Lighting Regulations in Moreland Hills, Ohio: Preserving Village Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: The Historical Context of Lighting in Moreland Hills

Moreland Hills, Ohio, a village with a rich historical legacy dating back to its agricultural roots, has carefully developed regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving both its architectural heritage and scenic landscapes. Since its incorporation in 1972, the village has maintained a delicate balance between modern development needs and historical preservation.

The lighting regulations in Moreland Hills reflect the community's emphasis on quality of life – a value that has earned it recognition as one of Cleveland's best suburbs for families. With approximately 3,305 residents, the village's approach to outdoor lighting highlights its dedication to maintaining both functionality and aesthetic integrity.

Quick Reference Guide: Critical Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most important lighting regulations to know in Moreland Hills:

• Light Trespass Prevention: All lighting must be controlled to prevent projection into the sky or onto neighboring properties
• Curfew Requirements: Most outdoor lighting must be turned off between 11:00 PM and sunrise
• Property Line Illumination: Zero foot-candles of artificial light is permitted at residential property lines
• Fixture Requirements: Full-shielded cut-off fixtures are required for security lighting, walkways, roadways, and parking lots
• Prohibited Lighting: All flashing, rotating, moving, or digital lights are prohibited
• Sports Court Lighting: Maximum illumination of 20 foot-candles at playing surface with 25-foot maximum pole height

Understanding Lighting Plan Requirements

When a Lighting Plan is Required

All properties in Moreland Hills must comply with outdoor lighting regulations, but formal lighting plans are required for:

• All development projects except single-family detached and cluster single-family dwellings
• Any property where exterior lighting is being installed or changed

What to Include in Your Lighting Plan

Your lighting plan submission must contain:

• Development plan showing location of all exterior light fixtures, controllers, and transformers
• Property boundaries and layout including building locations, parking, pedestrian paths, and adjacent rights-of-way
• Specifications and drawings for all exterior light fixtures, poles, and related construction
• Cut sheets for all proposed exterior light fixtures and poles
• Photometric model (2-D or 3-D) that quantifies predicted light output and demonstrates no light trespass

Residential Property Lighting Regulations

Driveway Lighting

For homes in Dwelling House and Residential Open Space Conservation Districts:

• Fixture grounding: Each fixture must use a grounding conductor
• Light placement: Center of lamp bulbs must be no more than 24 inches above grade
• Bollard-style lighting: Maximum height of 42 inches
• Wattage limits:
• 25 watts maximum for fixtures emitting rays above horizontal
• 40 watts maximum for fixtures emitting rays horizontally or below
• Location restriction: No fixtures permitted in street right-of-way

Lamp Posts and Path Lighting

For posts with lights in residential areas:

• Height restriction: Center of lamp bulb cannot exceed 7 feet above grade
• Post dimensions: Maximum 6 feet in height, not more than 2 feet square in area
• Circular posts: Cannot exceed 6 inches in diameter
• Post location and spacing:
• Maximum of 2 lamp posts at street right-of-way (one on each side of driveway)
• Maximum of 1 post per 100 linear feet of driveway elsewhere
• Posts must be spaced at least 75 feet apart
• Path lights: Must use low-voltage incandescent sources, LED lamps, or native LED circuit boards

Lantern Style Posts

• Light source options:
• Incandescent sources not exceeding 60 watts (must be dimmable)
• Low wattage LED lamps (maximum 6 watts) in candelabra (E12) or medium (E26) base
• LED "Edison" style lamps (maximum 6 watts, must be dimmable)
• "A" shaped LED incandescent replacements (maximum 9 watts)
• Nighttime requirements: Light levels shall not exceed 50% of total output

Commercial and Special Use Lighting

Sign Illumination

• Shielding requirement: All light sources must be shielded
• Brightness restriction: Light sources cannot be of excessive brightness
• Safety considerations: Must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• Color restrictions: Red or green illumination cannot interfere with traffic signals
• Hours of operation: All illuminated commercial signs must be turned off between 11:00 PM and sunrise, except when the business is open
• Prohibited effects: Flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination is prohibited

Landscape Illumination

• Uplighting options: Permitted either below or above ground
• Aiming requirements: Above-ground luminaires must be aimed between 0-25 degrees
• Beam spread: Must be appropriate for accent lighting, not general floodlighting
• "Moonlighting" effects: Permitted if using LED or Low-Voltage halogen lamps that are properly shrouded/louvered and aimed no more than 25 degrees off nadir

Façade Illumination

• Setback requirement: Must be accomplished within a 10-foot setback from the structure
• Visibility restriction: Luminaire faces shall not be visible from motorist sight lines

Sports and Recreation Lighting

Tennis Courts and Sports Courts

• Approval process: The Planning Commission determines whether illumination is permitted
• Fixture height: Maximum pole height of 25 feet
• Illumination level: Maximum of 20 foot-candles at the playing surface
• Time restrictions:
• Must be turned off between 11:00 PM and sunrise on Friday/Saturday
• Must be turned off between 10:00 PM and sunrise Sunday through Thursday
• Must use astronomical time clock or photo-cell for nighttime shut-off
• Screening requirement: All outdoor lighting must be screened from adjoining properties

Swimming Pools

• Shielding requirement: If within 200 feet of any dwelling, lights must be shielded to direct light only on the pool
• Code compliance: All lighting must comply with Section 1171.09 Outdoor Lighting Regulations and the National Electrical Code

What Property Owners Should Know

Permitting Requirements

Before installing exterior lighting:

• Building permit required for installation of lighting fixtures
• Permit applications must include details on the nature and extent of electrical equipment
• Electrical equipment must conform to National Electrical Code requirements
• Certificate of approval required before electricity can be delivered to new installations

Common Compliance Issues

When planning your lighting project, be aware of these frequent concerns:

• Light trespass: Ensure zero foot-candles of artificial light at neighboring property lines
• Fixture selection: Use full-shielded cut-off fixtures for all security and area lighting
• Direction and aim: All lights must be directed downward rather than upward
• Timing controls: Install proper controls to ensure lights turn off by 11:00 PM

Supporting Moreland Hills' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Moreland Hills' commitment to preserving architectural character while meeting modern lighting needs. Our decades of experience with the region's architectural styles provides us with a deep understanding of how lighting can enhance community character while complying with local regulations.

We appreciate Moreland Hills' thoughtful approach to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation through its lighting ordinances. The village's careful attention to preventing light pollution while maintaining the scenic beauty of its landscapes aligns with our own philosophy of responsible lighting design.

As a local resource, we're committed to helping Moreland Hills residents navigate lighting regulations and find solutions that respect the village's historic character and residential quality of life. Our expertise with projects that honor community character positions us as a partner in preserving what makes Moreland Hills special.

Conclusion

Moreland Hills' lighting regulations reflect the village's dedication to maintaining its historical character and residential quality of life. By focusing on preventing light trespass, limiting excessive brightness, and establishing reasonable curfews, the village creates a pleasant nighttime environment for all residents.

Property owners planning lighting projects should carefully review the specific requirements for their zoning district and type of lighting. By understanding and following these regulations, residents contribute to the village's goal of preserving its scenic landscapes and architectural heritage while enjoying the benefits of appropriate outdoor illumination.

For more information about specific lighting requirements, contact the Moreland Hills Building Department or visit the village website at morelandhills.com.