Lighting Regulations in Reynoldsburg, Ohio: Balancing Heritage and Modern Development

Introduction

Reynoldsburg, Ohio—affectionately known as "The Birthplace of the Tomato"—has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1831 by James C. Reynolds. This suburban community within the Columbus metropolitan area has grown to approximately 40,000 residents while maintaining a delicate balance between preserving its agricultural heritage and embracing modern development.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance, designed to maintain Reynoldsburg's distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These regulations are particularly important in preserving the aesthetic integrity of areas connected to the city's agricultural legacy and historical landmarks, including sites associated with the Underground Railroad.

Quick Reference Guide to Reynoldsburg Lighting Regulations

• Exterior Illumination Limits:

• Maximum vertical surface illumination: 4 footcandles
• Average horizontal ground illumination: 3 footcandles maximum
• Property line adjacent to residential areas: 0.5 footcandles maximum

• Height Restrictions:

• Parking lot lighting: Maximum 20 feet above grade
• Pedestrian area lighting: Maximum 14 feet above grade

• Street Lighting Requirements:

• Standard spacing: 160-240 feet between lights
• Residential luminaire spacing: 125-160 feet between lights
• Installation pattern: Alternating on opposite sides of streets

• Special Business Requirements:

• Adult entertainment businesses: Minimum 2 footcandles at floor level
• Adult business parking areas: Minimum 1 footcandle average maintained illumination

Exterior Lighting Standards

Purpose and Applicability

Reynoldsburg's exterior lighting regulations aim to ensure adequate illumination for safety while preventing light trespass onto neighboring properties. These standards apply to all exterior site and building lighting, with exceptions for single-family and two-family dwellings.

Technical Requirements

The city has established clear technical parameters for exterior lighting:

• Illumination Limits:

• Vertical/angular roof surfaces: Maximum 4 footcandles
• Average horizontal ground illumination: Maximum 3 footcandles
• Property line adjacent to residential areas: Maximum 0.5 footcandles

• Fixture Requirements:

• Full cut-off fixtures required for security lighting
• Light fixtures must be shielded and aimed to direct illumination only to designated areas
• Canopy lighting must be recessed or flush-mounted to the canopy ceiling

Height and Design Considerations

The regulations establish clear height limitations to maintain the city's aesthetic character:

• Maximum heights:

• Parking lot lighting: 20 feet above grade
• Pedestrian area lighting: 14 feet above grade

• Design requirements:

• Parking lot lighting must direct light downward using cut-off type fixtures
• Lighting pole colors must complement building architecture
• Pedestrian areas require decorative low light fixtures
• Building illumination must be from concealed sources

Street Lighting Requirements

Installation and Spacing

Reynoldsburg maintains specific requirements for street lighting to ensure consistent illumination throughout the city:

• Spacing requirements:

• Standard street lights: 160-240 feet between poles
• Residential luminaires: 125-160 feet between poles

• Placement pattern:

• Lights must be installed alternating on opposite sides of the street

Technical Standards

The city has established specific technical requirements for street lighting infrastructure:

• All energy lines must be underground in new developing subdivisions • Residential areas must use residential luminaire and pedestal pole designs • Commercial corridors require "cobra light" pole and assembly designs, unless alternative styles are approved

Installation Timing and Responsibility

• Street lights must be installed and ready for use before final street acceptance • If installation cannot be completed prior to acceptance, a completion bond of 1.5 times the estimated cost is required • The city is responsible for securing energy and maintaining the lighting installations

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Commercial and Business Lighting

Reynoldsburg has specific lighting requirements for certain business types:

• Adult entertainment businesses:

• Interior illumination: Minimum 2 footcandles at floor level
• Parking areas: Minimum 1 footcandle average maintained illumination
• Permit applications must include overhead lighting fixture diagrams

Sign Lighting Regulations

Sign illumination is regulated based on zoning districts:

• Residential zones (SR and RM):

• SR zones: No sign lighting permitted
• RM zones: Only exterior illuminated and gooseneck lighting permitted

• Olde Reynoldsburg Commercial District (ORD-C):

• Permitted lighting types: exterior illuminated, gooseneck, shadow lit, and bulb surround lighting
• Monument signs in the public right-of-way: Cannot be internally illuminated

• General sign illumination requirements:

• Illumination must not create safety hazards for vehicular movement
• Light sources must be shielded from beaming directly onto adjacent lots or streets

Additional Considerations

Tree Maintenance for Street Lights

Property owners must maintain trees and vegetation near street lights:

• Trees that obstruct light from public street lights are considered "dangerous" • Branches of trees, shrubs, or hedges must be trimmed to not obstruct light to public areas

Excavation Safety Lighting

• Excavations must be guarded by warning lights at night to prevent danger • It is prohibited to remove, damage, or extinguish any warning lights placed for public protection

What Property Owners Should Know

Permitting

Property owners should be aware of the following permitting requirements:

• Electrical pole-based lighting permits cost $100 plus $25 per pole • Lighting plans must be submitted as part of site plan approval processes • Architectural plans must include exterior lighting features

Common Compliance Issues

When installing or modifying exterior lighting, property owners should be careful to:

• Direct light away from neighboring properties and public rights-of-way • Ensure illumination levels do not exceed maximum footcandle requirements • Shield light sources to prevent direct beaming onto adjacent properties • Use appropriate fixture heights based on the specific use area

Supporting Reynoldsburg's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Reynoldsburg seeks to maintain between its historical heritage and modern development needs. With deep appreciation for the city's agricultural legacy and historical landmarks, we recognize the importance of appropriate lighting in preserving community character.

Bock Lighting shares Reynoldsburg's commitment to responsible lighting practices that enhance safety while respecting the aesthetic integrity of both historical areas and newer developments. Our understanding of regional architectural styles allows us to provide insights on lighting solutions that complement Reynoldsburg's distinctive character.

Rather than promoting specific products, we aim to serve as an educational resource, helping property owners and developers understand and navigate lighting regulations. Our local presence enables us to better understand Reynoldsburg's specific community needs and standards, making us a valuable partner in supporting the city's lighting vision.

Conclusion

Reynoldsburg's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. From specific technical requirements for street lighting to broader guidelines for commercial and residential properties, these regulations help maintain the character of this historic community while meeting modern needs.

Property owners and developers should carefully review these requirements when planning new construction or modifications to ensure compliance. By understanding and following these regulations, residents contribute to preserving the unique character of "The Birthplace of the Tomato" while ensuring safe and appropriate illumination throughout the community.

For more detailed information about specific requirements, contact the Reynoldsburg Building Department or visit the city's official website.