Lighting Regulations in New Washington, Ohio: Balancing Small-Town Charm with Modern Needs

Introduction

New Washington, Ohio, a village incorporated in 1874, is known for its small-town charm and historical significance. Located in Crawford County, this close-knit community has carefully balanced growth and development with preservation of its historical character. Like many small towns with 19th-century roots, New Washington has established lighting regulations that reflect its unique character and community values.

These lighting regulations help maintain the village's aesthetic appeal while ensuring public safety and comfort for residents. Understanding these requirements is essential for property owners, businesses, and anyone considering construction or renovation in New Washington.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in New Washington:

• Residential Properties:
• Floodlights and searchlights must not cause hazards or annoyance to neighbors
• Home occupations must not create glare beyond the premises
• Residential sign illumination permitted only for nameplates and institutional bulletin boards
• Commercial Properties:
• Parking areas must be illuminated for public safety
• Light sources must be shielded from neighboring residential areas
• Business signs may be illuminated with proper shielding
• Parking lot lighting only permitted during business hours (except safety lighting)
• All Properties:
• Trees must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lamp light
• Christmas display lighting exempt from standard lighting restrictions

Residential Lighting Requirements

General Residential Guidelines

New Washington's regulations reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its peaceful residential atmosphere. Floodlights and searchlights are specifically mentioned in the code with clear restrictions.

Floodlight and Searchlight Rules:

• Must not cause hazards to the general public
• Must not create annoyance to neighboring property occupants
• Must be positioned to minimize light impact on adjacent properties

Home-Based Businesses

For residents operating home occupations, additional lighting considerations apply:

• No equipment (including lighting) may be used that creates glare beyond the premises
• Lighting must not cause electrical disturbances that affect neighboring properties

Trees and Street Lighting

Maintaining proper illumination of public spaces is a shared responsibility:

• Property owners must prune tree branches that obstruct street lamp light
• Branches must be pruned to maintain clear visibility at street intersections
• The Village reserves the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property if they interfere with street light distribution

Commercial and Business Lighting

Parking and Loading Areas

Safety and consideration for neighboring properties guide New Washington's approach to commercial lighting:

• Required Illumination: Parking and loading areas must be illuminated when necessary for public safety
• Design Requirements:
• Light sources must be shielded from adjoining residential districts and streets
• Illumination must not be of excessive brightness
• Lighting must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers

Business District Considerations

The Planning Commission has authority to require additional measures:

• May mandate a six-foot wall or fence placed at least 10 feet inside business district boundaries
• Purpose is specifically to shield adjacent residential areas from parking lot illumination

Hours of Operation

To minimize impact on residential areas:

• Operating Hours Only: Parking lot lighting is permitted only during the hours the establishment is in operation
• Exception: Safety lighting may remain on after hours

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Residential Signs

The code provides clear guidance on residential signage illumination:

• One nameplate (not exceeding two square feet) is permitted per dwelling unit
• Illumination is permitted for these nameplates
• Institutional bulletin boards may also be illuminated
• Other signs in residential districts may not be illuminated

Business and Industrial Signs

More flexibility is provided for commercial areas:

• All signs in business and industrial districts may be illuminated
• Technical Requirements:
• Light sources must be reflected and shielded
• Illumination must not be excessively bright
• Lighting must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• Lighting must not be objectionable to adjacent residential areas

Special Considerations

• Red or green illumination (direct or reflected) is prohibited where it might interfere with traffic signals
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination and "outline lighting" are not permitted by right
• These may be allowed as a Conditional Use, but with maximum sign area reduced by half
• Permit applications must include detailed information about illumination methods

Special Situations

Swimming Pool Lighting

New Washington provides specific guidelines for pool illumination:

• Private Pools: Lighting fixtures must be designed and positioned to avoid casting direct rays of excessive brightness upon adjoining residential lots
• Club Pools: Same lighting regulations as private pools apply
• Commercial Pools: Must comply with all regulations applicable to club pools

Construction Sites

Safety is paramount during construction:

• Construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration sites must be adequately protected
• Warning lights are required at night to ensure the condition will not prove dangerous

Holiday Exceptions

The village recognizes the importance of seasonal traditions:

• Christmas display lighting is specifically exempted from the standard lighting regulations

Supporting New Washington's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares New Washington's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing practical modern needs. We understand the delicate balance small towns like New Washington must maintain between growth and preservation of community identity.

Bock Lighting appreciates the architectural heritage and lighting needs unique to communities like New Washington. Our experience with projects that respect community character and comply with local regulations positions us as a resource for residents and businesses navigating lighting requirements.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with New Washington's vision for maintaining its small-town charm. As a local presence in Northeast Ohio, we have a deeper understanding of the region's distinctive character and can help support the village's lighting goals.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When considering new exterior lighting or modifications:

• Review regulations based on your property type (residential, commercial, etc.)
• Consider impacts on neighboring properties, especially at property boundaries
• Remember that functional requirements (safety, security) must be balanced with aesthetic considerations

Common Compliance Issues

• Light Trespass: The most frequent concern is light extending beyond property lines
• Excessive Brightness: Subjective but important standard mentioned throughout the code
• Improper Shielding: Many violations stem from inadequate shielding of light sources

Permit Requirements

Sign permits require specific documentation of illumination methods. Always check with village officials regarding permit requirements for lighting projects.

Conclusion

New Washington's lighting regulations reflect its character as a historically-rich small town balancing preservation with modern needs. The village's approach focuses on preventing nuisance lighting while ensuring adequate illumination for safety.

Property owners should particularly note requirements for shielding, brightness limitations, and special considerations for different property types. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining the distinctive charm that makes New Washington special.

For specific questions about compliance or to address situations not covered in this overview, contact the New Washington village officials directly.