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

Introduction

Nestled in Summit County, Stow, Ohio boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1796 when Joshua Stow purchased the 25-square-mile township for $14,154. Though Mr. Stow never actually lived in the area, he recognized it as "one of the prettiest and most romantic spots in the Western Reserve." This appreciation for aesthetic beauty and community character continues today through the city's thoughtful development regulations.

Since becoming an official city in 1960, Stow has maintained a delicate balance between growth and preservation. The community's lighting regulations reflect this philosophy, designed to enhance safety and functionality while respecting neighboring properties and maintaining the city's visual appeal.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Maximum illumination at property lines: 0.5 footcandles (0.0 if adjacent to residential)
• Parking area maximum: 10.0 footcandles
• Gas station canopy maximum: 30.0 footcandles
• Unshielded decorative fixtures: Maximum 10 feet high, 0.20 candlepower at lot line
• Shielded light fixtures: Maximum 20 feet high, 0.30 candlepower at lot line
• Construction sites: Warning lights required at night for safety
• Commercial/industrial lighting: Must be shielded, directed downward, minimum necessary brightness

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Stow's lighting regulations promote safety while preventing light pollution and nuisance to neighboring properties. These standards apply to most properties and focus on containing light within the intended area.

Light Fixture Height and Intensity

The building code establishes clear parameters for exterior lighting fixtures:

• Unshielded decorative fixtures:
• Maximum height: 10 feet
• Maximum illumination at lot line: 0.20 candlepower
• Fixtures with protective shields:
• Maximum height: 20 feet
• Maximum illumination at lot line: 0.30 candlepower
• Shield must ensure light doesn't shine above a line parallel to the ground

Directional Requirements

All exterior lighting used for parking areas, open spaces, signs, or building exteriors must:

• Shield adjoining properties and streets from direct light rays
• Limit indirect rays to specified intensity levels
• Direct light into intended areas (like parking lots) rather than outward
• Conceal light sources to prevent them from being viewed from adjacent properties

Lighting Use Restrictions

To minimize unnecessary light pollution:

• Reduce, deactivate, or turn off all outdoor lighting not needed for security during non-operating hours
• No flickering or flashing lights permitted (except temporary holiday decorations)
• Motion sensors are encouraged for security lighting when areas aren't in continuous use

Specific Use Requirements

Different property types have tailored lighting requirements to address their unique circumstances.

Commercial & Industrial Properties

• Building-mounted lighting:
• Must use minimum necessary illumination
• All lights must be shielded and directed downward
• Light must not extend to adjacent residential property
• Maximum lighting levels:
• Property line: 0.5 footcandles
• Property line adjacent to residential: 0.0 footcandles
• Parking areas: 10.0 footcandles
• Under gas canopy: 30.0 footcandles

Residential Area Considerations

• Model homes: Lighting shall not negatively impact adjacent homes and lots
• Identification signs:
• External illumination only (except institutional signs)
• Illumination limited to 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• No electronic message boards permitted

Recreation & Public Facilities

• Parks and recreation facilities: Lighting shall not shine on adjacent property or pose a traffic hazard
• Maximum height for outdoor commercial recreation lighting fixtures: 35 feet

Special Use Cases

• Hotels and motels in C-4 District: Lighting shall not shine on adjacent property or pose a hazard to traffic
• Late night retail/gas stations: Customer parking areas must be lighted to minimum of 5 footcandles
• Construction sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction

Signage Lighting Regulations

General Sign Illumination Rules

• Commercial and industrial districts:
• May use internal or external illumination
• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Brightness must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists
• Light source visibility:
• Light sources shall not be visible from the street
• External light sources shall not shine on adjoining properties
• No flashing, revolving, or intermittent illumination permitted

Electronic Message Signs

• Static image must remain for at least 6 seconds
• Transitions must occur in 2 seconds or less
• No animated, flashing, scrolling or full motion video elements permitted

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your property, consider these practical steps:

• Consult early: The Planning Director may require photometric plans showing location, height, and type of fixtures
• Focus on functionality: Ensure lighting meets your security and operational needs while respecting neighbors
• Consider timing: Implement timers or motion sensors for non-essential lighting during off-hours
• Choose appropriate fixtures: Select shielded fixtures that direct light downward and contain it within your property

Common Compliance Issues

Many lighting violations involve:

• Excessive brightness at property lines
• Unshielded fixtures that cause glare on neighboring properties
• Improper aiming of security lights outward instead of downward
• Over-illumination of areas beyond what's necessary for safety and function

Supporting Stow's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character and needs of communities like Stow. As a regional lighting manufacturer, we appreciate Stow's commitment to balancing modern lighting requirements with respect for community aesthetics and neighboring properties.

Shared Community Values

Stow's regulations reflect a thoughtful approach to lighting that aligns with Bock Lighting's philosophy of responsible illumination. We recognize the importance of:

• Directional control to prevent light trespass into neighboring properties
• Appropriate brightness levels for different applications
• Aesthetic considerations that complement architectural styles
• Energy efficiency through proper fixture selection and controls

Educational Resources

Understanding lighting regulations can be challenging. As a community partner, Bock Lighting offers educational resources to help property owners navigate requirements, including:

• Guidance on selecting compliant fixtures
• Information about new lighting technologies that enhance compliance
• Assistance understanding the impact of different lighting choices

Community Commitment

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we share Stow's commitment to maintaining community character while embracing appropriate modern technology. Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a knowledgeable resource for property owners seeking to enhance their properties while respecting local regulations.

Conclusion

Stow's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing growth and development with respect for community character and neighboring properties. By establishing clear standards for light fixture height, intensity, and direction, these regulations create a framework that enhances safety and functionality while preventing nuisance and light pollution.

Property owners who understand and embrace these standards contribute to Stow's continued development as a community that honors its historical roots while meeting modern needs. With thoughtful planning and appropriate fixture selection, lighting can enhance both safety and aesthetics throughout the city that Joshua Stow once described as "one of the prettiest and most romantic spots in the Western Reserve."