Lighting Regulations in Parma Heights, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Community Character

Introduction

Nestled in Cuyahoga County, Parma Heights has evolved from its rural roots into a vibrant suburban community that values both its historical character and modern development needs. Since its establishment as a village in 1911, Parma Heights has maintained a commitment to orderly community development—a commitment that began with the introduction of natural gas and electric utilities in 1915.

Today, the city's lighting regulations reflect this balanced approach, ensuring properties are well-lit for safety while respecting the aesthetic character of the community. These regulations didn't emerge in isolation—they're part of Parma Heights' broader vision of maintaining community character while meeting modern needs, as reflected in the city's master plan developed with local stakeholder input.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a snapshot of the most critical lighting regulations in Parma Heights:

• Residential Exterior Lighting:
• Single-family and two-family dwellings must have an exterior light mounted on a post in the front yard
• Lights must be at least 54 inches from grade and 5 feet from building foundations
• Apartment buildings require one exterior pole light for every 60 feet of frontage
• Parking Area Requirements:
• Must be illuminated when public street lights are lit and buildings served are in operation
• Light sources must be shielded from adjoining residential districts
• Flickering, moving, or intermittent illumination is prohibited
• Sign Illumination:
• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• No flashing or moving illumination permitted
• Real estate signs in residential districts cannot be illuminated
• Commercial Properties:
• Lighting plans require Planning Commission approval
• Car dealership outdoor lighting permitted only 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Lights must minimize glare and illumination impacts on adjoining properties

Residential Lighting Standards

Required Exterior Fixtures

Parma Heights places specific requirements on exterior lighting for residential properties to ensure adequate illumination for safety and visibility:

• Single-Family and Two-Family Dwellings:
• Must install an exterior electric or gas light on a post/pole in the front yard
• Light must be positioned at least 54 inches above grade
• Light must be at least 5 feet from the dwelling's foundation
• Multi-Family Requirements:
• Apartment buildings must have exterior lighting on posts/poles
• One light required for each 60 feet of frontage (or fraction thereof)
• Building Inspector must approve light pole locations
• Same height requirements apply (minimum 54 inches from grade)

Electrical Considerations

All electrical work, both interior and exterior, must be performed in accordance with Chapter 97 of the Regional Dwelling House Code. Proper installation ensures both compliance and safety for residents.

Commercial and Business District Lighting

Planning Commission Oversight

Commercial properties in Parma Heights face additional scrutiny to ensure their lighting doesn't negatively impact surrounding areas:

• All exterior site and building lighting must receive Planning Commission approval
• Designs must minimize glare and light intrusion upon abutting areas, especially residential zones
• Development plans must include locations of site lighting for review

Special Business Types

Car Dealerships

• Outdoor lighting permitted only between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
• Minimum security lighting permitted during off-hours when determined necessary by Director of Public Safety
• Display area lighting requires specific Planning Commission approval

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

• Must provide adequate exterior lighting for visual monitoring
• Security plan must include a lighting plan showing illumination of:
• Interior
• Facade
• Adjoining sidewalks
• Parking areas
• Immediate surrounding areas
• Plan must demonstrate how lighting will deflect away from adjacent properties

Sexually Oriented Businesses

• Premises must maintain illumination of not less than one foot-candle at floor level
• Adequate exterior lighting required for visual monitoring to prevent loitering
• All lighting must be maintained when patrons are present

Parking Area Illumination Requirements

General Standards

Parking lighting strikes a balance between safety and consideration for adjacent properties:

• Parking areas must be thoroughly illuminated when public street lights are lit
• Illumination continues while the buildings served are in operation
• Light sources must be shielded from adjoining Class A and B districts and streets
• Excessive brightness is prohibited
• Flickering, moving, or intermittent illumination is not permitted

Buffer Requirements

For parking areas located near residential zones:

• A 10-foot side yard must be maintained as a landscaped area when parking is adjacent to residential districts
• A buffer designed to diffuse noise and light must be constructed within this area
• Buffer types, structural features, and landscaping require Planning Commission approval

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Parma Heights carefully regulates sign lighting to maintain aesthetic quality while preventing hazards:

• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Brightness must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• No flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination is permitted
• No revolving, rotating, whirling, or spinning elements allowed
• Strings of lights cannot be used to attract attention unless part of a permanent sign

Restrictions by Sign Type

• Real Estate Signs: Cannot be illuminated in residential districts
• Temporary Signs: Cannot be illuminated except by variance from Board of Zoning Appeals
• Subdivision Identification Signs: If illuminated, must comply with Section 1383.06

Special Property Types and Requirements

Swimming Pools

• If artificial lighting is used at night, lights cannot operate after 10:30 p.m. if pool is within 200 feet of any dwelling
• Lights must be shielded to direct light on the pool only

Telecommunications Towers

• Towers under 150 feet shall not be artificially lit except for safety or FAA requirements
• Towers between 150-200 feet must follow FAA safety marking and obstruction lighting requirements
• Security lighting is permitted around equipment shelters
• No lighting fixtures may be attached to antennas or towers except as required by law or for public safety

Emergency Lighting

• Required for:
• Rooms with capacity of 100+ persons
• Businesses open to public after sundown
• Apartment houses
• Institutional occupancies
• Must provide illumination without delay of exit paths
• System must automatically transfer to backup when primary system fails

Supporting Parma Heights' Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character—a value we share with Parma Heights. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the city's thoughtful approach to development that respects its historical character.

Parma Heights' lighting regulations reflect a community that values both safety and aesthetics. As lighting professionals familiar with the region's architectural styles and community needs, we recognize how proper lighting contributes to neighborhood character while meeting practical requirements.

We serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating compliance with local regulations, offering expertise that helps maintain the distinctive character of communities like Parma Heights. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the city's balanced approach to development and preservation.

Through our local presence, we've developed an understanding of Northeast Ohio communities and their unique standards, allowing us to better support residents and businesses in enhancing their properties while respecting community guidelines.

Conclusion

Parma Heights' lighting regulations thoughtfully balance the need for adequate illumination with respect for neighborhood character and adjacent properties. From residential pole lights to commercial parking area requirements, these standards ensure that lighting enhances safety without creating nuisances.

Property owners should carefully review these requirements before installing or modifying lighting systems, particularly for commercial properties requiring Planning Commission approval. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to a well-lit, attractive community that honors Parma Heights' commitment to balanced development.

Whether illuminating a home, business, or special-use property, these regulations help create a cohesive community appearance while ensuring practical lighting for safety and visibility—truly reflecting the city's broader vision of maintaining its character while meeting modern needs.