Lighting Regulations in Harrison, Ohio: Balancing Growth, Safety and Community Character

Introduction: Harrison's Evolving Lighting Landscape

Harrison, Ohio has a rich historical background dating back to its incorporation in 1850. Named after General William Henry Harrison, this charming city has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a population now exceeding 13,000 residents. This 7% annual population increase is unusual for older communities and presents unique challenges for maintaining community character while accommodating development.

As Harrison continues to evolve from its historical roots as a transportation hub—from the original Harrison Turnpike to today's Interstate 74—the city's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to balancing growth with community values and historical preservation.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements:

• Maximum Height: 32 feet for cutoff lights; 16 feet for non-cutoff lights
• Property Line Illumination: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at residential property boundaries
• Light Type Recommendations: Metal Halide or Quartz Incandescent preferred where color quality matters
• Prohibited Light Types: Mercury Vapor and Low Pressure Sodium fixtures visible to the public

Activity Level Illumination Standards:

• High Activity Areas: 3.0 footcandles average, 15.0 footcandles maximum
• Medium Activity Areas: 2.0 footcandles average, 10.0 footcandles maximum
• Low Activity Areas: 0.5-1.0 footcandles average, 5.0 footcandles maximum

Sign Illumination:

• Maximum Illumination: 20 footcandles in B-1/B-2 zones; 50 footcandles in other non-residential zones
• Light Color: White, stable light only

Outdoor Lighting Standards: Technical Requirements

Height Restrictions

Harrison's code clearly defines how high lighting fixtures can be mounted:

• Cutoff Lights: Maximum height of 32 feet above grade
• Non-cutoff Lights: Cannot exceed 16 feet above grade
• Exceptions: Greater heights possible through variance approval (Section 1179.02)

Illumination Levels by Activity Type

Harrison uses a three-tier system for determining appropriate light levels based on the activity in the area:

High Activity Areas (3.0 footcandles avg, 15.0 max)

• Regional shopping centers (30+ acres)
• Expressway interchange services
• Major league athletic facilities
• Major cultural/civic venues
• Airports

Medium Activity Areas (2.0 footcandles avg, 10.0 max)

• Community shopping centers (40,000+ sq.ft)
• Multi-family residential developments
• Office parks
• Hospitals
• Commuter lots
• Community cultural/civic/recreational facilities

Low Activity Areas (0.5-1.0 footcandles avg, 5.0 max)

• Neighborhood shopping centers (15,000-100,000 sq.ft)
• Educational facilities
• Churches
• Local commercial and industrial uses

Light Quality and Fixture Types

Harrison's code specifically addresses the quality of light produced:

• Recommended: Metal Halide or Quartz Incandescent luminaires where color quality affects public interest
• Limited Use: High pressure sodium luminaires only where cost/energy efficiency is essential
• Prohibited: Mercury Vapor and Low Pressure Sodium luminaires when visible to the public
• Required for Non-residential Uses: "Shoe box type" or cutoff lights that shield adjacent residential areas

Light Trespass and Glare Prevention

Residential Protection Measures

The code prioritizes protecting residential areas from unwanted light:

• Maximum at Property Line: 0.5 footcandles at any residential property boundary
• Shielding Requirements: All outdoor perimeter lighting for non-residential uses must be located, screened, or shielded to prevent direct illumination of adjacent residential lots
• Color and Intensity: No outdoor lighting can have intensity or color distortion that causes glare or impairs driver/pedestrian vision

Planning Considerations

When evaluating lighting plans, Harrison officials consider:

• Pole height
• Type of luminaire
• Site coverage (average maintained)
• Uniformity ratios (Maximum:Minimum and Average:Minimum)
• Intensity at property lines

Specialized Lighting Requirements

Street and Development Lighting

• Residential Subdivisions: Street lights required in subdivisions with majority of lots having ≤100 feet width at front property line
• Installation Points: Required at all street intersections and other locations deemed necessary by the Engineer
• Design Requirement: Must minimize light pollution through appropriate lamps and reflectors
• Underground Wiring: Required except where topography, bedrock, or underground water would cause excessive costs

Safety and Warning Lights

• Construction Sites: Abandoned excavations require warning lights at night
• Street Obstructions: Minimum of two illuminated red lamps required at each end of obstructions, with additional lamps every 50 feet

Sign Illumination

Signs must follow specific illumination standards:

• Light Direction: White, stable light directed solely at the sign face
• Internal Illumination: White interior light with images lit or silhouetted on opaque background
• Maximum Levels:
• 20 footcandles in B-1, B-2 zones
• 50 footcandles in other non-residential zones
• Safety Requirement: Illumination cannot constitute a hazard to vehicular traffic

Tree Placement and Lighting

Harrison recognizes the interaction between trees and lighting with these requirements:

• No trees shall be planted closer than 20 feet from street lights
• Trees cannot obstruct proper distribution of light from street lamps
• Trees cannot obstruct traffic views at intersections

What Property Owners Should Know

Residential Considerations

If you own residential property in Harrison, keep these points in mind:

• Permit Exemptions: Outdoor residential lighting along drives, walks, or patios is exempt from zoning certificates
• Holiday Lights: May be illuminated, animated and/or flashing, provided they don't create safety hazards
• Tree Placement: Ensure trees don't block street lighting or create safety hazards

Commercial Property Requirements

Commercial property owners should be particularly aware of:

• Activity-Based Illumination: Your lighting requirements depend on your business type (high, medium, or low activity)
• Neighboring Properties: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at residential property boundaries
• Fixture Selection: Use appropriate fixtures (cutoff lights, shoebox type) that minimize light trespass
• Light Quality: Choose recommended light types based on your specific needs

Development Planning

When planning new developments, consider these lighting factors:

• Submit Detailed Plans: Lighting plans must show pole heights, fixture types, illumination levels, and property line measurements
• Underground Wiring: Required in most cases for telephone, electric, and street lighting
• Street Light Requirements: Required at intersections in subdivisions with narrower lots

Supporting Harrison's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Harrison's commitment to balancing development with preservation of community character. As Harrison continues its growth trajectory while maintaining its historical charm, proper lighting plays a crucial role.

With deep understanding of Ohio's architectural heritage and regional lighting needs, Bock appreciates Harrison's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that prevent light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality. Our experience with projects that respect community character positions us to help Harrison property owners navigate these lighting standards.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Harrison's vision for managed growth and community preservation. Our regional presence enables us to better understand the unique needs of communities like Harrison that are balancing historical character with modern development.

Conclusion

Harrison, Ohio's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to sustainable growth, safety, and preservation of community character. From specific illumination levels to fixture requirements and placement considerations, these standards aim to create a harmonious lighting environment throughout the city.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners and developers can contribute to Harrison's vision of a well-lit, safe community that respects its historical roots while embracing thoughtful development. As the city continues to grow at its remarkable pace, these lighting standards will help maintain the quality of life and community atmosphere that makes Harrison special.