reading, portable light meter
• Measurement Location: At the property line, along a horizontal plane
• Measurement Height: 3.5 feet above the ground
• Dark Spots: Design must avoid creating excessively dark spots that may create safety issues

Light Pollution Reduction

Centerburg strongly encourages all developers to implement features that reduce light pollution:

• Automatic shut-off fixtures
• Auto-dimming systems that adjust lighting based on ambient conditions
• Minimalist approach to lighting without compromising safety

Height Restrictions and Placement

Maximum Height Requirements

Centerburg establishes clear maximum heights for lighting fixtures:

• Residential Zoning Districts: 15 feet maximum for cut-off fixtures
• Nonresidential/Special Districts: 28 feet maximum for cut-off fixtures
• Decorative Non-cutoff Fixtures: 12 feet maximum in all districts
• Single/Two-Family Dwellings: 8 feet maximum with bulbs not exceeding 1,600 lumens
• Canopy Lighting: Must be flush mounted or recessed within the canopy

Building-Mounted Lighting

When attaching lighting to buildings, these requirements apply:

• Permitted Locations: Only at entrances, loading/service locations, or for accent lighting
• Fixture Types: Must be total cutoff fixtures, though they may direct light upward or downward
• Prohibited Features: No exposed light bulbs, colored lights, or flashing lights
• Height Limitation: Cannot exceed the height of the roofline

Special Considerations for Different Areas

Residential Considerations

Properties in residential areas have specific lighting considerations:

• Maximum Illumination: 0.5 footcandles at the property line
• Fixture Height: Maximum 15 feet for cut-off fixtures, 8 feet for single/two-family dwellings
• Residential Entrance Signs: May only be illuminated through external light sources

Commercial and Nonresidential Areas

For business and nonresidential properties:

• Maximum Height: 28 feet for cut-off fixtures
• Perimeter Lighting: Must use shielded fixtures to prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties
• Building Illumination: Must be designed to avoid direct lighting of adjacent residential properties

Construction and Excavation Sites

For safety reasons, Centerburg requires:

• Warning Lights: Excavations, wells, construction sites must be guarded by warning lights at night
• Protection: It is prohibited to extinguish barricade or warning lights placed for public protection

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Signs in Centerburg must follow specific illumination standards:

• Constant Illumination: Only light of constant intensity is permitted
• Shielding: Light sources must be shielded from all adjacent buildings and streets
• Focus: Illumination must be focused exclusively on the sign
• Glare Prevention: Signs must not produce brightness that causes glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists

Electronic Message Centers

Electronic signs have additional requirements:

• Daytime Brightness: Maximum luminance shall not exceed 5,000 nits between sunrise and sunset
• Nighttime Brightness: Maximum 250 nits from sunset to sunrise
• Hours of Operation: Must be turned off between 10:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. when residential dwellings are within 98.42 feet (except when the business is open later)
• Message Duration: Each message must appear static for a minimum of 10 seconds
• Transition Effects: Only dissolve and fade effects are permitted, with transitions taking no more than 3 seconds

Street Lighting Standards

New Subdivision Requirements

Street lighting for new subdivisions follows specific guidelines:

• Provider: Must be provided by the electric utility
• Style Limitations: Limited to styles and systems currently available from the local electric utility
• Consistency: Must maintain a uniform nature and style within the subdivision

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning a Lighting Installation

When planning new lighting for your property:

• Photometric Plan: Required for any site plan review involving new light fixtures
• Fixture Selection: Choose full cut-off fixtures that direct light downward
• Height Considerations: Be aware of maximum height restrictions for your zoning district
• Property Line Impact: Ensure lighting levels don't exceed 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be aware of these frequent compliance challenges:

• Light Trespass: Ensuring light doesn't spill onto neighboring properties
• Fixture Height: Maintaining appropriate height limits based on property type
• Proper Shielding: Using fixtures that properly contain and direct light
• Glare Prevention: Avoiding installations that create hazardous glare for pedestrians or motorists

Supporting Centerburg's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Centerburg's commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern functionality. We understand the unique character of communities like Centerburg that value their small-town charm while addressing contemporary lighting needs.

Bock Lighting appreciates Centerburg's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect the village's historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. Our experience with similar communities throughout Ohio has given us insight into how appropriate lighting can enhance community character rather than detract from it.

We believe in supporting communities like Centerburg through education about lighting regulations and how to achieve compliance while maintaining aesthetic goals. As a regional partner, we understand the architectural styles and lighting concerns specific to central Ohio communities and remain committed to being a resource for those navigating lighting requirements.

Conclusion

Centerburg's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring the safety and functionality modern residents expect. By focusing on controlling light spread, limiting fixture heights, and preventing light trespass, these standards help maintain the village's small-town charm.

Property owners and developers who understand and follow these regulations not only ensure compliance but also contribute to Centerburg's community vision. Whether you're installing residential landscape lighting or planning a commercial development, these guidelines provide a framework for appropriate illumination that respects both neighbors and community character.

For specific questions about your lighting project's compliance, contact the Centerburg Village Administrator or Zoning Administrator, who can provide guidance on your particular situation.