Lighting Regulations in Fairborn, Ohio: Understanding Requirements for Property Owners

Introduction

Nestled in southwestern Ohio with a history dating back to 1799, Fairborn represents a unique blend of historical preservation and forward-thinking community development. Formed in 1950 through the merger of the villages of Fairfield and Osborn, the city has maintained its commitment to preserving architectural heritage while fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

Fairborn's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balanced philosophy. The city's lighting standards aim to enhance safety and functionality while preserving the aesthetic charm that makes Fairborn special—particularly in its historical downtown area. These regulations help maintain the city's unique character as it continues to grow along the I-675 corridor, attracting both businesses and residents.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Lighting Requirements in Fairborn:

• Exterior Lighting: Must be shielded and directed to avoid casting direct light on public streets or neighboring properties
• Parking Areas: Must use fixtures with suitable shielding to prevent glare
• Commercial Properties: Must maintain adequate illumination levels (specific standards for certain businesses)
• Signs: Illuminated signs must be shielded from residential buildings and streets
• Electronic Signs: Must use LED technology with automatic dimming and controlled brightness levels
• Recreational Uses: Fixed lighting must be screened or shielded from adjacent residential properties

Exterior Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Fairborn's code is clear that exterior lighting on private property must be carefully managed. Property owners should be aware that all exterior lighting installations must be:

• Properly shielded and directed to avoid casting direct light upon public streets or neighboring properties
• Positioned carefully to prevent light or glare from extending onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way
• Designed and maintained to prevent glare from affecting adjacent properties or streets

Lighting Structure Specifications

The city requires specific technical standards for lighting structures:

• All lighting structures must be cut-off types which include shields or other devices
• These shields must eliminate all light above an angle of 85 degrees, as measured from the vertical axis of the light source

Recreational Property Lighting

For recreational uses, additional constraints apply:

• Fixed lighting must be located, screened, or fully shielded so adjacent residential lots are not directly illuminated
• For riding rings and show staging areas at stables, lighting may be limited to daylight hours only
• When lighting is requested for these areas, additional distances and/or mounding may be required

Parking Area Illumination

Standard Parking Areas

Fairborn's code addresses parking lot lighting to ensure safety while preventing light pollution:

• Common parking areas and accessways must be illuminated adequately
• Fixtures must be designed and installed to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• All lights used to illuminate off-street parking facilities must have suitable shielding
• Such lighting requires approval by the City Engineer

Special Use Requirements

Certain businesses have specific illumination requirements:

• For adult-oriented businesses, parking areas must be illuminated from dusk until closing
• These areas require an average maintained horizontal illumination of one foot candle on parking surfaces and walkways

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting

Fairborn allows sign illumination but with important limitations:

• Signs may be illuminated by internal or external light sources if:
• Light is shielded from all adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Illumination does not have intensity causing glare visible to pedestrians or drivers
• Lighting does not obstruct traffic control or other public signs
• Does not utilize flames as a source of light

Electronic Message Centers

Electronic signs have detailed technical requirements:

• Must use static, instant message changes with no apparent motion of visual images
• Messages can change only once every five seconds or more
• Transition time between messages must be less than one second
• Signs must contain a default mechanism to revert to black screen if malfunctioning
• Only Light Emitting Diodes (LED) technology or similar quality signs are permitted
• Must include automatic dimming photocell to adjust brightness based on ambient light
• Brightness must not increase by more than 0.3 foot candles over ambient levels

Wall Sign Lighting

For wall signs, Fairborn requires:

• All sign lighting and wiring components must be concealed from public view

Residential Lighting Requirements

Habitable Spaces

The city code includes specific requirements for lighting in residential settings:

• Every habitable space must have at least one window facing directly outdoors
• The minimum total glazed area must be 8 percent of the floor area
• Each habitable space needs at least three separate receptacle outlets (one may be a light fixture)

Common Areas in Multi-Family Buildings

In residential occupancies (excluding one- and two-family dwellings):

• Common halls and stairways must be lighted at all times
• Lighting must provide not less than a 60-watt standard incandescent light bulb for each 200 square feet of floor area
• Spacing between lights cannot exceed 30 feet

Commercial and Special Use Lighting

Non-Residential Egress Lighting

For commercial and other non-residential buildings:

• All means of egress must be illuminated whenever the building is occupied
• Lighting levels must be not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) at floors, landings, and treads

Adult Businesses

Adult-oriented businesses have strict interior lighting requirements:

• A minimum lighting level of not less than 100 lux horizontal, measured at 30 inches from the floor
• Measurements taken on 10-foot centers throughout patron areas

Large Retail Developments

For larger retail developments, Fairborn requires:

• Light design and installation that emphasizes low-level uniform lighting
• Designs that avoid abrupt changes from bright lights to darkness

Subdivision Development Standards

Street Lighting Requirements

Developers creating new subdivisions must:

• Arrange with the local power company to install street lights
• Follow standards and specifications of the City Engineer
• Install new street and walkway lighting with all associated wiring underground

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

When planning any lighting installation or updates in Fairborn, remember these key points:

• Shielding is critical - Almost all exterior lighting requires proper shielding to prevent light trespass
• Direction matters - The angle and orientation of your lighting fixtures must be carefully considered
• Technical specifications - Pay attention to requirements like the 85-degree cut-off angle for lighting structures
• Different standards for different uses - Commercial, residential, and special use properties have varying requirements

Planning Your Lighting Project

Before installing new exterior lighting:

• Review the specific code sections relevant to your property type
• Consider professional assistance for commercial properties with specific illumination requirements
• Check with the City Engineer when installing parking lot lighting
• Remember both aesthetic and functional concerns - Fairborn values both safety and appearance

Supporting Fairborn's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Fairborn's balanced approach to lighting regulations. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, we share Fairborn's commitment to honoring historical character while embracing practical, modern solutions.

Our experience with communities like Fairborn has given us insight into how lighting can enhance both safety and aesthetics while respecting neighborhood character. We understand the technical requirements for shielding, direction, and illumination levels that Fairborn's code requires.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting Fairborn's vision through educational resources about lighting regulations and sustainable lighting practices. Our deep understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a knowledgeable community partner.

Conclusion

Fairborn's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its unique character. These standards help ensure that lighting enhances safety and functionality while preventing light pollution and nuisance to neighboring properties.

Property owners should pay particular attention to shielding requirements, illumination levels, and the specific standards for their property type. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Fairborn's community atmosphere while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and convenience.

For clarification on specific requirements or recent updates to the code, property owners should contact Fairborn's planning department or building officials directly.