Lighting Regulations in Reading, Ohio: Balancing History, Safety, and Community Character

Introduction

Founded in 1797 by Abraham Voorhees, Reading, Ohio has carefully preserved its historical character while adapting to modern needs. The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance—maintaining the aesthetic integrity of its historic districts while ensuring safety and functionality.

Reading's lighting regulations serve multiple purposes: they protect the community's visual character, prevent light pollution, ensure safety, and maintain the unique small-town atmosphere that makes Reading special despite being part of the larger Cincinnati metropolitan area.

Quick Reference Guide to Reading's Lighting Regulations

Critical lighting requirements for property owners:

• Full cutoff fixtures required for all parking area lighting
• Light reflection must be directed away from adjoining properties
• Maximum pole height of 20 feet for parking lots with 50 or fewer vehicles
• Warning lights required for excavations (red or amber illuminated lamps)
• Sign illumination restrictions - no flashing lights, specific rules by sign type
• No internal illumination allowed for certain signage
• Minimum illumination of one foot-candle required for certain commercial properties
• Trees must be trimmed to avoid obstructing street lamps

Purpose of Lighting Regulations in Reading

Preserving Community Character

Reading's regulations aim to protect the "health, safety and welfare of the community through the reduction of noise, air and visual pollution, and artificial light glare" (§ 1276.01). This reflects the city's commitment to maintaining its historical character while accommodating contemporary needs.

Balancing Safety with Aesthetics

The regulations strike a balance between providing adequate illumination for safety while preventing light pollution that could detract from Reading's small-town charm. Special attention is given to preventing glare that could interfere with traffic safety or disturb residential areas.

Supporting Historical Preservation

With roots dating back to 1797, Reading values its architectural heritage. Lighting regulations help ensure that modern lighting practices don't detract from the historical significance of the city's buildings and districts.

Excavation and Construction Lighting Requirements

Warning Light Standards

Construction sites and excavations in Reading must follow specific lighting protocols:

• Minimum requirements: "At least two illuminated red or amber lamps which shall be securely and conspicuously posted on, at or near each end of such excavation or obstruction" (§ 1026.06)
• Additional lighting: For excavations exceeding 50 feet, "at least one additional lamp shall be installed for each additional 50 feet or portion thereof"
• Timing: Must be maintained "at all times during the night"

Safety Barricades and Warnings

Property owners must ensure that any construction, excavation, or repair work is "adequately protected by suitable barricades and guarded by warning devices or lights at night" (§ 660.09). This requirement helps protect public safety while work is in progress.

Tree Maintenance Requirements

Preserving Street Lighting Effectiveness

Reading requires property owners to maintain trees to ensure street lighting remains effective:

• "Every owner of property abutting on a street of the city shall keep the trees along the sidewalk fronting or abutting on his or her property trimmed in such a manner as not to obstruct light from street lamps" (§ 1024.01)
• Tree branches must be trimmed to avoid interference with "the installation or maintenance electrical wires"
• The branches of all trees near public lamps must be trimmed to allow "free passage of light from such lamps to the street and sidewalks"

Commercial Development Lighting Requirements

Planning Requirements

Businesses and developers in Reading must submit detailed lighting plans for approval:

• Development plans must include "roadway, parking, and pedestrian lighting plans with lighting fixture types, heights and designs"
• Special attention to landscaping plans must include "special lighting fixtures"
• Signage plans must include "lighting method (if any), message, and design layout"

Light Trespass Prevention

Commercial developments must design lighting to minimize impact on neighboring properties:

• Reflection control: Lighting must be "arranged as to reflect the light away from the adjoining property"
• Installation standards: Lighting fixtures serving off-street loading spaces must meet specific standards
• BZA considerations: The Board of Zoning Appeals evaluates whether a proposed use will be "objectionable to adjacent and surrounding uses by reason of... glare"

Parking Area Lighting Specifications

General Requirements

Reading has established clear guidelines for parking area illumination:

• Nighttime use: "Any parking area for five or more vehicles, which is intended to be used during non-daylight hours, shall be illuminated"
• Light direction: "Any lights used to illuminate an off-street parking area shall be so arranged as to reflect the light away from the adjoining property"

Technical Specifications

• Fixture type: "All lighting fixtures serving off-street parking areas shall be of full cutoff fixtures"
• Shielding requirement: "Shielding shall obstruct a line of sight to the bulb with an opaque material when viewed from the property line"
• Height restrictions: "Light poles used in lots designed to contain 50 vehicles or less shall not exceed 20 feet in height"

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Illumination Rules

Reading's sign regulations include specific provisions for illumination:

• Safety focus: "Sign illumination shall be designed and placed so as not to cause glare which may result in traffic hazards" (§ 1290.10)
• Residential protection: Illumination must not "interfere with the customary use of nearby residences"
• No flashing lights: "Flashing or intermittent external illumination shall not be permitted"

Sign-Specific Rules

Different types of signs have specific illumination restrictions:

• Bulletin boards: "Indirect illumination shall be permitted"
• Projecting signs: "Indirect illumination is permitted, internally illuminated signs are not permitted"
• Certain signage: "Signage shall not be internally illuminated"

Home Occupation Signs

For home-based businesses, Reading permits only:

• "One unlighted sign of not more than one square foot in area, attached flat against the building" (§ 1282.06)

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Teen Clubs

Teen clubs have specific safety lighting requirements:

• "Adequate lighting shall be provided in all parking areas and at all entrances and exits of the teen club"
• "A lighting plan is to be provided upon submission of an application for a permit"

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These businesses must:

• "Illuminate the premise entries and off-street areas from dusk until closing"
• Provide "a minimum horizontal illumination of one foot-candle of light on the parking surface and walkways"

Wireless and Cellular Telecommunications

Reading restricts lighting on telecommunications infrastructure:

• "Lights, beacons, or strobes of any kind shall not be permitted on any tower, antenna, or facilities unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration"
• "Telecommunication towers are discouraged from locating in areas which would require special painting or lighting by the FAA regulations"

Supporting Reading's Lighting Vision

A Community-Based Approach to Lighting

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Reading's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern technology. Our team understands the unique balance that Reading seeks to maintain between its rich historical heritage dating back to 1797 and the contemporary lighting needs of residents and businesses.

Understanding Local Architectural Context

Reading's mix of architectural styles from different historical periods requires lighting solutions that complement—rather than detract from—the city's visual character. Bock Lighting's experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to appreciate Reading's approach to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Educational Resources for Property Owners

As a community partner, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for Reading property owners navigating the city's lighting regulations. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Reading's vision of reducing light pollution while maintaining the character that makes the city special.

Conclusion

Reading, Ohio's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From construction warning lights to commercial development standards, these regulations help maintain Reading's unique charm as a historic community within the Cincinnati metropolitan area.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements for full cutoff fixtures, light trespass prevention, and specific illumination standards for different types of properties and uses. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and business owners contribute to Reading's distinctive visual character and quality of life.

By balancing modern lighting needs with respect for historical architecture and community character, Reading continues its tradition of thoughtful development that honors its past while looking toward the future.