Lighting Regulations in Milan, Ohio: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Public Safety

Quick Reference Guide

• Tree Maintenance: Property owners must prune trees to prevent obstruction of street lamp light
• Outdoor Lighting Units: High-pressure sodium (or equivalent) luminaires with photo-electric control for dusk-to-dawn operation
• Parking Areas: Lighting must direct light away from adjoining properties and streets
• Prohibited Lighting: Search lights, laser lights, and flashing lights (unless with conditional use permit)
• Site Plan Requirements: Must include location, intensity, type, size, and direction of all outdoor lighting
• General Standard: No lighting should constitute a nuisance or impair traffic safety

Introduction: Milan's Historical Context and Lighting Philosophy

Founded in 1817, Milan, Ohio has a rich architectural heritage deeply rooted in the Federal Style and Greek Revival traditions brought by settlers from the Connecticut Western Reserve. As a once-booming canal town whose wheat exports in 1847 were second only to Odessa, Russia, Milan has carefully preserved its historical character through the years.

Today, this small community takes pride in its neighborhoods filled with original Greek Revival houses and Victorian architectural styles. Milan's approach to development, including its lighting regulations, reflects its commitment to maintaining the town's aesthetic appeal while ensuring modern safety standards.

The town's lighting regulations serve a dual purpose: preserving the historical ambiance that defines Milan's character while providing adequate illumination for public safety. This balance is evident in the specific requirements detailed throughout the village code.

Street Lighting and Tree Maintenance

Tree Pruning Requirements

Property owners in Milan have specific responsibilities regarding trees near street lights:

• Every property owner must prune tree branches that overhang streets or rights-of-way to prevent obstruction of light from street lamps
• Trees near intersections must not obstruct the view of approaching traffic
• Trees near street lights must be trimmed to allow "free passage of light" to both streets and sidewalks

Street Obstruction Lighting

When construction or other activities create obstructions in public ways:

• Red lamps must be securely and conspicuously posted at or near each end of obstructions or excavations
• For spaces exceeding 50 feet, at least one additional lamp is required for each additional 50 feet (or portion thereof)
• Warning lights must guard hazardous conditions at night to prevent danger to life or limb

Residential and Commercial Lighting Standards

Home Occupation Limitations

For residents operating businesses from their homes, Milan imposes strict lighting limitations:

• No visible evidence of a home occupation is permitted other than one sign
• Home occupation signs must not exceed 2 square feet in area
• Signs must be non-illuminated
• No equipment or process should create glare detectable beyond the property line

Outdoor Lighting Units

Milan has established specific standards for outdoor lighting units:

• Lighting fixtures must be high-pressure sodium or equivalent luminaires
• Units must be photo-electric or otherwise controlled to provide dusk-to-dawn lighting
• Service is based on approximately 4,000 hours of operation per year
• Standard rates are established based on wattage:
• Area HPS 100 Watts: 40 kWh per month, $7.50 monthly rate
• Area HPS 150 Watts: 60 kWh per month, $8.50 monthly rate

Parking Area Illumination

For parking areas, Milan's code clearly states:

• All lighting used to illuminate parking areas must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining premises or streets
• Open light sources, such as strings of light bulbs, are not permitted

Planning and Site Development Requirements

Site Plan Documentation

When submitting site plans in Milan:

• Plans must include the location, intensity, type, size, and direction of all new outdoor lighting
• Proposed lighting must be evaluated for:
• Impact on motorists traveling on adjacent public streets
• Effect on the value and usability of adjacent properties
• Adequacy for the safety of occupants or users of the site

Design Compatibility Standards

Milan emphasizes cohesive visual design for commercial properties:

• Signs located in a series (as in shopping centers) must have compatible illumination with other signs
• Freestanding signs should complement building and wall signs in terms of color and scale
• Site features including signs should be compatible in color, texture, and materials with the main building

Telecommunications Lighting

For telecommunications facilities:

• Lights, beacons, or strobes are permitted only to the extent necessary for safety or regulatory compliance
• Lighting must be designed to minimize direct light or glare onto surrounding properties

Prohibited and Restricted Lighting

Milan clearly prohibits certain types of lighting:

• Search lights and laser lights are not permitted
• Flashing lights and animated signs require a conditional use permit
• Signs attached to utility poles, light poles, or street trees are prohibited
• No lighting shall constitute a nuisance or impair traffic safety

Technical Requirements for Special Applications

In specific applications, Milan requires:

• Backflow prevention devices must have adequate artificial lighting for maintenance, inspection, and testing
• Security lighting is mentioned in the code (Section 929.05.1), though specific requirements are not detailed

Supporting Milan's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Milan's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern lighting technology. We understand the unique balance that Milan seeks to maintain between authentic historical ambiance and contemporary safety standards.

With extensive experience in communities like Milan, Bock appreciates the village's careful consideration of lighting regulations that protect its Greek Revival and Victorian architectural heritage. Our team's understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs enables us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating Milan's specific requirements.

As a local presence in Northeast Ohio, Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities like Milan through education about lighting regulations and solutions that respect the distinctive character of historic areas. Our approach aligns with Milan's values of historical preservation, aesthetic harmony, and responsible development.

What Property Owners Should Know

If you own property in Milan, understanding these lighting regulations helps ensure compliance while contributing to the town's historical ambiance:

• Tree maintenance is your responsibility when branches might block street lights
• Home-based businesses have strict limitations on lighting and signage
• Outdoor lighting must be directed to prevent spillover onto neighboring properties
• Site development requires detailed planning for lighting placement and intensity
• Specialized lighting (like searchlights or flashing displays) is generally prohibited without special permission

Remember that these regulations work together to maintain Milan's unique character and ensure that modern lighting needs are met while preserving the village's historic charm.

Conclusion

Milan's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a historic village with deep architectural roots. By balancing preservation concerns with practical lighting needs, Milan has created standards that help maintain its distinctive character while ensuring public safety.

Property owners and businesses should view these lighting regulations not just as requirements to follow, but as part of their contribution to preserving Milan's heritage. Through thoughtful lighting choices that respect both history and modern needs, residents help ensure that Milan continues to shine as a uniquely preserved historic community.