Lighting Regulations in Englewood, Ohio: Balancing Community Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled along the Stillwater River in Ohio, Englewood has evolved significantly since its founding in 1841. Originally named Harrisburg, then transitioning through names like Iamton and Jamton before finally becoming Englewood in 1898, this community has a rich history of thoughtful development.

Englewood's journey from rural settlement to incorporated city in 1971 reflects its commitment to managed growth. The city's approach to infrastructure—from introducing natural gas in 1934 to establishing its first water works in 1936 and completing the original sewer system in 1940—demonstrates a pattern of intentional planning.

This same balanced approach is evident in Englewood's lighting regulations, which aim to maintain community character while addressing modern needs for safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide

Based on Englewood's code, here are the key lighting requirements:

• Glare Prevention: Exterior lighting must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent objectionable brightness on adjacent properties
• Approval Requirements: Outdoor artificial lighting requires Board of Zoning Appeals approval
• Night Safety: Construction sites and excavations must have warning lights at night
• Sign Illumination: Specific brightness limits apply (Day: 5,000 nits, Night: 1,000 nits)
• Residential Protection: Extra restrictions apply for lighting that faces residential zones
• Developer Responsibility: Developers must provide underground wiring for street lighting
• Light Trespass: No lighting may extend glare onto adjacent properties or rights of way

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

Englewood's code places significant emphasis on preventing light trespass between properties. The regulations clearly state that "no exterior lighting shall be positioned so as to extend light or glare onto adjacent properties or rights of way."

This fundamental principle appears throughout the code in various forms, consistently emphasizing that lighting should not negatively impact neighboring properties.

Shielding and Directing Light

Property owners must ensure that light from exterior fixtures is:

• Suitably directed to prevent unwanted spillover
• Properly shaded to control brightness and glare
• Designed thoughtfully so that "light intensity or brightness is not objectionable to adjacent properties"

Approval Process

The code specifies that "outdoor artificial lighting shall be approved by Board of Zoning Appeals." This oversight helps ensure that lighting installations meet community standards and address potential concerns before installation.

Street Lighting Standards

Developer Responsibilities

Englewood places clear responsibilities on developers regarding street lighting:

• Underground Requirements: Street lighting must use "underground wiring feeding poles with fixtures attached"
• Quality Standards: Lighting must provide "intensity and quality customarily sanctioned and installed by the electric power company" (specifically Dayton Power and Light)
• Installation Costs: Developers are responsible for all costs associated with street light installation
• Infrastructure Work: All "trenching and backfilling" must be performed to the standards of both the electric power company and City Engineer

These requirements ensure consistent, high-quality street lighting throughout developing areas of Englewood.

Municipal Oversight

The city code specifically grants administration and inspection authority for street lighting installations. This oversight helps maintain consistency and quality throughout the community.

Construction and Safety Lighting

Protection of Hazards

Section 660.09 of the code addresses lighting for safety purposes, stating that excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be:

• Adequately protected by suitable barricades
• Properly guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• Made safe so the condition will not "reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb"

Utility Maintenance Access

The code requires "adequate natural or artificial lighting" for maintenance inspection and testing of backflow prevention devices. This practical requirement ensures safe and effective utility maintenance.

Sign Illumination Regulations

Englewood's code contains detailed requirements for illuminated signs, focusing on both safety and aesthetic considerations.

Basic Definitions

• Illuminated Sign: Defined as "a sign that is lighted by an artificial light source"
• Flashing Sign: Includes signs where messages change more than once every two hours

Brightness Limitations

Electronic message boards have specific brightness restrictions:

• Daytime Maximum: 5,000 nits
• Nighttime Maximum: 1,000 nits
• Alternative Measure: Maximum of 12 foot-candles measured from the nearest public road
• Required Equipment: Must have an automatic phased proportional dimmer to reduce nighttime brightness

Residential Proximity Rules

Signs in proximity to residential areas face additional restrictions:

• No exposed neon or visible light sources when facing residential districts (unless more than 100 feet away)
• Time restrictions in residential districts prohibit illumination between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM
• Safety consideration is paramount, as signs with light sources that could "constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic" are prohibited

Certification Requirements

Before permits are issued for electronic message boards, applicants must provide:

• Written certification from the sign manufacturer regarding light intensity
• Evidence that the sign has been factory pre-set not to exceed specified levels
• Documentation of the intensity level configuration

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Commercial Properties

Different types of businesses have specific lighting requirements:

• Vehicle Sales Establishments: "All exterior lighting shall be directed to avoid a negative impact to surrounding properties"
• Teen Centers: Applications must include a comprehensive "lighting plan"
• Mobile Home Parks: Installation of lighting is required before occupancy is permitted

Design Standards

For larger developments, the code requires that lighting be designed with consideration for:

• Efficiency in operation and energy use
• Safety for all users of the property
• Convenience for residents and visitors
• Harmony within the development
• Compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Points

When planning exterior lighting for your Englewood property, remember these essential points:

• Fixtures must be directed and shielded to prevent light spillover
• Board of Zoning Appeals approval is required for outdoor artificial lighting
• No glare is permitted onto streets or residential zones
• Sign illumination has specific brightness limits and operational requirements
• Special uses may have additional lighting plan requirements

Planning for Lighting Success

Before installing new exterior lighting: 1. Review your location relative to residential areas and streets 2. Consider fixture shielding to control light direction 3. Check brightness levels to ensure they won't impact neighbors 4. Consult with the city regarding approval requirements 5. Document your approach for faster approval processes

Supporting Englewood's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the balance Englewood seeks between modern lighting needs and community character preservation.

Englewood's approach to lighting—emphasizing controlled brightness, neighborhood compatibility, and thoughtful design—aligns with Bock Lighting's commitment to create lighting solutions that enhance communities rather than detract from them.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a valuable resource for Englewood property owners seeking to navigate lighting regulations while creating attractive, functional spaces.

Whether for historic areas or new developments, Bock Lighting shares Englewood's vision for lighting that supports safety and functionality while respecting community aesthetics and neighboring properties.

Conclusion

Englewood's lighting regulations reflect the city's thoughtful approach to development, emphasizing compatibility between properties and protection against light nuisances.

These guidelines balance the practical need for illumination with the community's desire for pleasant, unobtrusive lighting. By controlling light trespass, managing sign illumination, and setting clear standards for developers, Englewood helps ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations not only avoid potential compliance issues but also contribute to Englewood's continued development as an attractive, well-designed community.