Lighting Regulations in Glendale, Ohio: Preserving Historic Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in southwestern Ohio, the village of Glendale stands as a testament to historical preservation and architectural beauty. Founded in 1851 by Cincinnati businessmen, this community became one of America's earliest "picturesque" planned villages, characterized by winding roads and mature landscaping rather than the typical grid pattern of the era. The Glendale Historic District, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1977, showcases predominantly Italianate and Second Empire architectural styles that reflect its mid-19th-century origins.

The village's commitment to preservation extends to every aspect of its infrastructure – including lighting. Glendale's lighting regulations carefully balance modern safety needs with the preservation of its unique historic character and ambiance. These thoughtfully crafted standards help maintain the tranquil, aesthetically pleasing environment that residents value while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Let's explore how Glendale's lighting regulations support both its practical needs and historic preservation goals.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Outdoor Lighting Height Restrictions:

• Non-cutoff lights: Maximum 12 feet above grade
• Cutoff lights: Maximum 18 feet above grade
• Low activity areas: 10-15 feet height range
• Medium activity areas: 10-18 feet height range

Illumination Levels:

• Property line maximum: 0.5 foot-candles
• Parking/security minimum: 0.5 foot-candles
• Low activity minimum: 1.0 foot-candle
• Medium activity minimum: 2.0 foot-candles
• Low activity maximum: 5.0 foot-candles
• Medium activity maximum: 10.0 foot-candles
• Uniformity ratio: Maximum/minimum should not exceed 15:1

Light Trespass Controls:

• At 5 feet above property line: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles
• All lighting: Must use cutoff fixtures with no extended/projected lenses
• High-intensity fixtures: Require shields and/or filters

Multiple Dwelling Common Areas:

• Hallways, corridors, stairways: Minimum 3 foot-candles
• Other common areas: Minimum 3 foot-candles

Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Height Restrictions

Glendale's regulations establish clear height limits for outdoor lighting to maintain the village's historic character while ensuring adequate illumination. These height restrictions vary based on the type of fixture and activity level:

• Standard non-cutoff lights cannot exceed 12 feet above grade
• Cutoff lights (which direct light downward) can reach 18 feet above grade

The regulations further define appropriate height ranges based on activity level:

• Low activity areas (residential, educational facilities, churches, local commercial): 10-15 feet
• Medium activity areas (community shopping centers, office parks, hospitals): 10-18 feet

When justified, the Planning and Historic Preservation Commission may approve exceptions to these height restrictions.

Illumination and Light Levels

The village carefully regulates light intensity to prevent over-illumination while ensuring safety:

• Maximum illumination at property lines: 0.5 foot-candles
• Minimum for parking and security areas: 0.5 foot-candles

Maximum illumination levels are based on activity classification:

• Low activity areas: 5.0 foot-candles maximum
• Medium activity areas: 10.0 foot-candles maximum

For consistency of lighting, the uniformity ratio (maximum to minimum foot-candle ratio) should not exceed 15:1.

Preventing Light Trespass

Light trespass – artificial illumination that spills onto neighboring properties – receives special attention in Glendale's regulations:

• At 5 feet above property lines, illumination must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles in a vertical plane
• All outdoor lighting for non-residential uses must be screened or shielded to prevent direct illumination of adjacent residential properties
• No outdoor lighting may cause glare or impair the vision of drivers, pedestrians, or people on adjacent properties
• High-intensity fixtures require appropriate shields and filters

Fixture Requirements and Restrictions

Glendale mandates specific fixture types and prohibits others:

• All lighting must use cutoff fixtures with no extended/projected lenses
• Prohibited lighting types:
• Search lights (except in emergencies)
• Laser source lights (except in emergencies)
• Similar high-intensity lights (unless with temporary permit)

Exemptions

The following lighting types are exempt from the standard regulations:

• Fossil fuel lighting (kerosene lanterns, gas lamps)
• Holiday lighting
• Emergency lighting used by Police or Fire Departments
• Vehicular lights

