Lighting Regulations in Hillsboro, Ohio: Preserving Historical Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled among the rolling hills of Highland County, Hillsboro, Ohio, has carefully balanced growth with preservation since its founding in 1807. With approximately 6,600 residents, this charming county seat takes pride in its historical districts and landmarks, including the Greek Revival-style Highland County Courthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to maintaining Hillsboro's distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. From street lighting requirements to sign illumination standards, these regulations help preserve the town's 19th-century aesthetic while accommodating contemporary needs.

Quick Reference Guide

For property owners and businesses in Hillsboro, here are the key lighting requirements to know:

• Street Lighting: Required for subdivision approval and must adequately illuminate public ways without excessive light on dwellings
• Electronic Signs: Maximum brightness limits (7,500 nits daytime/500 nits nighttime)
• Sign Illumination: Must be shielded and cannot cause glare; historic district signs require 3000K or lower color temperature
• Temporary Signs: Cannot be illuminated in any district
• Safety Lighting: Required for excavations/obstructions during nighttime hours
• Public Lamps: Trees must be trimmed to prevent obstruction of light

Street Lighting Requirements

Subdivision Planning

When developing new subdivisions in Hillsboro, street lighting is not optional. The city code specifically requires:

• A comprehensive street lighting plan must be included in any subdivision plan submitted for approval
• Lighting must be placed in locations that adequately illuminate public ways
• Light placement must avoid undue illumination of dwellings
• No subdivision street dedicated to public use will be accepted by the city until street lighting has been properly installed

Site Plan Requirements

For development projects requiring site plan approval:

• An illumination plan must be submitted as part of the parking plan
• Lighting design and placement must conform to established standards
• Lighting fixtures cannot obstruct vision in sight triangles

Sign Illumination Standards

General Illumination Requirements

Hillsboro's sign regulations balance visibility with aesthetic concerns:

• Most permanent signs may be illuminated by internal or reflected light
• All illumination must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and rights-of-way
• Light intensity cannot cause glare visible to pedestrians or drivers
• Signs cannot be lighted in ways that obstruct traffic control or public information signs

Historic District Considerations

The city places special emphasis on appropriate lighting in historic areas:

• Any illuminated sign in the Historic and Business "G" Zoning District must be rated at a "color temperature" of 3000K or less
• Electronic signs are prohibited in the Historic and Business "G" Zoning District
• Internally illuminated monument signs require conditional use permits

Prohibited Illumination

Several illumination types are expressly forbidden:

• Signs with flashing lights or changing colors (except regulated electronic signs)
• Illumination that flashes on or off
• Displays that change in intensity
• Signs with coloring or illumination similar to traffic control signs

Electronic Sign Regulations

Technical Specifications

Electronic signs in Hillsboro must meet specific technical requirements:

• Maximum brightness levels:
• Daytime: 7,500 nits
• Nighttime: 500 nits
• Must use full-color LED technology
• Must include automatic dimming capability that adjusts to ambient light
• Cannot cause light trespass onto adjacent residential districts

Operational Requirements

Beyond brightness, electronic signs must also comply with these functional standards:

• Must contain a default mechanism that freezes the sign or turns it black if more than 5% of the display malfunctions
• Content must remain static without animation, scrolling, moving, or flashing elements
• Electronic fuel price displays:
• Limited to one-color LED technology
• Must include automatic dimming
• Cannot display animated or scrolling content

Safety Lighting Requirements

Public Safety Measures

Several regulations focus specifically on safety concerns:

• Excavations or obstructions on sidewalks, streets, or public grounds must be marked with a lighted lamp or lantern during nighttime hours
• These safety lights must be placed at or above the hazard to serve as an effective danger signal
• Trees and shrubs must be trimmed so branches do not obstruct light from any public lamp

Vacant Building Requirements

For vacant commercial or industrial buildings:

• A lighting plan must be submitted covering the exterior of the building, property, and adjacent walkways
• The plan must include nighttime illumination of areas vulnerable to vandalism
• A regular maintenance plan for all exterior lighting fixtures is required

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

Whether you're developing a new property or modifying an existing one, keep these points in mind:

• Submit comprehensive lighting plans as part of your development application
• Consider the historical context of your location, particularly in or near historic districts
• Balance adequate illumination for safety with minimizing light pollution and glare
• Remember that temporary signs cannot be illuminated in any district

Special Considerations for Historic Areas

If your property is in one of Hillsboro's historic districts:

• Plan for warmer lighting with color temperature of 3000K or less
• Electronic signs are not permitted
• Internally illuminated signs require conditional use permits
• Focus on lighting that complements the historical character of the area

Supporting Hillsboro's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Hillsboro. We share Hillsboro's commitment to preserving historical integrity while incorporating modern functionality.

Our experience with regional architectural styles helps us appreciate the balance Hillsboro seeks between illumination for safety and maintaining its small-town charm. We recognize that proper lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting the beauty of historical structures like the Highland County Courthouse while respecting the surrounding environment.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our team understands the importance of appropriate lighting temperatures, shielding, and placement to maintain a community's distinctive character while meeting practical needs.

Conclusion

Hillsboro's lighting regulations reflect the community's dedication to preserving its historical charm while ensuring safety and functionality. From street lighting in new subdivisions to specific guidelines for electronic signs, these standards help maintain the city's unique character.

By following these regulations, property owners contribute to Hillsboro's vision of responsible development that respects its 19th-century architectural heritage. Whether illuminating a historic storefront or planning lighting for a new subdivision, these guidelines help create a cohesive community aesthetic that honors Hillsboro's past while meeting present-day needs.

The careful balance between adequate illumination and preventing light pollution supports Hillsboro's identity as a charming rural community that values its historical roots and scenic beauty. Through thoughtful lighting practices, residents and businesses help preserve the special character that makes Hillsboro a distinctive gem in Highland County.