Lighting Regulations in Broadview Heights, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Character, and Neighborly Considerations

Introduction

Broadview Heights, Ohio—a community with roots dating back to the early 19th century and formally incorporated in 1927—has evolved from its rural beginnings into a thriving suburban city. As the community has grown, so has the need for thoughtful lighting regulations that respect both the city's historical character and the practical needs of its residents and businesses.

Lighting plays a crucial role in community safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. Broadview Heights' regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its suburban character while providing appropriate illumination for public safety and convenience.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Brightness Standards: Exterior lighting must not be of excessive brightness and should be positioned to prevent annoying glare or reflections
• Shielding Requirements: Light sources must be shielded from neighboring residential properties and streets
• Light Trespass: Maximum 1 footcandle illumination at property lines adjacent to residential areas
• Illumination Levels:
• Parking and pedestrian areas: 0.6 footcandles minimum
• Property security only: 0.2 footcandles minimum
• Vehicle use areas: 1.0 footcandles average
• Maximum Luminaire Heights:
• A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4 districts: 10 feet
• Other districts: 25 feet (with possible exceptions)
• Uniformity: Average illumination levels cannot exceed 4 times the minimum level

Historical Context: Lighting in Broadview Heights

Broadview Heights' approach to lighting regulations reflects its evolution from a rural township to a suburban community. With a population density of approximately 1,486.6 inhabitants per square mile, the city strikes a balance between providing adequate lighting for safety and preserving the character that makes it unique.

The city's commitment to careful development is evident in its renovation projects, such as the transformation of the Thorin Building into the Community Building, now housing City Hall. This balance between preservation and development informs the city's thoughtful approach to lighting.

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Core Principles

Broadview Heights' lighting regulations are built around several fundamental principles:

• Neighborhood Consideration: Lighting should not create a nuisance to adjoining properties
• Safety First: Adequate illumination must be provided for the safety and security of residents and visitors
• Controlled Brightness: Exterior lighting should not be of "excessive brightness"
• Constant Illumination: Lighting must be of constant intensity (flickering or intermittent lighting is prohibited)

Shielding and Direction

All exterior lighting must be carefully directed and shielded. The regulations specifically require that:

• Light sources must be shielded from neighboring residential properties and streets
• Floodlighting must be designed to shield light sources from adjoining residences
• Lighting must not be directed toward public thoroughfares in ways that cause glare or reflections that could create traffic hazards

Specific Requirements by Location

Residential Considerations

For residential areas, Broadview Heights places special emphasis on neighborly considerations:

• Security lighting for short-term rentals, bed and breakfast inns, and Airbnb properties must not reflect or direct light out of the property's yard
• Residential parking areas with ten or fewer spaces have special provisions with "appropriate residential-type luminaries"

Commercial and Business Districts

In business districts, additional requirements apply:

• Western Reserve style lighting is required in some areas (as determined by the Planning Commission)
• All pole lighting designs must be approved by the Planning Commission
• Lighting for parking facilities must not create excessive brightness affecting adjoining residential districts and streets

Recreation and Athletic Facilities

For recreational facilities, time restrictions apply:

• Lights on tennis courts, basketball courts, or baseball fields used for city-sponsored functions may be used until 11:30 p.m.
• Flood lighting of play fields in Class D-1 Community Districts must be extinguished between midnight and 7:00 a.m.

Technical Specifications

Illumination Levels and Measurements

Broadview Heights specifies precise illumination requirements:

• Minimum maintained horizontal footcandle (fc) illumination:
• Parking and pedestrian areas: 0.6 fc minimum
• Property security only: 0.2 fc minimum
• Vehicle use areas: 1.0 fc average
• Uniformity Ratio: Average illumination levels cannot exceed four times the minimum level
• Light Trespass Limits: Exterior lighting must provide a maximum of one horizontal footcandle illumination at side or rear property lines adjacent to residential areas

Fixture Height Restrictions

The city has established maximum heights for lighting fixtures:

• In A-l, A-2, B-l, B-2, B-3, and B-4 districts: 10 feet maximum
• In other districts: 25 feet maximum

The Planning Commission may approve greater heights if: 1. The additional height is necessary to efficiently illuminate outdoor areas 2. The additional height will have no adverse effect on adjacent properties

Glare Prevention

For glare prevention, the regulations state:

• All luminaries over ten feet in height must be cut-off types
• These require shields or other devices that eliminate all light above an angle of 85 degrees (measured from the vertical axis of the light source)

Special Applications

Swimming Pool Lighting

Swimming pools have specific lighting requirements:

• Lights used to illuminate pools must be arranged and shaded to reflect light away from adjoining premises and public streets
• Public swimming pool lighting must be "adequate for the protection of the public" as determined by the Building Commissioner
• All wiring and lighting must comply with the latest National Electrical Code
• All fixtures and equipment must be UL approved

Sign Illumination

Sign illumination is carefully regulated:

• Only direct lighting from an external source is permitted for external illumination
• Light sources must not be visible from the street or adjacent property
• Colored light sources are prohibited
• Internal illumination may be permitted where no potential safety hazard to motorists or pedestrians is created
• Animated, flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination is prohibited
• Electronic signs adjacent to residential districts must be turned off between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Supporting Broadview Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Broadview Heights' commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with community character.

As a regional manufacturer understanding the unique architectural styles of Northeast Ohio communities, Bock appreciates Broadview Heights' approach to preserving its suburban character while ensuring appropriate illumination for safety and security.

Our experience working with communities throughout the region has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community identity while respecting local regulations. We're committed to supporting Broadview Heights property owners in understanding and implementing lighting solutions that comply with local requirements.

With over a century of experience in the region, we understand the importance of lighting that complements Broadview Heights' community vision—balancing safety, functionality, and neighborhood considerations.

Conclusion

Broadview Heights' lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its suburban character while providing appropriate illumination for safety and security. By focusing on controlled brightness, proper shielding, and neighborly considerations, these regulations ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the quality of life in the community.

Property owners planning lighting installations should work closely with the Building Department and Planning Commission to ensure compliance with these requirements. By following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to a well-lit community that respects the character and comfort of all who call Broadview Heights home.