Lighting Regulations in Edon, Ohio: A Small Village Approach to Public Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in the northwest corner of Ohio, just two miles from the Indiana border, the village of Edon maintains its distinctive small-town charm that dates back to its establishment in 1867. With a population of just 796 residents as of the 2020 census, Edon exemplifies traditional Midwestern values and rural character. The village's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to maintaining its close-knit community feel while addressing practical needs for safety and visibility.

Unlike larger municipalities with extensive lighting codes, Edon's regulations are relatively straightforward, focusing primarily on street lighting funding, safety requirements, and basic guidelines for business signage. This approach aligns with the village's overall strategy of preserving its small-town aesthetic while accommodating necessary modern infrastructure.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Edon:

• Street Lighting: Funded through dedicated income tax allocations
• Construction Areas: Warning lights required at night for safety
• Trees: Must be pruned to avoid obstructing street lights
• Parking Areas: Must be adequately illuminated during non-daylight hours
• Parking Lot Lighting: Must be directed away from adjoining properties
• Residential Areas: Illuminated or flashing signs prohibited
• Commercial Signs: Limited illumination permitted with restrictions
• Special Structures: Telecommunications and wind towers may only be lit when required by FAA

Street Lighting Infrastructure

Tax-Funded Improvements

Edon takes a deliberate approach to funding its street lighting infrastructure. The village allocates 100% of certain income tax receipts to a special revenue fund dedicated to street improvements, including street lighting maintenance and upgrades.

Additional Funding Source

In January 2021, the village implemented an additional one-quarter of one percent income tax specifically to support street-related infrastructure, including lighting. This dedicated funding stream helps ensure that Edon's public lighting remains operational and effective.

Tree Maintenance Requirements

Property owners in Edon bear responsibility for pruning trees or shrubs on their property that may obstruct street lights. This requirement helps maintain visibility and safety throughout the village while preserving the aesthetic benefits of Edon's greenery.

Safety and Construction Lighting

Warning Lights for Hazardous Areas

Section 521.03 of Edon's code addresses temporary lighting for safety:

• Construction sites must be adequately protected with warning lights at night
• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction require appropriate lighting
• Purpose: To prevent conditions that could "reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb"

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Residential Zones

In keeping with Edon's commitment to maintaining its residential character:

• Illuminated signs are prohibited in residential zones
• Flashing signs are prohibited in residential zones

Commercial District Regulations

In the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District:

• Only one sign per business may be illuminated
• Flashing signs are prohibited
• Internally illuminated signs are prohibited

Other Commercial Areas

Regulations for sign illumination vary in other commercial zones:

• Signs may be externally or internally illuminated in some commercial areas
• Flashing signs are universally prohibited
• No illumination may cause confusion or hazard to traffic

Subdivision Signage

• Permanent subdivision signs at housing development entrances may only use landscape lighting mounted at ground level

Parking Area Illumination

Safety Requirements

To ensure safety in parking facilities:

• Parking areas used during non-daylight hours must be properly illuminated
• Primary purpose is to avoid accidents

Light Direction and Trespass

Edon's code includes basic light trespass prevention:

• Parking lot lights must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining property
• This requirement helps minimize disruption to neighboring properties

Special Cases

Wind Towers and Generators

• Artificial lighting is prohibited unless specifically required by:
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Ohio Department of Transportation

Telecommunication Facilities

• No wireless telecommunication facility shall be artificially lit except as required by the Federal Aviation Administration

Planning and Documentation Requirements

Site Plan Requirements

When submitting site plans in Edon, applicants must include:

• Location of all external lighting fixtures
• Height of all lighting fixtures
• Intensity of illumination
• Bulb type (such as fluorescent, sodium, incandescent)
• Provisions for "adequate lighting"

Sign Permits

Applications for sign permits must include:

• Method of illumination
• Exact location
• Construction specifications
• Other relevant details

Nuisance Prevention

Protection from Glare

Edon's regulations include provisions to protect properties from:

• Undue disturbance caused by excessive or unreasonable glare
• This requirement helps maintain quality of life for all residents

Supporting Edon's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of small villages like Edon. We appreciate communities that value their historic identity while addressing modern lighting needs.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, we recognize the importance of balancing practical lighting requirements with the preservation of small-town character. Our experience with similar communities helps us understand the lighting challenges faced by villages working to maintain their unique charm.

We're committed to supporting communities like Edon through educational resources about lighting regulations and solutions that respect local character. Our understanding of Midwestern architectural styles and community values positions us as a knowledgeable partner for villages seeking to enhance their lighting infrastructure.

Conclusion

Edon's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a small, traditional Midwestern village. While not as extensive as those found in larger municipalities, these regulations provide basic guidelines that help maintain safety, reduce nuisances, and preserve the village's character.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for parking area illumination, sign lighting restrictions, and the prohibition of light trespass onto neighboring properties. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to Edon's continued development as a charming, well-lit community with strong rural roots.

The village's approach to lighting exemplifies how small municipalities can address basic illumination needs while preserving their distinctive small-town character and rural heritage.