Lighting Regulations in Findlay, Ohio: Balancing Heritage with Safety and Function

Introduction: Findlay's Commitment to Community Character

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Ohio, Findlay—proudly known as "Flag City USA"—maintains a delicate balance between honoring its historical roots while embracing modern development needs. Founded in 1821 and named after Colonel James Findlay, this city of approximately 41,000 residents takes pride in preserving its architectural heritage and community values.

Findlay's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to balanced development, enhancing public safety and functionality while respecting the city's historical character. These regulations aim to preserve the city's unique charm while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and commerce.

Quick Reference Guide to Findlay's Lighting Requirements

Most Critical Requirements:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.5-foot candles at residential property lines
• Maximum 1.0-foot candles at non-residential property lines
• Fixture Requirements:
• Shielding required to direct light away from adjacent properties
• Recessed diffusers required for canopy structures
• Parking lot pole lights limited to 25 feet in height
• Controls Required:
• Automatic switching devices mandatory to extinguish outdoor lighting when daylight is sufficient
• Prohibited Lighting:
• Aerial lasers
• Searchlights
• Rotating beams or flashing illumination resembling emergency lights
• Lighting exceeding 200,000 lumens or 2,000,000 candelas in any direction

Purpose of Findlay's Lighting Ordinance

Findlay's lighting ordinance was established with several specific goals in mind:

Safety While Preventing Nuisance

The regulations permit reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for nighttime safety, utility, security, and commerce while minimizing adverse impacts on neighboring properties.

Environmental Considerations

The ordinance aims to curtail light pollution and improve the nighttime environment for astronomy, protecting Findlay's night skies from unnecessary illumination.

Energy Conservation

An important aspect of the regulations is promoting energy efficiency, ensuring lighting systems conserve resources while meeting community needs.

Aesthetic Consistency

In commercial areas, lighting must complement retail displays and nighttime activities, contributing to a cohesive downtown environment that honors Findlay's historical character.

Technical Requirements for Property Owners

Light Intensity and Measurement

The regulations specifically address light intensity at property boundaries:

• Adjacent to Residential Zones:
• Light intensity must not exceed 0.5-foot candles at any residential property line
• Light intensity must not exceed 1.0-foot candles at any non-residential property line
• Measurements are taken vertically along the property line with a light meter facing the center of the property

Fixture Specifications

Proper fixture selection and installation is critical:

• Shielding Requirements:
• All outdoor lighting must be shielded to reduce glare
• Fixtures must direct light away from adjacent properties, roads, and highways
• No light fixture may have its emitting surface directed at any residential area or public/private roadway
• Mounting and Height:
• Parking lot pole lights cannot exceed 25 feet in height
• Luminaries on poles, stands, or buildings must have shields, adjustable reflectors, and non-protruding diffusers
• Canopy Lighting:
• Business canopy structures must use recessed lights with diffusers
• Diffusers cannot extend below the surface of the canopy

Special Provisions and Exceptions

High Intensity Lighting Restrictions

The ordinance prohibits certain high-intensity lighting without a special use permit:

• Temporary lighting exceeding 20,000 lumens for single fixtures
• Installations with total lighting loads exceeding 160,000 lumens
• Light sources exceeding 200,000 lumens
• Installations with intensity exceeding 2,000,000 candelas in any direction

Permissible Exceptions

The following lighting applications are exempted from the regulations:

• Lighting within public rights-of-way for illuminating streets or roads
• Lighting for public monuments and statuary
• Underwater lighting in swimming pools and water features
• Temporary or seasonal lighting with lamps less than 10 watts and 70 lumens
• Emergency lighting

Complex and Non-Conforming Uses

Special permits may be issued for complex sites or special uses including:

• Sports facilities, including rinks, courts, fields, and stadiums
• Construction lighting
• Industrial sites with special requirements
• Parking structures
• Urban parks
• Decorative lighting of bridges, monuments, and public buildings

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting

• Shielding: Light from illuminated signs must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent objectionable brightness
• Exposure: No exposed bulbs or fluorescent tubes (except neon) are permitted on exterior sign surfaces
• External Illumination: External illumination is preferred for projecting signs

Digital and Electronic Signs

• Electronic Message Centers: Defined as signs displaying multiple messages with lighting (including LED) that flashes, blinks, scrolls, or animates
• Neon Limitations: Neon lighting should be minimal and restricted to "Open" signage visible through street-level windows only
• Prohibited Features: Strobe lighting is not permitted for signs

Compliance Timelines and Triggers

Existing Properties

All outdoor lighting installed prior to the ordinance's effective date must comply by January 1, 2016.

Major Additions or Changes

Complete compliance is required when:

• A new use begins on a property
• The use of a property changes
• A major addition occurs (25% or more increase in dwelling units, floor area, seating, or parking)
• Modification or replacement of 25% or more of installed outdoor lighting occurs

Abandoned Properties

If a property with non-conforming lighting is abandoned for six months or more:

• All outdoor lighting must be brought into compliance before further use
• Zoning officials determine when to remove outdoor lighting after six months of abandonment

Supporting Findlay's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we deeply appreciate Findlay's commitment to preserving its unique heritage while adapting to modern needs. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Flag City's values of historical preservation and community pride.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to help Findlay property owners navigate lighting regulations while enhancing the city's distinctive character. We recognize the delicate balance Findlay seeks to maintain between safety, functionality, and preservation of its historical aesthetic.

As a regional lighting resource, we're committed to educating property owners about compliance with local regulations while supporting sustainable lighting practices that align with Findlay's vision. Our experience with projects that respect community character enables us to serve as a knowledgeable partner in maintaining the unique atmosphere that makes Findlay special.

Conclusion

Findlay's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing illumination throughout the community. By requiring shielded fixtures, limiting light trespass, and controlling the intensity of outdoor lighting, these regulations help preserve Findlay's unique charm.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for fixture shielding, maximum light levels at property lines, and automatic control devices. When planning new construction or renovations, involving a lighting professional familiar with Findlay's specific requirements can help ensure compliance while achieving your lighting goals.

Through thoughtful implementation of these regulations, Findlay continues to honor its heritage as Flag City USA while creating a safe, appealing environment for residents and visitors alike.