Lighting Regulations in Windham, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Functionality, and Community Character

Quick Reference Guide

• Construction Sites: Must have warning lights at night for safety
• Parking Lots: Require adequate floodlighting until midnight or one hour after business closing
• Late Night Establishments: Minimum 5 foot candles per square foot, measured 3 feet above pavement
• Signage: Illuminated signs near intersections must not duplicate traffic signal colors
• Residential Rental Units: Public halls and stairways require minimum 10 foot candles of light
• General Restriction: Lighting must not create nuisance, impair traffic safety, or shine directly on adjacent properties

Introduction: Windham's Approach to Lighting

Windham, Ohio is a community with deep historical roots dating back to 1820, when it was renamed after the Connecticut hometown of its original settlers. This small village, with a population of 1,666 as of the 2020 census, has experienced remarkable historical transformations – including becoming the nation's fastest-growing municipality during the 1940s when it was selected as the site for an army camp supporting the Ravenna Arsenal.

Today, Windham's approach to lighting regulation reflects its commitment to balancing public safety with respect for its unique community character. Whether you're a homeowner, business operator, or developer, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for maintaining the village's standards while ensuring functional, safe illumination.

Safety Lighting for Construction and Excavation

Warning Lights for Public Protection

Safety is paramount when it comes to construction activities in Windham. The village code specifically addresses lighting requirements for construction sites:

• All excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be protected by suitable barricades and warning lights at night
• Warning lights must be maintained to prevent dangerous conditions for pedestrians and motorists
• Removal or damage to safety lighting is prohibited under local ordinance
• The responsibility falls on property owners to ensure adequate illumination of potential hazards

This requirement stems from Windham's practical approach to public safety, ensuring that development activities don't create hazards for residents.

Commercial Property Lighting Standards

Parking Area Illumination Requirements

Businesses in Windham must adhere to specific parking lot lighting standards designed to balance safety with consideration for neighboring properties:

• Parking lots and driveways open to the public must have adequate floodlighting
• Illumination must be maintained until midnight or one hour after business closing (whichever comes first)
• Lighting must be shielded to minimize glare affecting adjacent property users
• These requirements ensure safe navigation while respecting neighboring properties

Enhanced Standards for Late-Night Establishments

Businesses operating during evening hours face additional requirements:

• Late night retail establishments and gas stations must maintain higher lighting levels
• Parking areas used by customers and employees must maintain minimum illumination of 5 foot candles per square foot
• This illumination is measured at 3 feet above the pavement level
• This higher standard recognizes the increased safety concerns during nighttime hours

Utility Equipment Access

Even utilitarian elements have lighting requirements:

• Back-flow prevention devices must have adequate natural or artificial lighting
• This ensures proper maintenance, inspection, and testing can be performed safely

Residential Lighting Requirements

Rental Property Standards

Windham's code contains detailed specifications for lighting in residential rental properties:

• Properties lacking adequate illumination can be designated unfit for human habitation
• Every habitable room must contain at least:
• Two separate wall-type duplex electric convenience outlets, OR
• One duplex convenience outlet and one wall/ceiling-type electric light fixture

Non-Habitable Spaces

• All non-habitable rooms (water closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, public halls) must have at least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture
• Bathroom electrical outlets and lights must have switches designed to minimize electric shock hazard

Common Area Illumination

• Public halls and stairways in residential rental units must be adequately lighted at all times
• Minimum illumination of 10 foot candles of light at tread or floor level is required
• Buildings with no more than two rental units may use conveniently located light switches instead of full-time lighting

Sign and Billboard Illumination

Traffic Safety Considerations

Windham's regulations for illuminated signage prioritize traffic safety:

• Signs or billboards with electric lights (including neon, gaseous tubes, or incandescent lamps) within 100 feet of an intersection with a traffic control device:
• Cannot duplicate traffic signal colors
• Must not have blinking, flashing, or revolving lights
• Must be shaded to prevent interference with drivers' vision
• Must not create annoyance for neighbors

This careful regulation prevents confusion for drivers while maintaining aesthetic standards.

General Lighting Restrictions

Beyond specific applications, Windham has general principles governing all lighting:

• Lighting must not create a nuisance under any circumstances
• Illumination must not impair safe movement of traffic on streets or highways
• Light sources must not shine directly on adjacent properties
• Street lights must be installed according to Village standards and specifications

Supporting Windham's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Windham's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community character. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique challenges faced by communities like Windham that seek to maintain their distinctive small-town atmosphere while meeting modern lighting needs.

Our experience with communities throughout the region has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from local character. We recognize that Windham's regulations reflect its particular history – from its early settlement to its dramatic growth during World War II and its current position within the broader Akron metropolitan area.

We serve as an educational resource for property owners, developers, and municipal officials seeking to understand how lighting choices impact community aesthetics and safety. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Windham's vision for preserving its unique identity while accommodating growth and development.

Conclusion: The Importance of Lighting Compliance

Windham's lighting regulations represent a thoughtful approach to illumination that reflects the village's values and priorities. By addressing specific lighting needs – from construction sites to rental properties to commercial establishments – these standards create a framework for safe, functional lighting that respects the community's character.

Property owners and businesses operating in Windham should familiarize themselves with these requirements not just for compliance, but to participate in maintaining the quality of life that makes this community special. The village's approach to lighting regulation demonstrates how even small communities can develop standards that protect public safety while preserving their unique identity.

Whether you're installing new lighting or evaluating existing systems, understanding these regulations is an essential step toward being a responsible community member in Windham.