Special Situations and Safety Requirements

Construction and Hazard Lighting

Safety is paramount when it comes to construction sites and potential hazards:

• Excavation sites must be adequately protected with warning devices or lights at night
• Cellar doors in streets must have lighting between twilight and morning if open
• Open drains, wells, cisterns and similar hazards must be properly lighted and guarded between twilight and dawn

Telecommunication Towers

Different requirements apply to telecommunication infrastructure:

• Towers 100+ feet tall must use "state-of-the-art" lighting for aviation purposes that minimizes visual impact
• Towers under 100 feet shall not be illuminated unless required by law
• Lighting fixtures or signs cannot be attached to antennas or towers

Park Hours and Lighting

Glendale's parks operate on a daylight-only schedule:

• Public parks are only open during daylight hours
• No person may enter or remain in public parks during darkness

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted External Illumination

External lighting is permitted for specific sign types:

• Monument signs
• Freestanding signs
• Mounted wall signs (in non-residential districts)
• Projecting signs (using only indirect lighting methods like gooseneck lighting)

Prohibited Illumination

Certain sign types and lighting methods are prohibited:

• Internally illuminated signs (prohibited in all districts)
• Electronic signs (prohibited in all districts)
• Temporary signs (no external illumination)
• Awning signs (no external illumination)
• Sidewalk signs (no external illumination)
• Window signs (no external illumination)
• Mounted wall signs in residential districts (no external illumination)

General Sign Lighting Requirements

When external sign illumination is permitted, it must meet these standards:

• Use white, steady, stationary light of reasonable intensity
• Light must be directed solely at the sign or otherwise prevented from beaming onto adjacent properties
• No exposed light sources – all fixtures must be screened from view
• Lighting cannot be intense enough to create a hazard for vehicular traffic
• All wiring and fixtures must comply with local electrical code requirements

Interior Lighting Requirements

Multiple Dwelling Common Areas

Common areas in multiple dwellings must maintain minimum illumination levels:

• Public hallways, corridors, and stairways: Minimum 3 foot-candles throughout
• Other common areas (boiler rooms, laundries, basements, etc.): Minimum 3 foot-candles throughout

The Building Inspector has authority to increase these requirements if reflected light is deemed inadequate for safety.

Supporting Glendale's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Glendale's commitment to preserving historic character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a regional manufacturer with deep understanding of historic communities, Bock appreciates Glendale's careful balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Our expertise with historic districts throughout Ohio has taught us that effective lighting solutions must respect a community's architectural heritage while providing appropriate illumination. We believe in supporting communities like Glendale through education about lighting regulations and preservation-minded approaches.

Bock's understanding of regional architectural styles – including the Italianate and Second Empire designs prevalent in Glendale – informs our approach to lighting solutions that complement rather than detract from historic character. Like Glendale, we value sustainable practices and thoughtful implementation that preserves community character for future generations.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're considering new outdoor lighting on your Glendale property, understanding these key points will help ensure compliance:

• Lighting plans are required for parking areas with five or more vehicles
• Plans must include photometric data showing intensity levels throughout the site
• Details must include fixture locations, illumination levels, fixture specifications, heights, and hours of operation
• Any changes to outdoor fixtures after permit issuance require approval from the Village Engineer

Maintaining Historic Character

Remember that Glendale's regulations are designed to preserve the village's unique character:

• Choose fixtures appropriate to the historic context of your property
• Focus on subtle, directed illumination rather than bright, intrusive lighting
• Consider the impact on neighboring properties and the overall streetscape
• Consult with the Planning and Historic Preservation Commission early in your planning process

Conclusion

Glendale's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a historic landmark community with a strong commitment to preservation. By carefully controlling the height, intensity, and character of lighting throughout the village, these standards help maintain the special ambiance that makes Glendale unique while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Property owners who understand and embrace these regulations contribute to the ongoing preservation of Glendale's historic character – a legacy that has defined the community since its picturesque design was first implemented in 1851.