Lighting Regulations in Brookville, Ohio: Balancing Heritage and Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in Montgomery County, Brookville, Ohio has maintained its small-town charm since its official platting in 1850. Named for a small brook near the town site, this community of nearly 6,000 residents takes pride in preserving its historical character while meeting modern needs. The Samuel Spitler House and other historic landmarks stand as testaments to Brookville's rich architectural heritage.

Brookville's lighting regulations reflect this careful balance between preservation and progress. These guidelines aim to maintain the visual integrity of historical areas while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. Understanding these regulations helps property owners contribute to the community's harmonious aesthetic while avoiding potential compliance issues.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Brookville:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 1.0 foot candle on contiguous properties
• Maximum 0.1 foot candle on residential properties
• No direct light casting onto adjacent properties
• Electronic Message Centers (Signs):
• Day brightness (8:00am-6:00pm): 5,000 nits maximum
• Night brightness (6:00pm-8:00am): 1,000 nits maximum
• Automated dimmer required for nighttime operation
• Static display required for minimum 10 seconds per message
• Must be at least 100 feet from residential structures
• Parking Lot Lighting:
• Maximum 16-foot pole height when adjacent to residential areas
• Deflection away from residential areas required
• Reduction capability for non-peak hours
• Tree Maintenance:
• Property owners must trim vegetation blocking street lights

General Lighting Principles

Preventing Light Nuisance

Brookville's regulations place strong emphasis on preventing light trespass. No lighting shall constitute a nuisance or impair safe traffic movement. Exterior lighting must be directed inward and away from neighboring properties, with specific limitations on illumination levels.

Safety Requirements

Safety remains a primary concern in Brookville's lighting approach. Adequate illumination is required for various applications:

• On-site lighting for vehicle and pedestrian safety
• Proper illumination of exits, aisles, and passageways in public buildings
• Appropriate lighting for interior roadways and walkways in mobile home parks

Technical Specifications

For commercial properties adjacent to other businesses, light sources must not cast illumination exceeding 1.0 foot candle on neighboring properties. When adjacent to residential areas, this limit decreases to just 0.1 foot candle, protecting residents from unwanted light intrusion.

Electronic Message Centers and Signs

Brightness Controls

Brookville has established clear brightness limitations for electronic signs:

• Daytime (8:00am-6:00pm): Maximum 5,000 nits
• Nighttime (6:00pm-8:00am): Maximum 1,000 nits

All electronic signs must include an automated phased proportional dimmer to reduce brightness during evening hours.

Display Requirements

Electronic message displays must follow specific timing rules:

• Text messages or graphic images must remain static for at least 10 seconds
• Animated video displays cannot exceed 10 seconds and must be followed by a static image or text
• The electronic portion cannot exceed 75% of the sign's total allowed face area

Placement Restrictions

Location matters for electronic signs in Brookville:

• Must be located on the property where the advertised business operates
• Cannot be placed within 100 feet of any residential structure
• Must be part of a freestanding, permanent, ground-mounted sign

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home developments must provide appropriate lighting along all interior roadways and walkways. All lights must be positioned and shaded to avoid glare on adjoining properties.

Outdoor Recreation Areas

Any outdoor recreation area using night lighting must maintain a 100-foot setback from residential properties. This buffer helps minimize light impact on neighboring homes.

Agricultural Services

For agricultural service operations, all exterior lighting fixtures must be shaded when necessary to avoid casting direct light on any adjoining residential property.

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments face the strictest lighting requirements:

• Minimum illumination of 5.0 foot candles at floor level throughout the premises
• Continuous video monitoring of exterior areas
• Adequate exterior lighting for visual inspection to prevent loitering

Infrastructure and Development Requirements

Underground Utilities

In new residential developments, Brookville requires:

• Underground placement of electric facilities and street light wiring
• Developers are responsible for all standard street light installation
• Performance bonds must include costs for street lighting

Site Development Plans

When submitting site plans, property owners must include:

• Detailed light plans showing all exterior building-mounted and free-standing lights
• Structure specifications including height, lamp type, and luminaries
• Lighting arrangements that minimize impacts on surrounding properties

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Compliance Issues

The most frequent lighting violations in Brookville involve:

1. Excessive light trespass onto neighboring properties
2. Improper shielding of exterior fixtures
3. Over-bright electronic signs during nighttime hours
4. Inadequate maintenance of required safety lighting

Best Practices for Compliance

Property owners can ensure compliance by:

• Installing properly shielded fixtures that direct light downward
• Using timers or dimmers to reduce nighttime illumination
• Regularly maintaining vegetation around street lights
• Consulting with lighting professionals familiar with local regulations

When Permits Are Required

Always check with the Brookville Planning Department before:

• Installing new commercial exterior lighting
• Adding electronic signage with illumination
• Modifying existing lighting in commercial or multi-family developments

Supporting Brookville's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Brookville's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing appropriate modern technology. We understand how proper lighting enhances community safety while respecting Brookville's small-town aesthetic.

Bock's expertise in regional architectural styles allows us to provide guidance that aligns with Brookville's unique heritage. Our understanding of the balance between adequate illumination and minimal light pollution helps property owners navigate compliance with local regulations.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognize that communities like Brookville benefit from lighting solutions that enhance their distinctive character. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Brookville's vision for thoughtful development that respects its historical roots.

Conclusion

Brookville's lighting regulations demonstrate the city's commitment to maintaining its historical charm while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. By focusing on preventing light trespass, establishing clear technical requirements, and addressing specific uses, these guidelines help preserve the community's small-town character.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to Brookville's visual harmony while avoiding potential compliance issues. With some advance planning and attention to detail, it's possible to create beautiful, functional lighting that enhances properties while respecting neighbors and community values.

Whether you're installing new lighting or updating existing fixtures, taking time to understand these regulations helps ensure your project aligns with Brookville's vision for thoughtful development that honors its past while meeting present needs.