Lighting Regulations in Barberton, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Founded in 1891 as a planned industrial community, Barberton, Ohio has evolved from its roots as O.C. Barber's vision of an ideal manufacturing center to a modern city that honors its industrial heritage. The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance between preserving historical character and meeting contemporary needs.

As Barberton developed from its initial 600-acre footprint to today's eight-square-mile municipality, the city has established lighting standards that ensure safety and functionality while respecting the community's unique identity. These regulations address everything from parking lot illumination to sign lighting and street lamp requirements.

Let's explore the key lighting regulations that property owners, businesses, and residents should understand when undertaking projects in Barberton.

Quick Reference Guide

• Late Night Business Lighting: Minimum 5 foot-candles per square foot in customer parking areas
• Parking Area Illumination: Minimum 0.2 footcandles at the surface of each parking space
• Sign Illumination: Constant intensity, non-glaring, UL-listed fixtures required
• Parking Lot Lighting Hours: Must be extinguished or reduced 30 minutes after business closure
• Recreation Facilities: Lighted facilities must close by 11:00 p.m.
• Street Lighting: Required at arterial street intersections per Illuminating Engineering Society standards

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Parking Area Illumination

The city code provides specific requirements for lighting in commercial parking areas:

• Minimum Intensity: Not less than 0.2 footcandles of illumination at the surface of each parking space
• Light Quality: Must be shielded, diffused, or indirect to prevent glare on adjacent properties or streets
• Operating Hours: Lighting must be extinguished 30 minutes after facility closure or reduced to an intensity approved by the City Engineer if needed for security

Late Night Establishments

Businesses operating late at night have additional requirements:

• Minimum Lighting: 5 foot-candles per square foot throughout customer parking areas
• Maintenance: This lighting level must be consistently maintained
• Measurement: Light levels are measured at the surface of the parking area

Maintenance Requirements

All lighting in vehicular areas must be maintained in good condition for as long as such areas remain in use. This ensures consistent safety and functionality of lighting systems throughout their operational life.

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

Barberton has established comprehensive guidelines for illuminated signage:

• Circuit Requirements: Conductors for illuminated signs must be enclosed in rigid conduit or approved raceways
• Safety Standards: Electric signs must be UL-listed or meet equivalent specifications
• Concealment: Sign circuit conduit should be concealed from public view where possible

Illumination Types and Restrictions

The city code specifically addresses various illumination methods:

• Prohibited Illumination:
• Strobe lights visible beyond property lines
• Bare bulb illumination (with specific exceptions)
• Internal illumination for projecting signs
• Illumination for signs allowed without permits
• Permitted Exceptions:
• Neon or similar tubing
• Shielded external lighting
• Changing signs
• Theater marquees
• Landmark signs

Light Quality and Safety

Sign lighting must meet these quality standards:

• Consistency: Illumination must be constant in intensity and color (except for changing signs)
• Uniformity: Light must be distributed evenly across the sign face
• Glare Prevention: External lighting must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent glare
• Traffic Safety: No direct or reflected light may create hazards for motor vehicles

Decorative Lighting

Importantly, decorative lighting that doesn't constitute a sign (including facade illumination, neon accent lighting, and backlit awnings without signs) isn't subject to sign regulation provisions but may fall under other city regulations.

Street Lighting and Public Infrastructure

Requirements and Standards

Street lighting in Barberton follows these guidelines:

• Installation Requirements: Required at all intersections on arterial streets
• Standards: Must comply with current Illuminating Engineering Society standards or gain City Engineer approval
• Underground Utilities: All street lighting wires, conduits, and cables must be installed underground (except for infill parcels in areas with existing above-ground facilities)

Exemptions

Street lighting is not required in:

• Single or two-family residential developments with lot widths exceeding 100 feet
• Completely non-residential developments

Street Sign Lighting

Street signs must be installed below street light lamps at intersections and positioned in locations free of visual obstructions.

Specialty Lighting Regulations

Recreational Facilities

• Lighted recreational facilities must close by 11:00 p.m.
• Participation after this time is prohibited

Home Occupations

• Home-based businesses must not produce glare visible from outside the property
• Exception: Effects commonly associated with residential uses are permitted

Renewable Energy Systems

• Only to be lit if required by the Federal Aviation Administration or to repel wildlife
• Lighting for appurtenant structures limited to safety and operational purposes
• Must be reasonably shielded from abutting properties

Telecommunications Towers

• Illumination prohibited except as required by law
• Lighting fixtures or signs may not be attached to antennas or towers

Permit and Planning Requirements

Fees and Applications

• Exterior Pole Lighting: $50 per pole
• Sign Lighting: $50 for outline or marquee branch circuit

Planning Documentation

• Site plans must include comprehensive lighting plans
• Design reviews examine exterior lighting fixtures
• Applications for illuminated signs must include specifications showing illumination type, intensity, placement, and electrical components

Supporting Barberton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Barberton seeks between preserving its industrial heritage and meeting modern lighting needs. With over a century of experience in the region, we appreciate how Barberton's history as a planned industrial community influences its approach to infrastructure and development.

Our team's knowledge of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating Barberton's lighting regulations. We share the city's commitment to maintaining the character of historic industrial areas while incorporating modern safety and efficiency standards.

As a local manufacturer, we understand the importance of the community's industrial origins and how proper lighting contributes to both safety and historical context. Our expertise can help maintain the character of Barberton's notable landmarks while ensuring compliance with current standards.

Conclusion

Barberton's lighting regulations establish clear standards for commercial, residential, and public lighting that balance safety, functionality, and aesthetic considerations. Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before undertaking new construction or renovations.

The regulations particularly emphasize preventing light pollution and glare while ensuring adequate illumination for safety in commercial areas. By following these guidelines, residents and business owners can contribute to the city's ongoing efforts to honor its industrial heritage while embracing modern development practices.

For specific questions about your property's lighting requirements, contact the Barberton Building Department for the most current information and guidance.