Lighting Regulations in Wadsworth, Ohio: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Needs

Introduction

Wadsworth, Ohio, founded in 1814 and named after Revolutionary War hero General Elijah Wadsworth, embodies a unique blend of historical charm and modern development. With roots dating back over two centuries, this Akron suburb has grown into a community of over 24,000 residents that values both its industrial heritage and recreational spaces.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this dual commitment to preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality. From its early days as a match manufacturing hub in the 1890s to today's diverse economy, Wadsworth's approach to lighting aims to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the community while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Lighting Requirements:

• Parking Areas: Must be illuminated when buildings served are in operation, without causing excessive brightness
• Parking Lot Lighting: Cannot exceed height of primary structure or 25 feet, must be fully-shielded "dark sky" compliant
• Light Trespass: Maximum 0.5 foot candles of light beyond property lines
• Signs: Different illumination standards based on district and sign type
• Airport Areas: Special requirements for structures near runways
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for public safety

Outdoor Lighting Specifications

Mast Arm Mounted Lighting

Wadsworth has specific requirements for mast arm mounted lighting units:

• Control Type: Photo-electric or otherwise controlled to provide dusk to dawn service
• Approved Lamp Types:
• High Pressure Sodium
• LED Equivalent
• Metal Halide
• Lumen Ratings and Wattage:
• High Pressure Sodium or LED Equivalent: 9,500 Lumens, 100 Watts 16,000 Lumens, 150 Watts 25,500 Lumens, 250 Watts 50,000 Lumens, 400 Watts
• Metal Halide: 36,000 Lumens, 400 Watts
• Service Duration: Continuous 12-month year-round basis

• 9,500 Lumens, 100 Watts
• 16,000 Lumens, 150 Watts
• 25,500 Lumens, 250 Watts
• 50,000 Lumens, 400 Watts

• 36,000 Lumens, 400 Watts

Private Street and Security Lighting

Wadsworth's "Schedule SL" regulates private street and security lighting:

• Available where standard lighting units can be installed on existing poles
• 120/240 volt secondary or service wires must already be installed
• Additional infrastructure costs must be paid by the consumer
• Service is available only where there is reasonable assurance of permanence
• The city reserves the right to refuse installations not deemed permanent

Property-Specific Lighting Requirements

Parking Lot Illumination

Parking area lighting must balance safety with neighborhood compatibility:

• Must be illuminated when public street lights are lit and when buildings served are in operation
• Height restrictions: Cannot exceed the primary structure or 25 feet (whichever is less)
• Design requirements: Must be fully-shielded, "dark sky" compliant
• Placement restrictions: No fixtures allowed within side or rear yard areas adjacent to residential uses
• Light direction: Fixtures must be designed not to reflect direct rays into adjoining residential districts
• Intensity control: Cannot cause excessive brightness or safety hazards
• Prohibited features: No flickering or intermittent illumination

Gate Lighting

• Visibility requirement: Gates must be sufficiently lit to allow visibility at night without additional external light sources
• Service type: Electrical service for gate access, control devices, fixtures, and lighting must be provided by underground service

Construction and Excavation Sites

• Safety requirement: Excavation, well, cesspool, or construction sites must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• Protection: No person shall destroy, remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Interior Lighting Requirements

Required Fixture Locations

The following areas must contain at least one supplied ceiling or wall-type light fixture:

• Toilet rooms
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Stairways
• Common hallways
• Furnace rooms

Electrical Safety Standards

• All electrical wiring, connections, fixtures, outlets, switches, and breakers must be properly installed
• Must be maintained in good and safe working condition
• All required receptacle outlets and lighting fixtures must be connected to the source of electric power

Airport Area Lighting Restrictions

Air Navigation Safety

• Red light requirement: All structures or objects of natural growth within 500 feet of an active runway must have a red light attached to their highest point
• Illumination period: Lights must be illuminated between sunset and sunrise
• Prohibited lighting: No lights that make it difficult to distinguish between airport lights and other lights
• Glare prevention: No lights that result in glare affecting pilots approaching, leaving, or using the airport
• Nonconforming structures: Owners of nonconforming structures must permit installation of markers and lights deemed necessary by the Federal Aviation Agency

Airport District Signage

• Signs in the Airport District permitted only as approved by the Airport Zoning Commission
• Signs must not interfere with air navigation

Sign Illumination Standards

Residential Districts

• Only externally illuminated ("front" or "spot"-lit) signs are permitted

Commercial Districts

• Projecting Signs: External illumination via spotlights only; all lighting sources must be aimed downward
• Building/Wall Signs: External or internally illuminated channel or neon letters only; internally illuminated panel signs are prohibited
• Freestanding Signs: External illumination; those adjacent to residential districts shall only be externally illuminated
• Signs at Vehicular Entrances & Exits: External illumination via spotlights
• Awning Signs (C-3 & C-4 Districts): Backlit or internally illuminated awnings are prohibited

Historic Main Street Design Review District

• Must demonstrate compliance with the Historic Main Street Wadsworth Design Review Guidelines
• Subject to sign allocations for the CBD District

Light Nuisance Regulations

Light Trespass Limitations

• Maximum spill light: Glare may not cause illumination beyond property lines in excess of 0.5 foot candles
• Direct light control: No lighting shall shine directly on adjacent properties
• Traffic safety: No lighting shall impair safe movement of traffic on any street or highway
• Prohibited lighting: Strobe lights visible from another property are not allowed

Special Use Cases

• Service Station Canopies: Light fixtures must be either recessed into the canopy or enclosed within a box with a 90-degree cutoff that fully shields bulbs and lenses
• Public Rental Storage Buildings: Must have outside lighting that doesn't create a nuisance on adjacent properties
• Towers: Cannot be artificially lit unless required by FAA, FCC, or other authority; if lighting is required, Planning Commission must review alternatives to minimize disturbance

Supporting Wadsworth's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Wadsworth's commitment to balancing historic character with modern needs. We understand the unique lighting challenges faced by communities like Wadsworth that seek to preserve their industrial heritage while embracing growth and development.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with Wadsworth's architectural styles and community values, Bock appreciates the city's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that prevent light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality. Our team understands the importance of compliant lighting that respects both the historical aspects of the community and neighboring properties.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Wadsworth's vision for its future development. We serve as an educational resource to help property owners navigate lighting regulations and find solutions that maintain community character while meeting modern lighting standards.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing or upgrading exterior lighting on your property in Wadsworth, consider these key points:

• Context matters: Different districts have different lighting requirements
• Get proper approvals: Many lighting installations require review by the Architectural Design Committee
• Think about neighbors: Lighting must not spill excessively onto adjacent properties
• Consider sustainability: "Dark sky" compliant fixtures are required for parking lots

Common Compliance Issues

• Height violations: Exceeding maximum allowed heights for parking lot lighting
• Improper shielding: Failing to properly shield lights to prevent direct rays from affecting residential areas
• Sign illumination: Using prohibited illumination methods in certain districts
• Light trespass: Allowing light to spill beyond property boundaries above permitted levels

Conclusion

Wadsworth's lighting regulations seek to maintain the city's historical character while providing for the safety and functionality of modern lighting needs. The regulations balance aesthetic considerations with practical requirements across different districts and use cases.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing or modifying lighting systems. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to preserving Wadsworth's unique blend of historical charm and modern development that has characterized the city since its founding over two centuries ago.