Lighting Regulations in Whitehall, Ohio: A Guide to Compliance and Community Standards

Introduction

Whitehall, Ohio, with its rich history dating back to the late 18th century, has evolved from a 156-acre farm to a vibrant city of over 18,000 residents. Just six miles east of Downtown Columbus, Whitehall's development was significantly influenced by the National Road (now Route 40) and landmarks like the Town & Country Shopping Center, one of the nation's first regional shopping centers.

As Whitehall balances modern growth with preservation of its historical roots, the city has established lighting regulations that reflect both practical needs and community values. These standards help maintain Whitehall's character while ensuring safety and energy efficiency.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Lighting Requirements:

• Light Trespass: Not permitted onto adjacent properties
• Building Lighting: Must be aimed downward; mounted at 8+ feet
• Parking Lots: Height limited to 22 feet; fixtures must be black
• Area Lighting: Full cut-off fixtures required
• Hours: EMCs near residential areas must turn off 11pm-6am
• Prohibited: Strobe lights, flashing lights, beacons (except emergencies)

Understanding Light Trespass Requirements

Definition and Limitations

Light trespass occurs when light from one property spills onto another property. In Whitehall:

• Light trespass may not be visible from adjacent properties
• Light cannot exceed an average intensity of one-half footcandle along property lines onto residentially zoned property
• Detailed performance standards are outlined in Section 1115.02

Purpose of Restrictions

These regulations serve to:

• Prevent light pollution
• Minimize disruption to neighboring properties
• Conserve energy and protect natural resources
• Maintain quality of life for residents

Building and Property Lighting Standards

Fixture Positioning and Height

When installing exterior lighting on buildings in Whitehall, property owners must ensure:

• Directional Requirements: Lighting shall be aimed downward at buildings with no light projecting above the fixture
• Mounting Height: Building lighting should be mounted at 8 feet or higher
• Concealed Sources: Exterior building illumination shall be from concealed sources

Full Cut-Off Requirements

The city requires specific fixture types for various applications:

• All area lights, including street lights and parking area lights, must be full cut-off fixtures
• Security lighting must include full cut-off fixtures, shielded and aimed to direct illumination only to designated areas
• Canopy lights must be recessed to prevent light spill onto adjacent property or rights-of-way

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Parking Lot Illumination

Parking lots in Whitehall must adhere to specific lighting standards:

• General Requirement: "Adequate lighting shall be provided"
• Height Limitation: The height of parking lot lighting shall not exceed twenty-two (22) feet
• Color Requirement: Parking lot light fixtures must be black
• Permit Process: Applications must include plot plans showing lighting arrangements

Food Truck Lighting

Mobile food vendors must follow specific lighting guidelines:

• Lighting must be affixed to the food truck
• Lighting cannot cause glare, nuisance, or hazard to the public in the right-of-way
• Lighting must not disturb neighboring private properties

Storage/Mini-Warehouse Facilities

For these commercial properties:

• Exterior lighting must be cut-off luminaire type or properly shaded
• Lighting must not cast direct light upon adjacent property or public streets

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

Sign lighting in Whitehall must:

• Be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Not cause glare visible to pedestrians or drivers
• Not obstruct traffic control or public information signs

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

EMCs have specific technical requirements:

• Technology: Only LED technology or similar quality signs permitted
• Hours of Operation: Must automatically turn off between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if located within 300 feet of residential use
• Brightness: Must not increase by more than 0.3 foot candles over ambient levels
• Dimming: Must have automatic dimming photocell to adjust brightness based on ambient light
• Malfunction: Must display a full black screen or turn off during malfunction

Residential Sign Lighting

For signs at residences and subdivisions:

• Only external illumination is permitted
• Signs for individual dwellings cannot be directly or internally illuminated
• Multi-unit buildings and subdivision entrance signs may only be illuminated through an external light source

Prohibited and Exempted Lighting

Prohibited Light Features

Whitehall prohibits:

• Beacons and searchlights (except for emergency purposes)
• Strobe and flashing lights
• In non-residential districts, accent lighting directed upward into sky or onto adjacent properties
• Signs with pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, balloons, or strings of light bulbs (with some exceptions)

Exempted Fixtures

The following are exempt from standard lighting regulations:

• Holiday lighting (for up to 75 consecutive days)
• Lighting for safety purposes (navigation, airports, emergency operations)
• US flag lighting (per Flag Code guidelines)
• Motion-activated home security lighting in residential districts
• Lighting inside buildings not visible from public areas

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing or updating exterior lighting:

• Consult Chapter 1115 of the Whitehall code for complete regulations
• Obtain proper permits for outdoor lighting in BRD, MAIN, SH, YEAR, CCD, and INDD districts
• Include lighting plans when applying for parking lot construction permits
• Follow IESNA (Illumination Engineering Society of North America) standards for illumination levels

Maintenance Requirements

Ongoing compliance requires:

• Turning off non-essential exterior lighting after business hours
• Ensuring tree branches don't obstruct street lights
• Maintaining fixtures in good working order
• Replacing non-compliant streetlights with compliant sources when they become inoperable

Supporting Whitehall's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Whitehall seeks to maintain between modern development and historical preservation. Our company shares Whitehall's commitment to thoughtful lighting that enhances community character while meeting practical needs.

As a regional resource with deep understanding of Ohio's architectural styles and lighting requirements, Bock Lighting can help property owners navigate regulations while respecting the community's aesthetic priorities. We value Whitehall's approach to growth that honors its historical foundations, from its early days as part of Truro Township to its development alongside the National Road.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Whitehall's lighting standards that aim to manage light pollution while ensuring safety and energy efficiency. As a community partner, we focus on education and support, helping property owners understand and implement lighting solutions that contribute positively to Whitehall's distinctive character.

Conclusion

Whitehall's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balanced development—preserving community character while embracing modern standards. By following these guidelines, property owners help maintain Whitehall's aesthetic appeal, reduce light pollution, and enhance neighborhood safety.

For specific projects, always consult the full text of Whitehall's lighting ordinances and obtain appropriate permits before installation. Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that makes Whitehall a distinctive community in the Columbus metropolitan area.