Lighting Regulations in New Carlisle, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Functionality, and Historical Character

Introduction

Nestled in western Ohio, New Carlisle carries a rich historical legacy dating back to its incorporation as a village in 1831. From its operational post office established in 1828 to the infamous John Dillinger bank robbery in 1933 at the New Carlisle National Bank (a building that still stands today), this community of approximately 5,800 residents takes pride in its historical significance.

Like many communities with strong historical roots, New Carlisle's approach to development balances preservation of its unique character with modern needs. This is particularly evident in the city's lighting regulations, which aim to provide adequate illumination for safety while respecting the community's historical ambiance.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the detailed regulations, here are the most important lighting requirements to be aware of in New Carlisle:

• Illumination Levels:
• Commercial Premises: Minimum 2 footcandles at floor level
• Parking Areas: 1 footcandle average maintained horizontal illumination
• Maximum Light Trespass: No more than 2 foot-candles on adjacent properties
• Sign Illumination:
• Curfew: Illuminated ground-mounted and wall-mounted internally lit signs must be turned off by 10:00 p.m.
• Home Occupations: Signs may not be illuminated
• Prohibited: Bare bulb illumination, flame as light source, flashing lights (with limited exceptions)
• General Requirements:
• Light Direction: Outside lighting must not create nuisance to adjacent districts
• Industrial Areas: No direct or reflected glare visible from outside industrial districts
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for safety

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Occupation Lighting Restrictions

If you operate a business from your home in New Carlisle, specific lighting regulations apply:

• Signs: May not be illuminated and cannot exceed two square feet in area
• Equipment Restrictions: No equipment or processes that create glare or electrical interference detectable to normal senses beyond your property line
• Visual Changes: No visible evidence of business activity through lighting or other external changes

General Residential Considerations

While New Carlisle's code doesn't specify extensive residential lighting requirements, the general principles of avoiding light trespass and glare apply throughout the city.

Good neighbor practices include directing lights away from adjacent properties and using appropriate shielding to prevent unwanted illumination of neighboring homes.

Commercial & Industrial Lighting Standards

Basic Commercial Illumination Requirements

Commercial properties in New Carlisle must adhere to specific lighting standards:

• Interior Spaces: Minimum of 2 footcandles of illumination measured at floor level where patrons have access
• Parking Areas: Must be properly illuminated during non-daylight operational hours with 1 footcandle average maintained horizontal illumination
• Exterior Fixtures: Must be maintained in operable condition and lit for sufficient periods before and after business hours to ensure pedestrian and employee safety

Industrial-Specific Requirements

New Carlisle's industrial districts have additional lighting considerations:

• Light Industrial Districts: Must be free of hazardous elements including glare
• Park-like Settings: Industrial uses should utilize landscaping and existing woodlands as buffers to screen lighting
• Glare Prohibition: No direct or reflected glare visible from outside industrial districts or from any street
• Research Facilities: No glare should be detectable outside buildings

Access Area Illumination

For both commercial and industrial properties:

• Required Areas: All driveways, aisles, maneuvering spaces, and vehicular service areas between or around buildings (except dwellings) must be adequately illuminated
• Light Direction: All outside lighting must be directed to avoid creating nuisances in adjacent districts
• Protection: Lighting must be arranged to protect streets and adjoining property from direct glare or hazardous interference

Sign Illumination Regulations

Types of Illumination Defined

New Carlisle's code defines illuminated signs and types of illumination:

• Illuminated Sign: Any sign supplied with light by an artificial source
• Indirect Illumination: Light source not seen directly
• Internal Illumination: Light source concealed within the sign, visible in darkness through a translucent surface

Illumination Restrictions

Several important restrictions apply to illuminated signs:

• Curfew Requirements:
• Ground-mounted illuminated signs must be turned off at 10:00 p.m.
• Wall-mounted internally illuminated signs must be turned off at 10:00 p.m.
• Light Intensity:
• Light sources must not be bright enough to constitute a hazard to pedestrians or motorists
• Illumination must be shielded to prevent casting more than 2 foot-candles on neighboring properties
• Awning and Canopy Signs:
• If illuminated, the lighting source must be concealed from view

Prohibited Illumination

The following illumination types are expressly prohibited:

• Bare bulb illumination
• Flame as a source of light
• Flashing signs (except those showing information like time, temperature, etc.)
• Illuminated tubing/string lights outlining property lines, rooflines, doors, windows, etc. when causing glare
• Signs that block windows, doors, fire escapes, or other openings intended to provide light

Construction and Safety Lighting

Construction Site Requirements

Safety lighting is mandatory for construction sites:

• Excavations and Construction: Any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction must be protected by suitable barricades and warning lights at night
• Purpose: To ensure the condition will not prove dangerous to life or limb

Utility Infrastructure

The code also addresses lighting infrastructure:

• Underground Requirements: All utility lines for telephone, electric service, and street lights should be placed underground (with specific exceptions)
• Maintenance Access: Adequate lighting must be provided for maintenance of backflow prevention devices

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Park Lighting

New Carlisle permits extended use of parks through lighting:

• Extended Hours: Lighting may be added to areas like tennis courts to permit use after dusk
• Signage Required: Areas with lighting must have proper signage stating specific hours of operation

Permit Applications

When applying for conditional use permits, lighting details must be included:

• Site Plans: Must show location and height of all lighting fixtures
• Impact Assessment: Must evaluate the effect of light and glare on adjoining properties

Supporting New Carlisle's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares New Carlisle's commitment to honoring historical character while embracing practical modern solutions. We understand the delicate balance communities like New Carlisle maintain between preserving their historical ambiance and providing adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

Our experience with similar communities throughout Ohio has given us insight into the unique challenges faced by historically significant towns. We appreciate New Carlisle's efforts to maintain its distinctive small-town atmosphere while ensuring well-lit, safe environments for residents and visitors.

As a regional partner, we value the opportunity to serve as an educational resource on lighting regulations, helping property owners understand requirements and identify solutions that respect both code compliance and community character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and the historical context of communities like New Carlisle informs our approach to lighting consultation.

We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with New Carlisle's vision for its future - one that honors its past while meeting present-day needs.

Conclusion

New Carlisle's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. From specific footcandle requirements for commercial spaces to time restrictions on illuminated signs, these regulations create a framework for respectful, effective lighting throughout the community.

Property owners should pay particular attention to light trespass limitations, illumination curfews, and specific requirements for their property type. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and business owners contribute to preserving New Carlisle's distinctive atmosphere and historical significance.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, thoughtful lighting choices that comply with local regulations help maintain the community's character for generations to come.