Lighting Regulations in Boston Heights, Ohio: Preserving Community Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: Boston Heights' Lighting Philosophy

Boston Heights, Ohio, a village nestled in the picturesque landscape of Summit County, has a rich historical character dating back to Boston Township's founding in 1811. The village itself was incorporated in 1923, establishing its own distinct identity within the township.

This small community values maintaining a delicate balance between necessary development and preserving its unique rural charm. The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects this commitment - prioritizing functionality and safety while minimizing light pollution to protect the natural night sky.

As the village extends services to support business growth, particularly in designated corridors, the lighting regulations ensure that development aligns with the community's character and values.

Quick Reference Guide to Boston Heights Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know:

• Light Trespass: All exterior lighting must be designed to minimize glare and prevent light from shining directly onto adjacent properties
• Driver Safety: Lighting must never impair driver vision or interfere with traffic operations
• Parking Illumination: Parking lots must maintain between 1-3 footcandles with a maximum of 0.5 footcandles at residential property lines
• Color Temperature: Lighting should have a color temperature between 2500°K and 3500°K
• Maximum Mounting Height: Luminaire fixtures must not exceed 28 feet as measured from grade to fixture top
• Pedestrian Areas: Must be illuminated to a minimum of 1 footcandle
• Prohibited Features: No internally illuminated facades/roofs, no strings of open light bulbs, no fixtures with exposed bulbs

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Minimizing Light Trespass

Boston Heights places strong emphasis on preventing unwanted light spillage. All exterior lighting fixtures must be designed, arranged and shielded to:

• Minimize glare and light trespass
• Prevent light from shining directly onto adjacent properties
• Avoid impairing the vision of motor vehicle drivers
• Never interfere with the safe operation of motor vehicles or traffic

Security Considerations

While preventing light pollution, Boston Heights also recognizes the security benefits of proper illumination:

• Lighting should maximize security
• Interior and exterior lighting must be uniform to allow for surveillance
• Design should avoid creating isolated dark areas
• Accent lighting on buildings is encouraged as a security feature

Prohibited Lighting Elements

Several lighting features are explicitly prohibited in Boston Heights:

• No strings of open light bulbs are permitted
• No fixtures with exposed bulbs are allowed
• No internally illuminated fascias, roofs, arches, or plastic structures may be incorporated in exterior design in Office Professional, General Business, Retail Business, or Light Manufacturing Districts
• These elements are also prohibited for conditional uses in Residential Districts

Pedestrian and Walkway Lighting

Pedestrian-Friendly Illumination

Boston Heights encourages pedestrian safety through appropriate lighting design:

• Pedestrian walkways must use pedestrian-level, bollard lighting, ground-mounted lighting, or other low, glare-controlled fixtures
• These fixtures may be mounted on building or landscape walls
• Bollard-type lighting must not exceed 4 feet in height
• Pedestrian areas must be illuminated to a minimum of 1 footcandle

Residential Areas

For residential properties, the regulations encourage:

• Coach lights on residential buildings to enhance the residential feel and promote pedestrian safety
• Fixtures that provide adequate illumination while maintaining the village's residential character

Technical Specifications for All Lighting

Boston Heights has established specific technical requirements to ensure quality lighting throughout the village:

• Color Temperature: Lighting should have a color temperature between 2500°K and 3500°K
• Fixture Types: Color-correct types such as halogen or metal halide are recommended to ensure true-color at night and visual comfort
• Appearance: Lighting should display a uniform, comfortable, and warm appearance
• Glare Prevention: Light fixtures must use cutoff lenses or hoods to prevent glare and light spill onto adjacent properties, buildings, and roadways

Parking Lot Lighting Standards

Illumination Levels

Boston Heights has established specific illumination requirements for parking areas:

• Maximum average maintained footcandles: 3 footcandles
• Minimum average maintained footcandles: 1 footcandle
• Maximum maintained vertical footcandle at adjoining residential property line: 0.5 footcandles (measured 5 feet above grade)
• For calculation purposes, average maintained footcandle is calculated at 0.8 of initial footcandles

Fixture Requirements

Parking lot lighting fixtures must meet specific design standards:

• Maximum mounting height: 28 feet (measured to the top of the fixture from grade)
• Fixtures with exposed bulbs are not permitted
• Exterior lighting must have an appropriate scale and appearance when visible
• Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking must be arranged to direct light away from properties within a Residential District

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Illumination Rules

Boston Heights has established clear parameters for illuminated signs:

• Signs may be internally or externally illuminated with Planning Commission approval
• Signs in Residential Districts or on residential property may only be illuminated with white light
• External light sources must not interfere with the vision of motor vehicle operators
• Light sources must not shine directly on adjacent property
• Illumination intensity must not impair driver vision or interfere with traffic control devices

Safety Provisions

For public safety, illuminated signs must include:

• A mechanism to automatically adjust brightness to comply with regulations
• A means to immediately turn off the display if malfunctioning or posing a threat to public safety
• Owners must immediately turn off signs that cannot be adjusted to comply when ordered by authorities

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Several sign lighting features are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing, oscillating or moving signs are not permitted
• Exposed transformers, ballast boxes, crossovers, conduit, sign cabinets, light boxes, etc. are not allowed unless integral to the design
• Standard "Catalog" type signs (e.g., "open" neon signs) are not permitted

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Self-Service Storage Facilities

Self-storage facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• All lights must be shielded to direct light onto the established buildings and away from adjacent property
• Lighting may be of sufficient intensity to discourage vandalism and theft
• All lights must be mounted at a height not exceeding that of the building

Telecommunications Towers

For telecommunications infrastructure:

• Tower lighting should not create a nuisance or distraction to surrounding uses

Supporting Boston Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Boston Heights' commitment to preserving historical character while embracing necessary modern technology. We understand the village's dedication to maintaining the balance between development and preservation that makes Boston Heights special.

As a regional lighting resource, Bock appreciates the unique architectural heritage of communities like Boston Heights and the importance of lighting that complements rather than detracts from community character. Our understanding of the regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as an educational resource for residents and businesses navigating lighting regulations.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Boston Heights' vision of minimizing light pollution while maximizing functionality and safety. Our local presence enables a better understanding of the community's specific needs and standards as they relate to illumination.

We value being part of communities that prioritize thoughtful development while honoring their historical roots, and we're proud to support the lighting vision that helps Boston Heights maintain its distinctive charm.

Conclusion: Lighting that Honors Boston Heights' Character

Boston Heights' lighting regulations reflect the village's broader commitment to preserving its unique character while ensuring safety, security, and functionality. By establishing clear guidelines for illumination levels, fixture types, color temperature, and mounting heights, the village creates a cohesive lighting environment that serves residents and businesses while minimizing light pollution.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements regarding light trespass, mounting height limitations, and specific illumination levels for different applications. By understanding and adhering to these regulations, community members contribute to the village's efforts to maintain its distinctive rural charm and historical character while meeting modern lighting needs.

These thoughtfully crafted lighting standards help Boston Heights remain true to its values as it continues to grow and develop, ensuring that the village's nighttime environment remains as special as its daytime one.