Lighting Regulations in Brewster, Ohio: Preserving Railway Town Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in southwestern Stark County, the village of Brewster, Ohio has a rich history deeply connected to the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway. Established with the opening of a post office in 1910, this small community of just over 2,100 residents has maintained its distinct character while adapting to modern needs.

Brewster's lighting regulations reflect a practical approach to illumination that balances safety, functionality, and respect for the village's railway town heritage. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents who want to contribute positively to Brewster's community character.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Brewster:

• Sign Illumination: Only indirect lighting permitted; light source must not be visible from street
• Prohibited Lighting: No festoon lighting, pennant strings with lights, exposed light bulbs, or searchlights
• Parking Areas: Lighting must be directed away from adjoining properties and streets
• Street Obstructions: Warning lights required during nighttime for safety
• Trees: Must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lights
• General Standard: No lighting shall constitute a nuisance or impair traffic safety

Sign Illumination Requirements

Indirect Lighting Only

When it comes to illuminating signs in Brewster, the village code is clear: signs which are illuminated shall use indirect lighting only. This approach helps maintain the village's character while reducing light pollution.

Light Source Visibility

An important requirement for sign lighting is that the source of light shall not be visible from the street. This creates a more subtle and tasteful appearance that complements Brewster's small-town aesthetic.

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The village expressly prohibits certain types of sign illumination:

• No flashing illumination is permitted
• No revolving illumination is allowed
• No intermittent illumination can be used

Directional Signs

For those installing directional signs, note that these shall be non-illuminated according to village regulations.

Prohibited Lighting Types

Festoon Lighting

Brewster specifically prohibits festoon lighting, which is defined in the code as:

• A group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building/structure
• Light bulbs not shaded, hooded, or screened to prevent direct rays from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way

Other Prohibited Lighting Features

The following lighting elements are also prohibited in Brewster:

• Pennant strings and streamers with lighting
• Searchlights
• Animated, flashing, or blinking lights
• Racer type, moving, or revolving lights
• Exposed light bulbs
• Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background

Parking Area Lighting Requirements

Direction of Illumination

For parking areas, all lighting must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining premises or streets. This requirement helps minimize light trespass onto neighboring properties.

Open Light Sources

The code specifically notes that no open light sources, such as the stringing of light bulbs, shall be permitted in parking areas. This aligns with the village's overall approach to tasteful, controlled lighting.

Street Lighting and Public Safety

Street Obstructions and Warning Lights

Safety is a priority in Brewster's lighting regulations. Any person obstructing a street, sidewalk, alley, or other public way must provide warning lights during nighttime hours:

• At least two illuminated lights must be posted at or near each end of the obstruction
• For obstructions exceeding 50 feet, one additional lamp for each added 50 feet is required

Tree Maintenance Near Street Lights

Property owners have specific responsibilities regarding trees and street lighting:

• Trees on private property overhanging street rights-of-way must be pruned so branches do not severely obstruct the light from any street light
• The village has the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they interfere with the proper spread of light along the street

Protection of Street Lighting

The village code makes it unlawful to "willfully interfere with, molest, destroy, injure, remove or tamper with any electric or other lamps or lights or poles or wires" used for street lighting without proper consent.

Subdivision Development Requirements

Street Light Installation

Developers creating new subdivisions in Brewster must adhere to specific requirements:

• The owner or subdivider shall install street lights within the subdivision
• Installation must be according to the village's electric utility rules and regulations

This ensures new developments maintain consistent lighting standards throughout the village.

General Lighting Standards

Nuisance Prevention

Brewster maintains a straightforward general standard for all lighting: No lighting shall constitute a nuisance and shall in no way impair safe movement of traffic on any street or highway.

Additionally, no lighting shall shine directly on adjacent properties, protecting neighboring property owners from unwanted light intrusion.

Supporting Brewster's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Brewster's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing practical modern solutions. We understand the unique character of railway towns like Brewster and the importance of lighting that complements this heritage.

As a regional manufacturer, Bock appreciates the balance that small communities like Brewster must maintain between safety, functionality, and preservation of village character. Our team's deep understanding of local architectural styles and lighting needs has made us a trusted resource for communities throughout Northeast Ohio.

We believe that thoughtful lighting enhances community character rather than detracting from it. While lighting needs have evolved since Brewster's founding, the fundamental principles of good lighting—tasteful illumination that serves its purpose without becoming a nuisance—remain timeless.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When considering new lighting for your property in Brewster, keep these key points in mind:

• Site plan requirements: Lighting plans must be included in site plans submitted to the Planning Commission
• Indirect lighting: For signs, ensure you're using indirect methods with concealed light sources
• Light direction: Always direct light away from neighboring properties and streets
• Prohibited features: Avoid any flashing, moving, or exposed bulb lighting

Working with Village Authorities

When in doubt about a lighting installation, consulting with village officials before proceeding can save time and expense. The village's approach to lighting regulation aims to maintain Brewster's character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Conclusion

Brewster's lighting regulations reflect the village's practical approach to preserving its railway town character while ensuring safety and functionality. The focus on indirect lighting, prevention of light nuisance, and prohibition of ostentatious lighting features all support Brewster's small-town atmosphere.

By understanding and following these lighting guidelines, property owners and businesses contribute to maintaining the distinctive character that makes Brewster a special place in Stark County. Though relatively straightforward, these regulations play an important role in shaping how the village appears after dark, honoring its railway heritage while meeting modern needs.