Lighting Regulations in Fairview Park, Ohio: Balancing Community Character and Safety

Introduction: A City with a View

Established in 1903 and named for its scenic vistas overlooking the Metroparks, Fairview Park has long valued its natural beauty and community aesthetics. The city's evolution from the early settlement of Goldwood to today's suburban community of around 17,500 residents reflects a consistent priority: balancing growth with preservation of character.

Fairview Park's lighting regulations embody this philosophy, aiming to ensure public safety while preserving the community's scenic qualities and residential tranquility. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents who want to contribute positively to their community's character.

Quick Reference Guide: Fairview Park Lighting Requirements

Property Lighting Essentials:

• Residential Properties: Exterior lighting must not shine, glare, or reflect into other residential properties
• Business Operations: Illumination of open yards must be extinguished between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Parking Areas: Lighting fixtures must not direct rays upon adjoining residential properties or streets
• Light Trespass: Limited to no more than 1-foot candle on adjacent properties
• Swimming Pools: Lighting prohibited after 11:00 p.m. if pool is within 200 feet of dwellings

Residential Lighting Requirements

General Residential Lighting

Fairview Park places high value on preserving the peaceful nature of residential areas. Section 509.14 specifically prohibits permitting exterior lighting to unnecessarily shine, glare, reflect, or be directed into neighboring residential premises.

Recreational Lighting

The code permits garden lighting as an incidental recreational use in rear yards. However, these installations must not constitute a public nuisance or hazard to occupants of other premises.

Swimming Pool Illumination

Pool lighting has specific time restrictions:

• Night Lighting Curfew: Overhead flood or artificial pool lighting must not be used after 11:00 p.m. when within 200 feet of dwellings
• Light Direction: Pool lights must be shielded to direct illumination onto the pool only

Commercial and Business Lighting Standards

Business Property Illumination

Fairview Park maintains strict standards for lighting of commercial properties:

• Open Yard Illumination:
• Must be shielded from adjacent residences and streets
• Must be extinguished after close of business
• Not permitted between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Parking Facility Lighting

The Planning and Design Commission plays a key role in overseeing parking area illumination:

• Safety Requirements: Areas must be illuminated when deemed necessary for public safety
• Reduced Intensity: Illumination must be reduced after business hours
• Design Standards: Fixtures must be designed to prevent light from reflecting onto:
• Adjoining residential properties
• Streets
• Building occupants

Special Use Lighting

Tattoo Operations:

• Minimum of 20 foot-candles at 30 inches above floor
• Minimum of 40 foot-candles at tattooing level
• Spotlighting permitted to achieve required illumination

Game Rooms/Amusement Arcades:

• Exterior lighting plan required if in free-standing building
• Plan must be approved by Building Commissioner

Sign Illumination Regulations

Fairview Park maintains detailed standards for sign illumination to maintain community character:

Permitted Sign Lighting

• Directional, Bulletin Board, and Temporary Civic Signs: Illumination permitted subject to chapter requirements
• Illumination Methods Allowed:
• Colored light
• Illuminated surface colors
• Internal illumination (concealed light source visible through translucent surface)
• Indirect illumination (light source not seen directly)

Prohibited Sign Lighting

• Animated, blinking, flashing or fluttering illumination (except time/temperature displays with special permit)
• Beacon lights and searchlights
• Exposed reflective bulbs
• Strobe lights and visible incandescent lamps
• String lights
• Visible neon tubing (with limited exceptions for permanent window signs)

Safety and Security Lighting

Construction and Excavation Safety

Safety lighting receives particular attention in the code:

• Excavations: Must be lighted by flares, lanterns or other illumination as required by Building Commissioner
• Barricades and Warning Lights: Required for excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction

Crime Prevention Considerations

The Crime Prevention Bureau provides guidance on installing and maintaining lighting as a safeguard against criminal activity. They also review construction plans to identify and address potential safety hazards.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding and complying with Fairview Park's lighting regulations benefits both individual property owners and the community as a whole:

Planning for Compliance

• Consult Early: Before installing new exterior lighting, review applicable regulations
• Consider Neighbors: Remember that light trespass onto neighboring properties is prohibited
• Timing Controls: Install timers on commercial properties to ensure compliance with curfew requirements
• Directional Shields: Use appropriate shielding to direct light where needed while minimizing spillover

Approval Processes

• Commercial Properties: Lighting plans typically require Planning and Design Commission approval
• Special Uses: Game rooms, amusement arcades, and other special uses require specific lighting plan approvals

Supporting Fairview Park's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Fairview Park's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community character.

Community Understanding

Bock's deep knowledge of regional architectural styles and community needs allows us to serve as a valuable resource for Fairview Park property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our experience with projects throughout Northeast Ohio has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from a community's distinctive character.

Educational Resources

Beyond providing quality lighting products, Bock is committed to educating property owners about lighting best practices and regulatory compliance. We understand Fairview Park's emphasis on preserving its scenic qualities while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security.

Sustainable Solutions

Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices aligns with Fairview Park's thoughtful approach to development and preservation. We recognize the importance of reducing light pollution and energy consumption while meeting essential lighting needs.

Conclusion

Fairview Park's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a community that values both safety and aesthetic quality. By following these guidelines, property owners contribute to preserving the character that makes Fairview Park special.

Understanding lighting requirements not only ensures compliance but also demonstrates respect for neighbors and the community's shared vision. From residential properties to businesses, thoughtful lighting choices help maintain Fairview Park's welcoming, attractive environment for all residents and visitors.

Whether you're planning a new installation or evaluating existing lighting, keeping these regulations in mind will help ensure that your property enhances Fairview Park's distinctive community character for years to come.