Lighting Regulations in Forest Park, Ohio: A Community-Focused Approach to Illumination

Introduction

Forest Park, Ohio, a vibrant suburb of Cincinnati founded in 1956, has developed a thoughtful approach to lighting that reflects its unique community character. Originally built on land that was part of a New Deal-era Greenbelt towns project, Forest Park continues to balance modern development with community values.

As the city advances its revitalization efforts—including the demolition of neglected properties and construction of new community facilities like the Next-Generation Library branch—lighting regulations play an important role in maintaining both safety and neighborhood character.

Understanding these regulations isn't just about compliance; it's about supporting Forest Park's vision for a well-planned, harmonious community environment that honors its planned-community roots while embracing contemporary standards.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most critical lighting regulations to know in Forest Park:

• Light Direction: Exterior lighting must be directed and shaded to prevent glare on adjoining residential properties
• Parking Areas: Lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining premises
• Commercial Entrances/Exits: Must have adequate lighting for safety and security
• Public Halls & Stairways: Must maintain minimum illumination of five footcandles (five lumens) in the darkest portions
• Sign Illumination: Must be designed to prevent glare upon streets or adjacent property
• Emergency Situations: Excavations and street obstructions must be illuminated with red or yellow lights/flares during darkness

Exterior and Property Lighting

Preventing Light Trespass

Forest Park's regulations focus on being considerate to neighboring properties. Exterior lighting must be:

• Suitably directed and shaded to prevent glare upon adjoining residential properties
• Installed to deflect light away from adjoining properties and public streets
• Of a type that can be shielded from adjacent residential properties

Mounting Height Considerations

The city takes a case-by-case approach to fixture heights:

• The mounting height of luminaries must be specifically approved by staff in certain contexts
• This individualized approach helps ensure lighting is appropriate for each property's specific situation

Approval Process

For certain projects, extra documentation is required:

• A lighting plan must be submitted for review and approval as part of special exception applications
• This ensures that lighting design is considered early in the development process

Commercial and Parking Area Lighting

Safety-Focused Requirements

Commercial establishments must prioritize safety in their lighting design:

• Adequate lighting is required in all parking areas
• Entrances and exits must be well-illuminated
• A lighting plan is required for certain establishment license applications

Neighbor-Friendly Design

While safety is important, consideration for surrounding properties remains paramount:

• All parking area lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining premises
• This balances the need for security with minimizing disturbance to neighbors

Sign Lighting Regulations

Permitted Illumination Types

Forest Park has specific regulations about how signs can be illuminated:

• Signs in the SPA-1 Zoning District may be illuminated either internally or externally
• Reflectors and lights are permitted on signs generally, with specific requirements

Restrictions and Requirements

Not all types of sign lighting are allowed:

• Animated signs are not permitted (with the exception of electronic message signs)
• Signs in SPA-1 Zoning District cannot be animated, flashing, or use changeable copy
• Temporary signs with flashing lights are prohibited
• Beacons used as temporary signs are prohibited

Safety and Glare Prevention

Sign lighting must be designed with safety in mind:

• Reflectors and lights must concentrate illumination upon the sign area
• Lighting must be positioned to prevent glare upon streets or adjacent property
• Lights must be protected against breakage
• Signs that require electrical inspection need approval or a permit

Material Restrictions

Forest Park has specific rules about illuminated sign materials:

• It is unlawful to erect signs wholly or partially made of glass
• Exception: Glass is permitted for illuminating devices

Safety and Emergency Lighting

Excavation and Construction Safety

When construction or repairs create temporary hazards, lighting is essential:

• Pits, excavations, barricades, equipment, and building materials in thoroughfares must have illuminated or flashing lamps
• Red or yellow bulbs, flares, or other approved lights must be placed at each end and at intermediate points as necessary
• Lighting must be sufficient to afford proper warning based on existing traffic conditions

Obstruction Marking

When debris or materials obstruct public ways:

• The responsible party must barricade and light the obstruction
• Lighting must be maintained until complete removal of the obstruction

Emergency Powers

In emergency situations, the City Manager has authority to:

• Have temporary repairs made
• Barricade and "red-light" affected areas
• Take other measures to provide for public safety

Interior Lighting Requirements for Residential Buildings

Minimum Standards for Common Areas

Forest Park maintains specific standards for shared spaces in residential buildings:

• Public Halls and Stairways: Must be supplied with proper natural light or lighting facilities
• Minimum Illumination: Not less than five footcandles (five lumens) measured in the darkest portions
• Control: Lighting must be controllable by the occupants
• Availability: Must be available at all times

Lighting for Different Space Types

Different areas have different lighting requirements:

• Nonhabitable Work Spaces: Every laundry, furnace room, and similar space must have adequate natural or artificial lighting
• Stairs, Halls, Cellars, Basements: Must have adequate natural or artificial light available at all times
• Bathrooms & Sanitary Spaces: Must have permanently installed artificial lighting fixtures
• Safety Feature: Bathroom light switches must be located to avoid electrical hazards

Habitability Standards

Lighting is considered essential for habitability:

• A dwelling may be designated as unfit for human habitation if it lacks illumination
• Lack of required electrical lighting due to severe maintenance failure of the electrical system can render a dwelling uninhabitable

Telecommunication Facilities

Lighting Restrictions

Forest Park has specific rules for telecommunication towers:

• Lights, beacons, or strobes of any kind are not permitted on towers, antennas, or facilities
• Exception: Lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration
• FAA requirements must be presented to the Community Development Director prior to city approval
• Telecommunication towers requiring special painting or lighting by FAA regulations are discouraged

Building Code Compliance

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements

Forest Park references broader building code standards:

• Lighting requirements of the OBC (Ohio Building Code) or RCO (Residential Code of Ohio) must be maintained
• Systems must remain operational and safe throughout times a building is occupied

Supporting Forest Park's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the balance Forest Park strives to achieve between safety, functionality, and neighborhood harmony. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate how Forest Park has maintained its community-centered approach to development since its founding as a planned community.

Our team recognizes the importance of Forest Park's lighting regulations in preserving the character of neighborhoods while ensuring safety and security. With our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs, we're committed to helping Forest Park residents and businesses navigate lighting requirements while enhancing the community's distinctive character.

As a resource for education about lighting regulations, we share Forest Park's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution and glare while providing adequate illumination. Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations makes us a valuable partner for Forest Park property owners seeking to achieve compliance and beauty in their lighting designs.

Conclusion

Forest Park's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining a safe, attractive, and harmonious community. From its origins as a planned development to its current revitalization efforts, Forest Park continues to balance practical needs with aesthetic and neighborly considerations.

The focus on preventing light trespass while ensuring adequate illumination for safety demonstrates the city's thoughtful approach to community planning. By understanding and following these regulations, property owners contribute to Forest Park's vision of a well-designed community that serves all residents.

Whether you're installing exterior lighting, illuminating a commercial property, or ensuring your residential building meets safety standards, these regulations provide a framework for lighting that enhances Forest Park's community character while meeting practical needs.