Lighting Regulations in Forest Hills, Kentucky: A Guide to Sign Illumination Standards

Introduction: Preserving Community Character Through Thoughtful Lighting

Forest Hills, Kentucky, established in 1959 as part of the mid-20th century suburban development in the Louisville metropolitan area, has always valued its distinctive character and architectural heritage. This small Jefferson County community, with historical connections to the influential Funk family (early settlers who owned extensive acreage in the region), maintains a careful balance between modern conveniences and preservation of its suburban charm.

While Forest Hills has relatively limited formal lighting regulations in its municipal code, the regulations that do exist reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its aesthetic character while ensuring safety and functionality for businesses and residents.

Quick Reference Guide: Forest Hills Lighting Requirements

Sign Illumination Requirements:

• Lighting apparatus for illuminated signs may project up to 6 feet over public ways
• Must maintain minimum 2-foot clearance from areas with vehicle traffic
• Electric projecting signs must be illuminated on both sides with minimum 5 watts per square foot
• Internally illuminated signs limited to maximum 15 watts per square foot
• Flashing lights prohibited on all signs
• All sign illumination must use electrical devices installed to National Electrical Code standards
• Open flame illumination prohibited unless specifically approved by Building Official

Business Considerations:

• Lighting can be considered when evaluating whether a business constitutes a nuisance

Sign Lighting Standards

Illumination Methods & Safety

Forest Hills maintains specific requirements for how signs can be illuminated within the community. These regulations ensure both aesthetic consistency and public safety.

All sign illumination must be accomplished through electrical devices only, and these must be installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code. This requirement ensures that lighting installations meet national safety standards while providing consistent illumination quality throughout the community.

Open flame illumination for signs is generally prohibited in Forest Hills. This prohibition reflects both safety concerns and the community's modern suburban character. However, the Building Official does retain the authority to approve exceptions in specific circumstances.

Projection & Placement Requirements

For businesses utilizing illuminated signs, Forest Hills has established clear guidelines regarding how lighting apparatus may interact with public spaces:

• Lighting fixtures may project up to 6 feet over public ways
• All lighting apparatus must maintain a minimum 2-foot clearance from areas that receive motor vehicle traffic
• This includes parking lots, alleys, and drives
• These clearance requirements help ensure vehicle and pedestrian safety

Illumination Intensity Standards

Forest Hills maintains specific wattage requirements for different types of illuminated signs:

Electric Projecting Signs

• Both sides must be illuminated
• Minimum required illumination: 5 watts per square foot
• This ensures adequate visibility and consistent appearance

Internally Illuminated Signs

• Maximum intensity: 15 watts per square foot
• This limit prevents overly bright signs that might detract from community character

Prohibition on Flashing Lights

To maintain the calm, residential character of the community, Forest Hills explicitly prohibits flashing lights on any sign within the jurisdiction. The code specifically defines "flashing lights" as:

• Lights that go on and off at regular or irregular intervals
• Lights that increase and decrease in intensity at regular or irregular intervals

This prohibition helps maintain the community's peaceful atmosphere and prevents visual distractions.

Business Lighting Considerations

Lighting as a Nuisance Factor

Forest Hills' municipal code grants the city the authority to evaluate businesses based on a "totality of circumstances" that could constitute a nuisance to the community. Lighting is specifically mentioned as one of the factors that may be considered in such determinations.

Other factors that might be evaluated alongside lighting include:

• Parking arrangements
• Traffic impacts
• Noise levels
• Volume of customers
• Type of business conducted

This provision gives Forest Hills officials flexibility in addressing lighting situations that may technically comply with specific regulations but still create problems for the community.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

Property owners in Forest Hills should be aware that while explicit lighting regulations focus primarily on signage, the city maintains broader authority to address lighting through its nuisance provisions. When planning new lighting installations, consider:

• The historical character of Forest Hills
• The residential nature of much of the community
• The potential impact of lighting on neighboring properties
• The overall aesthetic goals of the community

When Planning New Sign Illumination

Business owners planning to install or modify illuminated signs should pay particular attention to:

• Wattage requirements for both projecting and internally illuminated signs
• Clearance requirements when lighting apparatus extends over public ways
• Electrical code compliance for all installations
• Prohibition on flashing or variable intensity lights

Consulting with the Building Official early in the planning process can help ensure compliance and avoid costly modifications.

Supporting Forest Hills' Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of maintaining community character through thoughtful lighting solutions. We appreciate Forest Hills' commitment to preserving its suburban charm while embracing necessary modern amenities.

Our experience working with communities similar to Forest Hills has given us insight into how lighting can either enhance or detract from a community's distinctive character. We recognize that Forest Hills, with its mid-century suburban development pattern and historical connections, benefits from lighting approaches that:

• Respect the architectural heritage of the community
• Provide necessary illumination without creating light pollution or glare
• Comply with local regulations while meeting practical needs
• Balance modern functionality with historical aesthetics

Bock Lighting serves as a resource for communities like Forest Hills, offering expertise on how lighting choices can support community goals and regulatory compliance. Our appreciation for regional architectural styles and commitment to quality craftsmanship aligns with Forest Hills' emphasis on maintaining its distinctive character.

Conclusion

While Forest Hills' lighting regulations focus primarily on sign illumination standards, these requirements reflect the community's broader commitment to maintaining its distinctive character. By establishing clear parameters for sign lighting and retaining authority to address problematic lighting through nuisance provisions, Forest Hills balances the practical needs of businesses with preservation of community aesthetics.

Property owners planning lighting projects should consider both the specific requirements outlined in this guide and the overall community context of Forest Hills. By doing so, they can contribute to maintaining the distinctive character that makes Forest Hills a special place to live and work.

Property owners with specific questions about lighting compliance should contact the Forest Hills municipal offices for clarification and guidance.