Lighting Regulations in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Community Character

Introduction: Understanding Brooklyn Heights' Lighting Approach

Brooklyn Heights, nestled in the Cleveland metropolitan area, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its unique character and community values. As a small village covering just 1.76 square miles with a population of 1,519 (2020 census), Brooklyn Heights features both heavily wooded areas in its southern valley and developed residential zones elsewhere.

The village's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to balancing development needs with preservation of its natural landscapes and residential character. With its origins as part of the broader Brooklyn Township in the early 19th century, the village has evolved with careful attention to maintaining its distinctive community feel.

Let's explore the specific lighting regulations that help preserve Brooklyn Heights' character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most important lighting regulations to know in Brooklyn Heights:

• Swimming pools: Limited to 500-watt floodlights with 11:00 PM curfew
• Adult businesses: Minimum illumination of 5 foot-candles measured at floor level
• Signs: No "excessive brightness"; must be shielded from residential areas
• Parking areas: Must be illuminated when street lights are on
• Construction sites: Warning lights required at night for safety
• Towers: No artificial lighting except for safety or FAA requirements

Residential Lighting Requirements

Swimming Pool Lighting Restrictions

Pool lighting in Brooklyn Heights follows specific regulations designed to minimize impact on neighbors:

• No light used to illuminate a permanent or portable swimming pool shall exceed 500 watt floodlight
• All pool lights must be extinguished at 11:00 p.m.
• Lighting fixtures must be designed and positioned to avoid casting direct rays of excessive brightness upon adjoining residential lots
• The Planning Commission may require landscaping to insulate pools from adjoining properties

Housing Lighting Standards

For residential properties, Brooklyn Heights requires:

• All wiring must conform to Building Code specifications and maintain safe condition
• All fixtures must be electrically safe and mounted securely
• At least one switched light fixture or outlet per room is required

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Parking Facility Illumination

Commercial parking areas must follow these requirements:

• Parking facilities must be illuminated whenever public street lights are lighted
• Illumination must be positioned to light the front, rear, and both sides of the main building
• The illumination must not cause excessive brightness to adjoining residences

Sign Illumination Standards

For business signage, Brooklyn Heights regulations specify:

• Sign illumination must not be of "excessive brightness"
• Light sources must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• Illumination must not be objectionable to adjacent Residential Districts
• Temporary signs cannot be illuminated under any circumstances
• Business development, industrial development, bulletin boards, and "for sale" signs may be illuminated if:
• Not excessively bright
• Properly shielded from adjacent residences or streets

Adult Entertainment Business Lighting

Adult businesses must maintain specific lighting standards:

• Minimum illumination level of 5 foot-candles measured at floor level
• Overhead lighting fixtures required in all accessible areas including restrooms
• Prescribed illumination must be maintained whenever patrons are present
• Business must close immediately during power failures until minimum illumination is restored
• License applications must include diagrams showing all overhead lighting fixture locations

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Construction Site Safety Lighting

For public safety, Brooklyn Heights requires:

• Warning lights at night for any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction
• No removal or damage of warning lights permitted
• Proper barricades and illumination to prevent dangerous conditions

Tower Lighting Restrictions

Brooklyn Heights limits artificial lighting on towers:

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted except when required for safety
• FAA lighting requirements must be followed when applicable
• A lighting plan must be submitted for wind energy facilities and turbines

Utility Company Outdoor Lighting

Electrical utility companies with active franchises in Brooklyn Heights:

• May install outdoor illumination lights on private property through contracts/agreements
• Cannot create a nuisance to adjoining residents
• Cannot create hazardous lighting conditions in the community
• Cannot subcontract lighting installations without authorization

Conditional Use and Variance Considerations

When considering conditional uses or variances, lighting impacts are explicitly considered:

• Conditional uses must not create glare that would "unreasonably and adversely affect adjacent properties"
• The Board of Zoning Appeals may restrict or eliminate illumination signs as conditions for variances
• When changing nonconforming uses, the new use must not create more glare than the previous use

Supporting Brooklyn Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Brooklyn Heights' commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community character. With deep understanding of the region's architectural styles and lighting needs, Bock appreciates the village's careful approach to lighting regulations.

As a local company, Bock understands how proper lighting can enhance Brooklyn Heights' residential character while respecting the natural wooded areas that contribute to the village's charm. Our expertise can help property owners navigate lighting regulations while maintaining the distinctive character that makes Brooklyn Heights special.

We're committed to supporting communities like Brooklyn Heights through education and resources about lighting best practices that align with local values and regulations. Our experience with projects throughout Northeast Ohio has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community character while meeting practical needs for safety and functionality.

Conclusion: Lighting That Preserves Community Character

Brooklyn Heights' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a peaceful residential environment while ensuring safety and functionality. The focus on preventing nuisance lighting, limiting excessive brightness, and requiring appropriate safety illumination demonstrates the village's thoughtful approach.

Property owners should pay particular attention to requirements around brightness limitations, shielding from residential areas, and specific requirements for pools, signs, and parking areas. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses help preserve the distinctive character that makes Brooklyn Heights special.

Understanding and respecting these lighting regulations contributes to the village's ongoing balance of development and preservation – a balance that has guided Brooklyn Heights throughout its history.