Lighting Regulations in Evendale, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Functionality, and Community Character

Introduction

Evendale, Ohio, a charming village incorporated in 1951 near Cincinnati, embodies the mid-century suburban development philosophy that shaped many American communities after World War II. With approximately 2,800 residents, this close-knit community has established lighting regulations that reflect its core values: quality of life, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

Evendale's approach to exterior lighting perfectly illustrates the village's commitment to maintaining the character of its established neighborhoods while accommodating modern needs. These regulations aim to minimize light pollution and promote visual harmony throughout residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Evendale:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Residential: Maximum 0.5 foot candles at property lines
• Non-residential: Maximum 1.0 foot candle at property lines
• Height Restrictions:
• Residential: 8 feet maximum
• Commercial/Industrial: 32 feet maximum
• HOA recreation facilities: 15 feet maximum
• Design Requirements:
• Parking lot fixtures must be cut-off type and downward-oriented
• Poles must be black or powder-coated metal
• Photometric plans required for certain developments
• Timing Restrictions:
• Illuminated signs near residential areas: Off between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM (unless business is open)
• Outdoor dining areas: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday-Thursday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM Friday-Saturday

Residential Lighting Requirements

Single-Family Home Lighting

In Evendale's residential districts, outdoor lighting for single-family homes must be carefully designed to preserve neighborhood tranquility. The village recognizes that proper lighting enhances safety while maintaining the peaceful character of residential areas.

Key residential lighting specifications:

• Maximum height: 8 feet for all outdoor lighting fixtures
• Maximum illumination: 0.5 foot candles at all property lines
• Driveway entrance exception: May not exceed 0.5 foot candles at the street right-of-way line
• Lamp posts and similar fixtures: Permitted in all yards

Home Occupation Considerations

For residents operating businesses from their homes, additional lighting restrictions apply. No equipment used for a home occupation may produce glare outside the dwelling unit that exceeds what is typical for residential occupancy.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Evendale's commercial and industrial districts have more extensive lighting needs while still requiring careful light management. These regulations balance operational necessities with community aesthetics.

Commercial/Industrial lighting specifications:

• Maximum height: 32 feet in all non-residential districts
• Maximum illumination: 1.0 foot candle at property lines
• Fixture design: All parking lot and exterior building lighting must use cut-off fixtures oriented downward
• Pole requirements: Must be black or powder-coated metal

Buffer Requirements

When commercial or industrial properties adjoin residential areas, additional care must be taken:

• Commercial lighting must be located, screened, or shielded so adjacent residential uses are not directly illuminated
• Lighting intensity cannot cause glare or impair driver vision
• Landscaping buffers may be required to protect adjacent properties from light impacts

Evaluation Factors

When reviewing lighting plans, Evendale officials consider:

• Pole height
• Type of luminaire
• Site coverage (average maintained)
• Uniformity
• Intensity at property lines

Sign Illumination Requirements

Permitted Sign Types

Evendale carefully regulates which signs may be illuminated:

• Residential districts: Signs for residential uses shall not be illuminated (exceptions: new development signs and subdivision entry signs)
• Commercial districts: Illumination limited to flat signs, monument signs, and pole signs
• Other districts: Restrictions vary by zoning district

Technical Requirements

For permitted illuminated signs, these technical specifications apply:

• Maximum illumination: 50 foot candles when measured perpendicular to the sign face
• Light source placement: Must be located, shielded, and directed to not be directly visible from streets or residences
• Protrusion limit: Light receptacles cannot protrude more than 18 inches from the sign face
• Prohibited features: Flashing, blinking, or intermittent lights are not allowed
• Nighttime restrictions: Signs near residential areas must turn off between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM (unless the business is open)

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Recreation Facilities

Evendale recognizes that recreational areas have unique lighting needs:

• HOA-owned facilities: Lighting fixtures cannot exceed 15 feet in height
• Usage limitations: Facilities limited to use by HOA members and guests

Outdoor Dining Areas

Restaurants with outdoor seating have specific illumination restrictions:

• Sunday through Thursday: Illumination permitted 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Friday and Saturday: Illumination permitted 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Exception: Safety-related lighting incidental to restaurant use

Construction and Safety Lighting

Public safety is prioritized in Evendale's lighting requirements:

• Construction/excavation sites: At least two illuminated red or amber lamps required at each end of obstructions at night
• For areas exceeding 50 feet: One additional lamp required for each added 50 feet
• Street lighting: Only permitted on legally established public streets
• Private streets: May be used if lighting is adequately provided for safety

Prohibited Lighting

Some lighting types are specifically prohibited in Evendale:

• Exposed bulbs and string lights: Prohibited (except holiday decorations)
• Searchlights: Not permitted
• Animated lighting: Neon accent lighting is allowed but must not be animated

Planning and Documentation Requirements

Required Lighting Plans

For new developments and modifications, Evendale requires comprehensive lighting documentation:

• PUD applications: Must include lighting plans showing:
• Locations of lights
• Types of lights
• Intensity of light
• Photometric plan: Required for site approval within PUDs
• Engineering drawings: Must include lighting details

Proper planning ensures that lighting installations will meet community standards before construction begins.

Supporting Evendale's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of communities like Evendale. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate Evendale's commitment to preserving its mid-century suburban character while embracing modern technology.

Our experience with regional architectural styles allows us to recommend lighting solutions that respect Evendale's balance of residential, commercial, and industrial needs. We recognize that in a community of Evendale's size, each lighting installation impacts the overall character of the village.

We're committed to supporting communities through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices. Understanding local codes is essential, and our team can help navigate technical requirements like foot candle limitations and fixture specifications.

Our goal is to preserve the quality of life that Evendale residents value through thoughtful, code-compliant lighting that enhances safety while minimizing light pollution.

Conclusion

Evendale's lighting regulations reflect the village's thoughtful approach to development and community character. By establishing clear standards for light levels, fixture heights, and design requirements, Evendale maintains the visual integrity that residents value.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the light trespass limits (0.5 foot candles for residential, 1.0 foot candle for non-residential), height restrictions, and special requirements for properties adjacent to residential areas.

By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Evendale's vision of a well-planned community that balances modern needs with neighborhood character. These lighting standards help preserve the quality of life that has defined Evendale since its incorporation in 1951.