Lighting Regulations in Elida, Ohio: Understanding Property & Sign Illumination Requirements

Introduction

Nestled in the Lima Metropolitan Area, the village of Elida, Ohio traces its roots back to 1852. This charming community, officially incorporated in 1878, maintains a delicate balance between preserving its historical character and meeting modern needs. Though relatively small at just 1.22 square miles, Elida's approach to community development reflects its commitment to maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that honors its 19th-century origins.

The village's lighting regulations, while limited in scope, align with this preservation-minded approach. These guidelines aim to ensure safety, prevent nuisance to neighbors, and maintain the quaint small-town atmosphere that makes Elida special.

Quick Reference Guide: Elida Lighting Regulations

• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum 0.5 footcandles in residential areas; 1.0 footcandles in all other districts • Parking Areas: Must direct light away from residential districts • Glare Restrictions: No direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public roadway • Sign Illumination: Limited to white steady light, white interior light, non-flashing neon, or digital message boards • Construction Sites: Must use warning lights at night for safety • Home Occupations: Signs must be non-illuminated

General Lighting Regulations

Glare Prevention

Elida's code clearly states that no direct or reflected glare shall be permitted which is visible from any property or from any public street, road or highway. This straightforward regulation applies throughout the village and serves as a foundational principle for all exterior lighting.

Parking Area Illumination

When lighting parking areas, the code requires specific consideration for nearby residential zones:

• Any lighting used to illuminate any off-street parking area shall be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises in any R-District • This prevents light pollution from commercial areas affecting residential neighborhoods • Helps maintain the peaceful character of residential streets

Professional and Business Districts

The Professional and Business Office Districts (PBO) have additional requirements:

• Must be "clean and free from hazardous or objectionable elements" • Specifically mentions glare as an element that must be controlled • Reinforces the village's commitment to preventing light pollution

Sign Illumination Requirements

Permitted Methods of Illumination

For signs that may be illuminated, Elida's code specifies exactly how this may be done:

1. White steady, stationary light of reasonable intensity directed solely at the sign and shielded from adjacent properties or streets
2. White interior light of reasonable intensity with logos/letters lit or silhouetted on a translucent background (no additional lighting permitted)
3. Non-flashing neon
4. Digital message boards

Light Trespass Limits

The code establishes specific measurable limits for light extending from signage:

• Maximum 0.5 footcandles beyond property lines in residential areas • Maximum 1.0 footcandles in all other districts • Light intensity must not be sufficient to create a hazard for traffic

Signs That Cannot Be Illuminated

Several types of signs are explicitly prohibited from having any illumination:

• Real estate signs • Signs not requiring a permit • Signs for home occupations (limited to 2 square feet, non-illuminated)

Special Cases

The code does make allowances for certain special situations:

• Holiday signs may be illuminated provided they don't create safety or visibility hazards • Window display signs may be illuminated only from a concealed source

Construction and Safety Requirements

Construction Site Safety

Safety lighting is specifically addressed for construction sites:

• Warning lights required at night for excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction • Barricades with warning lights must adequately protect the public • Removing or damaging these warning lights is prohibited

Vegetation Management

The code addresses how vegetation may affect lighting:

• Property owners must prune trees and shrubs to prevent obstruction of street lights • This ensures public areas remain properly illuminated for safety

Development Planning

For new developments, the Planning Commission requires:

• Detailed plans showing "location of utilities including street lighting" • Ensures proper integration of lighting infrastructure in new development

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Light Trespass

Light trespass occurs when illumination from your property spills onto neighboring properties or public roads. In Elida:

• Residential areas have stricter limits (0.5 footcandles) than other districts (1.0 footcandles) • All lighting should be designed and positioned to minimize spillover • This applies to both sign illumination and general property lighting

When Planning New Signs

If you're planning to install a new sign, remember:

• Submit details about the "method of illumination" with your permit application • Know which sign types cannot be illuminated at all • Ensure illuminated signs follow the specific lighting methods allowed

Maintaining Adequate Light

While controlling excessive light is important, providing adequate illumination matters too:

• The code defines unsafe buildings as those with "inadequate light and ventilation" • Variances should not "impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property" • Balance is key: enough light for safety without creating nuisance

Supporting Elida's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Elida. We appreciate the village's commitment to preserving its historical charm while ensuring practical lighting needs are met.

Our familiarity with the architectural styles and community values of small Midwestern villages allows us to provide lighting solutions that respect Elida's heritage. We understand the delicate balance between adequate illumination for safety and preventing disruptive light trespass.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our expertise in designing lighting that complies with local codes while enhancing community character makes us a valuable partner for Elida residents and business owners.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Elida's vision for maintaining its quaint, historical atmosphere while meeting modern needs.

Conclusion

While Elida's lighting regulations are not extensive, they clearly prioritize preventing nuisance to neighbors, maintaining the village's historical character, and ensuring safety. Property owners should pay particular attention to light trespass limits, sign illumination requirements, and general prohibitions against glare.

By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to preserving the unique small-town charm that has defined Elida since its founding nearly 170 years ago. These thoughtful lighting practices help maintain the village's aesthetic cohesion while allowing for modern amenities and safety measures.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property or project, contact the Village of Elida directly to ensure compliance with all current regulations.