Lighting Regulations in Greenhills, Ohio: Preserving Community Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Greenhills, Ohio stands as a living testament to America's innovative urban planning history. Founded in 1938 as one of only three "Greenbelt Towns" created under the New Deal, this historic village was designed with community connection at its core. From its pathways linking residential areas to the village center to its distinction as home to Ohio's first strip mall, Greenhills balances preservation of its architectural heritage with modern community needs.

Like many historic communities, Greenhills has developed specific lighting regulations that reflect its unique character and values. These standards help maintain the village's distinctive atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses alike.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Greenhills:

• Height Limitations:

• 16 feet maximum for non-cutoff lights
• 24 feet maximum for cutoff lights

• Illumination Standards:

• Zero foot-candles maximum at residential district property lines
• One foot-candle minimum for certain business parking areas

• Shielding Requirements:

• All outdoor lighting must be shielded to prevent direct illumination of adjacent residential properties
• Fixed lighting for recreational facilities must be screened from neighboring residential lots

• Sign Illumination:

• No flashing or changing illumination (except for time/temperature displays)
• Illuminated signs near residential areas must turn off between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Height and Placement Regulations

Maximum Height Standards

Greenhills has established clear height limits for outdoor lighting fixtures to maintain the human scale of the community. These standards help prevent overwhelming light towers that would be incompatible with the village's character:

• Non-cutoff lights: Limited to 16 feet above grade
• Cutoff lights: Limited to 24 feet above grade

Special Approvals for Greater Heights

In situations where standard height limits may not be sufficient, the regulations provide flexibility through proper channels:

• Greater heights may be authorized through a variance approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals
• The Planning Commission may also authorize exceptions during the Site Plan Review process

Placement Flexibility

Outdoor lighting installations have some flexibility regarding placement:

• Lighting fixtures need not comply with the yard requirements of the code
• However, no lighting may obstruct sight triangles as defined in Section 1115.02
• Proper placement must ensure zero foot-candles at residential district property lines

Illumination Standards and Light Control

Property Line Illumination Limits

To protect residential areas from light pollution, Greenhills has implemented specific measurable standards:

• All outdoor lighting must be designed with a maximum illumination of zero (0) foot-candles at the property line of any Residential Zoning District
• This requirement helps maintain the peaceful character of residential neighborhoods

Specialized Business Requirements

Certain types of establishments have specific illumination requirements:

• Sexually oriented businesses must illuminate premise entries and off-street parking areas from dusk until closing
• These areas must maintain an average horizontal illumination of one foot candle on parking surfaces and walkways

Glare Prevention

Anti-glare measures are critical in Greenhills' regulations:

• No outdoor lighting may be of such intensity or color distortion as to cause glare
• Lighting must not impair the vision of drivers or pedestrians
• Operations producing intense light or heat must be performed within enclosed buildings
• No exterior lighting may be positioned to extend light or glare onto adjacent properties

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Recreational Facilities

Private recreational facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Fixed lighting for swimming pools, tennis courts, and basketball courts must be located, screened, or shielded
• Adjacent residential lots must not be directly illuminated by these facilities

Automotive and Food Service Establishments

Businesses with extended evening operations must be especially mindful of neighboring properties:

• Automotive service stations/repair garages must shield exterior lighting
• Light intensity must not be objectionable to nearby properties
• Drive-in, drive-through, and carry-out eating establishments must ensure exterior lighting and illuminated signage is shaded and shielded
• The brightness must not be objectionable to adjacent dwelling units

Loading Areas

Commercial loading zones have their own requirements:

• Any lights used to illuminate a loading area must be arranged to reflect light away from adjacent properties or rights-of-way
• This helps minimize the impact of commercial operations on neighboring properties

Sign Illumination Regulations

Permitted Illumination

Greenhills allows certain types of sign illumination while prohibiting others:

• Signs may be illuminated by external or internal light sources
• However, rotating signs with animation, moving parts, flashing lights, or changing colors are prohibited

Residential Area Considerations

Signs near residential areas have additional restrictions:

• Illuminated signs within 100 feet of any Residential Zoning District must cease illumination between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Exception: Businesses that remain open during these hours may keep signs illuminated
• Political and campaign signs cannot be illuminated either internally or externally

Display Limitations

Even permitted illuminated signs face restrictions:

• Illuminated signs cannot have flashing illumination or changes in intensity
• Exception: Parts indicating time, temperature, or other public information may change

Planning and Documentation Requirements

Required Documentation

When submitting plans for new development or modifications, lighting information must be included:

• Site plans must show illumination of facilities for off-street parking and loading areas
• Applications must include location of any proposed exterior lighting
• A lighting plan including photometric information is required
• Proposed style and height of light fixtures must be detailed

Evaluation Factors

The village considers several factors when evaluating lighting plans:

• Pole height
• Type of luminaire
• Site coverage (average maintained)
• Uniformity (maximum:minimum and average:minimum ratios)
• Intensity at property line

Historical Context and Purpose

Preserving Community Character

Greenhills' lighting regulations align with its designation on the National Register of Historic Places. The village was intentionally designed with a community-focused layout, featuring:

• A central village area surrounded by residential sections
• Connected pathways promoting walkability
• Open green spaces integrated throughout the community

These lighting regulations help preserve this character by preventing harsh, commercial-style lighting that would detract from the village's historic atmosphere.

Balancing Modern Needs with Heritage

When established in 1938, Greenhills featured modern urban planning principles for its time. Today's lighting regulations continue this tradition by:

• Promoting safety while respecting neighboring properties
• Allowing for adequate illumination while preventing light pollution
• Maintaining the village's unique aesthetic while accommodating contemporary needs

Supporting Greenhills' Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Greenhills' appreciation for balancing historical character with modern functionality. We understand the unique challenges faced by communities with significant architectural heritage.

Bock Lighting recognizes the thoughtful approach Greenhills has taken with its lighting regulations—creating standards that maintain the village's special character while ensuring safety and functionality. Our regional expertise allows us to understand the architectural context of communities like Greenhills, where preservation and practical needs must coexist.

We believe lighting should enhance community character rather than detract from it. That's why we're committed to serving as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations and historical preservation. Like Greenhills, we value the integration of quality lighting solutions that respect community character while meeting modern standards.

As a local partner who appreciates Greenhills' remarkable New Deal heritage, Bock Lighting is dedicated to supporting communities in their efforts to maintain their distinctive identity through appropriate, compliant lighting choices.

Conclusion

Greenhills' lighting regulations reflect its unique history and community values. By establishing clear standards for height, illumination, shielding, and glare prevention, the village ensures that lighting enhances safety and functionality while preserving its distinctive character.

Property owners and businesses in Greenhills should familiarize themselves with these requirements before making lighting changes. The regulations provide both clear restrictions and flexibility through proper channels, allowing for appropriate solutions while maintaining the community standards that make Greenhills special.

For a village built on principles of thoughtful planning and community connection, these lighting regulations represent a continuation of the vision that has guided Greenhills since its founding as a model New Deal community over eight decades ago.