Lighting Regulations in Greenfield, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Illumination Standards

Introduction

Greenfield, Ohio, with its rich heritage dating back to 1799, presents a fascinating blend of historical preservation and contemporary development. Founded by Revolutionary War veteran Duncan McArthur, who implemented the Philadelphia Plan with its characteristic grid pattern of streets, Greenfield has always valued its distinctive architectural character and historical landmarks.

The town's lighting regulations reflect this balance between honoring historical aesthetics while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. As Greenfield continues to preserve historical gems like the Travellers' Rest Inn (constructed in 1812) alongside modern development, its approach to exterior lighting becomes increasingly important.

Let's explore Greenfield's lighting standards and what they mean for property owners.

Quick Reference Guide

The most critical lighting requirements in Greenfield include:

• General Illumination Limits:
• Maximum ground illumination: 3 footcandles (average horizontal)
• Property line limit near residential areas: 0.5 footcandle (average)
• Maximum illumination for vertical surfaces: 4 footcandles
• Structure Height Restrictions:
• Parking lot lighting: Maximum 20 feet above grade
• Pedestrian area lighting: Maximum 14 feet above grade
• Key Design Requirements:
• Parking lots: Must use downward-directed cut-off fixtures
• Building illumination: Must use concealed sources
• Security lighting: Full cut-off fixtures with lowest effective illumination
• Canopy lighting: Recessed fixtures or indirect shielded lighting
• Sign Illumination:
• Different requirements by district (Downtown, CN, RM, SR zones)
• Illumination must not create safety hazards for vehicular traffic
• Sources must be shielded from directly beaming onto adjacent properties

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Overall Philosophy

Greenfield's lighting regulations center on one key principle: lighting should provide adequate safety and visibility without disturbing neighboring properties or creating hazards for traffic. This reflects the town's commitment to balancing the practical needs of a modern community with respect for its residential character.

Illumination Levels

The town has established specific limits to prevent excessive lighting:

• Ground illumination: Average horizontal illumination cannot exceed 3 footcandles
• Residential boundaries: Light levels along property lines adjacent to residential areas must not exceed 0.5 footcandle
• Vertical surfaces: Maximum illumination of vertical or angular roof surfaces is limited to 4 footcandles

Light Trespass Prevention

Light trespass (unwanted light spilling onto neighboring properties) is specifically addressed in several regulations:

• Exterior site lighting must be designed to minimize light and reflected light trespass
• All lighting must minimize glare from all sources
• Outdoor storage area illumination must prevent glare or direct light from reaching residential areas

Specific Lighting Applications

Parking Lot Lighting

Parking lot illumination combines safety concerns with aesthetic considerations:

• Height restriction: Cannot exceed 20 feet above grade
• Direction requirement: Must use cut-off type fixtures directing light downward
• Design flexibility: Planning Commission may require lower standards based on site characteristics
• Aesthetic integration: Pole colors and lighting infrastructure must complement the building architecture

Pedestrian and Building Illumination

Pedestrian Pathways

• Must use decorative low light fixtures
• Height cannot exceed 14 feet above grade

Building Exterior Lighting

• Must come from concealed sources
• Prohibited lighting types: Strobe lights, flashing lights, and exposed neon lights
• Must not generate excessive light levels, cause glare, or direct light beyond building facades

Security and Functional Lighting

Security Illumination

• Must use full cut-off type fixtures
• Must be shielded and aimed to direct illumination only to designated areas
• Should use the lowest possible illumination level that still allows effective surveillance

Canopy Lighting

• Fixtures must be recessed or flush with the bottom surface of the canopy
• Indirect lighting may be used if the light source is shielded and beamed upward to reflect down from the canopy underside

Sign Illumination Regulations

Greenfield takes a district-specific approach to sign lighting:

Downtown (D) District

• Permitted lighting types: Exterior illuminated, gooseneck lighting, shadow lit, bulb surround (both flashing/blinking and non-flashing varieties)
• Roof signs: May be illuminated with direct light

Commercial Neighborhood (CN) District

• Permitted lighting types: Exterior illuminated, gooseneck lighting, shadow lit, internally lit, and bulb surround (non-flashing or blinking only)

Residential Districts

• RM zones: Only exterior illuminated and gooseneck lighting permitted
• SR zones: Sign lighting is not permitted

Universal Sign Lighting Requirements

• Illumination intensity must not create safety hazards for vehicles
• Light sources must be shielded from directly beaming onto adjacent properties or streets
• Monument signs for multi-dwelling developments and neighborhood entry signs in public rights-of-way cannot be internally illuminated
• Overhanging signs cannot have internal lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

Greenfield maintains specific standards for street lighting installation:

Design Standards

• Designs must be created by a registered engineer and approved by the Village Engineer
• All energy lines must be underground in new subdivisions
• Designs must be coordinated with the electric energy supplier

Spacing and Fixture Types

• Standard poles: Spacing between 160-240 feet
• Residential pedestrian poles: Spacing between 125-160 feet
• Different fixture types specified for residential versus commercial corridors

Installation Process

• Street lights must be installed before final street acceptance
• Developers must provide necessary easements for street lighting
• The Village is responsible for energy and maintenance after installation
• If immediate installation isn't possible, developers must deposit funds or a performance bond to ensure future installation

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing or modifying a property in Greenfield, keep these key points in mind:

• A lighting plan addressing district requirements is necessary for major site and design plan reviews
• Pay special attention to illumination levels at property boundaries, especially near residential areas
• Choose fixtures that direct light downward and minimize glare
• Consider the aesthetic integration of lighting with architecture
• For commercial properties, understand the specific sign illumination requirements for your district

Special Use Considerations

Certain uses have additional requirements:

• Drive-thru establishments: Must design sites to reduce lighting impacts on nearby residential properties
• Multifamily developments: Outdoor lighting must be shielded to direct light downward and away from dwelling units
• Solar energy systems: Must prevent glare impacts on neighboring properties or rights-of-way
• Industrial properties: No direct or reflected glare should be visible outside the industrial district

Supporting Greenfield's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Greenfield's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing appropriate modern technology. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique balance communities like Greenfield must maintain between safety, functionality, and historic aesthetic preservation.

Our team appreciates Greenfield's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which reflects the town's values regarding both historical heritage and community development. The standards established for different districts show a nuanced understanding of how lighting affects both the practical and aesthetic aspects of community life.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, offering expertise that helps maintain the distinctive character of historic areas while meeting modern safety and efficiency needs. Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations makes us a valuable partner for property owners seeking to enhance their spaces while honoring Greenfield's vision.

Conclusion

Greenfield's lighting regulations reflect the town's dual commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safe, functional spaces for residents and businesses. By establishing clear standards for illumination levels, fixture types, and installation requirements, the town creates a framework that protects property values and community aesthetics.

Property owners benefit from understanding these regulations early in their planning process, as lighting considerations affect everything from site layout to architectural design. By working within these guidelines, developers and property owners contribute to Greenfield's vision of a community that honors its past while thoughtfully embracing its future.

Understanding and implementing these lighting standards helps maintain the distinctive character that has made Greenfield a special place since its founding over two centuries ago.