Lighting Regulations in Fairfield, Ohio: Balancing Growth with Community Character

Introduction

Fairfield, Ohio, officially incorporated in 1955, has evolved from its early roots into a thriving city in the Cincinnati metropolitan area. With over 1,200 businesses and a strategic location that has facilitated growth and development, Fairfield has carefully balanced modern progress with maintaining its distinctive community character.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance—preserving Fairfield's aesthetic appeal while ensuring functionality and safety. These regulations are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents while supporting the city's economic development and civic pride.

Quick Reference Guide

Here are the key lighting requirements in Fairfield that property owners, developers, and businesses should know:

• Street Lighting in New Subdivisions:
• Residential: 9,500 lumen sodium vapor lights on fiberglass/aluminum poles
• Commercial/Industrial: 22,000 lumen sodium vapor lights on fiberglass/aluminum poles
• Spacing: Maximum 150 feet apart, at all intersections and cul-de-sacs
• Sign Illumination:
• Light sources must be shielded and not visible within 200 feet
• Maximum illumination in downtown/industrial zones: 50 foot candles for flood-lit signs
• No directly illuminated signs within 100 feet of residential zones
• Construction Areas:
• Red warning lights required at all excavations and construction barriers
• Walkways must remain well-lit from sunset to sunrise
• Swimming Pools:
• Lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from neighboring properties

Street Lighting Requirements

Requesting Street Lighting

Fairfield has established a clear process for residents who desire additional street lighting in their neighborhoods:

1. Petition Process: Residents must file a written petition with the City Manager
2. Safety Evaluation: The City Manager consults with the Police Chief and Crime Prevention Officer
3. Determination of Necessity: Lighting is evaluated based on security, crime prevention, and traffic safety needs
4. Funding: The city pays for street lighting deemed necessary for these safety purposes

Developer Requirements

For new developments in Fairfield, specific street lighting standards apply:

• Installation Responsibility: Developers must provide underground electrical distribution and street lighting in all new subdivisions
• Approval Process: A street lighting plan prepared by the utility company must be submitted for City approval
• Strategic Placement: Lights must be installed at:
• Every intersection
• The neck of every cul-de-sac
• Approximately 150 feet apart between and near abutting property lines

Specific Lighting Standards

Fairfield has established clear technical specifications for street lighting fixtures:

• Residential Subdivisions:
• Fixture Type: 9,500 lumen sodium vapor lights
• Mounting: Fiberglass or aluminum poles
• Commercial and Industrial Areas:
• Fixture Type: 22,000 lumen sodium vapor lights
• Mounting: Fiberglass or aluminum poles
• Maintenance Consideration: All fixtures must be types that the utility company agrees to maintain

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Fairfield's sign lighting regulations focus on minimizing light pollution while allowing effective illumination:

• Fixture Placement: Lighting must be installed on private property
• Shielding Requirements: Light sources must be hooded or shielded
• Visibility Restriction: Light sources cannot be visible within 200 feet from:
• Public streets, alleys, or highways
• Residentially zoned property (including hotel/motel guest rooms)

Maximum Illumination Levels

The city has established specific maximum illumination levels based on zone and sign type:

• Flood-lit and Indirectly Illuminated Signs:
• 50 foot candles: In B, C2 (downtown only), C3, and M Zones
• 25 foot candles: In C1 and C2 (other areas) Zones
• All Other Signs:
• 25 foot candles: In B, C2 (downtown only), C3, and M Zones
• 10 foot candles: In C1 and C2 (other areas) Zones

Residential Area Protection

Special restrictions apply to sign lighting near residential areas:

• Proximity Restriction: No directly illuminated signs permitted within 100 feet of residentially zoned property
• Screening Requirement: Illuminated signs in institutional, commercial, or industrial zones near residential areas must be adequately screened with:
• Fencing
• Shrubbery
• Vegetation

Special Effects Lighting

Signs with dynamic lighting effects require special approval:

• Planning Commission Approval: Required for signs with lights that:
• Turn on and off intermittently
• Scintillate or oscillate
• Move or appear to move
• Change color or intensity
• Create a flashing illusion

Specialized Lighting Requirements

Pool Lighting

Swimming pool lighting in Fairfield must be considerate of neighboring properties:

• Light Deflection: Any lighting used for pool illumination must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties

Construction and Work Area Lighting

Safety is paramount in construction zones, requiring:

• Walkway Illumination: Walkways must be continuously well-lit between sunset and sunrise
• Warning Lights: Red lights required at:
• Edges of occupied street/sidewalk spaces
• All pits and excavations
• Construction barriers, equipment, and materials
• Work Area Safety: All construction areas where work is performed or people must pass require adequate lighting

Telecommunication Facilities

Fairfield restricts lighting on telecommunication towers and facilities:

• General Prohibition: Lights, beacons, or strobes are not permitted on towers, antennas, or facilities
• FAA Exception: Lighting is only allowed when required by the Federal Aviation Administration
• Approval Process: FAA lighting requirements must be presented to the Planning Director before city approval
• Location Consideration: Telecommunication towers are discouraged in areas requiring special painting or lighting under FAA regulations

Airport Zone Considerations

Properties in airport zones have special lighting restrictions to ensure aviation safety:

• Pilot Visibility: No lighting that makes it difficult to distinguish between airport lights and other lights
• Glare Prevention: No lighting creating glare for pilots using the airport
• Visual Clarity: No lighting that impairs visibility in the vicinity of the airport
• Aviation Safety: No lighting that endangers aircraft landing, taking off, or maneuvering

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Considerations

When planning lighting for your property in Fairfield, keep these key points in mind:

• Design Review: Exterior lighting is evaluated as part of project design reviews
• Site Integration: Lighting must be compatible with overall project design and not interfere with site layout
• Neighborhood Impact: Always consider how your lighting affects neighboring properties
• Special Uses: Different requirements apply for specific uses like signs, pools, and commercial properties

Compliance Process

To ensure your lighting meets Fairfield's standards:

1. Consult the Code: Review the specific requirements for your property type and zone
2. Professional Input: Consider consulting with lighting professionals familiar with Fairfield's requirements
3. Permit Review: Submit lighting plans as part of your overall project plans
4. Maintain Compliance: Ensure ongoing maintenance of lighting systems to preserve compliance

Supporting Fairfield's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and shares Fairfield's commitment to balancing modern growth with community character. As a regional manufacturer with extensive experience in the Cincinnati metropolitan area, we appreciate the unique challenges facing communities like Fairfield that value both progress and preservation.

Our expertise in municipal lighting solutions aligns with Fairfield's approach to creating safe, attractive environments while maintaining the city's distinctive character. We understand the technical requirements for various applications—from street lighting to sign illumination to specialty needs like pool and construction lighting.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, helping property owners, developers, and businesses understand how to achieve compliance while meeting their aesthetic and functional goals. Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices also supports Fairfield's vision of being a model of excellence among Ohio communities.

Conclusion

Fairfield's lighting regulations demonstrate the city's commitment to creating a well-balanced community environment that preserves its character while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear standards for street lighting, sign illumination, and specialty applications, Fairfield maintains an attractive community appearance while supporting growth and development.

Property owners and developers who understand and comply with these lighting requirements contribute to the city's vision of providing a high quality of life in a safe and attractive environment. These thoughtful regulations ensure that Fairfield will continue to shine brightly while respecting its heritage and planning for its future.