Lighting Regulations in Kent, Ohio: Balancing Heritage and Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Nestled along the banks of the Cuyahoga River, Kent, Ohio, has evolved from its early 19th century roots as Franklin Mills into a vibrant community that values both its historical character and modern functionality. Originally settled around the power potential of the river, Kent's development was significantly influenced by the arrival of the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad in the mid-1800s and later by the establishment of Kent State University in 1910.

Today, Kent's historic downtown area showcases charming streetscapes and preserved architecture that reflects the city's rich heritage. As the city continues to grow, lighting regulations have become an important tool in maintaining the balance between preserving Kent's historical character and meeting modern safety and functionality needs.

Quick Reference Guide to Kent's Lighting Requirements

• Commercial Parking Areas:
• Must use full cut-off fixtures to prevent light from projecting above a 90-degree horizontal plane
• Late-night retail establishments: Minimum 5 foot-candles per square foot (measured 3 feet above pavement)
• Property line light trespass: Must not exceed 0.0-foot candles at property line (measured at grade)
• Sign Illumination:
• External illumination must be shielded and directed away from roads and residential areas
• EMCs (Electronic Message Centers) require automatic dimming capability
• No flashing or moving lights permitted
• Historic Areas:
• Lighting should be compatible with historic building style
• Low intensity lighting to minimize impact on neighbors
• Simple, durable, and discreet fixtures recommended

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Parking Area Illumination

Commercial property owners must pay careful attention to their parking area lighting. Kent's regulations specify that all outdoor lighting must be directed toward and confined to the ground areas. This helps minimize light pollution while ensuring adequate visibility for safety.

Key requirements include:

• Full cut-off fixtures to prevent light from projecting above a 90-degree horizontal plane
• Light trespass elimination onto neighboring properties
• Late-night retail establishments and gas stations must maintain lighting at a minimum of five foot-candles per square foot

Building and Security Lighting

Kent's code recognizes the importance of appropriate building illumination while preventing excessive light trespass.

For building illumination:

• Up-lighting used for external building illumination must be placed and shielded to not interfere with off-property vision
• Security lighting may be wall-mounted or in-ground with appropriate approvals
• Illumination must not cause glare on streets or adjacent residential properties

Entertainment Venue Requirements

Entertainment venues have specific lighting requirements to ensure public safety:

• Amusement arcades must have exterior lighting of sufficient intensity to illuminate all means of ingress, egress, and adjacent parking areas
• Restaurant order board lighting must be contained within the property boundaries
• Recreational facility lighting is prohibited after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude events in progress

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Rules

Kent has developed comprehensive sign lighting regulations that balance visibility with aesthetic considerations.

For all illuminated signs:

• External sign illumination must be directed away from public right-of-way and residential areas
• Sign lighting fixtures must be fully shielded
• Illumination should not be greater than necessary to meet business needs
• No flashing illumination or changing light intensity/brightness

Electronic and Digital Signage

Digital signage has specific requirements to prevent distraction and light pollution:

• Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) generally only permitted for fuel pricing displays
• All EMCs require automatic dimming capability that adjusts brightness to ambient light
• EMCs must not utilize flashing illumination or have changing light intensity

Sign Types with Special Lighting Rules

Different sign types have specific illumination restrictions:

• Prohibited internal illumination for:
• Awning and canopy signs
• Blade signs
• Certain wall signs
• Sandwich board signs
• Window signs: May be internally illuminated (maximum 2 per tenant) but must use fixed lighting with no animation or movement

Historic District Lighting Considerations

Preserving Historical Character

Kent values its historic districts and has special considerations for lighting in these areas:

• Exterior lighting should illuminate entrances, walkways, and significant architectural features
• Lighting should be appropriate and compatible with the historic building style
• Fixtures should be simple, durable, and discreet

Historic Fixture Preservation

Kent encourages the preservation of historic lighting elements:

• Existing historic light fixtures should be preserved and maintained whenever possible
• Removing existing historic lighting could alter a building's character and is strongly discouraged
• New lighting installations should cause no damage to historic buildings and should be fully reversible

Prohibited and Exempt Lighting

Prohibited Lighting Types

Kent prohibits several types of lighting to maintain community character and prevent nuisance:

• Flashing or moving lights of an intermittent type
• Laser source light for outdoor advertising or entertainment
• Searchlights used for advertising purposes
• Lighting used primarily for advertising purposes without proper approval

Exempt Lighting Categories

Some lighting applications are exempt from standard requirements:

• Light fixtures placed by governmental agencies in public rights-of-way
• Decorative holiday lighting
• Pedestrian walkway lighting
• Temporary festival and civic lighting
• Temporary construction or emergency lighting

Safety and Building Code Requirements

Required Interior Lighting

Kent's building codes establish minimum lighting standards for interior spaces:

• Common halls and stairways in multi-family buildings need lighting (60-watt for every 200 sq ft)
• Non-residential egress areas need minimum 1 footcandle illumination at floors, landings, and treads
• Public halls, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, boiler rooms, and furnace rooms require at least one electric luminaire

Construction and Excavation Safety

Safety lighting is required for construction areas:

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be protected by barricades and warning lights at night
• It is prohibited to remove or damage warning lights placed for public protection

Supporting Kent's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Kent strives to achieve between preserving its historic character and meeting modern lighting needs.

Bock Lighting shares Kent's commitment to responsible illumination that enhances safety while respecting community aesthetics. Our experience with regional architectural styles allows us to appreciate Kent's distinctive blend of historic downtown charm and university-influenced development.

We recognize that Kent's regulations aim to reduce light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and function. As a regional partner, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource to help property owners navigate lighting regulations while maintaining the distinctive character that makes Kent special.

Our commitment to sustainable lighting practices aligns with Kent's vision for balanced development that honors its past while embracing responsible progress. Through our understanding of both historic preservation needs and modern lighting technology, we help communities like Kent maintain their unique identity.

Conclusion

Kent's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing historic preservation with modern safety and functionality needs. By establishing clear guidelines for different lighting applications, Kent ensures that illumination enhances the community without creating nuisance or detracting from its distinctive character.

Property owners should work closely with the Community Development Department when planning lighting installations to ensure compliance with these regulations. Through thoughtful implementation of these standards, Kent continues to preserve its historic charm while providing the illumination necessary for a safe, vibrant community.