Lighting Regulations in Edgerton, Ohio: Preserving Small-Town Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the northwest corner of Ohio, Edgerton boasts a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1865. Named after Alfred Peck Edgerton, this charming village along historic U.S. Route 6 has carefully balanced modern development with the preservation of its distinctive small-town character.

The village's architectural heritage, from its early schoolhouses to the iconic water tower constructed in 1939, reflects a community that values its historical roots. This commitment to preserving Edgerton's unique identity extends to various aspects of village governance, including its approach to lighting regulations.

While Edgerton's lighting code is not extensive, the regulations in place focus primarily on safety, preventing nuisances, and maintaining the village's charming aesthetic. These thoughtful guidelines help ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community's character.

Quick Reference Guide: Edgerton Lighting Regulations

• General Principle: No lighting shall constitute a nuisance or impair safe traffic movement
• Light Trespass: Lighting shall not shine directly on adjacent properties
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for excavation sites
• Signs: Home occupation signs must be non-illuminated
• Illuminated Signs: Must not direct beams onto public thoroughfares causing glare
• Telecommunications: Lighting permitted only for safety purposes with minimal glare
• Street Trees: Must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lights

General Lighting Requirements

Preventing Nuisance and Ensuring Safety

The foundational principle of Edgerton's lighting regulations is straightforward: no lighting shall constitute a nuisance. This simple yet effective guideline helps maintain the village's peaceful atmosphere while ensuring practical functionality.

Additionally, lighting must not impair the safe movement of traffic on any street or highway. This safety-focused requirement reflects Edgerton's concern for both pedestrians and drivers navigating the village streets, particularly along the historic U.S. Route 6 corridor.

Light Trespass Limitations

To maintain good neighborly relations and prevent unwanted light pollution, Edgerton's code specifically states that no lighting shall shine directly on adjacent properties. This regulation helps preserve the peaceful ambiance of residential areas while respecting property boundaries.

Specific Applications of Lighting Regulations

Construction and Excavation Sites

Safety is a primary concern for construction activities within the village. Section 521.03 of Edgerton's code requires that any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction must be:

• Adequately protected by suitable barricades
• Guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• Maintained in a condition that will not prove dangerous to life or limb

These requirements help ensure that construction activities don't pose hazards to residents, particularly during evening hours.

Tree Maintenance Near Street Lights

An often-overlooked aspect of maintaining effective street lighting is proper tree maintenance. Edgerton requires property owners to:

• Prune trees bordering streets in a manner that won't obstruct or shade street lights
• Maintain visibility of public lighting for safety and security purposes

This practical regulation helps ensure that public investment in street lighting remains effective for all residents.

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Home Occupation Signage

For home-based businesses, Edgerton maintains specific signage regulations that include lighting restrictions:

• One sign is permitted per home occupation
• Maximum size: 4 square feet
• Must be non-illuminated
• Must be mounted flat against the principal building's wall

These requirements help ensure that home businesses blend harmoniously with residential neighborhoods.

Commercial Signage Illumination

For commercial properties, illuminated signs are permitted but with important limitations:

• Signs must not direct beams or illumination onto public thoroughfares, highways, sidewalks, or adjacent premises
• Such lighting must not cause glare or reflection that could create traffic hazards or nuisances
• All electrically illuminated signs must comply with local electrical code requirements

These balanced regulations allow businesses to maintain visibility while preventing lighting that could disrupt the village's character or create safety hazards.

Telecommunications Facilities

Telecommunications towers have specific lighting requirements that balance functionality with aesthetic considerations:

• Lights, beacons, or strobes attached to telecommunications facilities are permitted only when necessary for safety or compliance with applicable laws
• Such lighting must be designed to minimize direct light or glare onto surrounding properties
• Maximum height for telecommunications towers (including antenna and approved lighting) is 300 feet above average grade plane

These regulations reflect Edgerton's pragmatic approach to modern infrastructure needs while minimizing visual impact.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

For Edgerton property owners, compliance with lighting regulations is relatively straightforward:

• Direct lights downward or use shielded fixtures to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Consider warm-toned lighting that complements the village's historic character
• Ensure all illuminated signs and electrical connections meet local codes
• Regularly maintain trees near street lights to ensure proper illumination of public areas
• For construction projects, ensure proper warning lights are in place during nighttime hours

Home Business Considerations

If you operate a home-based business, remember that your signage must be non-illuminated. Additionally, no equipment or process used in your home occupation should create glare detectable off your property.

Supporting Edgerton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Edgerton's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing necessary modern technology. Our deep understanding of Ohio's small communities and their architectural heritage helps us appreciate the balance Edgerton strikes between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

As a regional lighting manufacturer with over a century of experience, we understand the importance of lighting that complements rather than overwhelms a community's distinctive character. Our expertise in historic lighting applications can help property owners and businesses navigate lighting decisions that respect both regulations and community values.

We're particularly attuned to the needs of historic communities like Edgerton that wish to maintain their small-town charm while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and security. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the thoughtful approach evident in Edgerton's regulations.

Conclusion

Edgerton's lighting regulations, while not extensive, effectively balance the practical needs of a modern community with the preservation of its historic character. By focusing on preventing nuisance lighting, ensuring safety, and maintaining the village's aesthetic appeal, these regulations help sustain Edgerton's charming atmosphere.

Property owners can take pride in knowing that their compliance with these straightforward guidelines contributes to the overall quality of life in this historic village. As Edgerton continues to honor its past while looking to the future, its thoughtful approach to lighting helps illuminate its character in more ways than one.