Lighting Regulations in Medina, Ohio: Balancing Historical Charm with Modern Safety

Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, the city of Medina stands as a testament to Ohio's rich heritage. Founded in 1818 as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Medina has carefully preserved its historical character—most notably in the Court House Square area, which earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

The city's commitment to historical preservation shapes many of its municipal regulations, including those governing lighting. These standards ensure that modern illumination needs are met while respecting Medina's architectural heritage and community atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here are the most critical lighting regulations property owners in Medina should know:

• Nuisance Prevention: No lighting may constitute a nuisance or impair traffic safety
• Light Trespass: Maximum 1 footcandle illumination at property lines adjacent to residential areas
• Parking Areas: Minimum 0.6 footcandles for active areas; 0.2 footcandles for security
• Height Restrictions: Maximum 25 feet in C-3 and I-1 Districts; 10 feet in all other districts
• Glare Control: Luminaires must be cut-off types that eliminate light above 85 degrees
• Historical Areas: Special restrictions apply in the Historic District

Understanding Medina's Approach to Lighting

Historical Context Shapes Regulations

Founded over 200 years ago, Medina's commitment to preserving its historical character influences its approach to lighting. As a Preserve America Community since 2006, the city balances modern safety needs with respect for its architectural heritage, particularly around the historic Court House Square with its Victorian-era buildings and 1879 bandstand gazebo replica.

Basic Principles of Medina's Lighting Standards

Medina's lighting regulations consistently emphasize three core principles:

1. Safety First: Adequate illumination for public safety
2. Respect for Neighbors: Preventing light trespass onto adjacent properties
3. Historical Compatibility: Ensuring lighting complements the city's character

Exterior Lighting Standards

General Requirements

All exterior lighting in Medina must meet these fundamental requirements:

• No Nuisance Lighting: Lighting must not constitute a nuisance
• Traffic Safety: Lighting must not impair safe movement of traffic
• Neighbor Consideration: No direct light may shine onto adjacent properties
• Residential Compatibility: Exterior lighting must be designed to be compatible with residential areas

Technical Specifications for Outdoor Illumination

When designing exterior lighting, property owners must ensure:

• Cut-off Fixtures: All luminaires must be cut-off types that eliminate light above an 85-degree angle from the vertical axis
• Glare Prevention: Exterior lighting must be designed to prevent glare on adjacent properties and streets
• Documentation: Site plans must include data analyses proving compliance with lighting standards

Parking Area Illumination

Parking facilities have specific illumination requirements:

• Minimum Illumination Levels:
• Parking and pedestrian areas: 0.6 footcandles minimum
• Property security only: 0.2 footcandles minimum
• Reduced levels permitted during non-use hours
• Uniformity Requirements:
• Average illumination must not exceed 4 times the minimum level
• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 1 footcandle at property lines adjacent to residential areas
• Height Restrictions:
• C-3 and I-1 Districts: 25 feet maximum
• All other districts: 10 feet maximum (unless approved by Planning Commission)

Sign Illumination Requirements

Permitted Illumination Methods

Medina regulates how signs may be illuminated:

• General Permission: Permanent signs may be internally or externally illuminated (with exceptions)
• Source Requirements: Illumination sources must be fully shielded and not visible
• Glare Control: No glare hazardous to pedestrians, motorists, or adjacent uses
• Temporary Signs: May not be illuminated

External Illumination Specifications

For externally illuminated signs:

• Fixture Types: Limited to fixtures using maximum 150-watt metal halide, tungsten-halogen, or incandescent lamps
• Direction: Fixtures must be directed toward and concentrated on the sign face
• Power Source: Illumination must be provided solely by electrical means or devices

Prohibited Sign Illumination

Certain illumination practices are specifically prohibited:

• Internal illumination of awning signs
• Internal illumination of all signs in the M-U District and Historic District
• Internal illumination of all or part of a roof

Electronic Message Centers

Electronic message center signs have specific requirements:

• Location Restrictions: Prohibited in M-U, Historic, and TC-OV Districts
• Change Frequency: Copy change no more frequently than once per 30 seconds
• Adaptive Brightness: Must use photosensitive equipment to automatically adjust brightness
• Safety Factor: Intensity must not constitute a visual hazard for traffic

Special Situations and Requirements

Construction Site Lighting

Construction areas have specific safety lighting requirements:

• Required Illumination: All pits, excavations, barricades, and temporary objects must have illuminated lamps with red globes, flares, or approved lights during darkness
• Placement: Lights required at each end and at intermediate points as necessary
• Purpose: To afford proper warning consistent with existing traffic conditions

Home Occupations

For businesses operated from homes:

• No Detectable Glare: Home occupations may not create glare detectable to normal senses outside the dwelling

Interior Lighting Requirements

Certain interior spaces have minimum lighting requirements:

• Required Luminaires: Public halls, interior stairways, toilet rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, boiler rooms, and furnace rooms must contain at least one electric luminaire
• Commercial Spaces: Commercial premises must have overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity to illuminate all customer access areas

Safety Systems

Fire safety systems have specific lighting components:

• Fire Department Connections: Require a weather-tight strobe light mounted above the connection, activated upon sprinkler flow

Supporting Medina's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Medina seeks to maintain between historical preservation and modern lighting needs. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate the city's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while ensuring safe, functional lighting for residents and visitors.

Our experience with historical communities throughout Ohio has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from a city's distinctive character. We understand the technical requirements of Medina's lighting regulations and can serve as a resource for property owners seeking to maintain compliance while respecting the city's historical charm.

Bock Lighting shares Medina's values of community preservation and sustainable lighting practices. We're committed to supporting municipalities like Medina that prioritize their historical identity while embracing necessary modern infrastructure.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your property:

• Submit Comprehensive Documentation: Include lighting details in site plans for review
• Consider Historical Context: Especially important near Court House Square and other historic areas
• Prioritize Neighbor Consideration: Design systems that prevent light trespass
• Balance Safety and Aesthetics: Ensure adequate illumination while maintaining compatibility with Medina's character

Common Compliance Challenges

Property owners often face these lighting-related challenges:

• Technical Specifications: Understanding footcandle requirements and measurement
• Fixture Selection: Finding historically appropriate fixtures that meet modern standards
• Balancing Needs: Providing sufficient security lighting without creating nuisances

Conclusion

Medina's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring community safety. By understanding and following these standards, property owners contribute to maintaining the distinctive charm that makes Medina a Preserve America Community.

The city's approach balances practical illumination needs with respect for neighboring properties and historical context. This thoughtful regulation helps maintain Medina's unique sense of place as it continues to grow and evolve while honoring its rich heritage dating back to 1818.