Lighting Regulations in Logan, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Founded in 1816 by Ohio Governor Thomas Worthington and named after Chief Logan, a significant figure in local Native American history, Logan, Ohio carries a rich historical legacy. This small city in Hocking County, covering just under 5 square miles, maintains a delicate balance between preserving its 19th-century charm and meeting modern needs. As the first Ohio city to install a double roundabout, Logan exemplifies how communities can embrace contemporary infrastructure while honoring their historical identity.

This commitment to balanced development extends to Logan's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to preserve the city's unique character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses alike.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements in Logan

• Light Trespass Prevention: Exterior lighting must be shaded to avoid casting direct light on neighboring properties or public streets
• Sign Illumination: Maximum luminance not to exceed three-tenths foot candles above ambient light levels
• Residential Signs: Only external illumination allowed with concealed light sources
• Glare Restrictions: No direct or reflected glare visible from properties outside manufacturing districts
• Safety Lighting: Warning lights required for construction sites and excavations
• Security Lighting: May be required by Chief Code Official for certain properties

Residential Property Lighting Requirements

Swimming Pool and Recreational Facility Lighting

For homeowners with private swimming pools, Logan's regulations are clear about preventing light disturbance to neighbors:

• Private Swimming Pools: Exterior lighting must be shaded to avoid casting direct light upon other properties or public streets
• Community Swimming Pools: The same shading requirements apply in residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-2-B, R-3, RMH)
• Outdoor Tennis Courts: Exterior lighting must be shaded to prevent light from spilling onto neighboring properties or streets

Short-Term Rental Properties

If you operate a short-term rental in Logan, be aware that:

• Rental properties must not generate glare that unreasonably interferes with neighbors' enjoyment of their property
• This falls under the city's nuisance regulations for short-term rentals

Construction and Excavation Sites

Safety is paramount for any construction or excavation work:

• All excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be equipped with warning lights at night
• It is prohibited to remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Commercial Lighting Regulations

Parking and Loading Areas

Commercial properties must carefully manage lighting in functional areas:

• Parking Lots: All lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties in residential districts
• Loading Areas: Similar requirements apply—lights must be positioned to direct illumination away from neighboring properties

Manufacturing Districts

Industrial zones have specific constraints to minimize their impact on surrounding areas:

• No direct or reflected glare is permitted that would be visible from any property outside the manufacturing district
• Glare must also not be visible from any street adjacent to manufacturing facilities

Security Requirements

Logan's code gives officials flexibility to address security concerns:

• The Chief Code Official has authority to require property owners to implement additional security lighting when deemed necessary
• This provision allows for case-by-case evaluation of security needs

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Illumination Requirements

Logan maintains strict control over sign brightness:

• Maximum luminance must not exceed three-tenths foot candles greater than the ambient light level
• Sign brightness must adjust according to ambient light levels throughout day and night

Residential District Signs

Signs in residential areas face more restrictive illumination rules:

• External illumination only – internal illumination is prohibited
• Light sources must not be directly visible
• Lighting must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties
• Sign lighting must not create traffic hazards or conflict with traffic control devices
• All external electric supply lines must be underground

Electronic Display Signs

For businesses utilizing electronic message displays:

• Monument and pylon signs may include electronic displays that change once every 24 hours
• The same three-tenths foot candle luminance restriction applies
• These signs must adjust to ambient light levels throughout the day and night

Fuel Price Signs

Gas stations must comply with the following:

• Maximum luminance cannot exceed three-tenths foot candles above ambient light level
• This ensures consistency with other illuminated signage throughout Logan

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult Entertainment Businesses

The city recognizes that certain businesses require special oversight:

• All free-standing adult entertainment businesses must submit an exterior lighting plan for approval
• This requirement acknowledges these establishments "characteristically utilize excessive illumination"
• Approval must be granted prior to issuance of a conditional use permit

Supporting Logan's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and respect the unique balance Logan seeks to maintain between historical preservation and modern functionality. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Logan's commitment to honoring architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs.

Our experience working with communities throughout the region has given us insight into how appropriate lighting solutions can enhance historical character while providing necessary safety and security. We appreciate Logan's thoughtful approach to preventing light trespass and controlling glare—priorities that align with our own values of responsible lighting design.

For Logan property owners navigating these regulations, we serve as an educational resource with an understanding of both the technical requirements and the community's aesthetic priorities. Our regional presence gives us firsthand appreciation for Logan's distinctive character and the lighting solutions that can complement it.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Best Practices

Following these guidelines will help ensure your lighting meets Logan's requirements:

• Direct light downward and away from property lines whenever possible
• Use shields and shades on exterior fixtures to prevent light trespass
• Consider motion sensors for security lighting to minimize constant illumination
• Measure sign luminance to verify it doesn't exceed the three-tenths foot candle limit
• Consult professionals when installing lighting for commercial properties, particularly for signage with specific luminance requirements

Addressing Common Questions

When do I need a lighting plan?

Free-standing adult entertainment businesses explicitly require lighting plan approval, but it's a good practice for any commercial development to create one.

How are lighting regulations enforced?

While the code doesn't explicitly detail enforcement procedures for all lighting regulations, they fall under the city's overall code enforcement authority.

Conclusion

Logan's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and minimizing nuisance to neighbors. The consistent focus on preventing light trespass, controlling glare, and maintaining appropriate brightness levels demonstrates a thoughtful approach to community planning.

Property owners should pay special attention to fixture positioning, appropriate shading, and—for businesses—sign luminance requirements. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and business owners contribute to maintaining Logan's unique blend of historical charm and modern functionality.