Lighting Regulations in McComb, Ohio: A Guide to Public and Private Property Illumination Rules

Introduction

McComb, Ohio, is a charming village with deep historical roots dating back to the 19th century. Named after Alexander Macomb (using the Scottish spelling "McComb" in honor of its Scotsman founder), this small Hancock County community takes pride in its heritage and small-town character. The village's approach to community development, including its lighting regulations, reflects its commitment to maintaining historical integrity while addressing modern needs.

With notable historical significance as the resting place of two Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War, William Bensinger and John Reed Porter, McComb approaches urban planning with respect for its past. The village's lighting regulations aim to balance practical safety concerns with preserving the traditional atmosphere that makes McComb special.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Key lighting regulations in McComb include:

• Height restrictions: Parking lot pole lights cannot exceed 25 feet
• Light intensity limits: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines, 1.0 foot-candles at non-residential property lines
• Temporary lighting: Limited to lamps less than 10 watts and 70 lumens
• Illuminated signs: Must be shielded to prevent objectionable brightness
• Automatic controls: Required to extinguish outdoor lighting when sufficient daylight is available
• Warning lighting: Required for construction sites and excavations
• Parks usage: Limited to daylight hours only

Public Lighting Administration

Oversight Responsibilities

In McComb, lighting of public spaces falls under specific administrative oversight. The village has designated authorities responsible for ensuring proper illumination of communal areas:

• The Street Commissioner or engineer supervises the lighting of all public places
• The Administrator oversees lighting of streets, alleys, public buildings, and places
• The Administrator has powers relating to electric light, power, and gas plants similar to those provided in R.C. § 743.18

Tree Management for Proper Lighting

To ensure effective street lighting, McComb has established specific regulations regarding trees and vegetation:

• Trees must not obstruct proper distribution of light from street lamps
• Trees must not block the view of traffic approaching intersections
• Minimum clearance heights must be maintained:
• 10 feet above sidewalk surfaces
• 12 feet above street or roadway surfaces
• Trees near street lights must be trimmed to allow free passage of light to streets and sidewalks

Enforcement Process

The village has a clear process for ensuring compliance with tree trimming regulations:

1. The Legislative Authority issues written notices to property owners
2. Property owners must trim or remove trees/shrubbery as ordered
3. If owners fail to comply, the Legislative Authority may perform the work
4. The cost of municipal trimming becomes a lien upon the property

Property Owner Lighting Guidelines

Flagpole Lighting

McComb allows property owners to illuminate flags with specific requirements:

• Underground lighting permitted for flagpoles along public streets or highways
• Installation must meet all underwriters' requirements
• The highest part of the lighting fixture must remain flush with the sidewalk or sodded area where it's embedded

Residential and Commercial Lighting

When installing outdoor lighting adjacent to residential areas, property owners must follow these requirements:

• Shielding: Light fixtures cannot direct their emitting surface toward residential areas or public/private walkways
• Diffusion: Luminaries on poles, stands, or buildings must have shields, adjustable reflectors, and non-protruding diffusers
• Canopy structures: Must use recessed lights with diffusers that don't extend below the canopy surface
• Measurement enforcement: Light readings taken vertically along property lines with a meter facing the center of the property

Signage Illumination Rules

Permitted and Prohibited Sign Lighting

McComb has specific regulations for illuminated signs:

• Home sales: No lighted signs permitted
• Flashing/blinking: Prohibited for all signs
• External illumination: Preferred over internal lighting
• Name plates/lettering: Internal lighting prohibited, but back lighting or external lighting permitted
• Direction signs:
• Private traffic directional signs may be illuminated
• Institutional directional signs (up to 24 square feet) must not be illuminated

Illumination Standards

When signs are permitted to be illuminated, they must meet these standards:

• Light must be shaded, shielded or directed to prevent objectionable brightness
• No exposed bulbs or fluorescent tubes allowed on sign exteriors (exception: neon lighting)
• Digital boards (LED displays capable of multiple images) have specific regulations as off-premise signs

Construction and Public Safety Lighting

Warning Lights for Public Safety

McComb requires appropriate lighting for construction areas and excavations:

• Minimum of two illuminated warning lamps required for street/sidewalk obstructions
• Lamps must be securely and conspicuously posted at each end of obstruction
• For spaces exceeding 50 feet, one additional lamp required for each additional 50 feet
• For abandoned excavations, suitable barricades and warning lights must be maintained
• It is unlawful to destroy, remove, damage or extinguish safety barricades or warning lights

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Temporary and High-Intensity Lighting

For specialized lighting needs, McComb has established permit requirements:

• Temporary lighting exceeding 20,000 lumens per fixture or 160,000 lumens total requires a special use permit
• Very intense lighting (exceeding 200,000 lumens) requires special permitting
• Complex uses like sports facilities, construction sites, industrial sites, and decorative lighting of public monuments may receive special permits if they demonstrate efforts to mitigate light impacts

Facility-Specific Requirements

Different facilities have unique lighting requirements:

• Communication towers: Only safety/security lighting or FAA-required lighting permitted, and must be oriented inward to avoid projecting onto surrounding residential properties
• Drive-in theaters: All lighting must be confined within and directed onto the premises
• Parks and playgrounds: Usage restricted to daylight hours only

Compliance Requirements and Timelines

When Compliance is Required

McComb has established clear timelines for when properties must comply with lighting regulations:

• New installations: All outdoor lighting installed after the effective date of the zoning code
• Existing lighting: Must comply by September 9, 2019
• Abandoned properties: Properties with nonconforming lighting abandoned for 6+ months
• Change of use: When property use changes (zoning change or variance)
• Major additions: When property undergoes 25%+ increase in dwelling units, floor area, seating capacity, or parking spaces

Modification Guidelines

For properties undergoing changes:

• Minor modifications: Replacement of more than 25% of outdoor fixtures requires inventory and site plan submission
• New lighting: Must meet current requirements regardless of modification scale

Supporting McComb's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique balance McComb seeks to achieve between preserving its historical character and meeting modern safety and utility needs.

Bock shares McComb's commitment to responsible lighting practices that respect community character while providing necessary illumination. Our experience with regional architectural styles and understanding of small-town values positions us as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

We recognize that in communities like McComb, lighting isn't just about visibility—it's about maintaining the aesthetic integrity that makes the village special. Bock's approach focuses on education and collaborative solutions that honor McComb's heritage while meeting contemporary standards.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with McComb's vision of minimizing light pollution while ensuring safety and utility. As a regional partner, we understand the importance of maintaining the village's unique character through thoughtful lighting design.

Conclusion

McComb's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing safety, utility, and historical preservation. By establishing clear guidelines for everything from street lighting to signage illumination, the village ensures that lighting serves its essential purposes without compromising community character.

Property owners should be particularly mindful of regulations regarding light intensity, fixture heights, and the impact of lighting on neighboring properties. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to McComb's vision of a well-lit yet historically respectful community.

For the most current and detailed information about lighting regulations in McComb, property owners should consult the village's zoning code or contact village officials directly before undertaking any significant lighting projects.