Lighting Regulations in Middleburg Heights, Ohio: Balancing Development with Community Character

Introduction

Middleburg Heights, Ohio, with its rich historical background dating back to 1810, has evolved from a rural township to a thriving suburban community. The city's transformation accelerated after World War II with developments like the Southland Shopping Center in 1950 and Interstate 71 in 1959, which spurred significant residential growth.

As Middleburg Heights has developed, the city has implemented lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to balancing modern development needs with community character and residential comfort. These regulations aim to ensure that lighting enhances safety and functionality while minimizing negative impacts on neighboring properties.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Light Trespass: 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines • Light Color: All light sources must be white (no colored lights) • String Lights: Maximum bulb wattage of one watt (holiday lighting exempted) • Light Pole Height: Maximum 15 feet in front/side yards, 20 feet in rear yards • Light Fixture Requirements: Full cut-off shielded fixtures required for site lighting • Light Temperature: Exterior lighting must be warm in color and not exceed 3,500 Kelvin • Minimum Illumination: 0.5 foot-candles in parking areas, 2.0 foot-candles in pedestrian areas

Residential Lighting Standards

Light Trespass Limitations

Middleburg Heights strictly regulates light trespass to protect residential areas. The maximum permitted foot-candle reading measured at grade along any common property line with another residential land use or zoning district must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles.

String Light Regulations

The city has specific regulations for decorative string lighting:

• Standard String Lights: Maximum bulb wattage of one watt • Holiday Lighting Exception: Temporary string lights for religious, national, or state holidays are permitted for no more than 60 consecutive days and no more than 90 days in any calendar year

Window Lighting Restrictions

String lights in windows are regulated as follows:

• Light garlands, lighted ropes, or string lights cannot be used to outline or be displayed on the inside or outside of any window • Holiday Exception: Temporary holiday lighting in windows is permitted for no more than 60 consecutive days and no more than 90 days per calendar year

Commercial and Public Space Lighting

Site Lighting Design Requirements

For commercial and public spaces, Middleburg Heights requires:

• Shielding: All site lighting visible from streets and adjacent property must be indirect or incorporate full cut-off shielded fixtures • Light Distribution: All site lighting must be designed to confine direct light distribution to the premises • Prohibited Features: Glare, hot spots, and inconsistencies should be avoided • Flood Lighting: Flood lighting of any parts of a site or building is prohibited

Street Frontage Lighting

The city has detailed specifications for street frontage lighting:

• Placement: One light pole must be provided for every 75 feet along the frontage • Specific Fixture Requirements: Street frontage light fixtures must be Sternberg Lighting Old Town Series (A850 SRLED) in either textured black or dark bronze finish • Pole Specifications: Street frontage light poles must be Sternberg Lighting 4200 Augusta Series ornamental poles with five-inch straight fluted shafts

Parking Area Lighting

Parking areas have specific illumination requirements:

• Minimum Illumination: Average minimum of 0.5 foot-candles in parking areas • Pedestrian Areas: Average minimum of 2.0 foot-candles in pedestrian areas • Light Pole Height: Maximum 15 feet in front/side yards, 20 feet in rear yards • Light Pole Base: Base height limited to 8 inches from finished grade (36 inches if in parking lot)

Technical Specifications for All Exterior Lighting

Light Color and Temperature

• Color Requirement: All light sources must be white (no colored lights) • Temperature Limit: Exterior lighting must be warm in color and not exceed 3,500 Kelvin

Fixture Design and Placement

• Shielding Requirement: Lighting must be adequately shielded to conceal glare • Direction: No spill-over of light shall occur on neighboring properties • Landscape Lighting: Tree up-lighting fixtures should be concealed in shrubs

Documentation Requirements

For new development or significant renovations, applicants must provide:

• Photometric Analysis: Showing compliance with illumination standards • Lighting Operations Plan: Detailing hours of operation, intensity, and other operational details • Fixture Documentation: Illustrated drawings identifying location, height, intensity, and bulb type of all external lighting fixtures

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Swimming Pool Lighting

• Residential Pools: If artificial lighting is used at night, lights cannot be used after 10:30 p.m. if the pool is within 200 feet of any dwelling • Light Direction: Lights must be shielded to direct light only on the pool • Commercial Pools: Must follow club swimming pool regulations

Telecommunications Facilities

• Height Limitations: Maximum height shall not exceed that which permits operation without artificial lighting • FAA Requirements: If lighting is required by the FAA, it must be the lowest intensity allowable • Residential Protection: Lighting levels cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at any property line with residentially zoned property

Supporting Middleburg Heights' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that Middleburg Heights seeks to maintain between modern development and community character. As the city has evolved from its early settlement days to a thriving suburban community, lighting has played an increasingly important role in creating safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments.

Our team appreciates Middleburg Heights' thoughtful approach to lighting regulations, which protect residential areas while allowing for appropriate illumination of commercial and public spaces. We share the community's commitment to minimizing light pollution and trespass while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

As a regional manufacturer, Bock Lighting has extensive experience with the architectural styles and lighting needs specific to Northeast Ohio communities. We're committed to serving as an educational resource for property owners and developers navigating Middleburg Heights' lighting regulations, helping to maintain the community character that makes the city special.

Conclusion

Middleburg Heights has developed comprehensive lighting regulations that balance the need for adequate illumination with protection of residential areas from light trespass. These standards reflect the city's evolution from rural township to suburban community while preserving its character and livability.

Property owners should pay particular attention to light trespass limitations, fixture shielding requirements, and documentation needs when planning lighting installations. By following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to a well-lit community that respects the comfort and privacy of all.

For specific questions about lighting regulations or permit requirements, contact the Middleburg Heights Building Department or Planning Commission directly.