Lighting Regulations in Hebron, Ohio: Preserving Small-Town Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in central Ohio, the village of Hebron boasts a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Established by settlers Shipman and Phelps, Hebron has carefully maintained its small-town atmosphere while adapting to contemporary needs. This balance between preservation and progress extends to the village's approach to lighting regulations.

Though Hebron doesn't have a designated historical district, its community values prioritize maintaining the village's traditional aesthetic. The lighting regulations reflect this commitment to preserving Hebron's character while ensuring safety and functionality for its diverse population.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a summary of Hebron's most important lighting regulations:

• Exterior Lighting Plans: Must prevent glare and unnecessary light trespass
• Residential Exterior Lights: Cannot exceed 100 watts for continually-on exterior lighting
• Parking Areas: Must maintain 2.5 foot candles average intensity
• High-Pressure Sodium: Required for all exterior lighting in certain districts
• Light Trespass: All lighting must be designed to minimize light spillover to adjacent properties
• Underground Wiring: Required for street lighting unless specifically exempted

Residential Lighting Requirements

Exterior Residential Lighting

Hebron's regulations aim to maintain the residential character of neighborhoods while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and convenience.

• Wattage Limitations: In residential districts, no exterior light used as a yard light, decorative light, security light, or other continually-on light during darkness shall exceed 100 watts
• Commercial-Type Lighting: Prohibited for residential dwellings when it would make the property appear less residential in function
• Glare Prevention: No direct or reflected glare is permitted that would be visible from any property or public street

Home Occupations and Lighting

For residents operating businesses from their homes, additional lighting considerations apply:

• No equipment or process shall be used in home occupations that creates glare or electrical interference affecting neighboring properties
• External signage is limited and subject to the regulations of Chapter 1153

Swimming Pool Illumination

For residential properties with swimming pools:

• Any lighting used to illuminate swimming pool areas must be arranged to deflect light away from adjacent properties
• Lighting should be focused on the pool area without causing disturbance to neighbors

Commercial and Development Lighting Standards

Parking Lot Illumination

Proper illumination of parking areas is crucial for safety while minimizing impact on surrounding properties:

• All off-street parking areas intended for use during darkness must be properly illuminated
• Must maintain an average intensity of 2.5 foot candles as measured at the parking surface
• Light must be directed to reflect away from adjacent properties

Light Manufacturing and Office District (M2) Requirements

Specific lighting regulations apply to the M2 district:

• Exterior lighting plans must be designed to prevent glare and unnecessary offsite light trespass
• All exterior lighting must be high-pressure-sodium
• Developers must install street lighting as required by the Village

Development Applications and Lighting Plans

When submitting plans for development, applications must include detailed lighting information:

• Location, size, and height of all exterior lights
• Provisions for eliminating glare to adjoining properties
• For parking and pedestrian areas, lighting intensity and installation height

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

Hebron regulates how signs can be illuminated to maintain community character while allowing for visibility:

• Signs may be illuminated from within or from an external source
• Illumination must avoid glare or reflection that could interfere with traffic safety
• Prohibited lighting types: Rotating, traveling, pulsing, flashing, blinking, oscillating light sources, lasers, beacons, search lights, or strobe lighting

Residential District Sign Lighting

In residential areas, sign lighting is more restricted:

• Permanent signs shall not be separately illuminated unless near a porch or yard light
• Subdivision identification signs may be lighted by external sources only if avoiding glare that interferes with traffic safety
• Temporary signs may not be separately illuminated

Commercial Sign Lighting Specifics

For commercial signs, additional regulations apply:

• Blade signs: Internal illumination is prohibited
• Awning and canopy signs: Internal illumination is prohibited
• External lighting fixtures must minimize glare, light trespass beyond property lines, and sky illumination
• Lighting must present an overall appearance compatible with Hebron's character

Street Lighting Standards

Planning and Installation Requirements

Street lighting in Hebron follows specific guidelines:

• Street lighting must be designed following recommendations from:
• The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) handbook
• The local electric utility
• The Village Administrator
• The Village Engineer
• Developers must install all street lights, wiring, and metering
• Hebron will designate and approve the style of lamp fixture and pole

Technical Specifications

The technical aspects of street lighting installation are clearly defined:

• Hebron may require a 110-volt weatherproof outlet for each pole
• All street light wiring must be underground unless specifically approved otherwise
• Ownership of installed street lights and responsibility for lighting charges must be agreed upon before installation approval

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Hebron's lighting regulations helps property owners make informed decisions that align with community standards:

For Homeowners

• Keep exterior lighting below 100 watts for continually-on lights
• Direct swimming pool and landscape lighting away from neighboring properties
• Ensure any home business operations don't create light disturbances
• Remember that commercial-style lighting may not be permitted if it changes your property's residential appearance

For Business Owners

• Parking lot lighting must maintain proper illumination levels while directing light away from adjacent properties
• Sign permits are required for lighting new signs or relighting existing ones
• Include detailed lighting plans in any development applications
• Ensure all exterior lighting complies with anti-glare requirements

For Developers

• Include comprehensive lighting plans in your submissions
• Coordinate with the Village on street lighting requirements early in the planning process
• Plan for underground wiring for street lighting
• Discuss ownership and maintenance responsibilities for lighting infrastructure before installation

Supporting Hebron's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Hebron's commitment to maintaining community character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique balance that small towns like Hebron strive to achieve between preserving their historical charm and providing functional, safe lighting.

Our team appreciates Hebron's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which aim to minimize light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and convenience. These values align with our commitment to responsible lighting practices that respect the distinctive character of each community we serve.

For Hebron residents and businesses navigating lighting requirements, Bock Lighting can serve as an educational resource. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and familiarity with local regulations allows us to provide guidance that supports the village's vision for appropriate lighting that enhances rather than detracts from its small-town atmosphere.

Conclusion

Hebron's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear guidelines for residential, commercial, and street lighting, the village helps preserve its traditional aesthetic while adapting to contemporary needs.

Property owners, businesses, and developers who understand and follow these lighting standards contribute to the village's goal of balancing historical charm with modern requirements. This thoughtful approach to lighting helps maintain the quality of life that makes Hebron a special place to live and work.

Whether you're installing residential landscape lighting, planning commercial signage, or developing a new property, attention to Hebron's lighting regulations ensures your project enhances the community's character while meeting necessary safety and visibility requirements.