Lighting Regulations in Crestline, Ohio: A Historical Perspective on a Railroad Town's Approach

Crestline, Ohio, established in 1851 as a key railroad junction, has a unique approach to lighting regulations that reflects both its historical development and small-town character. As a community where the past and present converge, understanding the town's lighting requirements helps property owners maintain the balance between modern needs and historical preservation.

Quick Reference Guide

• Railroad Crossing Lighting: Two 400-watt mercury vapor lamps required at each crossing and overpass from dusk until dawn
• Construction Safety: Warning lights required at night for excavations, wells, and construction sites
• Building Safety: Adequate lighting necessary for buildings to be considered fit for human habitation
• Historical Context: Street lighting has been regulated through municipal contracts since at least 1928

Historical Development of Lighting in Crestline

Railroad Town Roots

Crestline's identity as a pivotal junction for the nation's Big Four railroads has shaped its infrastructure development, including its approach to lighting. The town's name itself reflects its geographical position near the watershed divide between Lake Erie and Ohio River basins, highlighting its significance in transportation networks.

Early Municipal Lighting Contracts

The earliest lighting regulations in Crestline date back to the late 1920s, when the town established formal arrangements for street lighting:

• September 1928: Ordinance No. 1 established a ten-year street lighting contract with Cleveland Southwestern Railway & Light Co.
• July 1932: Ordinance No. 35 created a ten-year agreement with Reserve Power and Light Co.
• March 1960: Ordinance No. 327 arranged for Ohio Edison Co. to provide electricity for municipal purposes

These historical contracts demonstrate Crestline's longstanding commitment to public lighting, even as specific regulations for private property remained limited.

Preservation Amid Change

Despite losing many historic buildings to urban renewal in the 1970s, Crestline maintains connections to its past through structures like the Holcker Hardware Store on Seltzer Street, operating since the late 1800s. The town's approach to lighting reflects this balance between honoring history and meeting contemporary needs.

Current Lighting Requirements

Railroad Safety Lighting

Given Crestline's railroad heritage, it's fitting that some of its most specific lighting regulations concern railroad infrastructure:

• Required Illumination: Two 400-watt mercury vapor lamps at each railroad crossing and overpass
• Operation Hours: From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise
• Coverage Area: All crossings and overpasses within Village limits

Construction and Safety Lighting

For construction sites and potential hazards, Crestline requires:

• Nighttime Warning Lights: Required for excavations, wells, cesspools, and structures under construction
• Protection Mandate: No person shall extinguish barricade or warning lights placed for public protection
• Purpose: To prevent injury to life or limb

Building Safety Standards

Crestline's code addresses lighting as an essential component of building safety:

• A dwelling may be deemed unfit for human habitation when it has defects in lighting that make it dangerous or detrimental to life or health
• Structures with inadequate light and ventilation can be classified as unsafe or unsanitary, constituting a serious hazard

What Property Owners Should Know

Residential Lighting Considerations

While Crestline doesn't have extensive specific regulations for residential lighting, property owners should ensure:

• Adequate Lighting: Sufficient illumination to meet building safety standards
• Maintenance: Proper upkeep of lighting systems to avoid being classified as deficient
• Historical Sensitivity: Consider the town's historical character when installing exterior lighting

Commercial Property Lighting

For business owners, considerations include:

• Construction Sites: Proper warning lights at night for any construction or excavation
• Building Safety: Adequate interior and exterior lighting for all commercial structures
• Site Lighting: While specifically mentioned in code, detailed regulations for site lighting are limited

Supporting Crestline's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Crestline. As a regional manufacturer with deep appreciation for Ohio's historical communities, Bock shares Crestline's commitment to preserving historic character while addressing modern needs.

We recognize the delicate balance between providing adequate illumination for safety and maintaining the small-town charm that makes Crestline special. Our familiarity with the region's architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a valuable resource for property owners navigating lighting decisions in historically significant communities.

Bock's expertise in lighting solutions that respect community character aligns perfectly with Crestline's approach to balancing progress with preservation. Our local presence enables us to better understand and support the specific needs of communities like Crestline, where railroad history and small-town values continue to influence development decisions.

Conclusion

Crestline's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the town's practical approach to illumination that honors its railroad heritage while addressing safety needs. The focus on railroad crossing lighting, construction safety, and building adequacy creates a framework that allows property owners flexibility while maintaining essential standards.

As Crestline continues to balance its historical character with modern development, lighting plays an important role in creating safe, attractive spaces that respect the town's unique identity. Understanding these regulations helps residents and business owners contribute positively to Crestline's community vision, illuminating the path forward while honoring the town's storied past.