Lighting Regulations in Circleville, Ohio: Illuminating a Historic Community

Introduction

Circleville, Ohio presents a fascinating blend of historical character and modern development. Founded in 1810 by Daniel Dreisbach, the town's unique circular layout was inspired by prehistoric Native American earthworks, featuring radiating avenues with an octagonal courthouse at its center. Though the town transitioned to a more conventional grid pattern in the mid-19th century (a process known as "squaring the circle"), Circleville has maintained its commitment to preserving its historical character while meeting contemporary needs.

With approximately 14,000 residents, this small town in Pickaway County carefully balances growth with preservation. This balance is evident in the town's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to maintain the community's historical ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide

Here are the key lighting regulations property owners in Circleville should know:

• Street Lighting Placement: 200-350 feet apart with specific requirements for cul-de-sacs and intersections
• Color Temperature: Maximum 4000K for all site lighting
• Maximum Light Levels: 0.3 footcandles at residential lot lines; 1.0 footcandles at other lot lines
• Fixture Heights: Maximum 20 feet in parking lots
• Fixture Types: Full cut-off fixtures required (with exceptions for decorative lighting)
• After-Hours Lighting: Non-essential lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Prohibited Lighting: Searchlights, beacons, laser lights, and high-intensity flashing lights

Street Lighting Requirements

Subdivision Requirements

Street lights are mandatory for all subdivisions within Circleville. These installations represent more than just functional illumination—they're an important part of maintaining the town's character and ensuring public safety.

Technical Specifications

Street lighting in Circleville must adhere to specific technical standards:

• Must follow recommendations of the current Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Handbook
• Must be of a type acceptable for cost-effective service by the electric utility
• Locations must be marked on street construction plans
• Developers must establish a structure for assessing future street lighting costs

Placement Guidelines

Proper spacing ensures consistent illumination throughout the community:

• Spacing: Not less than 200 feet nor more than 350 feet apart
• Cul-de-sacs: Lights must be placed within 200 feet from the closed end
• Intersections: Required at each street intersection

Maintenance Responsibilities

Property owners have specific obligations regarding street lighting:

• Trees and shrubbery must not obstruct light from public street lamps
• Property owners must keep trees properly trimmed to avoid blocking street lighting

Commercial Property Lighting Standards

Fixture Requirements

Commercial lighting installations must meet specific criteria:

• Fixture Types: Full cut-off fixtures required (except for decorative lighting)
• Fixture Height: Maximum 20 feet in parking lots, measured from finished grade
• Canopy Lighting: Must be flush mounted or recessed within the canopy

Light Performance Standards

• Color Temperature: Maximum 4000K for all site lighting
• Maximum Illumination Levels:
• 0.3 footcandles at residential lot lines
• 1.0 footcandles at other lot lines
• Special considerations for sports/recreation properties

After-Hours Considerations

• Non-essential outdoor lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Only lighting needed for safety or security may remain lit
• Automatic shut-off fixtures and auto-dimming required for parking lots adjacent to one-unit dwellings

Prohibited Commercial Lighting

To maintain the town's character, these lighting types are not permitted:

• Searchlights and beacons
• Laser source lights
• High-intensity or flashing lights (except for emergency use by police/fire)

Historic District Considerations

Certificate of Appropriateness

When modifying structures in Circleville's Historic District:

• A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required before zoning or building permits can be issued
• Applications must include detailed information about proposed lighting
• Lighting is evaluated for compatibility with the historic context

Visual Compatibility

The Historic Review Board considers how lighting components integrate with the historic surroundings:

• Lighting must be generally compatible with the historic context
• Proposed lighting must comply with regulations in Section 1141.03
• The goal is to preserve the district's historical character while meeting modern needs

Specialized Lighting Applications

Food Truck Lighting

Food trucks in Circleville face specific lighting restrictions:

• Exterior Lighting: Only existing street or site lighting permitted
• Interior Lighting: Permitted for food preparation and menu illumination
• Restrictions: No light trespass, additional glare, or flashing lights

Swimming Pool Lighting

Pool lighting must be carefully contained:

• All lights for pool and adjacent areas must be designed to confine direct beams to the lot
• Light should not spill over to neighboring properties

Signage Lighting

Sign illumination has detailed requirements:

• Must be consistent, understated, and properly disguised
• White, steady, stationary light directed solely at the sign
• Maximum 4000K color temperature
• Electronic displays must be static (not move, scroll, or flash)
• Maximum nighttime luminance of 40 cd/m²
• Must be turned off between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Holiday Lighting Exemptions

• Holiday decorative lighting is exempt from the standard lighting regulations
• These temporary displays are part of Circleville's seasonal community character

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

Understanding these regulations helps property owners avoid potential issues:

• New Construction: Include lighting plans that comply with all regulations
• Renovations: Consider lighting upgrades that align with current standards
• Historic Properties: Consult with the Historic Review Board before making changes

Light Trespass Prevention

Being a good neighbor includes managing your lighting:

• Fixture Selection: Choose full cut-off fixtures that direct light downward
• Proper Aiming: Ensure lights are aimed to minimize spillover onto neighboring properties
• Timing Controls: Install timers or motion sensors to reduce unnecessary illumination

Trees and Lighting

Maintain your landscaping to preserve street lighting effectiveness:

• Regular Pruning: Keep trees trimmed so they don't block street lamps
• Consider Placement: When planting new trees, consider their mature size and location relative to lighting

Supporting Circleville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Circleville's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing practical lighting solutions. We understand the unique challenges faced by communities like Circleville that balance historical preservation with modern functionality.

Our experience working with historic communities throughout Ohio has given us insight into the importance of lighting that complements architectural heritage. Circleville's transition from its unique circular design to a conventional grid pattern represents the kind of thoughtful evolution that inspires our approach to lighting design.

As a regional partner, we appreciate Circleville's efforts to maintain its distinctive small-town atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality through appropriate lighting standards. Our team stays informed about local regulations and can serve as a resource for property owners seeking to understand and comply with Circleville's specific requirements.

Conclusion

Circleville's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its unique historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. From street lighting placement to specific technical requirements for commercial properties and the historic district, these standards help maintain the town's distinctive atmosphere.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners contribute to Circleville's continued evolution as a community that honors its past while thoughtfully embracing the present. Whether you're installing new lighting, renovating an existing property, or simply maintaining your landscaping, your attention to these lighting standards helps preserve Circleville's special character for future generations.