Lighting Regulations in Chillicothe, Ohio: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Quick Reference Guide

• Exterior Lighting: Must be arranged to prevent shine on adjacent properties
• Residential Areas: Lighting types limited to those customarily found in residential neighborhoods
• Commercial Signs: Illuminated signs permitted only in specific districts (RC, RO, LC, GC, DE, GI, IR, IP)
• Safety Requirements: Warning lights required for construction sites and excavations
• Common Areas: Residential common halls require 60-watt lighting per 200 square feet
• Street Lights: Required at all intersections, spaced 200-350 feet apart

Introduction: Chillicothe's Historical Context

Known as the "Williamsburg of the West," Chillicothe holds a distinguished place in Ohio's history as the state's first and third capital. Founded in 1796 and named after a Shawnee word meaning "principal town," this city of approximately 22,000 residents takes pride in its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.

The city's lighting regulations reflect a commitment to balancing modern safety needs with preservation of its historical character. As a community that values its architectural heritage, Chillicothe's approach to lighting aims to maintain the aesthetic integrity of its historic districts while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Exterior Illumination Standards

Chillicothe's code is clear about managing light spillover in residential areas:

• Lighting types must be limited to those "customarily found in residential neighborhoods"
• Exterior lighting must be "arranged so as not to shine on adjacent properties"
• Home occupations cannot use equipment or processes creating glare "detectable to normal senses off the lot"

Common Area Requirements

For multi-family residential buildings, specific illumination standards apply:

• Common halls and stairways must be lit with at least a 60-watt standard incandescent light (or equivalent) for each 200 square feet
• Light spacing cannot exceed 30 feet
• Every public hall, interior stairway, bathroom, and several other common areas must contain at least one electric lighting fixture

Commercial & Business Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Prevention

Commercial properties face stricter requirements to prevent light pollution:

• Local Commercial (LC) District: Lighting fixtures must be "arranged, shielded and directed" to prevent direct shine on adjacent residential properties
• Commercial areas must be "free from light, glare" at levels exceeding the average on adjacent streets and properties
• Operations producing intense light/heat must be performed within enclosures, not visible beyond the property line

Parking Area Illumination

When lighting parking areas, businesses must ensure:

• Lights are arranged to direct illumination away from adjoining residential properties
• Lighting doesn't interfere with traffic on adjoining streets
• Lighting cannot be confused with traffic control lighting

Sign Illumination Requirements

Permitted Sign Lighting

Chillicothe carefully regulates illuminated signage:

• Illuminated signs permitted only in specific districts: RC, RO, LC, GC, DE, GI, IR and IP
• Sign illumination must use concealed or indirect light sources
• Light sources must be shielded from beaming directly onto adjacent properties or streets
• Real estate signs must be unlighted
• Some signs (announcement, professional) may be illuminated if light source is not visible

Prohibited Lighting Features

These lighting features are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing or high intensity lights visible from adjacent property or roadway
• Light that creates a safety hazard to vehicular traffic
• Signs that flash, blink, fluctuate in intensity, travel, or move
• Internally illuminated exterior signage in certain contexts

Street Lighting Standards

Requirements for New Developments

For new subdivisions, comprehensive street lighting standards apply:

• Street lights required at all street intersections
• Lights must be spaced between 200-350 feet apart
• Lights must be placed within 200 feet from closed end of each cul-de-sac
• Illumination must be uniform and follow recommendations of the current Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Handbook
• Underground utilities are required for all subdivisions

Planning and Maintenance

The city has established clear processes for street lighting:

• Location of all street lights must be shown on street construction plans
• City Council has authority to assess costs for operation and maintenance to lots within subdivisions
• Street lights must be of a type acceptable for cost-effective service as determined by the electric utility

Safety and Warning Light Requirements

Construction and Excavation Sites

Safety lighting is mandatory for potentially hazardous sites:

• Warning lights required at night for excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction
• Red lights required to protect heaps, piles, openings, or excavations from dusk to daylight
• All warning lights must be distinctly visible to passers-by

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Points

Whether you own a historic downtown building or a residential property, these lighting principles apply throughout Chillicothe:

• Prevent light trespass: Ensure your lighting doesn't shine directly onto neighboring properties
• Shield light sources: Light fixtures should be designed to conceal the direct view of the light source
• Consider historical context: In historic areas, lighting should complement the architectural character
• Safety first: Ensure adequate lighting for safety without creating excessive glare

Special Considerations for Historic Properties

The Design Review Board may approve decorative lighting that doesn't strictly conform to design guidelines if:

• The lighting doesn't interfere with the historical character of the streetscape
• The change is deemed in the best interest of the District and City

Supporting Chillicothe's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique challenges faced by historic communities like Chillicothe. With deep appreciation for the "Williamsburg of the West" and its architectural heritage, Bock shares Chillicothe's commitment to preserving historic character while addressing modern lighting needs.

As a regional manufacturer, Bock Lighting recognizes how appropriate lighting enhances Chillicothe's distinctive 19th-century architecture while providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality. Our experience with historic communities throughout Ohio has given us perspective on balancing preservation with practical lighting requirements.

Bock serves as an educational resource, helping property owners understand how lighting choices impact the visual character of historic districts. This alignment with Chillicothe's preservation values reflects our commitment to supporting communities in maintaining their unique architectural identity.

Conclusion

Chillicothe's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving its rich historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. By carefully controlling light trespass, sign illumination, and street lighting standards, the city maintains the visual integrity of its historic districts while providing adequate illumination.

Understanding these requirements helps property owners contribute to Chillicothe's distinctive atmosphere as the "Williamsburg of the West" while ensuring compliance with local ordinances. Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses can honor the city's past while supporting its future.