Lighting Regulations in Wakeman, Ohio: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Huron County, Wakeman, Ohio carries a rich heritage dating back to 1824. Named after one of its first landowners, Jesup Wakeman, this charming village has carefully preserved its historical character through the generations. With its clay-loam soil, beautiful timber landscapes of white oak, beech, and maple, and the flowing La Chapelle Creek, Wakeman's natural beauty complements its architectural heritage.

This commitment to preserving Wakeman's unique character extends to how the village approaches lighting regulations. The village's lighting standards reflect a careful balance between honoring historical aesthetics while ensuring public safety and modern functionality.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Wakeman:

• Outdoor Lighting: Must be designed not to adversely impact adjacent properties
• Sign Illumination: Limited to 25 watts or less, maximum 200 watts per side
• Sign Light Colors: Constant intensity, clear or white colors only
• Parking Areas: Lighting must be directed away from streets and adjoining properties
• Street Lighting: Required in subdivisions for public safety
• Safety Lighting: Warning lights required for construction areas and hazards

Outdoor Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Wakeman's regulations take a thoughtful approach to outdoor lighting, emphasizing consideration for neighbors and the overall community aesthetic. The village code specifically addresses lighting used for security, landscaping, and signage.

Key outdoor lighting regulation:

• Outdoor lighting must be designed not to adversely impact adjacent property

Glare Prevention

Reflecting Wakeman's commitment to maintaining its peaceful small-town atmosphere, the code includes specific provisions to prevent light pollution and nuisance:

• No direct or sky-reflected glare visible at property lot lines
• Glare is specifically categorized as a "Dangerous or Objectionable Element"
• High-temperature process lighting (welding, combustion) must not create glare

These requirements help preserve the village's natural darkness, allowing residents to enjoy starlit skies while maintaining necessary lighting for safety.

Sign Illumination Standards

Brightness and Direction

Wakeman's sign lighting regulations focus on preventing light nuisance while allowing businesses to remain visible:

• Signs must use light of constant intensity
• Only clear or white colors permitted
• Limited to 25 watts or less per light
• Maximum of 200 watts of total illumination on each side of the sign
• Light sources must illuminate only the sign itself
• Light must not shine on adjacent properties
• Beams must not cause glare or reflection on public thoroughfares, highways, sidewalks, or adjacent premises

Sign Type Restrictions

Different types of signs have specific illumination requirements:

• Free-standing signs, roof signs, and wall signs may not be illuminated from within
• All external light sources must be designed to illuminate only the sign
• The Planning Commission may stipulate "no illumination of signs" as a condition for certain uses

These regulations help maintain the historical character of Wakeman while allowing businesses appropriate visibility.

Parking Area Lighting

Safety with Consideration

Wakeman recognizes the importance of well-lit parking areas for safety while preventing light trespass:

• All lighting used to illuminate parking areas must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining premises or streets
• No open light sources such as strings of light bulbs are permitted

These requirements ensure that parking areas remain safe without disturbing residents or creating unnecessary glare for drivers.

Street Lighting Requirements

Subdivision Standards

The village takes a proactive approach to street lighting in new developments:

• Street lighting must be installed by the subdivider to provide ample lighting for public safety
• Lighting must be of a type approved by the public utility providing electric service to the Village
• Must comply with material/equipment specifications and construction standards set by the utility company

These regulations ensure consistent, quality lighting throughout the village's streets and public ways.

Safety and Hazard Lighting

Construction and Hazard Areas

Wakeman prioritizes safety through proper warning lights:

• Abandoned basements, cellars, wells, or cisterns must be guarded by warning lights at night to prevent danger
• Construction areas require adequate lights, signs, and barricades
• Excavations or obstructions in streets, sidewalks, or alleys require at least two illuminated red lamps posted at each end
• For excavations exceeding 50 feet, one additional lamp for each added 50 feet is required

Building Safety Standards

The village code considers lighting an essential element of building safety:

• Structures with "inadequate light" may be deemed unsafe or unsanitary
• Utility areas such as backflow prevention devices require adequate natural or artificial lighting

Supporting Wakeman's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Wakeman's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern technologies. As a regional manufacturer, Bock understands the unique challenges small villages like Wakeman face in balancing safety and functionality with aesthetic preservation.

The village's focus on preventing light trespass, minimizing glare, and ensuring appropriate illumination aligns perfectly with Bock's approach to thoughtful lighting design. Our team appreciates Wakeman's emphasis on directing light where needed while preventing spillover that could disrupt the village's historic charm and peaceful atmosphere.

As a resource for communities throughout Northeast Ohio, Bock can help property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that respect both the letter and spirit of local regulations. Our familiarity with regional architectural styles and lighting needs enables us to support Wakeman's vision of responsible, community-minded illumination.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Checklist

If you're planning lighting installations in Wakeman, keep these key points in mind:

• Consider your neighbors: All lighting must be designed not to impact adjacent properties
• Control direction: Ensure light is directed only where needed and doesn't spill onto neighboring properties
• Watch brightness levels: Follow wattage limitations, especially for signs
• Prevent glare: Position lights to avoid creating glare or reflection on streets or neighboring properties
• Choose appropriate fixtures: Select lighting that complements Wakeman's historical character

Planning for Approval

When submitting plans that include lighting:

• Include detailed specifications of proposed lighting
• Show how light will be contained to your property
• Explain measures taken to prevent glare and light trespass
• Be prepared for potential conditions regarding illumination

Conclusion

Wakeman's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historical charm while ensuring safety and functionality. By thoughtfully addressing concerns about light trespass, glare, and appropriate illumination levels, these regulations help maintain the unique character that makes Wakeman special.

Property owners who understand and embrace these standards contribute to the village's continued balance of preservation and progress. Through careful attention to lighting design and installation, residents and businesses can enjoy well-lit properties that enhance rather than detract from Wakeman's historical ambiance.