Lighting Regulations in Mogadore, Ohio: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Nestled in Summit County, Mogadore, Ohio maintains its small-town charm while balancing the needs of modern infrastructure. The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance—focusing on safety, functionality, and community standards without imposing excessive restrictions on property owners. Understanding these lighting regulations helps residents and business owners contribute to the village's character while ensuring compliance with local codes.

Quick Reference Guide

• Sign Illumination: Light sources may be direct or indirect, but the source must not be visible
• Residential Signs: Generally cannot be illuminated (exceptions for nameplates and institutional bulletin boards)
• Business/Industrial Signs: May be illuminated but cannot cause excessive brightness or glare
• Flagpole Lighting: Underground lighting permitted if flush with ground surface
• Amusement Arcades: Must have exterior lighting sufficient to illuminate all entrances and parking areas
• Tree Maintenance: Trees must be trimmed to avoid blocking light from street lamps

Sign Lighting Requirements

General Sign Illumination Standards

Mogadore's regulations for sign lighting focus on safety and preventing nuisance to neighbors. When illuminating signs in permitted areas, property owners must ensure:

• Light sources may be direct or indirect, but the source of light shall not be visible
• Illumination must not be excessively bright or cause glare that could be hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• Lighting should not be objectionable to adjacent residential districts
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination is not permitted
• Outline lighting is prohibited

Zone-Specific Sign Illumination Rules

The village distinguishes between different zones when regulating sign illumination:

• Residential Districts: Signs generally cannot be illuminated, with limited exceptions for:
• Nameplates
• Bulletin boards for institutions
• Business and Industrial Districts: All signs may be illuminated, subject to the general standards

Safety Considerations

For traffic safety, sign lighting near intersections has additional restrictions:

• Within 100 feet of an intersection, lights cannot duplicate the colors of a traffic light
• This prevents confusion for drivers approaching intersections

Exterior Lighting for Specific Property Types

Amusement Arcade Lighting

Mogadore specifically addresses lighting requirements for amusement arcades:

• Premises must be equipped with exterior lighting of sufficient intensity
• Lighting must adequately illuminate all means of ingress and egress
• Adjacent parking areas must also be sufficiently illuminated
• These requirements promote safety for patrons entering and exiting the premises

Flagpole Illumination

For property owners wishing to illuminate flags (particularly for nighttime display):

• Underground lighting is permitted for flagpole illumination
• Lighting fixtures must be:
• Situated within a reasonable distance to the holder
• Meet all underwriters' requirements governing installation
• Installed so the highest part of the lighting fixture remains flush with the sidewalk or sodded area

Construction and Safety Lighting

Barricades and Warning Lights

Safety lighting is required during construction and excavation:

• Warning lights at night must protect any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction
• Adequate barricades and warning devices must be maintained to prevent danger to life or limb
• It is prohibited to destroy, remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Tree Maintenance Related to Lighting

Street Light Visibility Requirements

Trees must be maintained to ensure proper lighting of public areas:

• Property owners must prune branches of trees that overhang streets to avoid obstructing light from street lamps
• Trees and shrubs should not interfere with the proper distribution of light along streets
• The village reserves the right to prune trees on private property when they interfere with street light distribution
• This maintenance helps ensure proper illumination for public safety

Permit Application Requirements

Lighting Information in Development Applications

Several types of permit applications require lighting information:

• Commercial, Industrial, Central Business, or Multi-family Projects:
• Applications for revised use must include site lighting details
• Applications for construction/addition must provide site lighting information
• Drawings should include lighting specifications with manufacturer data sheets when possible
• Sign Applications:
• Must include a description and drawings indicating the lighting of proposed signs
• Swimming Pool Applications:
• Must describe pool access and lighting arrangements

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Mogadore's lighting regulations helps property owners avoid potential code violations while contributing to the village's aesthetics and safety. Key considerations include:

• Sign Illumination: Ensure your signage lighting complies with district-specific rules
• Safety First: Exterior lighting for businesses should focus on illuminating entrances and parking areas
• Application Process: Include detailed lighting plans when applying for development or sign permits
• Tree Maintenance: Regularly trim trees to prevent obstruction of street lights
• Construction Projects: Always use proper warning lights and barriers when conducting excavation or construction

Supporting Mogadore's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Mogadore's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with community character. As a regional manufacturer familiar with the architectural styles and lighting requirements of Northeast Ohio communities, Bock understands the importance of appropriate lighting that enhances safety while respecting neighborhood aesthetics.

Our team appreciates Mogadore's approach to lighting regulations that provide clear guidance while allowing property owners flexibility in implementation. With decades of experience working within municipal lighting requirements, we're positioned to help community members understand and navigate local regulations.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the village's focus on preventing light pollution and glare that could impact neighboring properties. We believe that good lighting enhances community character while providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Mogadore's lighting regulations focus primarily on sign illumination, safety lighting, and preventing light from causing hazards or nuisances to neighbors. While not as extensive as some municipalities, these standards provide important guidelines for property owners to follow.

By understanding these regulations, property owners can ensure their lighting enhances both their property and the community while remaining in compliance with village codes. When planning lighting for your property, consider both the specific requirements and the overall goal of creating safe, attractive, and neighborly lighting solutions.

For specific questions about your property's lighting compliance, contact the Village of Mogadore directly or consult with a lighting professional familiar with local regulations.