Lighting Regulations in Ontario, Ohio: What Property Owners Need to Know

Ontario, Ohio, a city with roots dating back to 1834, has evolved from a small settlement into a thriving community focused on growth and modernization. As the city has developed, particularly following significant expansion after the 1958 opening of the General Motors stamping plant, Ontario has implemented lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to balancing development with quality of life for residents.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Ontario:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Residential areas: Maximum 0.2 foot-candles horizontal, 0.8 foot-candles vertical
• Commercial & industrial areas: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles horizontal, 2.0 foot-candles vertical
• Maximum Height Restrictions:
• Residential districts: 20 feet
• Office & business districts: 28 feet
• Industrial districts: 30 feet
• Direction Requirements:
• Fixtures must be directed downward
• Up-lighting prohibited except for accent lighting
• Permitted Light Types: Incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, LED, or color-corrected high-pressure sodium

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Purpose & Applicability

Ontario's lighting regulations aim to prevent misdirected or excessive artificial light, reduce direct glare and light trespass, and maintain nighttime public safety and security. These rules apply to both permanently installed exterior light fixtures and temporary lighting installations throughout the city.

Fixture Requirements

When installing exterior lighting in Ontario, property owners must ensure:

• Light sources are completely concealed within opaque housing and not visible from any street
• Consistent lighting types are used for similar applications throughout a single site
• Electrical service to light fixtures is placed underground
• Uniform color temperature is maintained across a site, building, or development

Prohibited Lighting

Ontario explicitly prohibits several lighting practices:

• No flashing, blinking, laser, or moving lights are permitted
• No up-lighting (except for limited accent lighting for buildings, signs, and flagpoles)
• No light trespass beyond the maximum allowable levels at property lines

Specific Requirements by Property Type

Residential Properties

Residential lighting in Ontario faces the strictest limitations:

• Maximum height: 20 feet from natural grade
• Light trespass: Limited to 0.2 foot-candles horizontal at grade beyond property line
• Home businesses: Any signs must be non-illuminated and limited to 2 square feet

Commercial & Business Properties

For office and business district properties:

• Maximum height: 28 feet from natural grade
• Light trespass: Limited to 0.5 foot-candles horizontal at grade beyond property line
• Automatic timers required when adjacent to residential areas
• Parking lot lighting: Must be directed away from residential properties

Industrial Properties

Industrial lighting requirements include:

• Maximum height: 30 feet from natural grade
• Light trespass: Limited to 0.5 foot-candles horizontal at grade beyond property line
• Shielding required when adjacent to residential areas

Special Use Requirements

Several specific uses have additional requirements:

Automobile-Oriented Businesses

• Recessed ceiling fixtures required in canopies when within 500 feet of residential areas
• Maximum light intensity: 35 foot-candles measured at 3.5 feet above grade under canopies

Churches & Religious Facilities

• All exterior lighting must be shielded so as not to shine onto adjoining properties

Recreational Facilities

• Maximum mounting height: 80 feet (unless otherwise approved)
• Glare control package required (louvers, shields, or similar devices)
• No illumination after 11:00 p.m.
• Light trespass: Limited to 0.2 foot-candles at 150 feet beyond field/performance boundary

Sign Illumination Requirements

Ontario's sign illumination regulations (Section 1146.08) are quite specific:

• Permits required for all illuminated signs
• Only direct lighting is permitted
• No cone of light may be visible from streets or adjacent properties
• No animated, flashing, or intermittent illumination
• No illuminated signs allowed within 50 feet of residential zones
• No illuminated signs permitted in residential areas

Site Plan & Lighting Plan Requirements

For new developments requiring site plans, Ontario requires detailed lighting information:

• Location of all exterior fixtures
• Specifications and drawings for all fixture types
• Lamp wattage/lumens for all luminaries
• Cut sheets for proposed fixtures and poles
• Photometric plan showing illumination levels and light trespass

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Process

If you're planning a lighting installation or upgrade in Ontario:

1. Determine your zoning district to understand specific height and illumination limits
2. Consult Section 1145.09 of the Ontario code for detailed requirements
3. Prepare a lighting plan if your project requires site plan approval
4. Obtain necessary permits before installing illuminated signs

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be particularly careful about:

• Light trespass - The most common violation occurs when light spills onto neighboring properties
• Fixture heights - Exceeding maximum allowed heights based on your district
• Up-lighting - Generally prohibited except for specific accent applications
• Sign illumination - Especially problematic near residential areas

Supporting Ontario's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Ontario's commitment to balancing growth and modernization with community well-being. With deep understanding of the region's architectural styles and lighting needs, Bock appreciates Ontario's approach to lighting regulations that foster development while protecting quality of life.

As a local resource, Bock Lighting can help Ontario property owners navigate lighting regulations with expertise in:

• Regional architectural styles and appropriate lighting solutions
• Lighting designs that respect community character while meeting safety requirements
• Sustainable lighting practices aligned with Ontario's development goals
• Understanding of local regulatory requirements and compliance strategies

Our commitment to community education about lighting regulations stems from our belief that well-designed lighting enhances both safety and aesthetics while respecting neighboring properties.

Conclusion

Ontario's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to growth and modernization while maintaining quality of life for all residents. By establishing clear standards for light levels, fixture heights, and light trespass, the city ensures that development proceeds in a way that respects neighboring properties and preserves community character.

Property owners in Ontario should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing new lighting or modifying existing systems. By doing so, they can avoid potential compliance issues while contributing to the city's vision of balanced, responsible development.

For specific questions about your property's lighting compliance, contact the Ontario Planning Department for guidance on your particular situation.