Lighting Regulations in Centerville, Ohio: Balancing Heritage & Modern Illumination

Introduction

Centerville, Ohio, founded in 1796, is a community deeply rooted in historical character and architectural heritage. The city is renowned for its impressive collection of early stone houses—among the largest in Ohio—reflecting the craftsmanship of its early settlers including Benjamin Robbins, Aaron Nutt, and Benjamin Archer.

This rich historical backdrop explains Centerville's careful approach to lighting regulations. The city strives to balance the preservation of its architectural heritage with the modern need for safe, efficient illumination. The lighting standards aim to provide adequate visibility while minimizing light pollution that could detract from the community's historic character.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Centerville:

• Minimum Illumination: 0.5 foot-candles average maintained for parking areas and walkways
• Color Temperature Range: 2,200K to 5,400K
• Maximum Pole Heights: 25 feet for commercial/office; 30 feet for mixed-use
• Light Trespass Limits: Vary by property type (0.3 to 1.5 foot-candles at property lines)
• Uniformity Requirements: Maximum to minimum ratio not to exceed 10:1
• Fixture Type: "Total cutoff type" required for most applications

Lighting Plan Requirements

When a Lighting Plan is Required

Prior to obtaining a Building Permit, Occupancy Permit, or Certificate of Zoning Compliance, non-residential properties must submit a lighting plan to the City Planner for approval.

Required Documents

A complete lighting plan submission must include:

• Site Plan showing:
• Property boundaries
• Building locations
• Parking layout
• Driveways and pedestrian pathways
• Locations of all luminaires, controls, and electrical transformers
• Technical Documentation:
• Cut sheets (profiles) for all proposed exterior luminaires and poles
• Scaled iso-foot-candle plots
• Point-by-point foot-candle layouts

Approval Process

Changes to lighting designs after initial approval require re-approval before final acceptance. All lighting fixtures must be consistent in color, size, height, and design throughout the development.

Technical Lighting Standards

Minimum Illumination Requirements

All non-residential developments must meet these standards:

• Minimum Average: 0.5 foot-candles maintained (measured at grade)
• Absolute Minimum: No less than 0.3 foot-candles at any location
• Light Loss Factor (LLF):
• 0.7 for Incandescent, Metal Halide, and Mercury Vapor
• 0.8 for Fluorescent and Sodium
• 0.9 for LED

Uniformity Standards

To prevent stark contrasts and ensure even lighting:

• Maximum to Minimum Ratio: Not to exceed 10:1
• Average to Minimum Ratio: Not to exceed 4:1

Light Fixture Classifications

Centerville defines light fixtures in these categories:

• Cutoff Fixtures: Luminous intensity at 90° above nadir ≤2.5% of lamp flux; at 80° above nadir ≤10%
• Semi-cutoff: Luminous intensity at 90° above nadir ≤5% of lamp flux; at 80° above nadir ≤20%
• Non-cutoff: No candela limitation in zone above maximum candela

Note: Most exterior lighting must be "total cutoff type" with exceptions for small light sources under 2300 initial lumens.

Property-Specific Requirements

Commercial Properties

• Maximum Pole Height: 25 feet
• Color Temperature: 2,200K to 5,400K
• Light Trespass Limit: 1.0 foot-candles at property line
• Service Stations: Maximum 25 foot-candles average under canopies

Residential Properties

• Multi-Family Common Areas: 60-watt standard incandescent (or equivalent) per 200 square feet
• Light Fixture Spacing: Not to exceed 30 feet
• Light Trespass Limits:
• Single-Family: 0.3 foot-candles
• Multi-Family: 0.5 foot-candles

Special Use Properties

• Industrial/Warehouse: 1.5 foot-candles maximum at property line
• Highway Commercial: 1.5 foot-candles maximum at property line
• Adult Businesses: Minimum 5 foot-candles at floor level

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

• Constant Intensity Only: No flashing, intermittent, rotating or moving lights
• Glare Control: No beams directed at streets or adjacent properties
• Temporary Signs: Cannot be illuminated

Electronic Message Centers

• Location: Non-residential districts only
• Size Limitation: Maximum 60% of sign face, not exceeding 24 square feet per side
• Night Illumination: Must not exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light levels

Historic District Considerations

• Architectural Preservation District: Special review requirements for internally illuminated signs
• External Illumination: White or yellow light only
• Halo Lighting: Permitted if soft and doesn't increase sign area by more than 10%

Supporting Centerville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Centerville's commitment to preserving historical character while meeting modern illumination needs. We understand the delicate balance between safety, functionality, and historical preservation that communities like Centerville strive to maintain.

As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate Centerville's rich architectural heritage and the important role that appropriate lighting plays in enhancing its historic stone houses and preservation districts. Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us well-positioned to understand the technical requirements while honoring the aesthetic priorities that have defined Centerville for over two centuries.

We're dedicated to serving as an educational resource for property owners and developers navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance that helps maintain Centerville's distinctive character while meeting safety and efficiency needs.

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Considerations

When planning exterior lighting for your Centerville property, remember:

• Documentation is Essential: Prepare thorough lighting plans before applying for permits
• Measurement Standards: Light readings are taken with a light meter at grade
• Tree Maintenance: Trim trees that obstruct light from street fixtures
• Safety First: Excavations and construction sites require warning lights at night
• Fixture Consistency: All lighting in a development must be consistent in design

Common Compliance Challenges

The most frequent issues property owners encounter include:

1. Light Trespass: Exceeding maximum allowed light at property boundaries
2. Improper Fixtures: Using non-cutoff fixtures where cutoff is required
3. Documentation Gaps: Incomplete lighting plans delaying project approvals

Conclusion

Centerville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By understanding and following these requirements, property owners can contribute to preserving the city's distinctive atmosphere while providing appropriate illumination.

Whether you're developing a commercial property or renovating a multi-family residence, these lighting standards ensure that new developments complement Centerville's architectural heritage and create a cohesive community environment that honors its past while embracing modern needs.

For specific questions about your property, always consult with Centerville's City Planner before finalizing lighting designs.