Lighting Regulations in Union, Ohio: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Union, Ohio, a city with roots stretching back to the early 19th century, has developed a unique approach to municipal lighting that reflects both its historical identity and contemporary needs. Originally established around the Stillwater River, Union grew from its industrial beginnings, with water-powered mills including one owned by prominent citizen Andrew Hoover.

The city once boasted cultural landmarks like an opera house, which unfortunately was lost to fire. This rich historical background has influenced how Union approaches various aspects of city planning, including lighting regulations.

Today, Union's lighting regulations aim to preserve the city's traditional ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These regulations reflect a community that values its historical character while adapting to modern requirements.

Quick Reference Guide to Union's Lighting Regulations

• Safety Lighting
• Excavations and construction sites must have warning lights at night
• Removal or damage to safety barricades or warning lights is prohibited
• Commercial Lighting
• Sexually oriented businesses require 1 foot candle illumination in parking areas
• Adult cabarets require 2 foot candle interior illumination
• Exterior lighting must be shaded to prevent direct light on residential properties
• Sign Illumination
• Maximum 5,000 nits during daylight hours
• Maximum 1,000 nits between dusk and dawn
• LED signs must include dimming capability for nighttime hours
• Street Lighting
• Trees and shrubbery must not obstruct street lamp distribution
• Developers are responsible for street light installation costs
• Underground utility lines required for street lights in new developments

Safety Lighting Requirements

Construction and Excavation Sites

Safety is a primary concern in Union's lighting regulations. Any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction must be properly illuminated at night to prevent dangerous conditions.

Key requirements include:

• Warning lights must be placed at night around excavations and construction sites
• Any obstruction of public ways requires at least two illuminated red lamps
• For obstructions exceeding 50 feet, additional lamps are required for each added 50 feet
• It is prohibited to remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light

Ensuring Public Safety

These requirements demonstrate Union's commitment to protecting residents and visitors from potential hazards. The specific requirements for red lamps at obstructions ensure visibility and consistent warning signaling throughout the city.

Commercial Property Lighting

Business Exterior Lighting

Union's code includes several provisions for lighting commercial properties:

• Exterior lighting must be shaded to avoid casting direct light upon any property or public street
• Light intensity or brightness should not be objectionable to surrounding areas
• Lighting used for off-street parking areas must be equipped with suitable shielding
• Parking area lighting must be arranged to prevent glare at eye level

Special Requirements for Certain Businesses

Sexually oriented businesses have specific lighting requirements:

• Parking areas and walkways must maintain 1 foot candle of illumination from dusk to closing
• Adult cabarets must maintain interior illumination of at least 2 foot candles at floor level
• Lighting diagrams must be included in permit applications
• Lighting must be maintained whenever patrons are present

Sign Illumination Standards

Technical Specifications

Union has implemented specific technical requirements for illuminated signs:

• Maximum illumination of 5,000 nits during daylight hours
• Maximum illumination of 1,000 nits between dusk and dawn
• LED signs must incorporate dimming capability for nighttime hours
• No exposed incandescent or fluorescent lighting is permitted
• Light sources must be adequately shielded from adjacent buildings and streets

Sign Types with Lighting Restrictions

Not all signs may be illuminated in Union:

• Construction project signs shall not be illuminated
• Portable signs shall not be illuminated
• Public issue signs shall not be illuminated
• Real estate signs shall not be illuminated

Certification Requirements

Union takes sign illumination seriously:

• Manufacturer certification of illumination levels is required for sign permit applications
• The city may seek assistance from professional lighting engineers to evaluate proposed illumination
• Field verification of illumination levels may be conducted after installation
• Malfunctioning electronic signs must be turned off until repaired

Street and Public Lighting

Requirements for Developers

Developers play a significant role in establishing street lighting in Union:

• Developers are responsible for all costs of street light and walkway light installation
• Developers must handle all trenching and backfilling for street light installation
• Developers must pay all fees required by the Power Company before installation
• Underground utility lines are required for telephone, electric service, and street lights in new developments

Maintaining Light Distribution

To ensure effective street lighting:

• Trees, shrubbery, or other plantings must not obstruct the proper distribution of light from street lamps
• Branches must be trimmed to allow free passage of light to streets and sidewalks

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidance for Compliance

As a property owner in Union, understanding these lighting regulations helps ensure your property remains compliant while contributing to the city's aesthetic and safety goals.

Key considerations include:

• Ensure exterior lighting is properly shielded to prevent direct light on neighboring properties
• When planning new construction, include lighting plans that conform to the city's requirements
• Remember that lighting must balance functionality with consideration for neighbors
• For businesses, pay special attention to parking lot lighting to prevent glare while maintaining safety

When Approval Is Needed

Some lighting situations require specific approval:

• Outdoor artificial lighting must be approved by the Board of Appeals
• Any sign with illumination requires proper permitting and certification

Supporting Union's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Union's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern technology. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique architectural styles and lighting needs of communities like Union.

Our team appreciates Union's balanced approach to lighting regulations – ensuring safety and functionality while respecting the city's traditional aesthetic. This approach aligns with our own philosophy of creating lighting solutions that enhance rather than detract from a community's character.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners and developers seeking to understand and comply with local lighting regulations. Our experience with projects throughout the region has given us insight into how lighting can support community goals while meeting regulatory requirements.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices mirrors Union's thoughtful approach to development. We believe lighting should serve the community by providing safety and visibility while respecting historical context and neighborhood character.

Conclusion

Union, Ohio's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a community that values both its historical roots and contemporary needs. From safety lighting at construction sites to carefully regulated business and sign illumination, these standards help maintain the city's character while ensuring proper visibility and safety.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential for compliance and for contributing positively to Union's community vision. By balancing historical preservation with modern lighting needs, Union continues to honor its past while planning thoughtfully for its future.

Whether for residential, commercial, or public spaces, proper lighting implementation helps maintain the charm and functionality that makes Union a special place to live and work.