Lighting Regulations in Sharonville, Ohio: Balancing Community Character and Modern Needs

Introduction

Sharonville, Ohio has a rich history dating back to its incorporation as a village in 1911 and its later transition to city status in 1962. Throughout its development, the city has maintained a careful balance between preserving its historical character and embracing modern growth. This balance is reflected in Sharonville's lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety and functionality while maintaining the city's unique aesthetic identity.

With approximately 9.89 square miles of area and a place in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan region, Sharonville has developed lighting standards that support both its historical districts and newer developments. The city particularly emphasizes distinctive lighting in its Northern Lights Overlay (NLO) District, where illumination becomes an integral part of the area's character and visitor experience.

Quick Reference Guide to Sharonville Lighting Regulations

• Primary Lighting Code: Section 1113.03 contains the main outdoor lighting regulations
• Maximum Light Levels:
• 0.5 footcandles maximum at residential district property lines
• 0.2 footcandles maximum along street rights-of-way
• Minimum Light Levels: 0.6 maintained footcandles for pedestrian walkways
• Installation Requirements: Underground service connections for freestanding light poles
• Special District Requirements: Enhanced lighting design in the Northern Lights Overlay District
• Street Lighting: Required at all subdivision intersections and cul-de-sacs
• Fixture Types: Full-cutoff fixtures required for most applications

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Purpose and Intent

Sharonville's lighting regulations (Section 1113.03) serve several important purposes:

• Preventing light pollution, trespass, and glare
• Preserving and enhancing the character of the city
• Protecting residents' enjoyment of their properties at night
• Ensuring adequate safety and security lighting
• Providing appropriate illumination for streets, buildings, and signs

Basic Standards for All Properties

The city requires that all outdoor lighting be designed to minimize unwanted light spread while providing necessary illumination:

• Full-cutoff fixtures are required for most applications
• Underground service connections must be used for all freestanding lighting poles
• Light measurements are taken at property lines, 3.5 feet above ground
• Lighting plans are required for most site plan reviews
• Photometric studies are needed for large multi-family projects and nonresidential uses adjacent to residential areas

Residential Property Considerations

Single-family dwellings have some exemptions from the strict lighting requirements, but consideration for neighbors is still required:

• Shielding requirement: All lighting (except low-voltage landscape lighting) must be completely shielded from adjacent properties
• Seasonal decorations with bulbs less than 25 watts are exempt from regulations
• Maximum illumination of 0.5 footcandles at property lines adjacent to other residential properties

Special District Requirements

Northern Lights Overlay (NLO) District

The NLO District features enhanced lighting requirements designed to create a distinctive atmosphere and visitor experience:

Multi-Layered Lighting Design

• Lighting is considered a central design element, not just a functional necessity
• Architectural and landscape lighting should immerse visitors in the district experience
• Building facade lighting should enhance architectural features

Specific NLO Requirements

• Landscape lighting must be consistent with existing district lighting styles
• Building facade lighting should create visual effects for both pedestrians and distant viewers
• Vehicular area lighting should complement styles used along Chester Road
• Sign illumination in the NLO District should avoid translucent backgrounds in favor of opaque backgrounds with translucent text

Specialized Lighting Applications

Canopy and Service Area Lighting

Businesses with canopies (such as gas stations) have specific requirements:

• Recessed ceiling fixtures required for all canopy-mounted lighting
• Maximum 24.0 maintained footcandles horizontal illuminance under vehicular canopies
• Acceptable methods include recessed luminaires, shielded fixtures, surface-mounted luminaires with flat glass, and indirect lighting

Recreational Facility Lighting

Sports and recreational facilities have tailored standards:

• Tennis courts: Maximum 20 feet height for lighting that must be directed downward
• Ball fields and similar facilities: Special exemptions allowed but with requirements to shield lights from residential properties
• Maximum illumination of 2 footcandles at lot lines
• Curfew requirement: Exterior lighting must be extinguished by 11:00 p.m.

Sign Illumination

Signs have specific lighting requirements to balance visibility with aesthetics:

• Shielded light sources required for externally illuminated signs
• Electronic message centers must have automatic dimming photocells
• Maximum illumination of 0.3 footcandles over ambient conditions at 50 feet
• Hours of operation restrictions for electronic message centers

Street Lighting Requirements

Subdivision Street Lighting (Section 1125.11)

The city has clear requirements for street lighting in new subdivisions:

• Installation costs are the developer's responsibility
• Required locations include every intersection and cul-de-sac neck
• Approval process requires Planning Commission review of pole standards and fixtures
• Ongoing costs transfer to the city after street dedication and acceptance

Public Safety Lighting

For construction sites and hazardous areas:

• Red warning lights required at each end or corner of obstructions
• Additional red lights required for every 50 feet of obstruction length
• Placement requirements specify lights must provide ample warning to pedestrians and drivers

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Requirements

Understanding when lighting regulations apply to your property is important:

• Existing properties: Must conform to standards when outdoor lighting is installed or changed
• New development: Must submit lighting plans as part of site plan review
• After-hours requirements: Nonresidential uses in residential districts must turn off all non-essential lighting after business hours

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be aware of these frequent concerns:

• Light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Excessive brightness that causes glare on streets or adjacent properties
• Improper shielding of fixtures
• Non-compliant fixtures that don't meet full-cutoff requirements

Supporting Sharonville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate Sharonville's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, particularly the creative vision embodied in the Northern Lights Overlay District.

Our team values the same principles that guide Sharonville's lighting standards: preventing light pollution while ensuring safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. We're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community vision.

With our understanding of regional architectural styles and the specific needs of Cincinnati-area communities, we're positioned to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements. Our commitment extends beyond products to supporting the communities we serve through education, design guidance, and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

Sharonville's lighting regulations demonstrate the city's commitment to balancing modern infrastructure needs with community character and resident quality of life. The comprehensive approach includes general standards for all properties while providing specific guidance for special districts and applications.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying outdoor lighting. By understanding and following these standards, residents and businesses contribute to Sharonville's distinctive character and help maintain a pleasant nighttime environment for all.

For the most current and complete information about lighting regulations, property owners should consult the official Sharonville city code or contact the city's planning department.