Lighting Regulations in New Concord, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Standards

Introduction: New Concord's Lighting Legacy

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, New Concord combines small-town charm with a rich historical legacy dating back to its establishment in 1828. With a population of just 2,361 (as of the 2020 census), this village in the Zanesville micropolitan area maintains its close-knit community atmosphere while embracing necessary modern improvements.

Home to Muskingum University and notable landmarks like the William Rainey Harper Log House, New Concord's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. The village's Puritan and Pilgrim heritage has influenced its community values, emphasizing tradition and preservation alongside practical concerns.

As New Concord has evolved to attract businesses and high-tech offices with improvements like its state-of-the-art water system, its lighting regulations aim to maintain the village's aesthetic appeal while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide to New Concord Lighting Regulations

Key lighting requirements in New Concord include:

• Street lighting must be installed at subdivision entrances and intersections
• Maximum distance between street lights: 300 feet
• Parking area lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential districts
• Outdoor lighting for security, landscaping, or signage must not adversely impact adjacent property
• Sign illumination is limited to 0.3 foot candles above ambient light conditions
• Digital/LED signs must have black backgrounds and cannot exceed 16 square feet
• Light sources must be shielded from traffic and adjacent properties

Street and Subdivision Lighting Requirements

Location and Spacing Standards

New Concord requires street lights in each residential subdivision, strategically positioned to ensure adequate illumination. The regulations specify that lights must be installed:

• At each entrance to the subdivision (both streets and walkways)
• At each street intersection within the subdivision
• With additional lights whenever the distance between adjacent street lights would exceed 300 feet

These requirements ensure proper light intensity is maintained throughout residential areas, balancing safety concerns with the village's small-town aesthetic.

Design and Installation Requirements

The design process for street lighting involves coordination between developers and the local power company:

• Subdividers must submit final plat plans to the Local Power Company
• The Power Company designs the street lighting system
• The Planning Commission reviews and approves the final lighting design
• All new subdivision street and walkway lighting must have underground wiring

Compatibility with Other Infrastructure

New Concord's regulations also address how lighting integrates with other elements of the streetscape:

• Trees must be planted so they don't interfere with street lighting
• Ground signs cannot be located within 6 feet of any street light
• Lighting must complement other required improvements including sidewalks, water lines, and drainage facilities

Property and Outdoor Lighting Standards

Light Spillover Prevention

Protecting neighbors from unwanted light is a key focus of New Concord's regulations:

• Outdoor lighting for security, landscaping, or signage must be designed to avoid adverse impacts on adjacent properties
• Lighting for private streets, driveways, and parking areas must be designed to prevent light spillover
• Parking area lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises in residential districts

Site Plan Requirements

Property developers must provide detailed lighting information as part of the site plan review process:

• Location, height, and intensity of all external lighting fixtures
• Bulb types to be used (e.g., fluorescent, LED, sodium, incandescent)
• Direction of illumination and methods to eliminate glare onto adjoining properties
• Consideration of potential "light spillover" onto neighboring properties

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Standards

New Concord has established specific regulations for sign illumination:

• Signs may be illuminated up to 0.3 foot candles above ambient light conditions
• Light sources must be shielded from traffic and adjacent properties
• Light sources cannot be visible beyond the property line where the sign is located
• Measurement distances for light levels are based on sign area (ranging from 32 feet for 10 sq. ft. signs to 97 feet for 95 sq. ft. signs)

Sign-Specific Lighting Rules

Different types of signs have specific lighting requirements:

Wall Signs:

• Illumination permitted if concentrated on the sign area
• Must prevent glare on streets or adjacent property

Projecting Signs:

• Lighting permitted if concentrated on the sign area
• Must prevent glare on streets or adjacent property

Ground/Freestanding Signs:

• Lighting permitted if concentrated on the sign area
• Must prevent glare on streets or adjacent property

Temporary Signs:

• No external or internal lighting permitted

Digital and LED Sign Requirements

New Concord has established detailed regulations for modern digital signage:

• Must be a fully enclosed section of a permanent wall sign built of brick, stone, or concrete
• Must have black background
• LED area cannot exceed 16 square feet
• No flashing lights, animation, or video permitted
• Display changes limited to twice per hour
• Can only be illuminated during business hours
• Must be surrounded by landscaping measuring 10 times the lighted area of the sign

Safety Lighting Requirements

Construction and Excavation Safety

New Concord requires appropriate lighting for construction activities:

• Dangerous conditions must be guarded by warning lights at night
• Excavations for building sewer installation must be adequately guarded with lights
• These requirements help protect the public from hazards during construction

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

If you're a property owner in New Concord, understanding these lighting regulations can help you avoid costly mistakes:

• For new construction: Include detailed lighting plans in your site review application
• For existing properties: Ensure outdoor lighting is directed away from neighboring properties
• For businesses: Pay special attention to sign illumination requirements, particularly for digital signage
• For subdivisions: Work closely with the Local Power Company on street lighting design

The Purpose Behind the Regulations

New Concord's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to:

• Maintaining its historic small-town character
• Ensuring public safety
• Respecting neighbors' property rights
• Balancing modern needs with traditional aesthetics
• Preventing light pollution while providing adequate illumination

Supporting New Concord's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique lighting needs of communities like New Concord. With deep appreciation for the village's balance of historical preservation and modern functionality, Bock shares New Concord's commitment to maintaining community character.

Our regional experience gives us insight into the architectural styles and lighting challenges specific to Ohio's historic villages. We understand how proper lighting can enhance New Concord's streetscapes while respecting its historical character and meeting safety requirements.

As lighting standards continue to evolve, Bock serves as an educational resource for community members navigating regulations. Our team can help interpret lighting requirements and identify solutions that honor New Concord's aesthetic priorities while meeting modern standards.

Through our commitment to responsible lighting practices, we support communities like New Concord in preserving their unique identity while embracing necessary improvements.

Conclusion

New Concord's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a charming, historically-sensitive community while ensuring safety and functionality. From street lights in new subdivisions to sign illumination standards, these regulations help preserve the village's character while meeting modern needs.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners and businesses can contribute to New Concord's vision of a well-lit community that respects its historical roots and neighbors' rights to enjoy their properties without excessive light intrusion.

Whether you're planning new construction, renovating an existing property, or simply ensuring your current lighting meets village standards, these regulations provide a framework for responsible lighting that benefits the entire community.