Lighting Regulations in Huron, Ohio: Illuminating Community Standards for Safety and Character

Introduction

Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, Huron, Ohio has evolved since its founding in 1809 into a community that carefully balances development with preservation of its historical character. With landmarks like the Huron Boat Basin serving as focal points, the city's approach to urban planning—including its lighting regulations—reflects this commitment to maintaining the community's unique charm while addressing modern needs.

For property owners and businesses in Huron, understanding lighting requirements is essential not only for code compliance but also for contributing to the city's aesthetic vision. This guide breaks down Huron's lighting regulations to help you navigate these important standards.

Quick Reference Guide

• Public Street Lighting: Managed by the Division of Streets and Parks
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations and construction
• Parking Areas: Lights must be shielded to prevent glare on adjacent properties
• Subdivisions: Specific spacing requirements for street lights (150-250 feet depending on type)
• Industrial Greenhouses: Limited to 10% of maximum light emission after dusk with strict enforcement
• Signs: Detailed illumination controls with brightness limits of 0.3 foot candles over ambient light
• Commercial Properties: Lighting plans required for permit approval

Public and Street Lighting Standards

City Responsibilities

The Division of Streets and Parks handles the lighting of all streets, highways, and sidewalks on city-owned property. This includes maintaining signs and traffic control devices throughout Huron.

Special Assessments

The city has established policies for levying special assessments to cover the costs of lighting public places. The City Council can determine, through resolution or ordinance, when and where these assessments apply, specifying the period for which they will be collected.

Subdivision Requirements

Property developers should note these specific street lighting requirements:

• Installation Requirements: Street lights required at each intersection within subdivisions
• Spacing Standards:
• Cobra head lamps: 200-250 feet intervals between intersections
• Colonial Post top lamps: 150-200 feet intervals between intersections
• Approval Process: Type and size of lamps subject to City approval
• Performance Standard: Must provide sufficient luminance as specified by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Planning and Documentation

Commercial property owners must submit detailed lighting plans when applying for permits. These plans must include:

• Style and intensity of all parking lot lights
• Building-mounted lighting specifications
• Shielding methods to prevent light trespass

Parking Areas

• Illumination Standard: Adequate lighting required for parking lots used during darkness
• Shielding Requirement: All lights must be shielded to minimize glare extending to adjacent properties
• Positioning: Lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential districts

Mixed-Use Developments

For mixed-use developments, lighting considerations extend beyond basic compliance:

• Decorative lighting fixtures are encouraged
• Varying heights of fixtures should be incorporated throughout the development
• Lighting along pedestrian ways, streets, and parking areas must provide safe, secure, and aesthetically pleasing illumination
• Fixtures must be designed to prevent glare or direct light onto adjacent residential property

Specialized Facility Requirements

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

These facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Exterior: Must provide adequate lighting for visual inspection and monitoring
• Interior: Minimum illumination level of 5 foot-candles at floor level in all patron areas
• Light Plan: Must demonstrate how interior, facade, sidewalks, and parking areas will be illuminated
• Light Control: Must deflect light away from adjacent properties

Industrial Greenhouses

Some of the strictest lighting controls apply to industrial greenhouse facilities:

• Light Emission Limit: Maximum 10% of unshaded light permitted after dusk
• Curtain Requirements:
• Side wall block-out curtains must be deployed at 100% between sunset and sunrise
• Roof top block-out curtains required at minimum 90% between sunset and sunrise
• Interior Lighting: All interior lighting must be fully shielded
• Enforcement: Penalties include shutting off grow lights, permit revocation, and $1,000/day civil penalty

Sign Illumination Controls

General Requirements

• Shielding: Light sources must be shielded from adjacent buildings and streets
• Brightness Control: Lights cannot cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists
• Prohibition: No flashing or moving parts permitted for any sign

Electronic Message Boards

• Operating Hours: Can only be activated from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.
• Brightness Limit: Maximum 0.3 foot candles over ambient light levels
• Required Equipment: Must have both dimmer control and photo sensor to adjust display intensity
• Prohibited Technology: Light Emitting Diodes (LED) that emit highly concentrated intensity
• Movement Restrictions: No flashing, undulating, pulsing, scrolling, or other movements that may distract drivers

Residential Areas

• Temporary Signs: Cannot be illuminated in single and two-family residential districts
• Permanent Signs: Only external illumination using white light permitted
• Positioning: Must prevent light from shining onto adjoining properties

Residential Property Lighting Standards

Interior Lighting Requirements

• Habitable Rooms: Must have at least two electric outlets or one outlet and one ceiling light fixture
• Service Areas: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms and public halls require at least one ceiling or wall light fixture
• Multi-Unit Buildings:
• Buildings with 5+ units: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lit at all times
• Buildings with 4 or fewer units: May use conveniently located light switches instead of full-time lighting

Basement Occupancy

Window area requirements (normally 10% of floor area) may be reduced to 5% if adequate artificial illumination is provided.

Construction and Safety Lighting

• Excavations and Construction: Areas must be protected by suitable barricades and warning lights at night
• Backflow Prevention Devices: Adequate natural or artificial lighting required for maintenance and inspection

Supporting Huron's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with deep roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Huron seeks to maintain between preserving its historical character and meeting modern lighting needs. Our experience with communities along Lake Erie has given us insight into the specific challenges faced by waterfront towns like Huron.

We recognize that Huron's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to safety, aesthetic integrity, and respect for neighboring properties. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate how proper lighting enhances the character of landmarks like the Huron Boat Basin while respecting the city's historical identity.

Our team remains available as a resource for property owners navigating Huron's lighting regulations, offering guidance that aligns with the community's values and vision. Through education and support, we aim to help maintain the distinctive charm that makes Huron special while embracing appropriate lighting technology.

Conclusion

Huron's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing modern needs with historical preservation. By understanding and complying with these standards, property owners contribute to the city's overall aesthetic and safety goals.

Whether you're planning a new development, updating signage, or simply ensuring your residential property meets code requirements, these regulations provide a framework for responsible lighting that enhances the community while respecting neighbors' rights to enjoy their properties without light intrusion.

Remember that lighting plans are required for most commercial developments and renovations, and specific technical standards apply to different types of properties. When in doubt, consulting with the City Planning Department early in your project can save time and resources while ensuring your lighting design meets both regulatory requirements and community expectations.