Lighting Regulations in Campbell, Ohio: A Practical Guide to Industrial City Standards

Introduction

Campbell, Ohio, with its rich industrial heritage dating back to 1902, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its practical, function-first approach to urban planning. Founded when the Youngstown Iron, Sheet and Tube Company established operations along the Mahoning River, Campbell's identity was forged in the steel industry and named after James Anson Campbell, a significant figure in that field.

Today, the city's approach to lighting regulations balances basic safety requirements with practical considerations, without imposing overly complex restrictions on property owners. This practical approach is deeply rooted in Campbell's industrial past and continues to shape how the city approaches infrastructure and development today.

Quick Reference Guide

For property owners and businesses in Campbell, here are the key lighting regulations to know:

• Signs: Self-illuminated signs and those with flashing or intermittent lighting are prohibited in most zoning districts
• Construction Areas: Excavations and construction sites must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• Multiple Dwellings: Halls and stairways serving five or more dwelling units must be adequately lighted at all times
• Building Safety: Inadequate lighting can be grounds for a structure to be deemed unsafe or condemned
• Sign Height: Signs cannot exceed the height of related buildings or twenty-eight inches (whichever is greater)

Sign Lighting Regulations

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Campbell's code is particularly clear on sign lighting restrictions:

• Self-illuminated signs are not permitted in most districts
• Flashing or intermittent lighting is prohibited in connection with signs
• Moving devices on signs are not allowed
• Signs similar to traffic control devices are prohibited

Sign Placement and Dimensions

In addition to lighting restrictions, Campbell regulates sign placement:

• No sign shall extend more than 48 inches over public right-of-way
• Signs cannot extend past the center line of a public sidewalk
• Maximum height cannot exceed the related building's height or 28 inches (whichever is greater)
• In Light Industrial Districts (M-1), signs cannot be higher than 18 feet above grade

Safety Lighting Requirements

Construction and Excavation Sites

Safety is a priority in Campbell's lighting regulations, particularly for construction areas:

• Section 521.03(a) requires excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction to be guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• These safety measures must ensure conditions do not reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb
• It is prohibited to remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Distance Requirements for Certain Uses

Some uses require lighting considerations in relation to residential areas:

• Special permit uses must be at least 100 feet from residential districts, existing residential structures, churches, and schools
• These uses must be designed to not interfere with neighboring properties by reason of lights, noise, or other physical factors

Residential Lighting Standards

Multiple Dwelling Requirements

Campbell has specific requirements for lighting in multi-unit buildings:

• Every hall and stairway serving five or more dwelling units must be adequately lighted at all times
• Halls and stairways serving four or fewer dwelling units must have conveniently located switches controlling an adequate lighting system
• Inadequate illumination can be grounds for condemning dwellings, structures, or dwelling units if it fails to protect the health or safety of occupants or the public

Electrical Requirements

The code outlines basic electrical requirements for residential properties:

• Every dwelling unit must be equipped with proper size service equipment
• Electrical convenience outlets or ceiling fixtures must meet Building Code requirements for number, location, and installation
• All electrical installations must be maintained in good and safe working condition

Permits and Inspections

Lighting Installation Permits

Campbell has established a fee structure for electrical installations:

• Minimum fee for any type of installation including lighted signs: $25.00
• Each additional device: $5.00
• All lighting installations are subject to inspection and approval

Inspection Requirements

Certain premises require periodic inspection of lighting systems:

• Properties with special permits undergo periodic inspections by the Police Chief and/or authorized Inspector
• Inspections check for adequacy of illumination among other safety factors
• Inadequate lighting can result in a structure being deemed unsafe or a serious hazard

Supporting Campbell's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the practical, functional approach that defines Campbell's lighting regulations. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate Campbell's balance of basic safety requirements with straightforward, no-nonsense regulations that reflect the city's industrial heritage.

Our team recognizes that Campbell's approach to lighting emphasizes functionality over complexity, focusing on practical safety concerns rather than elaborate aesthetic requirements. This aligns with our own commitment to providing lighting solutions that are both practical and reliable.

For property owners in Campbell, Bock Lighting serves as a resource for understanding how to meet the city's basic lighting requirements while enhancing safety and functionality. Our experience with industrial communities throughout the region gives us insight into the specific needs of cities like Campbell, where practical considerations take precedence.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Essentials

When planning lighting for your property in Campbell:

• Focus first on safety, especially in multi-unit dwellings and construction areas
• Avoid prohibited lighting types for signage (self-illuminated, flashing, or intermittent)
• Ensure all electrical installations meet basic Building Code requirements
• Remember that inadequate lighting can result in a structure being deemed unsafe

Common Compliance Issues

The most frequent lighting compliance issues in Campbell involve:

• Improper sign lighting (particularly flashing or intermittent lights)
• Inadequate lighting in multi-unit building hallways and stairwells
• Missing or inadequate safety lighting at construction sites
• Electrical installations that don't meet code requirements

Conclusion

Campbell's lighting regulations reflect its practical, industrial heritage, focusing primarily on basic safety requirements and sign restrictions rather than elaborate aesthetic standards. Property owners benefit from this straightforward approach, which prioritizes functionality while still maintaining essential safety standards.

Understanding these regulations helps ensure compliance while contributing to the overall safety and functionality of Campbell's built environment. By focusing on these fundamental requirements, property owners can avoid violations while maintaining appropriate lighting for their properties.

For specific questions about Campbell's lighting regulations, property owners should consult with the city's building department or planning office to ensure full compliance with all current requirements.