Lighting Regulations in Newburgh Heights, Ohio: Preserving Community Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled just south of Cleveland, the village of Newburgh Heights carries a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1904. With roots as part of the economically significant Newburgh Township, this primarily residential community reached its population peak in 1930 and has since maintained its small-town character.

As Newburgh Heights works toward creating a comprehensive Master Plan to align local leaders with the community's future vision, lighting regulations play a subtle but important role in preserving the village's historical charm while meeting modern needs.

While Newburgh Heights has relatively few specific lighting regulations compared to some municipalities, the existing guidelines reflect the village's commitment to maintaining a pleasant residential environment with appropriate illumination for safety and aesthetics.

Quick Reference Guide

The most critical lighting requirements in Newburgh Heights include:

• Purpose of lighting regulations: Ensure adequate lighting for safety while maintaining a pleasant night environment
• Shielding requirements: Flood lighting must be shielded from residences and public right-of-way
• Brightness standards: Exterior lighting should not be excessively bright
• Glare minimization: Lighting must minimize glare on neighboring properties
• Parking area requirements: Non-residential parking must be illuminated with shielded light sources
• Tree maintenance: Trees must be pruned to prevent obstruction of street lamp light
• Planning requirements: Site plans must indicate lighting locations and fixtures

General Lighting Standards

Purpose and Intent

Newburgh Heights' lighting regulations aim to create a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The code specifically states that outdoor lighting should be:

• Adequate for safety and convenience
• Appropriately scaled with the activity and surroundings
• Properly directed to the intended surface or activity
• Designed thoughtfully to contribute to a pleasant nighttime environment

Brightness and Glare Control

The village places significant emphasis on preventing light pollution and nuisance to neighboring properties:

• Exterior lighting must not be of "excessive brightness"
• Light placement must minimize glare on neighboring properties
• Illumination must not create safety hazards for users or occupants of adjacent premises
• Floodlighting must be shielded from residences and public rights-of-way

Planning and Approval Process

When submitting development plans in Newburgh Heights, lighting must be included in documentation:

• Site plans must indicate lighting locations
• Landscape plans must show lighting fixtures
• Building elevations must display types of illumination planned

Street Lighting and Public Safety

Tree Maintenance for Optimal Street Lighting

Newburgh Heights places importance on maintaining clear sight lines for street lighting:

• Property owners must prune tree branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• The village reserves the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they interfere with street light spread
• This ensures proper illumination of public ways for safety and security

Luminaire Standards

When replacing or installing street lighting:

• All luminaire mast arms must match the length, arch, and style of the original luminaire arm
• Exceptions must be specifically approved by the Village

Parking Area Illumination

Requirements for Non-Residential Properties

The village code requires illumination for parking areas serving non-residential uses:

• Mandatory installation: All non-residential parking spaces must have illumination
• Shielding design: Light sources must be designed and located to shield residential properties
• Public right-of-way protection: Illumination must not spill excessively onto public streets
• Safety considerations: Brightness levels must not create hazards for users or adjacent properties

Residential Exemption

• Residential properties are exempt from mandatory parking area illumination requirements

Sign Illumination Regulations

Types of Illumination

The village has specific regulations regarding how signs may be illuminated:

• External illumination is permitted in all districts with proper shielding
• Internal illumination is prohibited in Residential and Parkland Districts
• Monument signs in non-residential districts may use external lights or internal lighting (with 75% opaque face)
• Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) are prohibited in residential districts
• Exposed neon tubing requires specific Planning Commission approval

Brightness and Color Controls

To maintain aesthetic quality and prevent distraction:

• Light sources must not be of "excessive brightness"
• Colors red, yellow, or green are prohibited where they might interfere with traffic signals
• White is the only permitted light color in residential areas or within 500 feet of such areas
• Holiday lighting during seasonal periods is exempt from these color restrictions

Prohibited Lighting Features

Several lighting features are explicitly prohibited:

• Animated signs with changing lighting
• Exposed light bulbs and strings of lights not mounted to rigid backgrounds
• Flashing signs with intermittent illumination
• Searchlights and spotlights used as advertising devices

Building Illumination

Architectural Lighting Restrictions

The village places limits on how buildings may be illuminated:

• Advertising lighting: Bright lighting of roofs or buildings for advertising is prohibited
• Outline lighting: Illuminating the outlines of buildings, roofs, or windows is not permitted
• Non-residential buildings: Illumination requires Planning Commission discretionary approval
• Review factors: Location and proximity to public streets and residential areas are considered

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidelines for Compliance

When planning lighting for your property in Newburgh Heights:

• Focus on functionality: Ensure lighting serves its intended purpose without excess
• Consider neighbors: Position lights to avoid direct glare into neighboring properties
• Shield appropriately: Use fixtures that direct light downward or to specific targets
• Maintain trees: Regularly prune trees that might block street lighting
• Consult early: For commercial properties, discuss lighting plans with village officials during initial planning stages

Common Compliance Issues

Be aware of these frequent lighting-related challenges:

• Overly bright security lights that spill onto neighboring properties
• Unshielded floodlights creating glare for pedestrians or drivers
• Decorative lighting that may require approval in certain contexts
• Trees blocking street lights, creating safety concerns

Supporting Newburgh Heights' Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Newburgh Heights. We appreciate the village's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with preservation of its historical residential character.

Bock Lighting shares Newburgh Heights' values of creating safe, pleasant environments through thoughtful illumination. Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners seeking to enhance their properties while respecting community standards.

We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Newburgh Heights' vision as it develops its Master Plan. Our local presence enables us to better understand community needs and provide educational resources about lighting regulations and best practices.

Conclusion

Newburgh Heights' lighting regulations reflect its character as a primarily residential community with a rich history. While not as extensive as some municipalities, the village's lighting guidelines emphasize safety, aesthetic harmony, and consideration for neighboring properties.

As the village continues to develop its Master Plan and vision for the future, lighting will remain an important element in creating an environment that honors its past while meeting present needs. Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to maintaining Newburgh Heights' small-town charm and community character.

By focusing on appropriate illumination that enhances safety without creating nuisance, residents and businesses can help preserve the qualities that make Newburgh Heights a unique and pleasant place to live.