Lighting Regulations in Elmore, Ohio: Preserving Small-Town Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in the northwestern corner of Ohio, the village of Elmore has maintained its quaint, small-town charm since its founding in 1851. With its historic downtown featuring old-fashioned street posts, refurbished train depot, and beautiful Schedel Gardens, Elmore strikes a delicate balance between preserving its heritage and accommodating modern needs.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this balance, designed to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the community while ensuring safety and functionality. These regulations help preserve Elmore's charming character while providing adequate illumination for residents and visitors.

Quick Reference Guide

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting requirements for property owners in Elmore:

• Exterior lighting must be shielded to prevent glare on adjacent properties
• Walkways must be illuminated to a minimum intensity of 1 foot-candle
• Streets and access drives require lighting at minimum 1 foot-candle with fixtures spaced no more than 100 feet apart
• Maximum illumination at residential lot lines: 0.5 foot-candles
• Canopy lighting must be recessed within the canopy structure
• Electronic signs must include automatic dimming photocells with brightness increases limited to 0.3 foot-candles above ambient levels

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Applicability

The lighting regulations in Elmore apply to all outdoor lighting installations, including new fixtures and replacements. Whether attached to structures, poles, or placed directly on the ground, outdoor lighting must comply with village standards.

Key Exemptions

Not all lighting falls under these regulations. The following are exempt:

• Single-family and two-family dwellings (though still must shield lights to reduce glare)
• Seasonal decorative lighting
• Certain recreational uses that require specialized nighttime visibility (football fields, tennis courts, etc.)
• Lighting required by federal, state, or local law

Glare Reduction Requirements

Reducing light pollution is a priority in Elmore's regulations:

• All outdoor lighting must be shielded and arranged to reduce glare
• Lights must reflect away from adjacent properties, public roads, and highways
• No outdoor lighting may cause color distortion that impairs driver or pedestrian vision

Specific Lighting Standards by Property Type

Residential Properties

While single-family and two-family dwellings have fewer restrictions, they must still ensure lighting is:

• Properly shielded
• Arranged to reduce glare
• Directed away from adjacent properties

Commercial Properties

Commercial properties face more comprehensive requirements:

• Lighting plans must be submitted as part of site plan review
• Photometric studies required when adjacent to residential districts
• Canopy structures (like those at service stations) must have recessed ceiling fixtures
• Building ornamentation lighting is permitted but must not flash or blink

Parking Areas

Parking lots have specific illumination standards:

• Areas used during non-daylight hours must be properly illuminated to avoid accidents
• All parking lot lights must direct light away from adjoining properties
• Lighting specifications must be included in parking lot plans submitted for review

Technical Specifications & Measurement Standards

Illumination Levels

The village has established specific light level requirements:

• Common walkways: Minimum 1 foot-candle illumination
• Streets and access drives: Minimum 1 foot-candle with lights spaced at intervals not exceeding 100 feet
• Maximum at lot lines: 0.5 foot-candles in all residential districts and for non-residential uses abutting residential zones

Measurement Procedures

Light levels in Elmore are measured according to specific protocols:

• Measurements taken in foot-candles using a direct reading, portable light meter
• Readings taken at the property line along a horizontal plane
• Measurement height set at 3.5 feet above ground level

Special Applications

Electronic Signs & Digital Displays

Electronic and digital signage must meet additional requirements:

• Must include automatic dimming photocells that adjust brightness based on ambient conditions
• Brightness increases limited to 0.3 foot-candles (or 3.23 lumens per square meter) above ambient levels
• Must follow the International Sign Association's recommended brightness procedures
• Must include a default mechanism that reverts to a black screen if malfunction occurs
• Cannot be located within 100 feet of and facing residentially zoned lots

Construction Sites

Safety lighting is required during construction:

• Areas must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• Lighting must ensure conditions don't pose danger to life or limb

Tree Placement Considerations

Proper tree placement helps maintain effective lighting:

• Only small trees (as defined by Elmore's Tree Commission) may be planted within 25 lateral feet of any street light
• Property owners must prune trees and shrubs that shade or obstruct street lights

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your property:

• Consult early with the Zoning Administrator
• Include lighting details in site plans, including fixture type, height, and style
• Prepare for review by the Planning Commission for commercial and multi-family projects
• Consider your neighbors - light trespass is strictly regulated

Maintenance Responsibilities

Understanding maintenance duties is important:

• The Village handles maintenance of approved lighting fixtures on Village-owned poles
• "Maintenance" includes replacement of lamps, glassware, and equipment at regular intervals
• Prompt repairs are made after notification of service interruptions
• Property owners may be responsible for costs related to vandalism

Supporting Elmore's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the delicate balance that communities like Elmore strive to achieve. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we share Elmore's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern technology.

We recognize the importance of lighting solutions that complement Elmore's charming streetscapes, historic buildings, and beautiful parks. Our expertise in regional architectural styles helps property owners develop lighting plans that respect community standards while meeting practical needs.

Bock Lighting is committed to serving as an educational resource for community members navigating lighting regulations. We understand that proper lighting enhances both the safety and character of small villages like Elmore, supporting the preservation efforts that make such communities special places to live and visit.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Elmore's vision for thoughtful development that honors its historical roots while accommodating modern needs.

Conclusion

Elmore's lighting regulations represent the village's dedication to maintaining its small-town charm while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture design, and light placement, these regulations help preserve the character that makes Elmore special.

Property owners who understand and comply with these regulations contribute to the village's aesthetic appeal and quality of life. Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses can enhance their properties while respecting Elmore's commitment to preserving its historic character and small-town atmosphere.

Whether you're planning a new construction project, updating an existing property, or simply replacing outdoor fixtures, these lighting regulations provide a framework for illuminating Elmore beautifully and responsibly.