Lighting Regulations in Anna, Ohio: Balancing Heritage and Development in a Historic Village

Introduction

Anna, Ohio, a charming village in Shelby County covering just over one square mile, maintains a delicate balance between preserving its 19th-century heritage and accommodating modern development needs. Since its founding, Anna has cultivated a small-town atmosphere that residents and visitors alike appreciate. The establishment of the Anna District Historical Society in 2009 underscores the community's commitment to preserving its unique character while moving forward.

Despite hosting a Honda of America Manufacturing plant that contributes significantly to the local economy, Anna maintains its historical integrity through thoughtful development practices. The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects this careful balance—ensuring safety and functionality while respecting the community's aesthetic values and historical character.

Quick Reference Guide to Anna's Lighting Requirements

• Illumination Levels: One foot candle of light required on parking surfaces and walkways
• Street Light Spacing: Maximum 250 feet apart in subdivisions with lights at each intersection
• Glare Control: Lighting must be positioned to prevent glare onto neighboring properties
• Sign Illumination: Only constant intensity lighting permitted; no flashing or moving lights
• Underground Installation: Required for new subdivisions
• Tree Maintenance: Trees must be pruned to avoid obstructing street lights
• Flagpole Lighting: Underground installation permitted with flush-mounted fixtures

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Occupations and General Residential Standards

Anna's regulations specifically address lighting considerations for residents operating businesses from their homes. No equipment or process associated with a home occupation may create glare that could become a nuisance to neighbors.

For all residential properties, the village code clearly states that lighting must be positioned to prevent glare or excess light from spilling onto neighboring properties. This requirement helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere of Anna's residential neighborhoods while still allowing residents to light their properties for safety and accessibility.

Flagpole Illumination

The village permits property owners to install underground lighting specifically for displaying flags along public streets or highways adjacent to their property. These installations must:

• Be situated within a reasonable distance to the flagpole
• Meet all underwriters' requirements for installation
• Have the highest part of the lighting fixture flush with the sidewalk or sodded area

This provision allows residents to proudly display flags while maintaining aesthetic standards.

Commercial and Parking Area Lighting

Illumination Standards

Commercial properties, particularly those with parking areas, must meet specific lighting requirements:

• One foot candle of light on parking surfaces and walkways (average maintained horizontal illumination)
• Lighting installed to prevent glare and illumination of adjoining properties
• Special attention to sexually oriented businesses, which must maintain proper illumination from dusk until closing

Sign Illumination Regulations

Anna's code provides clear guidance on how business signs may be illuminated:

• Signs may only use constant intensity lighting
• Prohibited lighting types include:
• Flashing lights
• Intermittent lighting
• Rotating or moving lights
• Light beams must not cause glare or reflection that could create a nuisance or traffic hazard
• Temporary signs may not be illuminated under any circumstances

Subdivision and Development Requirements

Street Lighting Specifications

Developers of new subdivisions in Anna face specific lighting requirements:

• Street and walkway lighting must be installed no more than 250 feet apart
• Lights must be located at each street intersection within the subdivision
• Subdividers are responsible for all equipment, labor, materials, trenching, backfilling, and conduit
• Underground wiring is mandatory for new subdivision street lighting
• Lighting layout must be included on construction plans for village review and approval

Mobile Home Parks

The village code simply states that mobile home parks "shall be adequately lighted for safety at night." While this requirement is less specific than others, it emphasizes the importance of sufficient lighting for resident safety.

Tree Maintenance and Street Lighting

Proper tree maintenance plays an important role in Anna's lighting effectiveness:

• Property owners must prune trees to prevent obstruction or shading of street lights
• Trees must maintain a clear height of 10 feet above sidewalks
• Trees must maintain a clear height of 15 feet above streets or roadways

These requirements ensure that public lighting functions effectively without costly modifications to existing infrastructure.

Supporting Anna's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Anna's commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern infrastructure needs. As a regional manufacturer, Bock understands the unique character of small Ohio villages like Anna and the importance of maintaining their distinctive charm.

Our team appreciates Anna's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect the village's historical integrity while ensuring safety and functionality. With over a century of experience in the region, Bock Lighting understands the architectural styles and community values that make Anna special.

We serve as an educational resource for property owners and developers navigating lighting regulations, offering expertise without pushing specific products. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Anna's vision of careful, considerate development that respects both history and future needs.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When making lighting changes to your property in Anna, consider these practical steps:

• Review regulations before installation: Understanding requirements before purchasing lighting can save time and money
• Consider neighbors: Position lights to provide necessary illumination without creating nuisance glare
• Maintain trees: Regular pruning helps ensure street lighting functions effectively
• Underground wiring: New installations generally require underground wiring for aesthetic purposes

When to Consult the Village

The site plan review process includes evaluation of "the location and type of all existing and proposed lighting." Before making significant changes to your property's lighting, consulting with village officials can help ensure compliance and avoid potential violations.

Conclusion

Anna, Ohio's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By maintaining thoughtful standards for illumination, the village continues its tradition of balancing preservation with progress.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to maintaining Anna's unique charm and historical integrity. From proper tree maintenance to appropriate fixture selection, each lighting decision plays a small but significant role in shaping the village's nighttime environment.

Through careful adherence to these standards, Anna will continue to shine as a community that honors its past while thoughtfully embracing its future.