Lighting Regulations in Forest, Ohio: Preserving a Small Town's Character

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, the village of Forest carries a rich history dating back to its founding in 1855. Named for the dense woodlands that once characterized the region, this small community of just 1.61 square miles has maintained a connection to its natural surroundings despite the widespread deforestation that transformed much of Ohio in the 19th century.

Forest's approach to lighting reflects its small-town character and historical roots. While its lighting regulations are not extensive, they demonstrate a practical focus on safety, functionality, and respect for the community's needs.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Lighting Requirements in Forest, Ohio:

• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations and construction
• Street Lighting: Trees must be pruned to avoid obstructing street lamps
• Home Occupations: No illuminated signs permitted; equipment must not create detectable glare
• Vehicle Service Stations: Exterior lighting must be shaded/shielded to prevent objectionable brightness
• Private Recreation Areas: Outdoor artificial lighting requires Village Planning Commission approval
• Mobile Home Parks: Streets must be lighted at night and maintained
• General Standards: All lighting must comply with applicable local, county, state, and federal regulations

Construction and Public Safety Lighting

Warning Lights for Public Safety

Forest's building code specifically addresses lighting in the context of public safety. According to section 521.03, any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction must be:

• Adequately protected by suitable barricades
• Guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• Maintained in a way that prevents dangerous conditions

Protection of Safety Lighting

The village code further stipulates that:

• No person shall destroy, remove, damage or extinguish any barricade or warning light
• These safety measures are explicitly placed for public protection
• Compliance helps prevent injury to life or limb

Mobile Home Development Requirements

For mobile home developments, Forest requires:

• Streets to be lighted at night and maintained
• At least 40% of lots to be completed before occupancy, including lighting installations

Street and Public Area Lighting

Municipal Oversight

Forest's code mentions the duty to "supervise the lighting, sprinkling and cleaning of all streets, alleys, public building and places," indicating municipal oversight of public lighting.

Tree Management for Effective Lighting

The village has specific regulations regarding trees and street lighting:

• Property owners must prune branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• The Village retains the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they:
• Interfere with proper light spread from street lights
• Obstruct visibility of traffic control devices or signs

This requirement balances the village's natural character with practical safety concerns, reflecting Forest's historical connection to its wooded surroundings.

Residential and Commercial Lighting Regulations

Home Occupation Restrictions

For home-based businesses, Forest's regulations include:

• Signs must be non-illuminated and mounted flat against the wall
• Equipment used must not create glare detectable off the property
• In R-2 and R-3 districts, glare must not be detectable in adjoining dwellings

Vehicle Service Station Requirements

Service stations face specific lighting restrictions:

• Exterior lighting must be shaded, shielded, or directed
• Light intensity or brightness must not be objectionable

Private Recreation Areas

For recreational spaces:

• Outdoor artificial lighting requires approval by the Village Planning Commission
• This suggests case-by-case evaluation rather than standardized requirements

General Standards and Compliance

Forest's code references broader regulatory frameworks through section 1113.10:

• Lighting standards are governed by applicable local, county, state, and federal laws
• This includes regulations from agencies such as:
• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
• NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

This approach allows the village to maintain flexible standards while ensuring compliance with higher-level regulations.

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Points

Property owners in Forest should focus on these practical considerations:

• Tree Maintenance: Regularly trim trees that might block street lights
• Home-Based Businesses: Ensure all lighting is contained within your property
• Construction Projects: Always use proper warning lights for any excavations
• Commercial Properties: Shield and direct exterior lighting appropriately

When Planning Lighting Installations

Before installing new exterior lighting:

• Check Current Regulations: Consult the Village for the most up-to-date requirements
• Consider Neighbors: Direct light away from adjacent properties
• Private Recreation: Obtain Planning Commission approval for outdoor lighting

Supporting Forest's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Forest. We appreciate the balance this village maintains between practical lighting needs and preserving its small-town atmosphere.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, we share Forest's commitment to:

• Community-Appropriate Solutions: Lighting that respects the scale and character of small towns
• Practical Functionality: Ensuring safety and usability while avoiding unnecessary light pollution
• Historical Awareness: Understanding how lighting impacts a community's connection to its past

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. Our experience with projects throughout Ohio has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from a community's unique identity.

We understand the challenges small communities face in balancing modern needs with historical character, and we're committed to supporting Forest and similar villages in maintaining their distinctive atmosphere.

Conclusion

Forest, Ohio's lighting regulations reflect its practical, small-town approach to governance. While not extensive, they address key concerns like public safety, street visibility, and preventing nuisance lighting.

These focused regulations align with Forest's history as a community named for and shaped by its natural surroundings. They represent a balanced approach that allows for necessary lighting while maintaining the character of this small village.

For specific guidance on your lighting project in Forest, contact the Village offices directly to ensure your plans meet all current requirements.