Lighting Regulations in Commercial Point, Ohio: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, Commercial Point holds a rich historical legacy dating back to 1841 when Wiley H. Beckett first laid out what was then called Genoa. Nearby, James H. Burnley had established Rome in 1832. As these communities expanded, they eventually merged to form what we now know as Commercial Point.

Today, this charming village maintains its distinct small-town atmosphere while serving as a suburb of Columbus. The community's commitment to preserving its historical character while meeting modern needs is reflected in its approach to lighting regulations.

The village's lighting standards aim to enhance safety while respecting Commercial Point's architectural heritage and preventing light pollution that would diminish its quaint, historical ambiance. These thoughtful regulations help maintain the character that makes Commercial Point special.

Quick Reference Guide to Commercial Point Lighting Regulations

Street Lighting Requirements:

• Street lights required every 200 feet on opposite sides of streets in subdivisions
• Energy efficient lamps with dusk-to-dawn photocells required
• All addition lights must be erected on new poles
• Council approval required for lighting fixtures in subdivisions

General Exterior Lighting:

• No exterior lighting may extend glare onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way
• Lighting must be directed downward to reduce glare
• Parking lot illumination must provide minimum 2.5 foot candles at paved surfaces
• Underground electric supply required for illuminated signs

Site Lighting Design:

• All external lighting must be decorative or historic in design
• "Shoe box" fixtures are prohibited
• Maximum intensity: 20 foot candles
• Average intensity: 1-3 foot candles
• Maximum light pole height: 18 feet (small lots) or 30 feet (large lots)

Street Lighting Standards

Commercial Point takes street lighting seriously, with § 1082.01 specifically noting that the village council shall increase street lighting for "the safety and well-being of the village."

Location Requirements

The code provides specific guidance on street light placement:

• Lights must be placed at key intersections throughout the village
• Subdivisions require lights every 200 feet on opposite sides of streets
• Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TNDs) require lights every 75 feet

Fixture and Operation Standards

Energy efficiency is a priority in Commercial Point's lighting approach:

• Energy efficient lamps controlled by dusk-to-dawn photocells are required
• Council must approve the selection of lighting fixtures in subdivisions
• Developers must establish assessments on each lot to cover operation costs
• TNDs prefer more, smaller lights rather than fewer, high-intensity ones

Installation Requirements

The installation of street lighting follows specific guidelines:

• All additional lights must be erected on new poles
• Preliminary street lighting plans must show proposed locations and typical fixtures
• In TNDs, street light structures cannot exceed 18 feet in height

Exterior Lighting for Properties

Beyond street lighting, Commercial Point's regulations address how property owners should manage exterior lighting.

Preventing Light Pollution

The village places a strong emphasis on minimizing light spillage:

• No exterior lighting shall extend glare onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way
• Building, wall, and freestanding lighting must be directed downward
• No direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public street
• Light spillage must not exceed 0.1 foot candles when adjacent to residential areas

Design Requirements

Commercial Point values lighting that enhances its historic character:

• All external lighting must be decorative or historic in design
• "Shoe box" light fixtures are explicitly prohibited
• Pack lights and wall pack lights that shine perpendicular to a building are not permitted
• Decorative wall lights that shine parallel to a building require Council approval

Parking Lot Illumination

For commercial properties with parking areas, specific standards apply:

• Illumination must reflect light away from adjacent properties
• Minimum lighting level: 2.5 foot candles at the paved surface
• Maximum intensity: 20 foot candles
• Average intensity: 1-3 foot candles
• Light pole height limits:
• 18 feet maximum for parking lots with 30 or fewer spaces
• 30 feet maximum for parking lots with more than 30 spaces

Special Applications

Swimming Pools

If you have a swimming pool on your property:

• Any lighting to illuminate the pool area must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties

Outdoor Recreation Facilities

For outdoor recreational spaces:

• No lighting is permitted on outdoor recreation facilities
• Security lights may be approved for permanent facilities at the site

Signage Illumination

For business owners considering illuminated signage:

• Signs may be illuminated internally or by reflected light
• The source of light must not be directly visible
• Illumination must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties
• Illuminated signs in residential districts must confine the light pattern to the premises
• All electric signs must conform to ordinances for electrical installations
• External electric supply lines must be brought to the sign underground

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning and Documentation

When submitting plans for development:

• Include detailed lighting plans showing all exterior fixtures
• Specify lighting intensity and installation height
• Show parking lot lighting, street/walkway lighting, and building accent lighting
• For TNDs, follow the specific lighting provisions (which prevail over general municipal lighting policy)

Compliance Considerations

To ensure your property meets Commercial Point's standards:

• Choose decorative or historic fixtures that enhance the village's character
• Direct all lighting downward to minimize glare and light trespass
• Keep illumination levels within prescribed limits
• Consider the impact of lighting on neighboring properties

Historic Context

Commercial Point's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its 19th-century charm:

• Decorative and historic lighting styles help maintain the village's traditional aesthetic
• Smaller, more numerous lights create a more human scale appropriate to the community's character
• Limitations on glare and spillage preserve the village's nighttime ambiance

Supporting Commercial Point's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the delicate balance that communities like Commercial Point must strike between historical preservation and modern functionality.

Sharing Community Values

We appreciate Commercial Point's thoughtful approach to lighting that respects its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. As a regional manufacturer, Bock recognizes the importance of lighting solutions that complement traditional architectural styles while incorporating energy-efficient technology.

Understanding Local Requirements

Our experience working with communities throughout Ohio has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from a village's unique identity. We understand that in Commercial Point, lighting must be decorative or historic in design, with careful attention to preventing light trespass.

Educational Resources

Navigating lighting regulations can be complex. As a community partner, Bock can serve as an educational resource to help residents and businesses understand Commercial Point's requirements for fixture types, illumination levels, and installation specifications.

Commitment to Community Character

Like Commercial Point, we value the preservation of character and atmosphere. Our approach focuses on lighting solutions that respect a community's heritage while meeting contemporary needs for efficiency and performance.

Conclusion

Commercial Point's lighting regulations thoughtfully balance the village's historical character with modern needs for safety and functionality. By following these guidelines, property owners contribute to preserving the unique charm that makes Commercial Point special.

The regulations emphasize decorative designs, controlled light levels, and careful placement to prevent unwanted glare while ensuring adequate illumination. These standards reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its distinctive small-town atmosphere while accommodating growth and development.

Understanding and implementing these lighting requirements helps ensure that Commercial Point remains a charming, well-lit community that honors its historical roots while meeting the needs of current and future residents.