Lighting Regulations in Cardington, Ohio: Balancing Historical Character with Safety and Functionality

Introduction

Nestled in Morrow County in Central Ohio, the village of Cardington boasts a rich historical legacy dating back to its founding in 1836. Named after the carding machine, the first industrial tool in the town, Cardington's identity is deeply connected to its early industrial roots and the presence of landmarks such as the railroad and feed mills.

The village has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout its history, particularly following the devastating tornadoes of June 1981, which destroyed a significant portion of the community. This resilience is reflected in Cardington's approach to development and preservation, including its lighting regulations.

With approximately 6,546 residents spread across just over 2 square miles, Cardington balances modern needs with the preservation of its small-town charm and historical character. The village's lighting regulations play a crucial role in maintaining this balance, ensuring safety and functionality while respecting the community's aesthetic and historical priorities.

Quick Reference Guide to Cardington's Lighting Requirements

• Construction Safety: Warning lights required at night for excavations and construction sites
• Obstruction Safety: Illuminated red lamps required for public way obstructions
• Light Trespass: Exterior lighting must be shaded to prevent direct light on adjacent residential properties
• Commercial Spaces: Adult entertainment venues require minimum 1.0 footcandle illumination
• Sign Illumination: Various restrictions on internal and external illumination of signs
• Home Businesses: Illuminated signs prohibited for home occupations
• Prohibited Elements: Flashing lights, strings of lights, and architectural lighting with movement
• Planning Requirements: Artificial lighting plans required for certain developments

Construction and Safety Lighting

Excavation and Construction Site Requirements

Safety is a primary concern in Cardington's lighting regulations. According to Section 521.03, any excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night to prevent dangerous conditions.

These requirements help ensure that construction activities don't pose risks to residents navigating the village after dark.

Public Way Obstruction Lighting

Anyone obstructing a public way in Cardington must install and maintain at least two illuminated red lamps, securely and conspicuously posted at each end of the obstruction or excavation. For larger obstructions exceeding fifty feet, an additional lamp is required for each additional fifty feet or portion thereof.

This ensures that residents can clearly see and avoid potential hazards, particularly important given Cardington's emphasis on community safety.

Residential and Commercial Property Lighting

Light Trespass Prevention

Cardington's regulations specifically address the issue of light trespass between properties. All exterior lighting fixtures must be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting direct light upon adjoining properties located in Residential Districts.

Additionally, regulations prohibit direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public street, road, or highway. These provisions help maintain the peaceful character of residential neighborhoods while allowing for necessary illumination.

Commercial Lighting Standards

For certain commercial establishments, particularly adult entertainment venues, Cardington requires:

• Minimum illumination of 1.0 footcandle measured at floor level
• Maintenance of this illumination level whenever patrons are present
• Specification of overhead lighting fixtures in building plans

Interior Street Lighting

Developments in certain districts must ensure that all interior streets are lighted in accordance with a plan approved by the Village. This requirement helps maintain consistency in lighting quality and appearance throughout the village.

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Illumination Standards

Cardington has developed detailed regulations for sign illumination to preserve the village's character while ensuring clarity and safety:

• Internally illuminated signs must be constructed to allow illumination of only letters, numbers, or identifying symbols on the display surface
• No light shall pass through the background of internally illuminated signs
• Externally illuminated signs must be installed so the light source is not visible from adjoining premises and does not illuminate such premises

Residential District Sign Restrictions

In residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4), additional restrictions apply:

• Temporary real estate signs cannot be illuminated
• Permanent subdivision identification ground signs may be illuminated only if meeting specific requirements
• For home businesses in R-1 District, internal illumination of signs is prohibited
• External illumination for home business signs is permitted only during normal business hours

Prohibited Sign Lighting Features

To maintain the village's aesthetic character and avoid confusion with traffic signals, Cardington prohibits:

• Signs employing parts that revolve, rotate, whirl, spin, or flash
• Banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, strings of lights, or similar devices
• Architectural lighting incorporating movement or the illusion of movement
• Signs resembling traffic control signals in movement, content, coloring, or illumination

Special Lighting Applications

Flagpole Lighting

Cardington permits property owners to install underground lighting for flag displays, provided:

• Lighting is situated within a reasonable distance to the holder
• Installation meets all Underwriters' requirements
• The highest part of the lighting fixture remains flush with the sidewalk or sodded area

Development Planning Requirements

For certain developments, Cardington requires submission of an outdoor artificial lighting plan with applications. This ensures that new developments integrate appropriately with the village's lighting standards and aesthetic priorities.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

When planning lighting installations in Cardington, property owners should:

• Consider neighboring properties, particularly when adjacent to residential areas
• Avoid light trespass and glare that extends beyond property boundaries
• Plan for appropriate illumination levels for commercial spaces
• Submit lighting plans when required for development applications
• Choose appropriate fixtures that meet all village requirements

Common Violations to Avoid

Based on Cardington's regulations, common lighting violations include:

• Unshielded lights casting direct illumination onto neighboring residential properties
• Inadequate lighting at construction sites or public way obstructions
• Illuminated signs in residential areas where prohibited
• Using prohibited lighting features like flashing lights or strings of lights
• Creating glare visible from public rights-of-way

Supporting Cardington's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands and appreciates the balance that communities like Cardington strive to achieve between preserving historical character and meeting modern lighting needs.

Understanding Local Character

Cardington's resilient spirit and commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while ensuring safety and functionality align closely with Bock Lighting's approach to community lighting. Our deep understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to support the village's lighting vision.

Educational Resources

Bock Lighting is committed to serving as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. We understand that property owners, contractors, and developers often need guidance on balancing regulatory compliance with aesthetic and functional goals.

Sustainable and Responsible Practices

Like Cardington, Bock Lighting values sustainability and responsible lighting practices. Our experience with projects that respect community character helps ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the unique identity of historic communities.

Local Expertise

Our local presence in Northeast Ohio enables us to better understand the specific needs and standards of communities like Cardington. This regional knowledge translates into lighting solutions that honor the character and values of the village while meeting modern requirements.

Conclusion

Cardington's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. By establishing clear standards for construction lighting, sign illumination, and light trespass prevention, these regulations help maintain the village's distinctive small-town charm.

Property owners in Cardington should familiarize themselves with these regulations before undertaking lighting projects, ensuring that their improvements enhance rather than detract from the community's character. Through thoughtful implementation of these standards, Cardington continues to honor its past while embracing appropriate modern lighting technologies.

By balancing preservation with progress, Cardington's lighting approach contributes to the resilient, community-focused character that has defined this historic village for generations.