Lighting Regulations in East Cleveland, Ohio: Preserving Community Character Through Proper Illumination

Introduction

East Cleveland, Ohio, with its rich historical heritage dating back to its incorporation in 1911 as the first suburb in Cuyahoga County, stands as a testament to thoughtful urban development. The city's strategic location near major transportation routes and its historical significance—including being the former backyard to John D. Rockefeller's estate—have shaped its approach to urban planning and development regulations.

The presence of landmarks like NELA Park (added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975) and Forest Hill Park (registered in 1998) reflects East Cleveland's commitment to preserving its historical character while meeting modern needs. This balance is evident in the city's lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety and functionality while respecting the community's aesthetic values.

Quick Reference Guide to East Cleveland Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here's a summary of key lighting regulations in East Cleveland:

• Gaming Facilities: Minimum 75 foot-candles throughout gaming rooms
• Day-Care Facilities: Minimum 20 foot-candles for reading/writing areas
• Exit Pathways: Minimum 60-watt bulb illumination for hallways leading to exits
• Pools: Lights must reflect away from neighboring properties and streets
• Apartment Buildings: Emergency lighting required for buildings with >12 units or >3 stories
• Signs: Commercial signs may be illuminated with shielded light sources
• Telecommunication Facilities: Limited lighting permitted, primarily for security

Security and Safety Lighting Requirements

Crime Prevention Guidance

East Cleveland's Crime Prevention Bureau plays an active role in lighting oversight, advising property owners on effective security lighting implementation. The bureau:

• Provides guidance to homeowners, apartment owners, and business owners on lighting installation and maintenance for security purposes
• Reviews construction plans to identify and address security lighting needs

Emergency and Exit Lighting

Safety lighting receives special attention in East Cleveland's regulations:

• Exit Signage: All exit signs must be maintained in clean, legible condition and clearly illuminated whenever buildings are occupied
• Emergency Lighting: Apartment buildings with more than 12 living units or exceeding three stories in height must have emergency lighting that complies with Section 5-9 of the Life Safety Code
• Stairways: All stairs must be illuminated sufficiently to ensure each step is clearly visible when ascending or descending

Hallway and Exit Path Illumination

For buildings with designated exit pathways:

• All hallways, corridors, ramps, and exit passageways must be adequately lit
• When artificial lighting is used, fixtures must provide at least the equivalent of a 60-watt bulb
• Lighting must ensure safe navigation during emergency situations

Commercial and Facility-Specific Requirements

Gaming Room Illumination Standards

East Cleveland has specific requirements for gaming facilities:

• Each gaming room must be lit to maintain a minimum of 75 foot-candles of lighting throughout the room
• This lighting level must be maintained at all times during operation

Day-Care Facility Lighting

East Cleveland regulations ensure adequate lighting for child safety and development:

• All rooms used for day-care operations must have sufficient general illumination
• Areas used for reading, writing, drawing, and similar close work must be lit to at least 20 foot-candles at work level

Swimming Pool Lighting

Pool lighting regulations focus on safety and minimizing neighborhood impact:

• All lighting must comply with the National Electrical Code standards
• Fixtures and equipment must be Underwriters Laboratory approved
• No overhead electrical wiring is permitted above the pool or appurtenances
• Lights must be arranged and shaded to reflect away from adjoining premises and public streets
• Daylight blue lenses are recommended for pool illumination

Signage and Commercial Lighting

Commercial Sign Illumination

For businesses using illuminated signs:

• Signs in commercial and special districts may be illuminated
• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Brightness must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or motorists
• Brightness should not create reasonable objection from adjacent residential areas

Prohibited Lighting Elements

Some lighting types face restrictions:

• Bare strings of light bulbs are generally prohibited
• Exception: Banners and pennants when part of public information signs installed by the city

Parking Facilities

For commercial properties with parking areas:

• All off-street parking facilities required by zoning ordinances must be lighted
• Building permit applications must include plans showing lighting provisions for parking spaces

Telecommunications and Special Use Lighting

Telecommunications Facility Restrictions

East Cleveland carefully regulates lighting for communication infrastructure:

• Antennas and towers generally cannot be illuminated unless required by law
• If FAA regulations require lighting, white stroke lights are not permitted
• Security lighting may be allowed with prior approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals

Multi-Family Security Measures

For apartment buildings and multi-family dwellings:

• The Safety Director may specify additional security measures including enhanced lighting in common areas
• These requirements aim to improve safety in residential buildings while respecting the character of the neighborhood

What Property Owners Should Know

Permitting and Fees

East Cleveland has established fee structures for various lighting installations:

• Basic electrical permit fee: $30
• Per lighting outlet: $2
• Per lighting fixture: $2
• Light poles: $30 each
• Temporary lighting (120v): $30 for first 100 outlets, $1 for each additional outlet

Compliance Considerations

When planning lighting installations, property owners should:

• Consult with the Crime Prevention Bureau for guidance on security lighting
• Review architectural guidelines as lighting fixtures are considered building artifacts
• Submit detailed lighting plans when applying for building permits
• Consider neighborhood impact when installing outdoor lighting
• Maintain required illumination levels in regulated spaces

Supporting East Cleveland's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares East Cleveland's commitment to maintaining community character while addressing modern lighting needs. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique balance East Cleveland seeks between preserving its historical heritage and implementing effective lighting solutions.

Our familiarity with East Cleveland's architectural styles and regional lighting needs positions us as a knowledgeable resource for residents and businesses navigating lighting regulations. We appreciate the city's emphasis on beauty, cleanliness, and safety—values that align with our approach to lighting design and implementation.

Rather than simply providing products, Bock Lighting focuses on education and community support, helping East Cleveland property owners understand how thoughtful lighting can enhance historical properties while meeting modern safety standards. Our experience with projects that respect community character makes us a valuable partner in preserving East Cleveland's distinctive atmosphere.

Conclusion

East Cleveland's lighting regulations reflect the city's dual commitment to safety and historical preservation. From specific illumination requirements for facilities like gaming rooms and day-care centers to guidelines for residential security lighting, these regulations aim to ensure adequate illumination while maintaining neighborhood character.

Property owners should work closely with the Crime Prevention Bureau and Building Department when planning lighting installations to ensure compliance with these regulations. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to East Cleveland's vision of a beautiful, safe community that honors its rich historical legacy.

Remember that lighting not only serves practical purposes but also plays a significant role in defining the character and atmosphere of East Cleveland's unique neighborhoods and commercial districts.