Lighting Regulations in Green, Ohio: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Community Character

Introduction

Green, Ohio has evolved from a rural township to a thriving modern city while maintaining its distinctive historical character. From its formal incorporation as a village in 1988 to its official city status in 1992, Green has been dedicated to managing development in a way that honors its heritage. The city's rich history is visible through its various settlements including Greensburg, Comet, Myersville, Aultman, and East Liberty.

This commitment to preserving community character while ensuring public safety is clearly reflected in Green's lighting regulations. These guidelines aim to reduce light pollution, prevent intrusive lighting, and maintain the aesthetic quality that makes Green special.

Let's explore the lighting regulations that property owners and businesses need to understand to remain compliant while contributing positively to Green's community atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Height restrictions: 12 feet maximum for non-cutoff lights; 20 feet maximum for cutoff lights
• Commercial properties: Must aim exterior lighting to prevent spillover onto adjacent properties
• Business hours lighting: Must operate for sufficient periods before/after business hours for pedestrian safety
• Residential impact: All outdoor non-residential lighting must be shielded from impacting residential lots
• Site plans: Photometric lighting plans required with all site plans for development (except R-R and R-1 Districts)
• Advertising: Use of lighting for advertising or attention-getting purposes is prohibited
• Uniformity requirement: Parking areas must have uniform lighting throughout

Understanding Light Fixture Types and Restrictions

Cutoff vs. Non-Cutoff Fixtures

Green's code provides specific definitions for different types of outdoor lighting fixtures:

• Cutoff light: An outdoor light source designed to ensure no light is directly emitted above a horizontal line parallel to the ground
• Non-cutoff light: An outdoor light source that allows light to be directly emitted above a horizontal line parallel to the ground

Height Limitations

The city sets clear height restrictions for outdoor lighting:

• Non-cutoff lights: Maximum height of 12 feet above grade
• Cutoff lights: Maximum height of 20 feet above grade

Height variations require special approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) based on a professionally designed lighting plan.

Placement Guidelines

How you position your lighting matters in Green:

• Encouraged placement: Within raised curb planter areas or landscaped islands
• Avoid conflicts: Lighting positions should not be obscured by parking lot trees
• Alternative locations: Consider alternative placements if standard locations create conflicts

Commercial and Business Lighting Requirements

Safety and Functionality Focus

Green's code emphasizes that lighting should primarily serve functional purposes:

• Lighting must promote safe circulation for vehicles and pedestrians
• Lighting should provide security for persons and property
• Lighting can accent landscaping and building features
• Lighting for advertising purposes is prohibited (except where permitted in signage)

Business Property Standards

Business owners must adhere to these requirements:

• Exterior fixtures over steps, paths, walkways, courts, drives, and parking lots must be:
• Maintained in operable condition
• Lit for sufficient periods before and after business hours
• Properly aimed to prevent shine on adjacent properties

Special Use Requirements

Specific businesses have additional requirements:

• Amusement arcades: Must have exterior lighting of sufficient intensity to illuminate all entrances/exits and adjacent parking areas

Residential Considerations and Protection

Preventing Light Trespass

The code contains several provisions to protect residential properties:

• Non-residential outdoor lighting must be located, screened or shielded to prevent impact on adjacent residential lots
• Light shall not directly shine or reflect into residential structures
• Light intensity or brightness must not adversely affect surrounding or facing residential districts

Unified Design Requirements

For developments near residential areas:

• Strip commercial centers or developments with multiple large structures must have a unified lighting scheme
• Lighting in mixed-use or commercial areas near residences should be consistent with neighboring residential areas

Street Lighting and Public Infrastructure

Tree Maintenance for Lighting Effectiveness

Property owners have specific responsibilities related to street lighting:

• Tree branch pruning required when branches obstruct light from street lamps
• City has right (after notification) to prune trees/shrubs on private property if they interfere with street light spread

Development Requirements

For new subdivisions:

• Street lighting fixtures must be installed on all streets with sidewalks
• Developers must submit a petition to create a street lighting district
• Coordination required between street lighting layout and new tree planting locations

Special Structures and Facilities

Towers and Wind Turbines

Green has specific lighting restrictions for certain structures:

• Wind turbines shall not be artificially lighted (except as required by FAA)
• Telecommunications towers shall not be artificially lighted (except for safety or FAA requirements)
• Security lighting around telecommunications equipment shelters is prohibited unless specifically requested and need is proven

Signage Illumination

Sign lighting must adhere to these standards:

• Light intensity must not adversely affect residential districts or safe vehicle operation
• Electronic message centers must not move/flash in a manner that distracts pedestrians/motorists
• Certain signs (including freestanding signs in residential districts) may only use external illumination

Technical Requirements for All Outdoor Lighting

Glare and Visibility Concerns

The following technical standards apply:

• No outdoor lighting can be of such intensity or color distortion as to cause glare
• Lighting must not impair the vision of drivers or pedestrians
• Uniform lighting required throughout parking areas (must be shown in photometric plan)

Photometric Planning Requirements

For development planning:

• Photometric lighting plans must be submitted with all site plans for development in all zoning districts (except R-R and R-1)
• Plans must demonstrate uniform lighting throughout parking areas
• Variations from standard requirements need justification from an architect or engineer

Supporting Green's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Green's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. We understand the unique historical fabric of Green and the importance of lighting that complements the city's various historical settlements.

As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate Green's approach to development that respects its heritage while implementing practical safety measures. Our experience with similar communities throughout Northeast Ohio gives us insight into how lighting can enhance community character rather than detract from it.

Bock serves as an educational resource for property owners and businesses navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance on meeting compliance requirements while respecting the aesthetic goals of the community. Our understanding of regional architectural styles allows us to recommend lighting solutions that complement Green's diverse architectural heritage.

We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Green's vision for managed development and historical preservation. Our local presence enables a deeper understanding of Green's community needs and standards.

Conclusion

Green's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to orderly growth and preservation of its historical character. By balancing safety requirements with aesthetic considerations, these regulations help maintain Green's unique community atmosphere.

Property owners and businesses can contribute positively to Green's character by understanding and following these lighting guidelines. From proper fixture selection and placement to appropriate shielding and intensity controls, each lighting decision affects the overall community experience.

Remember that these lighting regulations serve a greater purpose beyond compliance – they help preserve the distinctive character that makes Green special while ensuring safety and functionality for all residents and visitors.