Lighting Regulations in Poland, Ohio: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the Connecticut Western Reserve, Poland, Ohio boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1798 by Turhand Kirtland. With landmarks like the "Little Red School House" museum from 1858, Poland takes great pride in preserving its historical character and small-town atmosphere.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects this commitment to historical preservation while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These regulations help maintain Poland's distinctive charm that has evolved since Jonathan Fowler constructed the area's first grist mill on Yellow Creek in 1802.

As we explore Poland's lighting requirements, we'll see how they balance modern needs with respect for the community's historical heritage and environmental values.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Poland, Ohio:

• Street Lamps:
• Hinckley "Village Series" or equivalent approved by Architectural Review Board
• Placed 60 feet apart on inside of sidewalks
• 70-watt, 120-volt, black fixtures on 10-foot poles
• Operating Hours:
• Guest house exterior lighting restricted after 10:30 p.m. (ingress/egress only)
• Sign lighting prohibited between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Safety Requirements:
• Construction sites require warning lights at night
• Parking areas used after dark must be illuminated
• Restrictions:
• No flashing or moving illumination
• Construction signs cannot be illuminated
• Signs cannot be internally illuminated

Street Lighting Standards

Approved Fixtures and Placement

Poland maintains specific standards for street lighting to preserve its historical character. The village requires:

• Approved lamp posts placed on the inside of sidewalks
• Spacing of 60 feet on center
• Manufacturer: Hinckley, in the "Village Series" (or equivalent approved by the Architectural Review Board)

Technical Specifications

The designated street lamp components include:

• Post top: #779-11-blk-HPS-70-120VC (70 watts, 120 volts, black in color)
• Pole: #749-10-blk (10 feet in height, black)
• Cross arm: #70007-blk (black)
• GFI: #70200 (ground fault plug at the base of pole)

Historical Context

These specific requirements align with Poland's commitment to maintaining its historical aesthetic. The village has a documented history of careful lighting planning, as evidenced by Resolution 623-73 from 1973, which amended an agreement with Ohio Edison Co. to replace wooden poles with steel poles and modify "the lumen on certain lights."

Lighting Hour Restrictions

Residential Considerations

In residential areas, Poland has established restrictions to maintain neighborhood tranquility:

• For guest houses, outside activities must cease at 10:00 p.m.
• After 10:30 p.m., only lighting for ingress and egress is permitted

Sign Illumination Hours

Businesses must adhere to specific hours for sign illumination:

• Sign lighting is prohibited between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• These restrictions help preserve the village's peaceful nighttime environment

Commercial and Business Lighting

Sign Illumination Standards

Poland maintains specific standards for business signage lighting:

• Signs shall not be internally illuminated and must be approved by the Architectural Review Board
• All lighting providing illumination to signage shall be adequately shielded and properly directed
• Businesses may place one interior lighted window sign bearing the word "open"

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following types of lighting are expressly forbidden:

• No flashing illumination is permitted
• No illumination involving movement or causing the illusion of movement
• Construction signs shall not be illuminated

Safety and Functional Requirements

Construction Site Safety

Poland's code emphasizes safety with specific lighting requirements for construction:

• Construction sites, excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• These measures ensure that such conditions will not "reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb"
• It is prohibited to destroy, remove, damage or extinguish any warning light placed for public protection

Parking Area Illumination

For public safety, Poland requires:

• Parking areas used during non-daylight hours shall be illuminated to avoid accidents
• Lighting must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties and rights-of-way
• This ensures both safety for users and consideration for neighbors

Conditional Use Considerations

Avoiding Light Nuisances

Poland's zoning code recognizes potential impacts of lighting:

• No conditional use shall be allowed which would be detrimental to persons, property, or general welfare by reason of glare (among other factors)
• In Residential District One, conditional uses must be designed to avoid undue light and other nuisances

Balance of Needs

These regulations reflect Poland's commitment to balancing:

• Public safety through adequate illumination
• Neighborhood tranquility by preventing light trespass
• Historical character through appropriate fixture selection

Supporting Poland's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Poland's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern technology. We understand the unique balance that communities like Poland strive to achieve between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to appreciate Poland's careful approach to lighting regulations. These standards preserve the village's small-town atmosphere while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

As lighting professionals with deep ties to Northeast Ohio, we value the opportunity to serve as a resource for communities seeking to maintain their distinctive character through thoughtful lighting choices. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Poland's vision for balanced development and preservation.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When considering lighting for your property in Poland, remember:

• Consult early with the Architectural Review Board for appropriate fixture selection
• Consider operating hours and ensure lighting can be adjusted accordingly
• Focus on directed light that won't spill over to neighboring properties

Common Questions

Property owners often ask:

• "Can I use any black lamp post?" No, lamp posts must be Hinckley "Village Series" or equivalent approved by the ARB
• "Do lighting restrictions apply to all properties?" Different requirements apply to residential, commercial, and conditional uses
• "What about holiday lighting?" The extracts do not specifically address holiday or temporary decorative lighting

Conclusion

Poland, Ohio's lighting regulations reflect the community's deep commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From the specified Hinckley "Village Series" lamp posts to restrictions on operating hours and illumination types, these standards help maintain the village's distinctive charm.

Property owners should work closely with village officials when planning lighting installations to ensure compliance with these regulations. By doing so, they contribute to Poland's ongoing legacy as a community that successfully balances growth with preservation of its historical and aesthetic integrity.

For residents and businesses alike, understanding these lighting requirements is an important part of participating in Poland's vision for a community that honors its past while embracing its future.