Lighting Regulations in Newton Falls, Ohio: Understanding the Requirements for Property Owners

Introduction

Newton Falls, Ohio, with its rich history dating back to 1872, has evolved from the original Duck Creek Settlement established by Alexander and Sarah Sutherland into the community we know today. As the town has fluctuated between village and city status over the years, it has maintained a commitment to balancing development needs with historical preservation.

The lighting regulations in Newton Falls reflect this balance – ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality while preserving the community's character. These standards have been shaped by the town's unique geography along the West Branch of the Mahoning River and its economic foundation in manufacturing, education, healthcare, and the arts.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Street Lighting Installation: Required in all residential subdivisions at entrances and intersections
• Maximum Distance Between Street Lights: 300 feet
• Maximum Light Levels:
• Property Line: 0.5 foot-candle
• Parking Areas: 10.0 foot-candle
• Under Gas Canopy: 30.0 foot-candle
• Adjacent to Residential Districts: 0.0 foot-candle at property line
• Lighting Adjacent to Residential Properties:
• Unshielded lights: Maximum height of 6 feet with maximum illumination of 0.2 foot-candles at lot line
• Shielded lights: Maximum height of 15 feet with maximum illumination of 0.3 foot-candles at lot line
• Sign Illumination:
• Internal illumination: Maximum 3 foot-candles measured 10 feet from sign face
• External illumination: Maximum 20 foot-candles at any point on sign face
• No illumination between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless business is open

Street Lighting Requirements

Installation Standards

Street lighting in Newton Falls follows specific guidelines to ensure consistent illumination throughout the community. According to city policy, street lights may only be placed on existing City electric poles.

For new residential subdivisions, developers are required to install street lights in accordance with city standards and specifications. The subdivider must contact the City Manager to receive specific specifications for street lights.

Placement Requirements

Street lights must be strategically located for optimal coverage and safety:

• Required at each entrance to the subdivision (streets and walkways)
• Required at each street intersection within the subdivision
• Additional street lights must be installed if the distance between adjacent lights would exceed 300 feet

Underground Wiring

All wiring for new subdivision street and walkway lighting must be installed underground. This requirement may be waived only in cases where the City Engineer determines that topography, bedrock, or underground water conditions would result in excessive costs to the developer.

Tree Maintenance for Visibility

Trees on properties bordering streets must be pruned so they do not obstruct or shade street lights. The City has the right to prune trees that block street lights without providing written notice to property owners.

Outdoor Security Lighting

Service Availability

Newton Falls offers outdoor security lighting service to consumers through the City Utility under specific conditions:

• Available only where standard lighting units can be installed on existing utility poles
• No extensions or additions to existing secondary or primary distribution facilities required
• Service provided only on a 12-month year-round basis

Installation and Ownership

The City Utility handles all aspects of security lighting fixtures:

• Lighting fixtures are installed, owned, operated, and maintained by the Utility
• If additional facilities are required, the consumer must pay the total installation cost in advance
• Any relocation of lighting units must be paid for by the consumer

Available Fixture Types and Rates

The Utility offers several lighting options:

Mercury Vapor Fixtures:

• 175-Watt: $9.00 per month
• 400-Watt: $12.00 per month
• 1,000-Watt: $20.00 per month

High Pressure Sodium Fixtures:

• 150-Watt: $9.00 per month
• 250-Watt: $10.00 per month
• 400-Watt: $12.00 per month

All lighting units are photo-electric controlled to provide dusk-to-dawn operation year-round (approximately 4,000 hours per year).

