Lighting Regulations in Lebanon, Ohio: Preserving Historic Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Lebanon, Ohio, a city steeped in history and architectural heritage, balances its preservation efforts with modern infrastructure needs. Settled after the American Revolution with its first cabins appearing in the 1790s, Lebanon has grown into a charming city of approximately 20,000 residents that takes pride in its historic downtown and 19th-century architecture.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance between honoring history and meeting contemporary needs. While Lebanon's lighting code is not as extensive as some municipalities, it contains important provisions for street lighting, security lighting, and specialized applications that property owners and businesses should understand.

Quick Reference Guide to Lebanon Lighting Regulations

• Street Lighting: Managed by the Division of Electric, which is responsible for maintaining and operating the city's street lighting systems
• Security Lighting: Available through the city with specific rates and requirements
• Construction Lighting: Nighttime floodlighting must not disturb neighboring properties
• Development Fees: Tiered per-lot fees for street lights in new developments
• Sidewalk Lighting: Covered sidewalks must be illuminated at night
• Tree Maintenance: Property owners must prune trees that obstruct street lights
• Sign Lighting: Reflectors may project up to 8 feet beyond wall faces with height restrictions

Street Lighting Infrastructure

City Responsibility

In Lebanon, the Division of Electric has the explicit duty to "furnish, maintain and operate a street lighting system" for the city. This division also handles lighting and electrical wiring for all municipal buildings and installations.

Development Requirements

For new developments, Lebanon applies a per-lot fee system to cover the costs associated with street light installation:

• Lots with 50-69 feet of frontage: $600 base fee with a $200 decorative light adder
• Lots with 70-99 feet of frontage: $900 base fee with a $300 decorative light adder
• Lots with 100+ feet of frontage: $1,200 base fee with a $400 decorative light adder

These fees ensure that new developments contribute appropriately to the street lighting infrastructure based on their size and impact.

Private Outdoor Security Lighting

Availability and Ownership

Lebanon offers a private outdoor security lighting service with specific conditions:

• Available only where standard lighting units can be installed on existing utility poles
• No extensions required to existing secondary or primary distribution facilities
• City ownership - all lighting fixtures are installed, owned, operated, and maintained by the city
• Not a replacement for standard parking lot and building area lighting required by zoning code

Additional Facilities

If additional facilities are required for security lighting, the consumer must:

• Pay in advance for the total installation cost of additional distribution facilities
• This includes poles, wires, and all necessary appurtenances

Rate Structure

Lebanon provides clear rates for security lighting services:

• Up to 200 watt fixtures: $7.00 per month per fixture
• Over 200 watt fixtures: $10.00 per month per fixture
• Minimum contract term: Not less than two years, with 30 days written notice required for termination

Service Limitations

The city outlines several important limitations to this service:

• Installation discretion - The City Manager may refuse or curtail service if an installation could be objectionable to neighboring property owners
• Maintenance schedule - The city allows three business days to replace burned-out lamps after notification
• No continuous lighting guarantee - The city is not liable for any damage resulting from lighting interruptions

Lighting Restrictions and Requirements

Construction Lighting

For construction projects that require nighttime work:

• Light containment required - "Nighttime work area floodlighting shall not be allowed to spill out of the construction area"
• Neighborhood impact - Lighting must not "disturb, annoy, or endanger the comfort, health or peace of others"

Covered Walkways

For pedestrian safety and accessibility:

• All sidewalks roofed over shall be illuminated by electric light during nighttime hours

Architectural Considerations

When planning building features:

• Canopy placement restrictions - Canopies cannot "interfere with the operation of any exterior standpipe or obstruct the clear passage of stairways or exitway discharge from the building or the installation or maintenance of street lighting"

Sign Lighting Regulations

Wall Sign Reflectors

Lebanon has specific regulations for lighting reflectors on wall signs:

• Maximum projection: Lighting reflectors may project 8 feet beyond the face of the wall
• Minimum height requirement: Reflectors must be at least 12 feet above sidewalk level
• Curb line restriction: Reflectors cannot project beyond a vertical plane 2 feet inside the curb line

Property Owner Responsibilities

Tree and Shrub Maintenance

Property owners with land bordering rights-of-way have specific obligations:

• Regular pruning required for trees and shrubs that might obstruct street lights
• Multiple obstruction concerns - pruning must also prevent obstruction of street signs and pedestrian/vehicular traffic
• Legal duty established by city ordinance

Compliance with Zoning Requirements

While the city provides security lighting services:

• Primary lighting responsibility remains with property owners for standard parking lot and building area lighting as required by zoning code
• These installations must be owned and maintained by the property owner

Supporting Lebanon's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Lebanon seeks to maintain between preserving its historic character and meeting modern lighting needs.

As Lebanon continues to preserve its 19th-century architecture and historic landmarks like the Golden Lamb Inn (Ohio's oldest continuously operating hotel), thoughtful lighting solutions play a crucial role in maintaining the city's charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

Bock's experience with communities like Lebanon has fostered an appreciation for how lighting contributes to community character while respecting local regulations. With expertise in both historic and contemporary lighting applications, Bock serves as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements in historically sensitive areas.

The company's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Lebanon's community values of cleanliness, warmth, and pride in preserving the city's unique character.

Conclusion

Lebanon's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving historical character while providing modern infrastructure. While not comprehensive, these regulations establish clear guidelines for street lighting, security lighting, and specific applications like construction sites and covered walkways.

Property owners should be aware of their responsibilities regarding tree maintenance that might obstruct street lights and understand the security lighting services available through the city. For new developments, the tiered fee structure for street lighting ensures appropriate contributions to city infrastructure.

As Lebanon continues to balance growth with historic preservation, these lighting regulations help maintain the city's unique character and charm while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors alike.