Lighting Regulations in Celina, Ohio: A Guide to Property Illumination Requirements

Introduction

Nestled between Mercer and Auglaize counties in western Ohio, Celina has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1834. Named after Salina, New York, this charming city became the Mercer County seat in 1848 and saw significant growth during the 1880s oil and natural gas boom.

Today, with approximately 10,374 residents spread across nearly 5 square miles, Celina maintains a delicate balance between honoring its historical roots and embracing necessary modern development. This balance is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to preserve community character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide to Celina's Lighting Requirements

• Construction sites must have warning lights at night for safety
• Trees must be maintained to prevent obstruction of street lights (13' clearance above streets, 8' above sidewalks)
• Exterior lighting must be positioned to direct glare away from neighboring properties
• Parking and loading areas must have lights arranged to prevent light spillover
• Signs have specific illumination restrictions regarding visibility of light sources
• Industrial processes producing intense light must not be visible beyond property lines

Construction and Safety Lighting Requirements

Warning Lights for Excavations and Construction

Safety is a primary concern in Celina's lighting regulations, particularly for construction areas. The city code explicitly addresses temporary lighting for public protection:

• Required illumination: Warning lights must be installed at night for any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction
• Protection purpose: These lights must adequately prevent dangerous conditions for public safety
• Preservation requirement: It is prohibited to destroy, remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Responsibility for Maintenance

The city takes safety lighting seriously. These requirements ensure that potential hazards are clearly visible to pedestrians and vehicles during nighttime hours, preventing accidents and injuries.

Street Lighting and Tree Maintenance

Property Owner Responsibilities

Trees and lighting interact significantly in Celina's regulations:

• Property owners must notify the City of any tree branches that severely obstruct street lamp light
• Height clearance requirements:
• 13 feet clear space above street surfaces
• 8 feet clear space above sidewalk surfaces

City Authority

The City maintains certain rights regarding lighting maintenance:

• Pruning authority: The City has the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with proper light spread along streets
• Primary concern: Ensuring adequate illumination for public safety and visibility

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Regulations

Light Trespass Prevention

Celina has established clear guidelines to prevent nuisance lighting:

• Loading areas: Any lights used must be arranged to reflect light away from adjacent properties or rights-of-way
• Parking areas: All illumination must be directed away from neighboring properties and street rights-of-way
• Industrial processes: Activities producing intense light or heat must not be visible beyond property lines
• General requirement: All exterior lighting must be positioned to direct glare away from adjacent properties

Nuisance Determination

The code specifically prohibits generating light that creates a nuisance to surrounding properties, as determined by the Zoning Inspector. This provision gives the city flexibility in addressing lighting complaints beyond the specific technical requirements.

Sign Illumination Requirements

Light Source Visibility

Sign lighting has specific restrictions in Celina:

• Basic requirement: Illuminated signs shall not have the light source visible from off-site
• Exception: Neon lighting is permitted even when the light source is visible

Illumination Methods

The city allows flexibility in sign lighting approaches:

• Signs may be illuminated internally or by reflected light
• The light source must not be directly visible (except neon)
• Illumination must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining premises
• Light must not create traffic hazards or conflict with traffic control signs/lights

District Restrictions

It's important to note that Section 1185.05 of the Celina code specifies certain districts where sign illumination is prohibited entirely. Business owners should consult this section when planning signage.

Planning and Permit Requirements

Documentation Requirements

When submitting plans to the city, lighting must be addressed:

• Site plans must include "illumination of facilities"
• Sign permits require drawings showing the "illumination method"
• Environmental impact assessment must consider light among other factors like noise and pollution

Evaluation Criteria

The city evaluates lighting as part of overall development review:

• Projects must not be "detrimental to any persons, property or the general welfare by reason of... glare"
• Intensity of use considerations include light impact on surrounding areas

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

Understanding and following Celina's lighting regulations helps maintain good neighbor relations and avoid potential violations:

• Direction matters: The positioning of lights to avoid glare on neighboring properties is a consistent theme across regulations
• Context-sensitive design: Consider the surrounding properties when designing lighting systems
• Notification responsibility: Be proactive about tree maintenance that might affect street lighting
• Documentation: Include comprehensive lighting information in all permit applications

When in Doubt, Ask

Celina's regulations leave some room for interpretation. When planning significant lighting installations, consulting with the Zoning Inspector beforehand can prevent potential issues.

Supporting Celina's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting: A Regional Resource for Compliant Illumination

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character and lighting needs of communities like Celina. With a century of experience working with Ohio municipalities, Bock appreciates Celina's desire to balance safety, functionality, and historical preservation.

Bock Lighting shares Celina's commitment to responsible illumination that respects community character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements positions us as a resource for property owners navigating local regulations.

Our focus remains on supporting communities like Celina through educational initiatives about lighting regulations and sustainable practices. With experience in projects that respect community character, Bock can help maintain the distinctive atmosphere that makes Celina special.

Conclusion

Celina's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing progress with preservation of community character. While not exhaustive, these guidelines establish clear expectations for property owners regarding light trespass, safety illumination, and sign lighting.

By directing light away from neighboring properties, maintaining proper clearance around street lights, and following permit requirements, property owners contribute to a community that honors its historical roots while meeting modern needs.

Understanding and following these regulations helps maintain Celina's unique character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. When in doubt about specific requirements, consulting with city officials remains the best approach to compliance.