General Property Lighting Standards

Light Trespass Prevention

Newton Falls has established specific regulations to prevent light trespass and minimize the impact of lighting on neighboring properties:

• Light sources must be concealed so they cannot be viewed from adjacent properties
• The Planning Commission may require shields for light fixtures
• Lighting must not cause glare or unnecessary diffusion that impairs traffic safety
• Light fixtures must direct illumination into parking areas rather than outward

Maximum Illumination Levels

Different areas of properties have specific maximum illumination levels:

• Property Line: 0.5 foot-candle
• Parking Areas: 10.0 foot-candle
• Under Gas Canopy: 30.0 foot-candle
• If adjacent to a residential district: 0.0 foot-candle at the property line

Special Requirements for Residential-Adjacent Properties

Properties adjacent to residential zones have additional restrictions:

• Unshielded lights: Maximum height of 6 feet with maximum illumination of 0.2 foot-candles at lot line
• Shielded lights: Maximum height of 15 feet with maximum illumination of 0.3 foot-candles at lot line
• Shielded lights must ensure illumination doesn't shine directly above a line parallel to the ground

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

Newton Falls carefully regulates illuminated signs to balance visibility with aesthetic concerns:

• Flickering or flashing lights are prohibited (except for temporary holiday decorations)
• External illumination must be designed to prevent glare and minimize light trespass
• No sign illumination between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless the business is open

Specifications for Internally Illuminated Signs

• Maximum illumination: 3 foot-candles measured 10 feet from the sign face
• Must be factory-set to not exceed maximum brightness
• Must be equipped with a reduced intensity nighttime setting device activated by photocell or timer

Specifications for Externally Illuminated Signs

• Maximum illumination: 20 foot-candles at any point on the sign face
• Must be designed to prevent glare and minimize light trespass
• Light source must not be visible from adjoining residential properties or vehicles

Electronic Message Signs

• Permitted only in Commercial or Mixed Use Districts
• Each message must remain fixed for at least 8 seconds
• No flashing, animation, or intermittent light
• Message changes must occur in 3 seconds or less
• No message changes between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Must automatically adjust to ambient light conditions
• Must have default design to freeze or go dark if malfunction occurs

Special Purpose Lighting

Recreational Facilities

• Game courts and swimming pools must have proper shielding from glare
• Public utility buildings must be enclosed with screening against light and other nuisances

Wireless Communication Towers

• Towers under 150 feet shall not be artificially lighted (except for safety or FAA requirements)
• Towers between 150-200 feet must follow FAA safety marking and obstruction lighting standards
• Security lighting is permitted around equipment shelters

What Property Owners Should Know

Lighting Plan Requirements

If you're developing property in Newton Falls, be aware of these requirements:

• All residential development with 5+ lots/units requires an approved exterior lighting plan
• All non-residential development requires an approved exterior lighting plan
• Smaller residential developments (fewer than 5 units) must comply with standards but don't need to submit formal plans

Energy Conservation Considerations

During energy conservation emergencies, all non-essential outdoor lighting must be eliminated. Consider designing your lighting with energy efficiency in mind:

• Use timers or motion sensors for lighting that isn't needed all night
• Consider LED options for energy efficiency
• Ensure all outdoor lighting not necessary for security is reduced during non-operating hours

Maintenance Requirements

Proper maintenance of lighting is required:

• Unsafe buildings with inadequate light must be addressed as they constitute a serious hazard
• All existing lighting must comply with regulations upon transfer of property ownership
• All lighting must comply with regulations when fixtures are replaced

Supporting Newton Falls' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character and needs of communities like Newton Falls. We appreciate the balance that Newton Falls strives to maintain between modern lighting needs and preserving its historical character along the Mahoning River.

As a regional manufacturer with deep understanding of local architectural styles, Bock Lighting shares Newton Falls' commitment to thoughtful development that respects community heritage. We recognize the importance of lighting regulations that enhance safety while minimizing light pollution and energy waste.

Our experience with communities throughout Northeast Ohio has taught us the value of lighting solutions that complement rather than detract from a town's unique character. We're committed to supporting Newton Falls residents and businesses by providing education about lighting regulations and helping to implement solutions that maintain the community's distinctive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Newton Falls' lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful approach to illumination that balances safety, functionality, and preservation of community character. The requirements for street lighting, security fixtures, and sign illumination ensure adequate light levels while preventing light trespass that could negatively impact neighboring properties.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the specific illumination levels permitted for different applications and the special requirements for properties adjacent to residential areas. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to a well-lit community that respects Newton Falls' historical character and natural beauty.

Whether you're planning a new development, updating existing lighting, or simply wanting to ensure compliance with local ordinances, these guidelines provide the foundation for lighting that meets both regulatory requirements and community standards.