Lighting Regulations in Newark, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction: Illuminating Newark's Rich Heritage

Founded in 1802, Newark, Ohio boasts a remarkable historical legacy visible throughout its architecture and urban landscape. From the ancient Newark Earthworks—a National Historic Landmark of prehistoric Native American origin—to the vibrant historic town square lined with family-operated businesses spanning generations, Newark's character is defined by its commitment to preserving the past while embracing the future.

This balance between heritage and progress is reflected in Newark's approach to lighting regulations. As the largest city in Licking County with approximately 50,000 residents, Newark has developed lighting standards that protect its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses alike.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a quick overview of Newark's essential lighting regulations:

• Pool lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjacent properties
• Parking areas must have lighting arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential districts
• No direct or reflected glare is permitted that's visible from adjoining properties or public streets
• Adult businesses require minimum lighting of 30 lux horizontal, measured at 30 inches from floor
• Street lighting in new subdivisions must undergo engineering studies by local utility companies
• Industrial properties must use landscaping and woodlands as buffers to screen lighting
• Construction sites must provide warning lights at night for safety

Residential Lighting Requirements

Pool Area Illumination Standards

For homeowners with swimming pools, Newark's code includes specific provisions regarding lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate pool areas must be arranged to deflect light away from adjacent properties. This requirement helps maintain neighborly relations while still allowing for safe nighttime pool use.

Preventing Light Trespass

A general principle throughout Newark's regulations is the prevention of unwanted light spillover. The code specifically prohibits direct or reflected glare that would be visible from adjoining properties or public roadways. The Zoning Inspector has authority to determine if security lighting is creating objectionable glare that requires mitigation.

Natural Buffers for Light Control

The city encourages the use of natural elements for light management. Chapter 1292 specifically mentions the role of trees and plantings in reducing light glare, highlighting Newark's preference for natural solutions to lighting challenges where possible.

Commercial & Industrial Lighting Standards

Parking Area Illumination

Commercial developments must carefully design their parking lot lighting. The code specifies that any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises in any R-District. This protects residential neighborhoods from commercial light pollution.

Industrial Property Requirements

Industrial developments face additional requirements for lighting control. The code mandates that industrial uses and parcels be developed with park-like surroundings utilizing landscaping and woodlands as buffers to screen lighting. This approach maintains Newark's aesthetic values even in industrial zones.

Specialized Businesses

Newark has established particularly detailed lighting requirements for adult entertainment businesses:

• Sufficient lighting must be equally distributed throughout public areas
• Minimum lighting level of 30 lux horizontal, measured at 30 inches from the floor on 10-foot centers
• Lighting must be adequate to make all objects plainly visible at all times
• These requirements serve both safety and regulatory enforcement purposes

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Types of Illuminated Signs

Newark's code provides clear definitions for different types of illuminated signage:

• Illuminated Sign: Any sign illuminated by electricity, gas or other artificial light
• Externally Illuminated Sign: Signs illuminated primarily by light directed toward or across it, or by backlighting from a source not within the sign
• Internally Illuminated Sign: Signs whose light source is located in the interior, projecting through the face, or attached to the face as a design element

While specific illumination standards aren't detailed in the provided extracts, these definitions establish the framework for sign lighting in the city.

Development & Infrastructure Requirements

Street Lighting in New Subdivisions

Developers creating new subdivisions have specific lighting obligations. Street luminaries (street lights) must be installed by the subdivider on all streets within the subdivision. The number, location, and type of these lights isn't arbitrary—they must be determined through an engineering study performed by either The Ohio Power Company or Licking Rural Electric, depending on service area, and approved by the City Planning Officer.

Construction Site Safety Lighting

During construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration of buildings or structures, proper lighting is a safety requirement. Sites must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night to prevent dangerous conditions.

Supporting Newark's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands and appreciates Newark's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring modern safety and functionality through appropriate lighting standards.

The balance Newark strikes between historical preservation and modern development aligns with Bock Lighting's own values of respecting architectural heritage while providing cutting-edge illumination solutions. Our team has extensive experience working with communities like Newark that value their distinctive character and historic landmarks.

We believe that thoughtful lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting architectural details and enhancing community spaces while respecting dark sky principles and preventing light trespass. As Newark continues to grow and evolve, maintaining its character through appropriate lighting will remain essential to preserving its unique sense of place.

Our commitment to understanding regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a valuable resource for Newark residents and businesses seeking to navigate local lighting regulations while honoring the city's historic charm.

What Property Owners Should Know

Navigating Compliance

If you're a property owner in Newark, keeping these lighting principles in mind will help ensure compliance:

• Light containment is a consistent theme—keep your lighting on your property
• Natural screening with trees and landscaping is encouraged and often required
• Special uses like pools, parking lots, and industrial properties have specific requirements
• Construction projects require nighttime safety lighting
• When in doubt, consult with the Newark Zoning Inspector, especially regarding glare issues

Planning for Lighting Projects

Before installing or upgrading exterior lighting, consider:

• How will the lighting impact neighboring properties?
• Could landscape elements help screen or soften lighting effects?
• For commercial properties, are parking areas properly illuminated without affecting residential zones?
• Do specialized uses (like pools) have appropriate light deflection measures?

Conclusion

Newark's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its historic character. While not exhaustive, the city's approach focuses on preventing nuisance lighting, ensuring safety, and maintaining the aesthetic quality that makes Newark special.

The emphasis on natural buffers, light containment, and context-appropriate illumination creates a framework that allows for modern lighting needs while respecting the city's architectural heritage and residential quality of life. As Newark continues to grow and develop, these lighting principles will help ensure it remains both safe and true to its historic character.