Lighting Regulations in Ashland, Ohio: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction: Ashland's Lighting Legacy

Nestled in north-central Ohio, Ashland has maintained its small-town charm since its founding in 1815 by Daniel Carter. As the city has evolved over two centuries, its approach to lighting has developed alongside it – from the earliest gas street lighting ordinance in 1857 to today's modern regulations.

Ashland's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. These ordinances have been thoughtfully developed to maintain the city's aesthetic appeal while adapting to changing technology and resident needs.

Quick Reference Guide to Ashland Lighting Regulations

Before diving into specific details, here are the key lighting requirements you should know:

• Private Street Lighting: Requires post lamps with minimum 100-watt white bulbs mounted at least 5 feet above pavement level
• Illumination Standards: Intersection lighting requires minimum 9500 lumens with intensity of 1.0-1.2 foot candles
• Glare Prevention: All lighting must be focused and directed to prevent glare on streets or adjacent properties
• Sign Illumination: Cannot exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light
• Warning Lights: Required for excavations, construction sites, and other hazards
• Tower Lighting: Flashing/strobing lights prohibited unless required by FCC or FAA

Historical Development of Lighting in Ashland

Ashland's First Lighting Ordinances

Ashland's lighting regulations date back to June 20, 1857, when William Stevenson was granted permission to construct pipes for street lighting purposes. This marked the beginning of organized lighting in the community.

As technology evolved, so did the city's approach to illumination. In 1885, F.E. Myers and J. Brubaker received authorization to erect poles and furnish electric light service, signaling Ashland's transition to electrical lighting.

Evolution Through the Decades

The early 1890s saw W.H. and E.A. Potter granted permission to construct and operate a system providing electric light and power. By 1902, the Ashland Gas & Electric Light Company was authorized to construct and operate a natural gas system.

These historical ordinances laid the foundation for today's more comprehensive lighting regulations, which aim to balance safety, utility, and aesthetic considerations in a way that honors Ashland's historical character.

Residential and Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

General Lighting Standards

Ashland's code addresses lighting for various property types with a fundamental principle: lighting must be focused and directed to prevent glare on streets or adjoining properties. This applies to spotlights, floodlights, electrical reflectors, and all other illumination methods.

Home Occupation Restrictions

If you operate a business from your home, the code specifically prohibits creating glare that could constitute a nuisance or safety hazard to occupants of adjacent properties. This ensures residential neighborhoods maintain their peaceful character even when they include home-based businesses.

Street and Public Space Lighting

Private Development Requirements

For new residential developments, street lighting requirements include:

• Post Lamp Specifications:
• Minimum 100-watt white bulb
• Post height at least 5 feet above pavement
• Located within 20 feet of street right-of-way line
• Underground power with photoelectric switch
• Must be installed and operating before occupancy permits are granted
• Maximum 30-day outage permitted for maintenance

Intersection Lighting Standards

All streets intended for dedication to the City require a base level of intersection lighting installed at the developer's expense, with specific technical requirements:

• Minimum luminaire size: 9500 lumens
• Intensity: 1.0-1.2 foot candles average
• Uniformity ratio (avg/min): 4:1-3:1
• Maximum/minimum ratio: Less than 10:1

City Maintenance Responsibility

After street dedication, the City assumes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of street lighting within the right-of-way, ensuring consistent illumination throughout public spaces.

Construction and Safety Lighting

Warning Lights for Hazards

Section 521.03 requires all excavations, wells, cesspools, and structures under construction or repair to be guarded by warning devices or lights at night to prevent dangerous conditions for pedestrians and motorists.

Protection of Safety Lighting

The code explicitly prohibits destroying, removing, damaging, or extinguishing any barricade or warning light placed for public protection. If someone accidentally damages such lighting, they must immediately replace it or notify the Police Division.

Sign and Advertising Illumination

Brightness Limitations

Signs with internal illumination or electronic displays must adhere to specific brightness standards:

• Maximum brightness: Cannot exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light
• Measurement: Taken perpendicular to the sign face
• Adaptive technology: Electronic signs must include technology that automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light conditions

Animated Sign Regulations

The code differentiates between types of animated signs with specific lighting considerations:

• Flashing signs: Characterized by repetitive cycles where illumination period is equal to or less than non-illumination (cycle must exceed 4 seconds to avoid classification as flashing)
• Patterned illusionary movement: Uses sequential activation of illuminated elements to create appearance of motion

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments have specific illumination requirements:

• Minimum illumination: 1.0 foot candle measured at floor level
• Documentation: Applications must include diagrams showing overhead lighting fixtures
• Maintenance: Owners, operators, and employees must ensure minimum illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

Section 1189.14 specifically prohibits artificial lighting of wireless telecommunications facilities except when required by the FAA. Additionally, strobing lights on towers and antenna structures are prohibited unless specifically required by regulatory agencies like the FCC or FAA.

Supporting Ashland's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Ashland's commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern illumination needs. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Ashland's values regarding community character and thoughtful development.

Our experience with regional architectural styles enables us to provide guidance that respects both the technical requirements of Ashland's lighting code and the aesthetic considerations that make the city special. We recognize that proper lighting enhances safety while preserving the small-town charm that residents cherish.

Bock Lighting serves as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, offering education about compliance while supporting the community's vision. Our local presence allows us to better understand the unique needs and standards of communities like Ashland, where historical character and modern functionality must coexist harmoniously.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

Before installing or modifying exterior lighting, consider these important points:

• Direction and focus: Ensure all lighting is directed to prevent spillover onto neighboring properties
• Documentation: For development complexes over eight acres, a master sign plan addressing illumination type is required
• Maintenance: Regular upkeep of lighting fixtures is required, especially for required safety lighting

Common Compliance Issues

When property owners face challenges with lighting regulations, it's typically related to:

• Glare control: Inadequate shielding or improper positioning causing light trespass
• Brightness levels: Particularly with electronic signage exceeding permitted levels
• Maintenance: Failure to maintain required lighting, especially safety-related fixtures

Conclusion

Ashland's lighting regulations reflect its ongoing commitment to preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality. From the earliest gas lighting ordinances to today's technical specifications for LED illumination, these standards help maintain the quality of life that makes Ashland special.

By understanding and complying with these regulations, property owners contribute to a well-lit community that honors its historical roots while embracing appropriate modern technology. Whether illuminating a home, business, or development project, thoughtful lighting enhances Ashland's charm for current and future generations.