Lighting Regulations in Garfield Heights, Ohio: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance

Introduction

Garfield Heights, Ohio has evolved from its early settlement days when Abram Garfield, father of President James Garfield, made his home here in 1820. As the community grew from its roots in Newburgh Township to its official incorporation in 1930, the city developed a unique character shaped by its diverse immigrant heritage of Germans, Czechs, Irish, Welsh, and Bohemians.

Today, Garfield Heights maintains a commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its suburban character. This balance is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety while preserving neighborhood aesthetics and preventing light pollution or nuisance to residents.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Garfield Heights:

• Outdoor Lighting: Must be shielded to prevent direct glare and directed away from property lines
• Parking Lots: Lighting must be arranged to prevent glare into adjacent residential areas
• Business Establishments: Rear areas must be illuminated with at least 100 watts during nighttime
• Light Fixtures: Those with lamps over 2,500 initial lumens must be full cutoff type
• Maximum Height: Outdoor light poles cannot exceed 20 feet
• Commercial Interiors: Certain businesses require minimum 5.0 footcandle illumination at floor level

Outdoor Lighting Requirements

General Provisions

Property owners in Garfield Heights must be mindful of how their exterior lighting affects neighboring properties. The city's regulations focus on minimizing light trespass while ensuring adequate illumination for safety.

Basic Requirements:

• All exterior lighting must be shielded to prevent direct glare
• Light sources must be directed toward the principal building and parking areas
• Lighting fixtures visible from adjoining roads or properties are prohibited
• Lighting must not create hazardous glare for drivers or be objectionable to adjacent property owners

Technical Specifications

The regulations include specific technical requirements that ensure appropriate lighting levels while preventing excessive brightness:

• Full Cutoff Requirement: Light fixtures with lamps rated at 2,500+ initial lumens must be full cutoff type (emitting no light above a horizontal plane through the lowest part of the fixture)
• Height Restrictions: Outdoor light pole fixtures cannot exceed 20 feet in height
• Decorative Lighting: For flags, statues, or objects on poles, only narrow cone beams with maximum 1,800 lumens per object are permitted
• Security and Pathway Lighting: Must use fully shielded cut-off style fixtures

Exemptions

Not all lighting is subject to the same restrictions:

• Outdoor lighting fixtures using fossil fuels (kerosene lanterns, gas lamps)
• Low-voltage lighting rated 12 volts or less
• Seasonal lighting

Commercial Property Lighting

Business Establishment Requirements

Garfield Heights places specific requirements on commercial properties to ensure safety and security:

• Rear Illumination: The rear of all business establishments must be illuminated during nighttime hours
• Minimum Wattage: Not less than 100 watts is required
• Installation: Must be shielded to avoid interfering with the privacy of neighboring residences

Parking Lot Illumination

For commercial properties with parking facilities:

• Lighting must be reflected away from adjacent residential areas
• Arrangement must prevent "annoying glare" to nearby properties
• Care must be taken to minimize nuisance effects from site lighting

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult Businesses and Medical Marijuana Facilities

These specialized businesses must meet additional lighting standards:

• Interior Illumination: Minimum of 5.0 footcandles measured at floor level throughout all customer areas
• Exterior Lighting: Must provide adequate illumination for visual monitoring and to prevent loitering
• Power Failures: In case of power failure, businesses must close until minimum illumination can be restored

Construction and Safety Lighting

When construction or excavation occurs:

• Warning lights must be used at night to prevent danger to life and limb
• For obstructions in streets, alleys, or courtways:
• One red light for obstructions up to 10 feet in length
• Two red lights (one at each end) for obstructions between 10-50 feet
• Additional lights for each additional 50 feet

Sign Illumination Guidelines

General Illumination Standards

Sign lighting in Garfield Heights must follow these guidelines:

• Light sources must be reflected and shielded
• Illumination must not cause excessive brightness or glare
• Lighting must not be objectionable to adjacent residential districts
• Red or green colors in illumination should not interfere with traffic signals

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The following are not permitted:

• Flashing, Moving, or Intermittent Illumination: All sign lighting must maintain consistent brightness
• Outline Lighting: Illumination around the sign perimeter is prohibited
• Variable Intensity: Lights that vary in intensity or color are not allowed
• Temporary Sign Illumination: Temporary signs may only use non-reflected daylight (variances possible)

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning New Lighting Installations

When planning new exterior lighting for your property:

• Consult the Code: Review the specific requirements before installation
• Consider Neighbors: Position lights to minimize impact on adjacent properties
• Choose Appropriate Fixtures: Select full cutoff fixtures for larger installations
• Height Matters: Remember the 20-foot maximum height for outdoor light poles
• Permit Requirements: Check if your lighting installation requires permits

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be aware of these frequent compliance challenges:

• Light Trespass: Lights that spill onto neighboring properties
• Glare: Unshielded lights that cause discomfort or visibility problems
• Over-illumination: Excessively bright lighting that exceeds necessary levels
• Improper Fixtures: Using non-compliant fixtures for the application

Supporting Garfield Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Garfield Heights' commitment to preserving community character while embracing appropriate lighting technology.

As a regional manufacturer, Bock Lighting understands the balance that suburban communities like Garfield Heights strive to achieve between safety, functionality, and neighborhood aesthetics. Our experience with communities throughout Northeast Ohio provides us with insight into the unique character and needs of cities with diverse architectural styles and rich immigrant heritage like Garfield Heights.

We view our role as educational partners who can help property owners understand lighting regulations and discover solutions that respect neighborhood character while meeting modern needs. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Garfield Heights' vision for thoughtful development that honors its history while looking toward the future.

Conclusion

Lighting regulations in Garfield Heights aim to create a safe, attractive environment while preventing nuisances to residents. These requirements reflect the city's suburban character and desire to maintain quality of life for all citizens.

Property owners should approach lighting with consideration for neighbors and community aesthetics. By understanding and following these regulations, you contribute to preserving the distinctive character of Garfield Heights while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security.

Whether you're a homeowner installing landscape lighting or a business owner planning commercial lighting, these guidelines provide a framework for compliant, considerate illumination that respects the community's values.