Lighting Regulations in New Bremen, Ohio: Preserving Historical Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in western Ohio, New Bremen carries a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1832 by Bavarian and Hanoverian settlers. The village's architectural legacy reflects its German roots, with historical buildings showcasing the plain, symmetrical design typical of early German settlers.

When electric lighting first arrived in New Bremen in 1893, it marked a significant modernization milestone while respecting the town's historical charm. Today, New Bremen's lighting regulations continue this tradition of balancing modern functionality with historical preservation.

This guide provides an overview of New Bremen's lighting requirements to help property owners navigate local regulations while maintaining the village's distinctive character.

Quick Reference Guide

• Outdoor Light Service: Village-provided outdoor lighting available in 175W, 250W, and 400W options
• Sign Illumination: Only constant intensity lighting permitted; no flashing or moving lights
• Light Trespass: Indirect sign lighting limited to 1/2 foot-candle at 25 feet beyond property line
• Home Occupation Signs: May be illuminated with shielded, incandescent lighting not exceeding 200 watts
• Safety Lighting: Required for excavations/obstructions and certain business premises
• Street Lighting: Trees must be trimmed to avoid obstructing street light distribution
• Flagpole Lighting: Underground fixtures must be flush with ground surface

Village-Provided Outdoor Lighting

The Village of New Bremen offers outdoor lighting services to all customers of the Light and Power Department, though the village reserves the right to refuse service when installations might be objectionable to neighboring property owners.

Service Options and Rates

• 175 Watt option: $10.00 per month
• 250 Watt option: $13.00 per month
• 400 Watt option: $16.00 per month

Installation and Terms

• Installation charges are calculated on a time and material basis
• All lighting facilities remain village property
• Service agreements require a minimum 2-year term
• Either party may terminate with 30 days written notice after the initial term
• The village does not guarantee continuous lighting and is not liable for service interruptions

This municipal lighting option provides a straightforward solution for property owners seeking reliable outdoor illumination without managing their own fixtures.

Sign Illumination Requirements

New Bremen maintains specific requirements for illuminated signs to ensure safety and aesthetic consistency throughout the village.

General Sign Lighting Standards

• Constant intensity only - all illuminated signs must emit constant light
• Prohibited lighting: Flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights
• Placement restrictions: Light beams cannot cause glare or reflection that might create traffic hazards

External Sign Illumination

• External light sources must direct illumination only onto the sign surface
• Light sources must be shielded from view from adjacent property lines
• Indirect light limited to 1/2 foot-candle at 25 feet beyond property line
• Fixtures must be ground-mounted and screened with landscaping material

These requirements help maintain the village's visual character while ensuring illuminated signs don't create nuisances or safety hazards.

Home Occupation Sign Lighting

For residents operating businesses from their homes, New Bremen permits limited sign illumination:

• Only the home occupation sign may be illuminated
• Lights must be shielded or directed to prevent objectionable brightness affecting neighboring properties
• Incandescent lighting only, not exceeding 200 total watts
• Illumination must be constant (no flashing or changing lights)
• All wiring and materials must comply with local electrical code requirements

These regulations balance the needs of home-based businesses with the residential character of neighborhoods.

Flagpole Illumination Guidelines

New Bremen permits flagpole lighting with specific installation requirements:

• Underground lighting installations allowed for flag displays
• Lighting must be situated within reasonable distance to the flagpole
• All installations must meet Underwriters' requirements
• The highest part of any lighting fixture must remain flush with the sidewalk or sodded area where it's embedded

This allows for patriotic displays while maintaining aesthetic standards.

Street Lighting and Tree Maintenance

The village places importance on maintaining effective street lighting for public safety:

Tree Trimming Requirements

• It's unlawful to maintain trees or shrubbery that obstruct light distribution from street lamps
• Branches of trees near street lights must be trimmed to allow free passage of light to streets and sidewalks
• The village has the right to prune trees on private property that interfere with proper spread of street light

These regulations ensure public areas remain properly illuminated for safety and security.

Safety and Security Lighting

Several regulations address lighting for safety purposes:

• Excavation/obstruction markers: Illuminated red lamps required at each end of obstructions or excavations (additional lamps required every 50 feet for longer areas)
• Commercial properties: Exterior lighting shall be provided for safety and security
• Sexually-oriented businesses: Must illuminate premises entries and parking areas from dusk until closing with an average maintained horizontal illumination of one-foot candle on parking surfaces and walkways

Proper safety lighting is essential for preventing accidents and enhancing security.

Structural and Location Requirements

New Bremen classifies certain lighting installations under structural regulations:

• Overhead lighting is included in the definition of ground-mounted and roof-mounted structures
• Ground-mounted structures limited to side yard and rear yard areas
• Minimum setbacks: 5 feet from property lines and 15 feet from public rights-of-way
• Height limitations: Roof-mounted structures limited to 20 feet above highest roof peak; ground-mounted structures limited to 65 feet maximum overall height
• All installations must meet Electrical Code requirements

These structural guidelines ensure lighting installations remain compatible with neighborhood aesthetics and safety standards.

What Property Owners Should Know

When planning lighting installations in New Bremen, consider these practical tips:

Planning Your Lighting

• Consider village-provided options for hassle-free outdoor lighting
• Ensure all illuminated signs use constant illumination only
• Remember that light trespass regulations apply to sign lighting
• For home-based businesses, limit illumination to incandescent, 200-watt maximum

Maintenance Requirements

• Regularly trim trees near street lights to maintain proper illumination
• Ensure ground-mounted lighting fixtures remain flush with ground level
• Maintain safety lighting for any excavations or construction projects

Compliance Assistance

• Consult with village officials before installing significant lighting
• Remember that nonconforming signs (including lighting aspects) may need to be brought into compliance if abandoned or substantially modified

Supporting New Bremen's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares New Bremen's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern functionality. As a regional lighting manufacturer, we understand the unique balance that communities like New Bremen seek to maintain between historical preservation and contemporary needs.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles—including the German-influenced designs prominent in New Bremen—helps us serve as a resource for property owners seeking lighting solutions that complement the village's aesthetic heritage. Bock appreciates New Bremen's efforts to maintain its distinctive character through thoughtful regulation of elements like lighting.

We're committed to supporting communities through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that align with local preservation goals. Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable partner for those seeking to navigate lighting requirements while honoring New Bremen's historical legacy.

Conclusion

New Bremen's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety, functionality, and aesthetic harmony. From municipal outdoor lighting options to specific sign illumination requirements, these guidelines help maintain the unique charm that makes New Bremen special.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners contribute to the village's distinctive atmosphere while ensuring proper illumination for safety and visibility. As New Bremen continues to evolve, these lighting standards help ensure that modern needs are met while honoring the community's rich heritage.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the Village of New Bremen administrative offices for guidance on your particular situation.