Lighting Regulations in Heath, Ohio: Balancing Growth, Safety, and Environmental Stewardship

Introduction: Understanding Heath's Lighting Framework

Heath, Ohio, a relatively young city incorporated in 1952, has experienced significant growth in recent decades with its population increasing by over 21% between 2000 and 2014. As the community continues to develop, the city has implemented thoughtful lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to balancing urban development with environmental stewardship.

Heath is known for its dedication to preserving green spaces while fostering economic growth. The city's lighting regulations mirror this balanced approach, promoting safety and security while minimizing light pollution and respecting neighboring properties.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a quick overview of Heath's most important lighting regulations:

• Pedestrian and Traffic Areas:
• Low activity areas: minimum 0.2 foot-candles (fc), maximum 4 fc
• High pedestrian traffic areas: minimum 1 fc, maximum 5 fc
• Public parking lots: minimum 1 fc, maximum 4 fc
• Fixture Heights:
• Pedestrian lighting: maximum 15 feet high
• Parking area lighting: maximum 20 feet high
• Light Trespass Prevention:
• All lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjacent properties
• Fully shielded, dark sky rated fixtures required for parking areas
• General Requirements:
• Consistent lighting levels with gradual transitions
• No highly contrasting pools of light and dark

Detailed Lighting Level Requirements

Standards for Different Areas

Heath's lighting code establishes specific illumination requirements based on the use and activity level of different areas:

• Service and Vehicular Traffic Areas (low pedestrian activity):
• Minimum: 0.2 foot-candles
• Maximum: 4 foot-candles
• Moderate or High Volume Pedestrian Areas and Building Entries:
• Minimum: 1 foot-candle
• Maximum: 5 foot-candles
• Preferred Average: 2 foot-candles
• Public Parking Lots:
• Minimum: 1 foot-candle
• Maximum: 4 foot-candles

Uniformity Requirements

To prevent jarring transitions between lit and unlit areas, Heath requires:

• An average lighting level to minimum lighting level uniformity ratio no less than 3:1
• Gradual transitions between varying levels of lighting
• Avoidance of highly contrasting pools of light and dark areas

Fixture Height and Design Specifications

Height Limitations

Heath's regulations specify maximum mounting heights for different lighting applications:

• Pedestrian Lighting: Maximum height of 15 feet
• Parking Area Fixtures: Maximum height of 20 feet

Design Requirements

Parking area lighting fixtures must be:

• Fully shielded
• Dark sky rated
• Mounted with lower fixtures preferred to maintain human scale

The regulations permit steady, non-flashing lighting of building features, artwork, and special landscape elements, subject to Planning Commission findings that the lighting causes no significant adverse impact.

Safety and Security Lighting

Construction Site Safety

Heath requires:

• Warning lights at night for excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction
• Barricades and warning lights must not be removed, damaged, or extinguished

Parking Facilities

The code specifies that:

• Parking facilities must be well-lit for safety
• Non-glare lighting is required to reduce impacts to adjacent uses
• Lighting standards are required for lots with more than 25 spaces

Mobile Home Parks

Specific requirements for mobile home parks include:

• Street lights must use ornamental poles
• Lights must be placed on alternate sides of roadways when possible
• Maximum spacing of 300 feet between lights
• One light required at each roadway intersection
• All wiring must be underground

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

Heath's code states that:

• Illumination of signs is permitted in all districts
• Light sources must be concealed or indirect
• Illumination must not flash, blink, fluctuate, travel, or move
• Lighting must not create hazards or visibility problems for vehicles
• Sources must be shielded to prevent direct beaming onto adjacent properties or streets

Digital Signs and Billboards

Digital signs face additional restrictions:

• Permitted Locations: Only in B-3, M-1, and M-2 Zoning Districts
• Brightness Limitations: Shall not increase by more than 0.3 foot-candles over ambient levels when measured from 200 feet
• Near Residences: Within 1,000 feet of residences, brightness may be further limited to 0.25 foot-candles over ambient levels

Preventing Light Trespass

Adjacent Property Protection

Several sections of Heath's lighting regulations emphasize the importance of preventing light spillage:

• Lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• No direct or reflected glare is permitted that is visible from any property or public street
• Swimming pool lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjacent properties
• Off-street parking area lighting must not shine directly on residential property

Special Considerations

The regulations specify:

• No wall sign facing and within 500 feet of a residential area shall be illuminated
• Digital signs adjacent to residential properties require approval from the Board of Zoning and Building Appeals

Supporting Heath's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Heath's commitment to balancing development needs with environmental considerations. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique character of communities like Heath that strive to create functional, safe, and visually appealing environments.

Our expertise in lighting solutions aligns with Heath's regulations requiring well-designed lighting that enhances safety without creating light pollution or disturbing neighboring properties. We appreciate Heath's thoughtful approach to lighting standards that support its growing community while respecting its natural environment.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners and developers navigating lighting regulations. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs can help projects maintain compliance while contributing positively to Heath's community character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Considerations

If you're planning a lighting project in Heath, keep these practical points in mind:

• Measurement: Light levels are measured in foot-candles (fc), which can be verified using a foot-candle meter
• Documentation: When applying for permits, include detailed lighting plans showing fixture locations, heights, and photometric data
• Consistency: Ensure lighting creates even illumination rather than pools of light and dark
• Neighbors: Design lighting with neighboring properties in mind to prevent complaints

Common Applications

The most common lighting applications affected by these regulations include:

• Commercial parking lots
• Multi-family residential developments
• Building entrances and walkways
• Outdoor recreational spaces
• Mobile home parks
• Signs and advertising displays

Conclusion

Heath's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to creating a community that balances growth and development with environmental stewardship and neighborly consideration. The specific requirements for lighting levels, fixture heights, and light trespass prevention demonstrate a thoughtful approach to illumination that prioritizes safety and functionality while minimizing negative impacts.

By following these regulations, property owners and developers contribute to Heath's vision of a well-planned community that preserves its character while embracing appropriate growth and development. Understanding and implementing these lighting standards helps create a more attractive, safe, and harmonious environment for all Heath residents and visitors.