Lighting Regulations in Highland Hills, Ohio: A Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Highland Hills, Ohio, a small village in Cuyahoga County covering just under 2 square miles, maintains a distinctive approach to lighting regulations that reflects its community values. With a population that has seen changes over recent decades (from 1,130 residents in 2010 to 662 in 2020), the village continues to balance development needs with quality of life considerations.

The village's lighting regulations, while not exhaustive, are designed to maintain harmony between residential, commercial, and natural spaces. These rules embody Highland Hills' commitment to sustainable development and community well-being, ensuring that lighting enhances safety and functionality without creating nuisance or environmental concerns.

Quick Reference Guide

• Permit Fees: Gas post lights require permits ($25 residential, $50 commercial)
• Light Trespass: Lighting must be directed away from adjacent properties
• Parking Areas: Must be adequately illuminated for safety while shielding light from residential areas
• Sign Illumination: Direct light must be shielded and not cause excessive brightness
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for safety
• Street Trees: Must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lighting

Permit Requirements and Fees

Understanding Permit Categories

Highland Hills requires permits for certain lighting installations. Specifically, the village code indicates that gas post lights require permits with associated fees:

• Residential gas post light fee: $25.00
• Commercial gas post light fee: $50.00

Planning Your Lighting Project

When planning exterior lighting installations, property owners should factor in these permit requirements as part of their project timeline and budget. Obtaining proper permits ensures compliance with village standards and avoids potential penalties.

Lighting Design and Placement Guidelines

Directing Light Appropriately

Highland Hills places significant emphasis on minimizing light trespass. The code specifically states:

• Building and signage lighting must be indirect, with light sources hidden from direct pedestrian and motorist view
• Outdoor lighting of buildings, parking areas, or signage must be directed to avoid directly shining on adjacent properties
• Under canopy lighting (such as service station pump canopies) must be flush mounted to provide down-lit illumination

Managing Light Intensity

The regulations also address brightness concerns:

• Lighting fixtures should not reflect direct rays of light into adjoining residential districts and streets
• Intensity should not be of excessive brightness nor cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or automobile drivers

Specific Applications of Lighting Regulations

Parking Area Illumination

The village code specifically addresses parking area lighting:

• Parking areas must be illuminated "whenever necessary to protect the public safety"
• Lighting fixtures may be located in required yards but must be designed to prevent direct light rays from affecting neighboring properties
• Public parking lots must have a system of floodlighting installed and maintained until midnight or one hour after business closing
• All lighting must be shielded from adjacent residential districts

Sign Illumination Requirements

For signs, the village maintains specific illumination standards:

• Light sources for signs must be reflected and shielded
• The colors red or green shall not be used where they may interfere with traffic signals
• Flashing, moving or intermittent illumination and outline lighting are not permitted by right
• Signs in residential districts generally cannot be illuminated (with exceptions for residential number signs, nameplates, bulletin boards for institutions, and permanent development signs for apartments)
• All signs in commercial and industrial districts may be illuminated

Construction and Safety Lighting

Safety lighting is required in specific situations:

• Excavations, wells, cesspools or structures under construction must be protected by warning devices or lights at night
• It's prohibited to remove, damage or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Commercial Property Considerations

Screening and Buffering Requirements

For businesses adjacent to residential areas:

• The Planning Commission may require walls, fences, and landscape plantings to shield adjacent residential areas from parking lot illumination and headlights
• This requirement demonstrates the village's commitment to protecting residential quality of life

Security Lighting

Security lighting is permitted but regulated:

• Security lighting around equipment shelters (like those for communication towers) is permitted
• However, such lighting shall not cause glare or disturbances to adjacent properties

What Property Owners Should Know

Development Planning Requirements

When planning development projects, lighting must be addressed in several ways:

• Street lighting standards must be shown in development plans
• Streetscape plans must address street and sidewalk lighting
• The design of lighting fixtures must be coordinated throughout development sites
• Building and site design should consider impacts of light on adjacent properties

Tree Maintenance and Lighting

An often overlooked aspect of lighting regulations involves vegetation management:

• Property owners must prune trees overhanging streets so branches do not obstruct light from street lamps
• The village has the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they interfere with the proper spread of light along streets
• The village is responsible for pruning trees on village property to maintain street light effectiveness

Supporting Highland Hills' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Highland Hills' commitment to balancing community safety, functionality, and environmental considerations. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique character of communities like Highland Hills and the importance of lighting that respects both residential quality of life and commercial needs.

Our experience with communities throughout Northeast Ohio has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community character while complying with local regulations. We appreciate Highland Hills' thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect residential areas from light trespass while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

As a community resource, we're committed to helping property owners understand lighting regulations and identify solutions that meet both code requirements and aesthetic goals. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to support Highland Hills residents and businesses in their lighting projects.

Conclusion

Highland Hills' lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the village's commitment to maintaining a balanced, harmonious community environment. By focusing on minimizing light trespass, ensuring appropriate illumination for safety, and protecting the residential character of neighborhoods, these regulations help maintain the quality of life that Highland Hills residents value.

Property owners planning lighting installations should pay particular attention to requirements regarding light direction, shielding, and intensity. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to the village's vision of sustainable, considerate development.

For specific questions about lighting permits or requirements, property owners should contact the Highland Hills Village offices directly to ensure full compliance with current regulations.