Lighting Regulations in New London, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in northern Ohio, the charming village of New London carries a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1816. Established by settlers from Connecticut and other northeastern states, New London showcases distinctive New England influences in its architecture and community layout—including its iconic village green.

With a modest population of approximately 2,461 residents spread across 2.5 square miles, New London takes pride in preserving its historical character while accommodating contemporary needs. This balance is reflected in the village's approach to lighting regulations.

The village's lighting policies, though limited in scope, aim to maintain New London's traditional aesthetic while ensuring safety and preventing nuisances for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide to New London Lighting Regulations

For property owners and businesses in New London, here are the key lighting regulations to know:

• General oversight: The Village Administrator supervises "the lighting and cleaning of streets, alleys, and public building and places"
• Light nuisance prevention: Light glare is officially classified as a potential "nuisance"
• Home occupations: Non-illuminated signs only (maximum six square feet)
• Parking areas: Must be properly illuminated during non-daylight hours with lights arranged to direct illumination away from adjoining properties
• Construction sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations, construction sites, and similar hazards
• Residential considerations: Light glare cannot create a nuisance to adjacent properties
• Industrial properties: No direct or reflected glare visible from outside industrial districts or streets

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Occupation Restrictions

For those operating businesses from their homes in New London, lighting regulations are straightforward but important:

• Non-illuminated signage only: "No sign shall be used in connection with a Home Occupation other than one non-illuminated sign not more than six square feet in area"
• Nuisance prevention: No home occupation shall create "offensive noise, smoke, dust, heat, humidity, glare or otherwise create a nuisance or safety hazard to any adjacent or nearby property"
• Bed and breakfast facilities: "Commercial type exterior lighting" is not permitted for these establishments as it would "make the dwelling appear less residential in function"

Property Lighting Considerations

When planning residential lighting, New London property owners should note:

• Light trespass prevention: Light glare that interferes with neighbors' enjoyment of their property is classified as a nuisance
• Building variances: Variances cannot be approved if they would "impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property"
• Electrical safety: All lighting fixtures must be safely installed and maintained "free of any potential source of ignition of combustible material or any potential source of electrical hazard"

Commercial and Business Lighting Standards

Parking Area Illumination

Business owners must ensure their parking facilities are properly lit:

• Safety requirement: "Any parking area which is intended to be used during non-daylight hours shall be properly illuminated to avoid accidents"
• Light direction control: "Any lights used to illuminate a parking lot shall be arranged as to reflect the light away from the adjoining property"

Sign Illumination Rules

New London maintains specific regulations for illuminated business signs:

• Constant light intensity: Illuminated signs "must emit light in constant intensity," explicitly prohibiting flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights
• Cut-off fixtures required: A "cut-off type luminaire is required" for illuminated signs
• Glare prevention: Illuminated signs cannot direct beams or illumination onto "public thoroughfares, highways, sidewalks, or adjacent premises in a way that causes glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance"
• Electronic message centers: EMCs in residential districts must have static displays and automatic dimming capabilities
• Installation standards: All wiring and materials for electrically illuminated signs must comply with the National Electric Code (NEC)
• Prohibited features: Strings of lights cannot be used for advertising purposes unless they are part of a sign

Industrial Properties

Industrial facilities have specific glare restrictions:

• Visibility limitation: "No direct or reflected glare shall be permitted which is visible from any property outside an industrial district or from any street"

Construction and Safety Lighting

Temporary Construction Lighting

Safety lighting is mandatory for construction and excavation sites:

• Nighttime warning lights: "No person shall abandon or knowingly permit to remain on public or private property, any excavation, well, cesspool or structure which is in the process of construction, reconstruction, repair or alteration unless the same is adequately protected by suitable barricades and guarded by warning devices or lights at night"
• Public safety focus: These requirements aim to ensure that construction sites "will not reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb"

Planning and Development Requirements

Site Plan Documentation

When submitting development plans in New London, lighting details must be included:

• Comprehensive lighting details: Site plans must show "the location, height, intensity and bulb type (e.g. fluorescent, sodium, incandescent) of all external lighting fixtures"
• Glare prevention plans: Plans must also indicate "the direction of illumination and methods to eliminate glare onto adjoining properties"
• Special conditions: Some conditional use applications may require "special lighting" as determined by the planning authorities

Supporting New London's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate New London's commitment to preserving its unique historical character while ensuring proper illumination for safety and functionality. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share the village's values regarding community character and historical preservation.

Our team recognizes how New London's New England heritage influences its architectural style and community layout. We appreciate the village's balanced approach to lighting regulations that maintain its traditional feel while addressing modern needs.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for New London property owners and businesses seeking to understand and comply with local lighting requirements. Our experience with communities throughout Northeast Ohio has given us valuable insight into how lighting can enhance historical character rather than detract from it.

We're committed to supporting New London's lighting vision through solutions that respect the village's aesthetic while providing proper illumination for safety and functionality.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Tips

Understanding New London's lighting regulations helps ensure your property remains compliant:

• Consider your neighbors: Direct light away from adjacent properties and public rights-of-way
• Choose appropriate fixtures: For signs and exterior lighting, use cut-off type luminaires that control light direction
• Maintain your lighting: Ensure all fixtures remain in good repair and free from electrical hazards
• Plan ahead: Include detailed lighting information in any site plans or development applications
• Seek guidance: When in doubt about a specific lighting requirement, consult with village officials

Common Questions

What lighting is allowed for home-based businesses?

Only non-illuminated signs (maximum six square feet) are permitted for home occupations.

Can parking lot lights shine in any direction?

No, parking lot lights must be arranged to direct illumination away from adjoining properties.

Are flashing or color-changing lights allowed for business signs?

No, illuminated signs must emit light at constant intensity, without flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving effects.

Conclusion

New London's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern safety needs. While not extensively detailed, these regulations focus on preventing light nuisances, ensuring safety lighting where required, and maintaining the village's distinctive character.

Property owners and businesses should pay particular attention to requirements regarding light trespass, sign illumination, and parking area lighting. By understanding and following these regulations, community members help preserve New London's charming ambiance while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

For specific questions about lighting compliance, contacting the Village Administrator's office is recommended, as they oversee public lighting throughout New London.