Lighting Regulations in Bedford, Ohio: Preserving Historical Character While Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Bedford, Ohio—a city rich in historical architecture and small-town charm—carefully balances preservation with contemporary needs through thoughtful lighting regulations. As one of Cuyahoga County's oldest towns, Bedford's approach to exterior lighting reflects its commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while providing safe, functional illumination for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Bedford's Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of Bedford's most important lighting regulations:

• Pool Lighting: Must be shaded to direct light away from neighboring properties and streets
• Sign Illumination: Internal illumination limited to 3 foot candles at 10 feet; external illumination capped at 20 foot candles
• Light Trespass: No lighting may cause glare or nuisance to adjacent properties
• Shielding Requirements: Full cut-off fixtures required to shield light sources
• Night Hours: Most sign illumination prohibited between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Window Lighting: Window frame perimeter lighting is prohibited in certain areas

Pool Illumination Requirements

Safety and Consideration for Neighbors

Bedford's code places special emphasis on pool lighting that balances safety needs with neighborhood aesthetics:

• Direction Control: All pool lights must be arranged and shaded to reflect light away from adjoining premises and public streets
• Illumination Levels: For private pools used during darkness, light levels must be maintained between 2-5 foot candles (approximately ½ watt per square foot) for the pool surface and up to 6 feet from the pool edge
• Fixture Height: Lights placed not over 10 feet above the illuminated area
• Safety Standards: All lighting and wiring must comply with the National Electrical Code
• Equipment Approval: All fixtures and equipment must be UL approved

Practical Application

The careful regulation of pool lighting ensures swimmers can safely enjoy evening dips while preventing light pollution that might disturb neighbors. This requirement aligns perfectly with Bedford's community-focused values, balancing individual enjoyment with collective well-being.

Facility and Building Lighting

Accessibility and Safety

Bedford's code recognizes the importance of appropriate lighting for public facilities:

• Accessible Entrances: At least one entrance to a facility must provide adequate lighting for physically handicapped access
• Appropriate Illumination: Each area of a facility must have lighting adequate for its intended use, following recognized lighting standards
• Emergency Provisions: Critical areas must have emergency electrical service for lighting, including corridors, exits, procedure rooms, and nurse stations
• Backup Power: New construction or renovations must include emergency generators or alternative power sources for lighting essential to patient care

Balancing Functionality with Character

These regulations ensure that Bedford's facilities provide safe, welcoming environments while maintaining the town's historic charm. The emphasis on adequate—rather than excessive—lighting helps preserve the community's aesthetic while meeting contemporary safety standards.

General Property Lighting Requirements

Minimizing Light Pollution

Bedford's regulations carefully address potential light pollution and disturbance:

• Nuisance Prevention: No operation may produce objectionable glare that endangers property or creates hazards
• Neighboring Properties: Site lighting must not cause nuisance to neighboring residential areas
• Heat and Glare Limits: No use shall generate heat or glare perceptible without instruments beyond the property line
• Approval Process: Site lighting is subject to approval by the Planning Commission

Buffer Requirements

When commercial and residential zones meet, Bedford requires special consideration:

• Buffers between zones must include protection from the effects of site lighting
• Site lighting plans must be approved by the Building Commissioner
• Lighting must not be "noxious or offensive" when visible from residential properties

Sign Illumination Standards

Detailed Technical Requirements

Bedford's sign lighting regulations are particularly comprehensive:

• Internal Illumination:
• Maximum of 3 foot candles measured 10 feet from the sign face
• Must include reduced intensity nighttime setting
• Must automatically adjust to ambient light conditions
• External Illumination:
• Cannot exceed 20 foot candles at any point on the sign face
• Must be shielded to prevent glare and minimize light trespass
• Must prevent view of light source from adjacent residential properties and vehicles
• Alternative Methods:
• Back lighting or halo lighting permitted with Planning Commission approval
• Operating Hours:
• No sign illumination between 2:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless the business is open
• Exceptions available when necessary for security and safety

Special Considerations

The code also addresses specific sign types:

• Window Frame Lighting: LED or string lighting around window frames is prohibited in certain areas
• Temporary Signs: Cannot be illuminated and must not have blinking or flashing lights
• Religious/Charitable Institutions: Bulletin boards may be illuminated

Infrastructure and Development Requirements

Planning for Proper Illumination

Bedford takes a proactive approach to lighting infrastructure:

• Utility Easements: Ten-foot easements required for street lighting distribution lines
• Underground Requirements: New subdivisions with four or more lots must place street lighting wires underground
• Developer Responsibilities:
• Must install or provide bonds for underground distribution cables for street lighting
• Must provide adequate streetlight lamps and standards to Planning Commission approval
• Bears increased costs over normal construction mode

Development Plan Requirements

Anyone submitting a development plan must include:

• Proposed outdoor lighting facilities
• Information about potential glare-producing operations
• Detailed lighting plans showing fixture type and illumination levels

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Parking Lots

Parking area lighting must be:

• Directionally Controlled: Reflected away from residential districts
• Carefully Arranged: Designed to cause no annoying glare

Towers and Wind Generators

• Towers under 150 feet should not be artificially lighted except for safety or FAA requirements
• Towers between 150-200 feet must follow FAA safety marking and obstruction lighting
• Wind towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA
• Security lighting is permitted around equipment shelters

Supporting Bedford's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Bedford's commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring safe, functional lighting solutions. Our understanding of the region's architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to support Bedford's careful balance of modern requirements with historical preservation.

As a community partner, we value Bedford's emphasis on minimizing light pollution and protecting the unique character that makes this historic town special. Our expertise in lighting solutions that respect community aesthetics aligns perfectly with Bedford's vision for thoughtful development and preservation.

We appreciate how Bedford has structured its lighting regulations to maintain its small-town charm while providing the necessary illumination for safety and functionality. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices mirrors Bedford's approach to balancing growth with protection of its historical and aesthetic values.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

If you're planning a lighting project in Bedford:

1. Start with Planning: Include detailed lighting plans in your site development application
2. Consider Neighbors: Remember that light trespass and glare prevention are priorities
3. Choose Appropriate Fixtures: Full cut-off fixtures are required to shield light sources
4. Be Sign-Conscious: Pay special attention to sign illumination requirements
5. Think Long-Term: Infrastructure for future lighting needs should be considered in new developments

When to Seek Professional Guidance

Lighting regulations can be complex. Consider consulting with lighting professionals when:

• Planning commercial developments near residential areas
• Designing sign illumination systems
• Installing pool lighting
• Developing properties in historically sensitive areas

Conclusion

Bedford's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while providing safe, functional lighting for residents and businesses. By carefully balancing aesthetic considerations with practical needs, these regulations help maintain the distinctive charm that makes Bedford special.

Whether you're a homeowner installing pool lighting or a business owner planning signage, understanding these regulations will help ensure your project complies with Bedford's vision for a well-lit yet historically respectful community.