Lighting Regulations in Columbiana, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction: Illuminating Columbiana's Heritage

Established in 1802 by Joshua Dixon and officially laid out in 1805, Columbiana has maintained its distinctive small-town charm while evolving to meet modern needs. Since becoming a city in 2000, Columbiana has carefully balanced growth with preservation of its rich architectural heritage and historical character.

From the historic landmarks like Firestone Park (established in 1933 through Harvey Firestone's generosity) to its carefully developed infrastructure, Columbiana's approach to lighting regulations reflects the community's commitment to preserving its unique identity while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Residential Lighting:

• Light trespass prevention: No lighting may shine onto adjacent residential properties "in an unreasonable manner"
• Complaint process: City Manager can order removal, relocation, or shielding of problematic lighting within 30 days

Street & Subdivision Lighting:

• Required in residential subdivisions with majority of lots under 100ft width
• Maximum spacing: No more than 300 feet between street lights
• Installation requirements: Underground wiring required for new subdivisions

Commercial & Business Lighting:

• Parking areas: Light must direct away from adjoining properties/streets
• Glare prevention: No strong, dazzling light beyond property lines
• Service stations: Lighting cannot cause glare to residential areas or traffic hazards

Sign Illumination:

• Electronic sign brightness limits:
• Day: 5,000 NITS maximum
• Night: 1,000 NITS maximum
• Automatic dimming required for nighttime operation
• No flashing or revolving illumination permitted

Minimum Illumination Levels:

• Bathrooms: Minimum 5 foot-candles at floor level
• Public hallways/stairways (multi-family): Minimum 6 foot-candles
• Laundry/furnace rooms: Minimum 3 foot-candles

Residential Lighting Regulations

Preventing Light Trespass

Columbiana's regulations prioritize good neighbor practices when it comes to outdoor lighting. According to § 660.18, no lighting device may shine onto neighboring residential properties "in an unreasonable manner."

This regulation applies specifically to properties zoned R-1, R-2, or R-3 Residential, ensuring that residential areas maintain appropriate lighting levels conducive to peaceful living environments.

Enforcement Process

The city has established a clear process for addressing lighting concerns between neighbors:

• Any interested person may file a written complaint
• The City Manager or designee will inspect the light
• Orders may be issued for removal, relocation, extinguishment, or shielding
• Property owners have up to 30 days to comply with such orders

This balanced approach allows for resolution of lighting issues while providing reasonable timeframes for property owners to make necessary adjustments.

Street and Public Area Lighting

Subdivision Requirements

Columbiana's regulations ensure proper illumination of new residential developments. According to § 1250.16, street and walkway lighting is mandatory in residential subdivisions where the majority of lots have widths of 100 feet or less at the front property line.

Placement and Spacing Standards

The regulations specify precise requirements for light placement:

• Lights must be located at each street and walkway entrance to subdivisions
• Lights are required at every street intersection within subdivisions
• Maximum spacing: No more than 300 feet between adjacent lights
• Additional lights must be installed to maintain proper light intensity

Infrastructure Requirements

Modern infrastructure standards apply to new development:

• All new subdivision street and walkway lighting must have underground wiring
• Exceptions may be granted by the Municipal Engineer if topographic, bedrock, or underground water conditions would result in excessive costs

Commercial and Business Lighting Requirements

General Standards

Columbiana's commercial lighting regulations focus on preventing nuisance to neighbors while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and function:

• Nuisance prevention: "No lighting shall create a nuisance"
• Light trespass: No direct light permitted on adjacent properties unless compliant with EPA standards
• Glare control: No use shall produce "a strong, dazzling light or reflection thereof beyond the lot lines"

Special Use Requirements

Service Stations

Automobile service stations have specific requirements:

• Lighting must be arranged to prevent glare to residential districts
• Illumination cannot create traffic hazards on public thoroughfares

Outdoor Display Areas

For businesses with outdoor display areas:

• Artificial illumination must be designed so direct rays are not visible beyond property lines
• Plot plans showing the location and type of illumination devices must be submitted with conditional zoning certificate applications

