Lighting Regulations in North Olmsted, Ohio: Balancing Modern Needs with Community Character

Introduction

North Olmsted, Ohio has transformed from its agricultural beginnings in the early 1800s to a vibrant suburban community of over 32,000 residents. Throughout this evolution, the city has maintained a careful balance between modern development and preservation of community character.

The city's approach to exterior lighting regulations reflects this balance, with requirements designed to provide adequate illumination for safety and functionality while preventing light pollution that could disturb residents or detract from the community's aesthetic appeal.

Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers in North Olmsted. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the city's lighting requirements based on the North Olmsted building code.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Lighting Requirements in North Olmsted:

• Full cut-off fixtures required for all exterior pole lighting in parking areas
• Light trespass must be zero footcandles at residential property lines
• Maximum illumination levels vary by area type (2.0 fc average for parking lots, 5.0 fc for pedestrian areas)
• Lighting plans with photometric data required for new installations or changes (except residential)
• Automatic dimming required for electronic message centers
• Fixture height limitations based on distance from residential properties
• Sign illumination restrictions include maximum brightness levels and time limitations

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Pollution

North Olmsted's regulations focus on minimizing light pollution in all its forms:

• Light fixtures must be installed to prevent light trespass and glare
• Full cut-off fixtures are required for all exterior pole lighting in parking areas
• All lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties and streets
• Canopy lighting must use recessed fixtures with flat lenses flush with the bottom surface
• No flickering or flashing lights permitted (except for temporary holiday decorations)

Required Lighting Plans

For any new lighting installation or changes to existing lighting (except single-family or two-family homes), property owners must submit:

• Site plan showing all exterior light fixture locations, controllers and transformers
• Specifications for all fixtures, poles, and appurtenances
• Photometric plan showing light levels in footcandles across the site
• Calculation summary showing minimum, maximum and average footcandles

Specialty Lighting Requirements

Special considerations apply to various lighting applications:

• Landscape and accent lighting requires approval from the reviewing authority
• Flag and statue illumination must use narrow beam cones that don't extend beyond the object
• Upward-directed architectural lighting must not be visible above the building roofline
• Security lighting may be required by the Planning and Design Commission

Illumination Level Standards

Maximum Light Levels By Area Type

North Olmsted specifies maximum illumination levels for different areas:

• Open parking lots:
• Maximum average: 2.0 footcandles
• Maximum at any point: 5.0 footcandles
• Sidewalks, entrances, pedestrian areas:
• Maximum average: 5.0 footcandles
• Maximum at any point: 12.5 footcandles
• Car dealership front row:
• Maximum average: 5.0 footcandles
• Maximum at any point: 12.5 footcandles
• Under service station canopy:
• Maximum average: 15.0 footcandles
• Maximum at any point: 20.0 footcandles

Light Trespass Restrictions

The code is clear about preventing light from affecting neighboring properties:

• Zero footcandles allowed at property lines abutting residential areas
• Even distribution of light required to avoid creating "hot spots"
• Light fixtures must not shine onto adjacent residential property or create glare on streets

Light Fixture Mounting Requirements

Height and Setback Limitations

The taller the light fixture, the further it must be from residential property lines:

• 10-foot pole height: Minimum 15 feet from residential property line
• 16-foot pole height: Minimum 30 feet from residential property line
• 20-foot pole height: Minimum 40 feet from residential property line
• 30-foot pole height: Minimum 180 feet from residential property line

Safety Features

Specific structural requirements apply to light poles:

• Concrete pedestals (minimum 30 inches high) required for all light poles in or within 5 feet of parking lots
• Lower mounting heights may be required if adjoining grade is lower than developed grade

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

North Olmsted regulates how signs can be illuminated:

• Internal or external light sources permitted, with restrictions
• No visible light source from pedestrian view or surrounding properties
• Internal lighting must have translucent or solid covers
• External lighting must have solid shields

Brightness Limitations

Signs must adhere to specific brightness limits:

• Maximum luminance: 300 cd/m² (nits) generally
• Reduced maximum: 150 cd/m² when within 100 feet of residential areas
• Light increase limit: No more than 3.0 lux above ambient light levels within 30 feet of sign

Timing Restrictions

Certain signs face timing limitations:

• Signs near residential areas: May not be illuminated between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Electronic message centers: Must be turned off when the related business is closed

Special Considerations for Businesses

After-Hours Lighting Reduction

Businesses must manage lighting during non-business hours:

• Non-essential lighting must be turned off when the site is not occupied
• Facilities open between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.: Must implement a 50% reduction in lighting levels
• Dimming systems may be used but cannot reduce light levels more than 15% during normal business hours

Maintenance Requirements

Proper maintenance of lighting systems is required:

• All exterior lighting must be maintained and in good working condition
• Non-working lights must be promptly replaced
• Fixtures, poles and bases must be kept in good repair

Supporting North Olmsted's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares North Olmsted's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. As a local lighting manufacturer, we understand the unique challenges facing suburban communities that want to maintain their distinctive feel while providing safe, functional lighting.

Our team stays current with North Olmsted's lighting regulations and can serve as a resource for property owners seeking to understand and comply with local requirements. We appreciate North Olmsted's thoughtful approach to lighting that acknowledges both the town's historical evolution and its modern needs.

Like North Olmsted, Bock Lighting values the careful balance between illumination for safety and preventing light pollution that can affect residents' quality of life. Our expertise in full cutoff fixtures, appropriate illumination levels, and lighting that complements architectural styles can help maintain the character that makes North Olmsted special.

Conclusion

North Olmsted's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to providing safe, functional lighting while protecting residents from light pollution and preserving community character. Property owners should carefully review these requirements when planning lighting installations or modifications to ensure compliance.

Key takeaways include the need for full cutoff fixtures, specific illumination limits by area type, zero light trespass at residential property lines, and comprehensive lighting plans for new installations. With careful planning, lighting can enhance property functionality and safety while respecting neighbors and contributing to North Olmsted's community atmosphere.

For specific questions about your property, always consult with North Olmsted's planning department before beginning any lighting installation or modification project.