Lighting Regulations in Grafton, Ohio: Historical Character Meets Modern Standards

Introduction

Grafton, Ohio, with its roots dating back to the early 19th century, has carefully balanced preserving its historical character while implementing practical lighting standards for safety and functionality. The village's rich heritage, showcased through historical buildings like the 1883 schoolhouse and the 1868 museum maintained by the Belden Historical Society, influences how the community approaches infrastructure development, including lighting regulations.

Understanding Grafton's lighting requirements helps property owners maintain compliance while respecting the village's historical aesthetic. These regulations reflect the community's values of preservation and careful development, ensuring that modern needs are met without compromising Grafton's distinctive character.

Quick Reference Guide

• Permits: $75.00 fee for yard lighting and similar projects
• Outdoor Lighting: Must be directed away and shielded from adjacent properties
• Light Intensity: Illuminating lights restricted to maximum 2 footcandles
• Parking Areas: Must be properly illuminated during non-daylight hours
• Sign Illumination: Specific requirements for internal (800 milliampere fluorescent tubes) and external illumination
• Kennels: Require minimum 30 candle power for at least 8 hours daily

Permit Requirements

Residential Lighting Permits

For Grafton residents planning to install or modify yard lighting, the village building code specifies a permit fee of $75.00. This requirement applies to:

• Yard lighting installations
• Garage lighting
• Shed lighting
• Pool lighting and similar projects

Planning Requirements

When submitting plans for development, property owners must include:

• A comprehensive lighting plan
• The location, height, and intensity of all external lighting fixtures
• Lighting pattern specifications
• Bulb type information (e.g., fluorescent, sodium, incandescent)

General Lighting Standards

Shielding Requirements

Grafton places emphasis on preventing light pollution and protecting neighboring properties:

• All exterior lighting must be directed away from adjacent properties
• Lighting must be shielded to prevent spillover onto adjoining properties
• Light fixtures should be positioned to avoid glare on public streets
• Exterior light sources should not be directly visible from adjoining residential properties

Light Intensity Standards

The village specifies:

• Maximum intensity of 2 footcandles for illuminating lights
• Lights must be installed and shielded to eliminate direct rays
• Reflected rays must be minimized upon adjoining premises

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Pocket Parks

Lighting in pocket parks has specific requirements:

• All fixtures must be properly shielded
• Maximum 0.5 foot-candles permitted at property lot line

Kennels

Kennels have unique lighting standards:

• Minimum of 30 candle power required
• Must be provided for at least 8 hours per day
• Exceptions allowed where contraindicated for health reasons

Amusement Arcades

For freestanding buildings housing amusement arcades:

• An exterior lighting plan must be submitted
• Planning Commission approval is required

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

These facilities face strict lighting limitations:

• No artificial lighting permitted
• Exception: lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration

Private Outdoor Lighting Service

Availability and Restrictions

Grafton's private outdoor lighting service has limited availability:

• Only available to existing customers as of the adoption date
• Future installations permitted only on road side poles
• Village Council approval required for new installations

Service Specifications

The service includes:

• Mercury/high pressure sodium lighting at $10.00 per installation (monthly rate)
• Lamps designed to operate from dusk to dawn
• Approximately 4,000 hours of operation annually
• Maintenance during regularly scheduled working hours
• Village will replace burned-out lamps within 48 hours of notification

Service Limitations

Important restrictions to note:

• Rates apply only to continuous use, not seasonal usage
• Rates do not apply to decorative fixtures or poles

Sign Illumination Standards

Internal Illumination Requirements

For internally lit signs:

• Cannot exceed 800 milliampere fluorescent tubes
• Tubes must not be mounted closer than 12 inches on center

External Illumination Requirements

Signs with external lighting must follow these guidelines:

• Light source must not be visible
• Light must reflect away from adjoining premises
• External light sources cannot cause confusion or traffic hazards
• Must not conflict with traffic control signals

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following are not permitted:

• Signs with flashing, intermittent, or moving lights
• Exception: automatic changeable copy signs are allowed

Parking Area Lighting

Safety Requirements

For parking facilities:

• Areas used during non-daylight hours must be properly illuminated
• Adequate lighting is required to prevent accidents

Light Direction Controls

To minimize impact on surrounding properties:

• Lights must be arranged/diffused to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• Shielding may be required to prevent direct light spillover

Tree Management for Lighting Effectiveness

Grafton's regulations address vegetation that might impact lighting:

• Property owners must prune trees overhanging streets so branches don't block street lamp light
• The Village reserves the right to prune trees/plants on private property that interfere with street light spread
• This helps maintain proper illumination of public areas for safety

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

Before installing new exterior lighting:

• Check if your project requires a permit ($75.00 fee applies to many residential projects)
• Consider the direction and shielding of all fixtures
• Measure light levels at property lines to ensure compliance
• Include lighting details in any site plans submitted to the village

Maintaining Compliance

To stay in compliance with Grafton's regulations:

• Regularly inspect fixtures to ensure shields remain effective
• Replace or adjust lights that may be causing glare or spillover
• Be mindful of neighbors when installing new lighting
• Remember that light trespass onto neighboring properties is prohibited

Supporting Grafton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Grafton. We appreciate the village's commitment to preserving its historical character while implementing practical lighting standards.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, Bock shares Grafton's values regarding the importance of appropriate lighting that enhances safety while respecting community aesthetics. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and historical contexts helps us serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities in their efforts to maintain distinctive character through responsible lighting practices. We recognize the balance Grafton seeks between modern lighting needs and historical preservation, and we're proud to be part of the regional community working toward these shared goals.

Conclusion

Grafton's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. The village's approach demonstrates thoughtful consideration of how lighting affects both the aesthetic appeal and practical needs of the community.

By following these regulations, property owners contribute to Grafton's vision of a well-lit community that honors its historical roots. The balance of preservation and modern necessity embodied in these lighting standards helps Grafton maintain its distinctive character while meeting the needs of residents and businesses.

Remember that specific projects may have additional requirements, so consulting with village officials before beginning any lighting installation or modification is always recommended.