Lighting Regulations in Lexington, Ohio: Preserving Historic Charm While Ensuring Safety and Aesthetics

Introduction: Understanding Lexington's Lighting Legacy

Nestled in Richland County, the village of Lexington, Ohio carries a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1812. Named after Lexington, Massachusetts, in honor of the Battle of Lexington during the American Revolutionary War, this community of nearly 5,000 residents takes pride in preserving its historical character while embracing necessary modernization.

The village's approach to outdoor lighting reflects this balance – maintaining the charm of a traditional small town while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. Lexington's lighting regulations serve to prevent light pollution, minimize glare for motorists, and respect the aesthetic harmony of the community.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a quick overview of Lexington's most important lighting regulations:

• Property Lighting: Must be shielded and arranged to direct light away from adjoining properties and public streets
• Residential Post Lamps: Required to be maintained with minimum 60-watt equivalent bulbs and kept illuminated from sunset to sunrise
• Street Lights: Required at each intersection with specific decorative fixtures
• Tree Maintenance: Must be trimmed to allow proper distribution of light from street lamps
• Sign Illumination: Must be shielded from adjacent residential areas and use constant intensity lighting (with limited exceptions)
• Safety Lighting: Required for construction zones and hazards during nighttime hours

Property Lighting Requirements

General Property Illumination Standards

The consistent theme throughout Lexington's lighting regulations is consideration for neighbors and passing motorists. Multiple sections of the village code specify that:

• All lighting used to illuminate property must be shielded and arranged to reflect light away from:
• Adjoining properties
• Public streets
• Adjacent residential districts
• Passing motorists

Special Use Property Lighting

For specific property uses, additional requirements apply:

• Recreational facilities (both indoor and outdoor): Lighting must be shielded to prevent spillover
• Retail operations (including garden centers): All lighting must be arranged to shield adjacent residential areas and motorists
• Churches and religious buildings: Lighting must be configured to reflect away from adjoining properties
• Parking areas: Lighting must direct illumination away from adjoining properties, and no open light sources such as string lights are permitted

Street Lighting & Infrastructure

Street Light Requirements

Lexington has established specific standards for street lighting to ensure consistency and adequate illumination:

• Intersection Placement: Street lights must be installed at each intersection
• Location: Placed in the curb lawn between the curb and sidewalk
• Technical Specifications:
• Model: Hadco model VS60HB5N1120
• Wattage: 120 volt-250 watt high-pressure sodium lamp
• Post: Hadco P1400x14 post or approved equal
• Control: Photocell controlled

Post Light Requirements

In addition to street lights, Lexington requires:

• Residential Post Lamps: Must be installed on each lot
• Placement: Within 8 feet from the back edge of sidewalks
• Purpose: To provide adequate pedestrian lighting
• Resident Responsibilities:
• Keep post lights in good repair
• Maintain illumination with bulbs equivalent to at least 60 watts
• Keep lit from sunset to sunrise daily
• Repair non-functioning lights within 15 days of notification

Alternative Arrangements

If post lights are not provided in a development, the code specifies:

• Street lights shall be installed along each street
• Spacing determined by the Village Engineer
• All wiring for street lights must be enclosed in conduit
• Buried at a depth of 18 inches or greater

Tree Maintenance & Lighting

Lexington's code addresses the relationship between trees and lighting:

• It is unlawful to maintain trees or shrubs that obstruct the proper distribution of light from street lamps
• Branches must be trimmed in front of and along lots near street lights
• Trimming ensures free passage of light from street lights to streets and sidewalks
• Trees must not obstruct the view of traffic approaching

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

The village maintains specific requirements for illuminated signs:

• Proximity Restrictions: No illuminated signs (direct or indirect) within 50 feet of or facing residential districts
• Shielding Required: Lighting used for signs must be shielded to reflect light away from adjoining properties and streets
• Constant Intensity: All lighting must be of constant intensity except for digital electronic reader boards
• Digital Sign Regulations: Digital signs may not change more frequently than once every 5 seconds

Technical & Safety Requirements

• All wiring and electrical components must comply with the National Electrical Code or local electric code
• Signs must not have intensity or colors that could mislead, confuse, or interfere with traffic
• Sign illumination is subject to inspection by the Richland County Building Codes and Permits Department

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Timeline & Enforcement

Property owners should be aware that:

• Post lamp maintenance is a continuing obligation
• Upon notification of a violation, repairs must be made within 15 days
• The Zoning Inspector or authorized representative may send written notices for violations

Planning for New Lighting

When planning new lighting installations:

• Consider the impact on neighboring properties
• Ensure all fixtures have proper shielding
• Maintain documentation of compliance with village standards
• Remember that approval for permits doesn't waive responsibility for compliance with applicable building and electrical codes

Special Considerations for Historic Properties

While Lexington doesn't have designated historic districts in the provided information, the village values its historical character:

• Select lighting fixtures that complement architectural styles
• Consider the historical context when upgrading exterior lighting
• Aim for balanced illumination that enhances rather than overwhelms historic features

Supporting Lexington's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Lexington's commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern lighting needs. We understand the unique character of small Ohio communities like Lexington and the importance of maintaining their traditional charm.

Bock Lighting appreciates Lexington's thoughtful approach to exterior lighting that prevents light pollution while ensuring safety and functionality. Our experience with regional architectural styles allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

We're committed to helping communities like Lexington maintain their distinctive character through lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community values. As lighting technology evolves, we remain dedicated to supporting the balance of innovation and preservation that makes Lexington special.

Conclusion

Lexington's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By requiring shielded fixtures, specific street lighting standards, and careful attention to light direction, the village creates an environment that respects both its heritage and the needs of current residents.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to the village's distinctive atmosphere and help preserve the small-town charm that makes Lexington special. While technological advances continue to transform lighting options, the fundamental principles of good lighting remain consistent: appropriate illumination, minimal glare, and respectful integration with the surrounding environment.