Lighting Regulations in Fairlawn, Ohio: A Complete Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Fairlawn, Ohio, a vibrant suburban community incorporated as a city in 1970, has developed thoughtful lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for residents. With roots dating back to its days as part of Copley Township, Fairlawn has grown into a community that values both modern infrastructure and comfortable suburban living.

The city's approach to lighting regulations balances safety, functionality, and neighborhood compatibility—aligning with Fairlawn's overall development philosophy that emphasizes family-friendly environments and community character. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, understanding these regulations will help you contribute to Fairlawn's well-maintained suburban atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Fairlawn:

• Parking Area Lighting: Minimum 5 foot-candles per square foot, measured at surface
• Multifamily Residential: 2-2.5 foot-candles average illumination required for parking areas
• Residential Walkways: Minimum 1 foot-candle illumination required
• Light Pole Height: Maximum 14 feet in pedestrian areas
• Light Trespass: Lighting must be directed away from adjacent properties
• Electronic Displays: Maximum 0.3 footcandles above ambient lighting at 50-foot distance

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multifamily Housing Requirements

For multifamily properties where more than two families reside, Fairlawn code establishes specific security lighting standards. Property owners must provide:

• Average illumination of between 2 and 2.5 foot-candles over the entire parking area
• Minimum illumination of 1 foot-candle for all walkways and driveways on the premises
• Lighting direction that prevents light from spilling onto neighboring properties

Swimming Pool Lighting

If you have a residential swimming pool, lighting requirements are designed to maintain neighborly relations:

• All pool illumination must be designed and installed to confine direct beams to your property
• Pool lighting must not constitute a nuisance or undue annoyance to occupants of abutting property
• Proper positioning and shielding of lights can help meet these requirements

Compatibility with Neighborhoods

The Planning Commission may limit exterior light fixture locations based on surrounding land uses. All exterior lighting must be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood in terms of:

• Number of fixtures
• Height of fixtures from the ground
• Light intensity
• Light trespass onto adjacent properties or public right-of-way

Commercial and Public Space Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

Commercial parking areas must meet these standards:

• Minimum illumination of 5 foot-candles per square foot
• Measurement taken at the surface of the parking area
• All lighting must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining premises or streets
• Open light sources, such as strings of light bulbs, are not permitted

Business Exterior Lighting

Businesses must follow these general principles:

• Lighting must not constitute a nuisance
• Lighting must not impair safe movement of traffic on any street or highway
• Floodlights and similar devices must not cause hazards or annoyance to the public or adjacent property owners
• Adult amusement arcades require exterior lighting of sufficient intensity to illuminate all entry/exit points and adjacent parking areas

Outdoor Plaza Lighting

For developments with outdoor plaza spaces:

• Evening lighting is required
• Lighting should be kept at a low level
• Design must ensure lighting does not disturb adjacent properties
• Lighting features are subject to Planning Commission approval

Pedestrian Area Requirements

Pedestrian-focused areas have specialized requirements:

• Lighting should be located near all walkways and pedestrian paths
• Decorative fixtures are encouraged
• Light levels should be kept low to avoid disturbance to adjacent properties
• Light poles should not exceed 14 feet in height

Development and Construction Requirements

Street Lighting in New Subdivisions

Developers creating new subdivisions must adhere to comprehensive street lighting requirements:

• All street lights must be LED technology
• Lights must be spaced to adequately service the allotment
• Lumens must meet specifications determined by the Director of Public Service and/or City Engineer
• All wiring must be placed underground at depth specified by the City Engineer/Ohio Edison
• The developer bears all installation costs for street lighting
• A comprehensive street lighting plan must be submitted to Planning Commission for approval

Construction Site Safety Lighting

During construction or excavation:

• Warning lights required at night for excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction
• Barricades and warning lights must be maintained to prevent dangerous conditions
• It is prohibited to remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Sign Illumination Standards

Electronic Message Centers

Electronic displays must meet strict requirements:

• Must be equipped with automatic dimming photocell to adjust brightness based on ambient light
• Maximum illumination of 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting when measured from 50 feet
• Must be set back a minimum of 100 feet from residential dwelling units
• Message changes must be static and instant

General Sign Illumination

Illuminated signs must comply with these standards:

• Wall signs in all districts and ground signs in B-4 and B-4a districts may only use indirect lighting or internal illumination of letters, logo, or message
• Internal illumination of background areas is not permitted in certain districts
• Lighting must not interfere with traffic on abutting streets
• All illuminated signs must be constructed according to UL 48 standards and bear Underwriters' Laboratories label
• No internally illuminated sign may have brightness greater than 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light measured at 100 feet

Emergency and Security Lighting

Exit Signs and Emergency Lighting

Safety lighting requirements help ensure public safety:

• Exit signs and emergency lighting in existing commercial buildings are determined by the Director of Public Safety
• Must comply with Ohio Building Code (OBC) and Ohio Fire Code (OFC)
• If the Fire Chief determines emergency lighting/exit signs necessary for safety, the Director of Public Safety can require their installation
• Blocking of emergency lighting is strictly prohibited

Security Lighting

Security concerns are addressed through these regulations:

• Appropriate security lighting must be maintained on commercial properties
• For communication towers under 150 feet, artificial lighting is only permitted for safety or FAA requirements
• Towers between 150-200 feet must follow FAA safety marking and obstruction lighting requirements
• Security lighting around equipment shelters is permitted
• Strobe lighting is prohibited unless required by the FAA

Supporting Fairlawn's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Fairlawn strives to maintain between modern infrastructure and suburban character. As a regional lighting expert, Bock appreciates Fairlawn's commitment to creating safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments through thoughtful lighting regulations.

Our familiarity with the region's architectural styles and lighting needs enables us to serve as a valuable educational resource for property owners and developers navigating Fairlawn's lighting requirements. We share Fairlawn's values of maintaining high-quality community standards while embracing modern technology solutions.

With our local presence, we understand the practical considerations of implementing lighting that complies with municipal regulations while enhancing community safety and character. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Fairlawn's vision for continued development that preserves the city's suburban charm.

Conclusion

Fairlawn's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its character as a well-planned suburban community. By balancing safety concerns with neighborhood compatibility and aesthetics, these requirements ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the quality of life that residents value.

Whether you're planning a new development, updating a commercial property, or simply improving your residential exterior lighting, understanding and following these regulations helps preserve Fairlawn's community standards. The regulations provide clear guidance while allowing for the innovation and improvement that have marked Fairlawn's development since its incorporation.

For specific questions about how these regulations apply to your property or project, contacting the Fairlawn Building Department or Planning Commission is recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.