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

Introduction

Nestled at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee Rivers, Defiance, Ohio carries a rich historical legacy dating back to 1794 when General Anthony Wayne established Fort Defiance during the Northwest Indian War. This historical foundation continues to influence the city's approach to development, including its lighting regulations.

While Defiance's building code doesn't contain extensive detailed lighting requirements compared to some municipalities, the existing regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with preserving its historical character and ensuring resident comfort. The City Administrator plays a key role in supervising public lighting throughout Defiance, helping maintain this delicate balance.

Let's explore the lighting regulations that property owners and businesses in Defiance should understand.

Quick Reference Guide

Below are the key lighting requirements to know in Defiance:

• Property Line Illumination Limits:
• Residential districts: 0.5 average footcandles maximum at property lines
• Business/industrial districts adjacent to residential: 0.5 average footcandles maximum
• Business/industrial districts adjacent to non-residential: 2.5 average footcandles maximum
• Fixture Height Restrictions:
• Residential areas: 8 feet for non-cutoff lighting; 12-15 feet for cutoff lighting
• Non-residential areas: 16 feet for non-cutoff lighting; 30 feet for cutoff lighting
• Sign Illumination Maximums:
• General: 300cd/m2 maximum at parcel line
• Near residential: 150cd/m2 maximum with no illumination between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
• Tree Maintenance: Property owners must prune trees to avoid obstructing street lights

Administrative Oversight of Lighting

City Administrator's Role

In Defiance, the City Administrator has specific responsibilities regarding lighting throughout the city. These include:

• Supervising "the lighting of public places and the construction of public improvements and public works"
• Managing municipal lighting undertakings of the City

This oversight helps ensure that lighting throughout public areas meets community standards and needs.

Documentation Requirements

For new developments or significant modifications to existing properties, lighting plans must be submitted:

• Photometric plans are required for projects undergoing site plan review
• Plans must identify location, height, and type of luminaires
• Applicants must demonstrate compliance with lighting standards

Outdoor Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Defiance's code contains several general lighting standards focused on minimizing negative impacts:

• Outdoor lighting shall not shine directly into adjacent dwelling units, regardless of zoning district
• For non-residential uses, lighting must be located, screened, or shielded to prevent direct illumination of adjacent residential lots or streets
• Light fixtures should not create glare that impairs driver or pedestrian vision

Fixture Specifications

The code provides detailed specifications for lighting fixtures:

• Fixture Types:
• Full cutoff fixtures required within 20 feet of residential lots in non-residential districts
• Wall pack fixtures must be cutoff type to direct light downward
• Mounting Requirements:
• Light fixtures mounted on structures must not exceed the height of the roof line
• The base of light fixtures is included when measuring height
• Placement Recommendations:
• Light poles are encouraged to be placed within raised curb planting areas or landscaped islands
• Care should be taken to avoid conflicts with landscaping trees that might obscure lighting

Maximum Height Requirements

The code establishes maximum heights for different lighting types:

• Residential Zoning Districts:
• Non-cutoff lighting: 8 feet maximum
• 90-degree cutoff lighting: 12 feet maximum
• When bulbs are completely recessed/shielded from view at 5 feet above grade: 15 feet maximum
• Non-residential Zoning Districts:
• Non-cutoff lighting: 16 feet maximum
• 90-degree cutoff lighting: 30 feet maximum

Specialized Lighting Concerns

Building Accent Lighting

Architectural accent lighting is permitted but with specific restrictions:

• Such lighting shall not flash or blink intermittently
• Lighting on building sides facing residential areas must be effectively screened from view

Nonconforming Lighting

The code addresses existing lighting that doesn't conform to current standards:

• Nonconforming lighting may continue until the luminaire (total fixture, not just bulb) is replaced
• When a nonconforming fixture or support is removed, all new lighting must meet current standards

Tree Maintenance and Lighting

Property owners have specific responsibilities regarding trees and lighting:

• Property owners must prune trees and shrubs that may shade or obstruct street lights
• Species of trees and shrubs should be selected to avoid interference with street lighting

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Standards

The code contains extensive requirements for sign illumination:

• Signs may be illuminated by internal or reflected light, provided the light is:
• Shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Not bright enough to cause glare visible to pedestrians or drivers
• Not bright enough to cause reasonable objection from adjacent residential districts
• Prohibited Sign Lighting:
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent lighting
• Beacons and searchlights (except for emergency purposes)
• Exposed light bulbs and strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background
• Signs that obstruct traffic control or public information signs

Electronic Message Centers

Electronic signs have specific additional requirements:

• Must use Light Emitting Diodes (LED) technology with maximum 35mm pitch
• Must have automatic dimming photocells to adjust brightness based on ambient light
• Brightness cannot increase by more than 0.3 footcandles (3.23 lumens per square meter) over ambient levels
• Message changes must be static and instant, changing no more than once every 10 seconds
• Transition time between messages must be less than one second

Special Sign Lighting Provisions

Certain situations have unique illumination requirements:

• Signs in the CO District may be internally or externally illuminated
• Signs for nonresidential uses in residential districts may only use external light sources
• Development/subdivision signs may only be illuminated through an external light source
• Temporary signs cannot be illuminated
• All sign lighting must be fully functional as designed or turned off until fixed

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidelines for Compliance

Property owners in Defiance should keep these key points in mind:

• Minimize Light Trespass: Direct light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Choose Appropriate Fixtures: Use shielded fixtures that direct light where needed
• Consider Height Carefully: Keep lighting at appropriate heights based on your zone
• Maintain Trees: Regularly prune trees to prevent interference with street lighting
• Document Your Lighting: If making significant changes, be prepared to submit photometric plans

Historical Considerations

If your property is in a historically significant area of Defiance:

• Light fixtures are considered part of the exterior appearance of historical buildings
• Changes to light fixtures in historical buildings may be subject to additional review
• Original lighting fixtures should be restored when possible

Supporting Defiance's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Defiance's commitment to honoring historical character while incorporating modern lighting technology. Our deep understanding of the region's architectural styles and historical significance gives us unique insight into the lighting needs of communities like Defiance.

We appreciate Defiance's approach to balancing safety, functionality, and historical preservation. With the city's rich heritage dating back to Fort Defiance in 1794, maintaining appropriate lighting that complements historical buildings while meeting modern standards is crucial to preserving community character.

As a regional lighting resource, Bock Lighting offers educational support to help property owners understand and navigate lighting regulations. Our team's familiarity with the unique challenges of lighting historic properties in Ohio communities allows us to serve as a valuable partner in maintaining Defiance's distinctive character while meeting contemporary lighting needs.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Defiance's vision for development that respects its historical roots while addressing modern requirements.

Conclusion

Defiance's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation and neighbor-friendly practices. While not as extensive as some municipalities, the existing regulations provide clear guidance on illumination levels, fixture heights, and sign lighting.

Property owners should focus particularly on minimizing light spillage onto neighboring properties, maintaining appropriate fixture heights, and ensuring sign illumination meets code requirements. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Defiance's unique character while ensuring proper lighting for safety and functionality.

Understanding and implementing these lighting standards helps preserve the distinctive character of Defiance—a city that continues to honor its historical significance while embracing thoughtful modern development.