Lighting Regulations in Jackson, Ohio: Balancing Small-Town Charm with Practical Illumination

Introduction

Founded in 1817 and named after Andrew Jackson, the city of Jackson, Ohio has maintained its small-town charm while adapting to modern needs. With historical roots in coal mining and agriculture, Jackson's approach to city planning—including its lighting regulations—reflects a community that values its heritage while ensuring safety and functionality for its approximately 6,400 residents.

The city's iconic apple-painted water tower stands as a symbol of its agricultural tradition, much like how its lighting policies aim to preserve the character of this close-knit community. Understanding these regulations helps property owners contribute to the city's vision while ensuring compliance with local requirements.

Quick Reference Guide

• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations and construction sites
• Utility Poles: Posting signs on city-owned utility or street light poles is prohibited
• Private Area Lighting: Available to residential, commercial, and industrial customers
• New Developments: Developers must include provisions for street lights
• Street Lighting: Must be of type specified by the Safety/Service Director
• Electric Service: Generally required to be underground unless otherwise specified
• Hours of Operation: Dusk to dawn (approximately 4,380 hours per year)

Construction Site Safety Requirements

Warning Lights for Public Safety

Jackson's building code contains specific provisions regarding lighting for construction sites and excavations. According to section 521.03:

• Abandoned excavations must be protected with suitable barricades and warning lights at night
• The purpose is to prevent conditions that could "reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb"
• Removing or damaging these warning lights is expressly prohibited

Importance of Compliance

These requirements highlight Jackson's commitment to public safety while accommodating necessary construction and development. Property owners undertaking excavation or construction must remember that proper lighting isn't just a regulatory requirement—it's an essential safety measure.

Private Area Lighting Regulations

Availability and Transition

The city provides private area lighting services with specific parameters:

• Available to residential, commercial, and industrial customers
• Requires readily available overhead secondary facilities
• Lighting includes a standard luminaire with a photo-cell control mounted on an existing pole
• Existing residential customers with private area lighting will continue to receive maintenance
• If service is disconnected or transferred, the area lighting will be removed
• After May 1, 2025, the city will begin removing existing area lights still in service

Operation and Maintenance

For those with private area lighting:

• Hours of operation: Dusk to dawn (approximately 4,380 hours annually)
• Maintenance will be performed during regular city working hours
• Replacement of fixtures or bulbs available for a fee equal to actual cost plus labor
• Customers must promptly notify the city of outages

Utility and Street Light Infrastructure

City-Provided Lighting

Jackson's Electric Department provides lighting infrastructure with several conditions:

• Lamps are provided to property owners upon application
• The city maintains sole discretion regarding the method and type of lighting facilities
• Customers must provide necessary rights of way, licenses, permits, and easements
• If poles or wires need to be installed, customers must pay the actual installation costs
• All fees must be paid in advance
• The city may deny service if, in its judgment, a danger or nuisance would be created

Regulation of Utility Poles

Section 541.08 specifically prohibits:

• Placing signs, posters, placards, or banners (temporary or permanent) on any city-owned utility pole or street light pole
• Exceptions are made only for traffic control devices and legally required notices

Requirements for New Developments

Developer Responsibilities

Jackson's code is clear that new developments must include lighting infrastructure:

• No construction permits will be issued unless developers have made provisions for street lights
• These provisions must be made without cost to the city
• Property owners must ensure all necessary utilities including light are provided

Street Lighting Specifications

While specific technical details are limited, the code states:

• All street lighting shall be of a type specified by the Safety/Service Director
• Unless otherwise specified, all electric service shall be underground

Supporting Jackson's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Jackson's balance of historical preservation and modern functionality. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Jackson's commitment to maintaining community character while addressing practical needs.

Our experience working with communities throughout the region has given us unique insight into how lighting can enhance small towns like Jackson while respecting their unique heritage. We understand the importance of the Apple Festival and other local traditions that define Jackson's identity.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource for residents navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance that helps maintain the city's charming aesthetic while ensuring safety and compliance. Our team appreciates Jackson's agricultural history and the small-town atmosphere that makes this community special.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Considerations

When planning lighting for your property in Jackson:

• Check with the city before installing new exterior lighting
• Remember that underground electric service is the standard requirement
• For private area lighting, consider the 2025 phase-out timeline
• Ensure all construction sites have proper warning lights at night
• Keep utility poles free of signs and other postings

Working with the City

Jackson's approach to lighting reflects its small-town values:

• The Safety/Service Director has significant authority in determining lighting specifications
• Applications for lamps can be made directly to the city's Electric Department
• The city maintains discretion over which lighting services to provide
• All fees must typically be paid in advance

Conclusion

Jackson, Ohio's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a community that values both its historical character and the practical needs of its residents. While not as extensive as those in larger municipalities, these regulations ensure safety, consistency, and preservation of the city's unique charm.

Property owners who understand and comply with these lighting requirements contribute to Jackson's vision of a community that honors its coal mining and agricultural heritage while providing the necessary infrastructure for its residents. By balancing these considerations, Jackson continues to maintain its distinctive small-town atmosphere for current and future generations.