Parking Areas

According to § 1292.05, parking area lighting must:

• Be arranged to direct light away from adjoining premises or streets
• Not use open light sources (such as strings of light bulbs)

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Illumination Types

Signs that allow illumination may use:

• Indirect lighting
• Neon or gaseous-type tubes
• Incandescent lamps
• Luminous bulbs

Brightness and Control Requirements

For electronic message board signs, precise standards control brightness:

• Maximum brightness levels:
• Daytime: 5,000 NITS
• Nighttime: 1,000 NITS
• Required controls:
• Automatic phased proportional dimmer for nighttime
• Software photocell or traditional photocell hardware adjustment
• Factory pre-set light intensity protected from user manipulation

Illumination Restrictions

Several restrictions apply to sign illumination:

• Light source visibility: "The source of light shall not be visible from the street and shall be shaded to prevent the light from beaming onto adjacent properties"
• Flashing prohibition: "No flashing or revolving illumination shall be employed"
• Traffic safety: Signs within 100 feet of traffic signals cannot duplicate the colors of traffic control signals

Residential Building Illumination Requirements

Minimum Lighting Standards

For residential buildings, the code specifies minimum illumination standards:

• Bathrooms/water-closet compartments: Minimum 5 foot-candles at floor level
• Laundry/furnace rooms: Minimum 3 foot-candles at floor level
• Public hallways/stairways in multi-family buildings: Minimum 6 foot-candles at floor/tread level
• Single/two/three-family dwellings: May use convenient light switches instead of continuous lighting

Electrical Requirements

Every habitable room must have:

• Electric service outlets/fixtures providing at least 3 watts per square foot
• At least one electrical outlet for each 60 square feet of floor area (minimum two outlets)
• Convenient switches to illuminate areas ahead when entering rooms or passageways

Special Purpose Lighting

Construction and Building Moving

For buildings being moved through public ways (§ 1474.03):

• Red or amber lights must be placed in conspicuous locations front and rear
• Lights must be maintained from sunset until sunrise
• This requirement ensures public safety during temporary obstructions

Wireless Telecommunication Facilities

For cell towers and similar structures:

• Illumination is prohibited except when required by law (typically FAA regulations)
• White strobe lights are not permitted at night unless no alternatives are allowed by FAA
• Security lighting requires prior approval from the Planning Commission

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Tips

Understanding and following Columbiana's lighting regulations helps maintain good neighbor relations and avoids potential violations:

• Direct light appropriately: Ensure outdoor lighting is directed downward and shielded to prevent trespass onto neighboring properties
• Consult professionals: When installing new exterior lighting, work with qualified professionals familiar with local requirements
• Consider temperature and color: While specific CRI requirements aren't mentioned, choosing appropriate light color and temperature helps maintain community aesthetic
• Address complaints promptly: If neighbors raise concerns about your lighting, work cooperatively to find solutions

Permit Requirements

Several lighting installations require permits or prior approval:

• New subdivision street lighting
• Commercial outdoor display lighting
• Electronic message board signs
• Wireless facility security lighting

Supporting Columbiana's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with Northeast Ohio roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Columbiana strives to maintain between preserving its historic character and meeting modern illumination needs.

As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate Columbiana's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect residential areas while allowing for appropriate commercial and public illumination. Our team's understanding of local architectural styles and community values allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements.

We're committed to supporting Columbiana's vision through education about lighting regulations and sustainable lighting practices that respect community character. Our experience with projects throughout Northeast Ohio has given us insight into how proper lighting enhances safety and functionality while preserving the aesthetic qualities that make communities like Columbiana special.

Conclusion

Columbiana's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its historic small-town character. From residential light trespass prevention to specific illumination requirements for public spaces, these standards ensure that lighting enhances safety and functionality without detracting from community aesthetics.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners contribute to maintaining Columbiana's distinctive charm while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and enjoyment. The city's thoughtful approach to lighting recognizes that proper illumination is essential to both honoring heritage and meeting modern needs.