Lighting Regulations in New Lebanon, Ohio: Balancing Modern Needs with Small-Town Character

Introduction

New Lebanon, Ohio, nestled in Montgomery County, embodies the charm and close-knit atmosphere characteristic of small Midwestern villages. Established in the early 19th century, this community has carefully balanced growth and development while preserving its distinctive small-town character.

As part of the Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area, New Lebanon faces the unique challenge of maintaining its historical integrity while meeting modern infrastructure needs. The village's lighting regulations reflect this balanced approach, prioritizing both safety and the preservation of its peaceful, residential atmosphere.

Quick Reference Guide: New Lebanon Lighting Requirements

• Street Lighting in New Areas: Available to newly annexed areas when residents petition or Council determines a need for public safety • Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations or construction • New Subdivisions: Street lights mandatory with specific spacing requirements • General Exterior Lighting: Must be shaded to prevent casting direct light on neighboring properties • Commercial/Industrial Properties: Additional shielding requirements near residential areas • Glare Prevention: Operations producing intense glare must be performed within enclosed buildings • Signage Lighting: Restrictions on brightness, flashing lights, and illumination in residential areas • Home Occupations: No glare or light interference detectable outside the dwelling

Street Lighting Requirements

Petition Process for New Areas

For newly annexed areas of New Lebanon, street lighting services are provided through a specific process. According to municipal regulations, such services will be extended when:

• A majority of residents in the newly annexed area petition Council for such services • Council recognizes a legitimate need for these improvements to guarantee public health, safety, and welfare

New Subdivision Requirements

Developers in New Lebanon face specific lighting installation requirements:

• Mandatory Installation: Required in residential subdivisions where a majority of lots have an individual lot width of 100 feet or less at the front property line • Strategic Placement: Lights must be located at each entrance (streets and walkways) and at each street intersection • Maximum Spacing: The distance between adjacent street lights cannot exceed 300 feet • Underground Wiring: All new street lighting must be installed with underground wiring

Exceptions to Underground Requirements

While underground wiring is preferred, exceptions exist where the Municipal Engineer determines that:

• Topographic conditions would result in excessive costs • Bedrock would make installation prohibitively expensive • Underground water conditions would create installation challenges

Exterior Lighting for Properties

General Requirements

The village code contains several consistent requirements for exterior lighting across different property types:

• Exterior lighting must be shaded to avoid casting direct light on neighboring properties • Lighting must not cast direct light on public streets • Any operation producing intense glare must be conducted inside enclosed buildings

Commercial and Industrial Properties

Business properties face additional requirements:

• Light sources must be screened so they are not detectable at the lot line • Site plans submitted to the New Lebanon Planning Board must include lighting details • All exterior lighting must be "suitably directed and shaded" to prevent glare on adjoining residential properties

Mobile Home Parks

A specific regulation applies to mobile home parks:

• All exterior park lights must be located and shielded to prevent direct illumination of any areas outside the park

Signage Illumination Rules

Prohibited Lighting Types

New Lebanon restricts certain types of sign lighting:

• Temporary signs in residential districts shall not be illuminated • Construction signs and real estate signs shall not be illuminated • All blinking, flashing, or intermittent lighting is prohibited • No rotation beam, beacon, or flashing illumination resembling emergency lights

Permitted Sign Lighting

Some signs may be illuminated under specific conditions:

• Ground identification signs for single-family subdivisions and multiple-family developments with 12+ dwelling units • Marquee signs may use backlit illumination only (other illumination types prohibited) • Light sources must not be so bright as to constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic

Safety and Construction Site Lighting

Warning Lights for Hazards

New Lebanon requires appropriate lighting for construction and excavation areas:

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be adequately guarded by warning devices or lights at night • These precautions are required to ensure conditions do not "reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb" • It is prohibited to destroy, remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Special Facilities

Wireless Telecommunication Facilities

Communication towers have specific lighting limitations:

• Artificial lighting is restricted except as required by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) • When required by FAA, a "red by night, white by day" lighting system must be utilized • Facilities may be attached to existing street light poles under certain conditions

Home Occupations

For home-based businesses, New Lebanon requires:

• No equipment or processes that create glare or electrical interference detectable outside the dwelling

Supporting New Lebanon's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like New Lebanon. Our experience working with municipalities throughout the region has given us a deep appreciation for the balance between modern infrastructure needs and preserving the distinct small-town atmosphere that makes New Lebanon special.

We recognize that New Lebanon's lighting regulations aim to maintain the village's peaceful character while ensuring public safety. This aligns with our own philosophy of providing lighting solutions that respect community character and historical context.

As lighting technology evolves, Bock remains committed to educating property owners, developers, and municipalities about options that meet both regulatory requirements and community values. Our team values the preservation of New Lebanon's small-town charm while embracing improvements that enhance safety and quality of life.

By understanding the specific needs of communities within the Dayton metropolitan area, we can better serve as a resource for those navigating lighting regulations and seeking solutions that honor New Lebanon's distinct character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Basics

If you're a property owner in New Lebanon, these key points will help you navigate lighting regulations:

• Responsibility: You're responsible for ensuring exterior lighting doesn't cast direct light onto neighboring properties • Home Businesses: If operating a home occupation, ensure no light or glare is detectable outside your dwelling • Construction Projects: Temporary excavations or construction must have warning lights at night • Signage: Be aware of strict limitations on sign illumination, especially in residential areas

Planning for New Development

For those planning new developments:

• Include comprehensive lighting plans in your submissions to the Planning Board • Budget for street lighting installation if developing a residential subdivision • Factor in underground wiring requirements for new street lighting • Consider the spacing requirements (maximum 300 feet between lights) in your plans

Conclusion

New Lebanon's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while ensuring public safety and modern infrastructure. The village's approach balances the need for adequate illumination with the desire to preserve its peaceful, residential character.

By requiring shielded fixtures, limiting light trespass, and establishing clear guidelines for different property types, New Lebanon has created a framework that protects both property rights and community values. These thoughtful regulations help maintain the village's distinct identity within the Dayton metropolitan area.

For residents and business owners, understanding these requirements is an important part of being a good neighbor and contributing to the community's vision for its future development.