Lighting Regulations in North Perry, Ohio: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled near the shores of Lake Erie, North Perry, Ohio has established thoughtful lighting regulations that reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its semi-rural character while accommodating necessary growth and development. These regulations serve the dual purpose of ensuring public safety while preserving the aesthetic quality that makes North Perry a unique and desirable place to live.

Unlike many larger municipalities, North Perry's approach to lighting is part of its broader strategy to create harmony between development and preservation. The village prioritizes a careful balance that protects its semi-rural atmosphere from excessive light pollution while providing adequate illumination for safety and utility.

Let's explore the specific lighting requirements that property owners, businesses, and developers need to understand when working in North Perry.

Quick Reference Guide to North Perry's Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Light Trespass: 0.5 footcandles at property lines
• Maximum Fixture Height: 24 feet above grade (12 feet for non-cutoff fixtures)
• Required Fixture Types: Full cut-off fixtures required for most applications
• Sign Illumination: Maximum 250 Nits between dusk and dawn
• Canopy Lighting: Must use recessed ceiling fixtures
• Prohibited Elements: Mercury lighting, searchlights, laser lighting, pulsing/flashing lights
• Street Lighting Spacing: Maximum of 200 feet apart in subdivisions

Exterior Lighting Standards for Non-Residential Properties

North Perry's exterior lighting regulations primarily focus on non-residential properties, with special attention to how these installations affect surrounding areas, particularly residential neighborhoods.

Core Principles of North Perry's Lighting Philosophy

The village's lighting regulations are built around three key objectives:

• Safety and Utility: Providing adequate illumination for functional needs
• Minimizing Light Trespass: Controlling light spillover onto adjacent properties
• Reducing Atmospheric Light Pollution: Preserving the night sky visibility

These principles reflect North Perry's commitment to maintaining its semi-rural character while ensuring development meets community standards.

Required Documentation

Before installing exterior lighting on any non-residential property or for non-residential uses in residential districts, you must submit:

• Lighting Plan: Comprehensive documentation showing all outdoor fixtures
• Fixture Specifications: Technical details of all proposed lighting equipment

This requirement helps village officials ensure compliance with regulations before installation.

Technical Specifications and Requirements

North Perry's lighting code includes specific technical parameters all installations must meet:

• Fixture Types: Full cut-off fixtures required for all outdoor lighting except decorative fixtures
• Maximum Height:
• Standard fixtures: 24 feet above grade
• Non-cutoff fixtures: 12 feet above grade
• Building-attached lighting: Cannot exceed building height
• Light Trespass: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at any property line
• Uniformity: Parking areas must have uniform lighting (no "hot spots" or dark areas)
• Prohibited Lighting Types:
• Mercury lighting
• Search lights
• Laser lighting
• Pulsing or flashing lights
• Lights that simulate motion

Canopy and Awning Lighting

For businesses with covered areas such as gas stations or drive-throughs:

• Lighting attached to canopies must use recessed ceiling fixtures
• Surface-mounted fixtures on the underside of canopies are not permitted
• The same light trespass restrictions apply to canopy lighting

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

North Perry has established clear guidelines for illuminated signage to maintain community aesthetics while allowing for effective business visibility:

• Light Sources: Must not be visible from any premises other than where the sign is located
• Beam Direction: Cannot direct illumination toward public thoroughfares or adjacent properties
• Light Intensity: Must remain constant (no flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving lights)
• Maximum Brightness: 250 Nits between dusk and dawn

External Illumination Requirements

If you choose to light signs from an external source:

• Fixtures: Must be fully shielded lighting fixtures or luminaires
• Positioning: Arranged to direct light only onto the sign surface
• Glare Control: Must prevent light spillover onto roads or adjacent properties

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

North Perry permits EMCs in specific zoning districts with these restrictions:

• Permitted Locations: C-1 Commercial District and M-1 Mixed Use Light Industrial/Office District
• Size Limitations: Cannot exceed 50% of total permitted sign area
• Quantity: Only one EMC permitted per lot with US 20 frontage
• Display Requirements:
• Minimum display time of 8 seconds per message
• Maximum transition time of 3 seconds between messages
• Automatic dimming controls required
• Prohibited Features: Animation, continuous scrolling, flashing, spinning, rotating effects

Specific Requirements for Different Property Types

Industrial Properties

North Perry's industrial districts (I-1 Light Industrial and I-2 General Industrial) emphasize development free from glare. This means industrial lighting must be:

• Designed to minimize light spread beyond property boundaries
• Positioned to avoid direct visibility from adjacent properties
• Shielded to prevent glare affecting roadways

Recreational Facilities

Parks, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities have special considerations:

• Maximum Height: Lighting fixtures cannot exceed 35 feet
• Focus Requirements: Flood lighting must focus illumination on playfields, buildings, and parking areas
• Glare Prevention: Design must prevent light spillover onto surrounding residences

Home-Based Businesses

For residents operating businesses from their homes:

• No equipment or process may create glare that affects neighboring properties
• Lighting additions for home occupations must not change the residential character of the property

Street Lighting in Subdivisions

New subdivisions in North Perry must include street lighting that meets these specifications:

• Underground Wiring: All electric supply must be in underground cables
• Approval Process: Planning Commission must approve lighting designs
• Neighborhood Compatibility: Lighting must harmonize with architecture and other North Perry subdivisions
• Glare Control: Must avoid direct light into existing homes
• Spacing: Maximum distance of 200 feet between fixtures
• Intersection Requirements: All intersections must have lighting at each corner
• Ownership: Lighting must be supported and paid for by a property owners association

Supporting North Perry's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands and appreciates North Perry's commitment to preserving its semi-rural character while ensuring safety and functionality through proper lighting.

Bock Lighting shares North Perry's values of balancing modern needs with environmental sensitivity. Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting requirements positions us as a knowledgeable resource for property owners navigating North Perry's lighting regulations.

We recognize that each community has unique characteristics and needs. North Perry's emphasis on controlling light pollution and maintaining its semi-rural atmosphere aligns with our philosophy of responsible, thoughtful lighting design that enhances rather than detracts from community character.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities like North Perry through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices, helping maintain the unique qualities that make the village a special place to live and work.

Conclusion

North Perry's lighting regulations reflect the village's thoughtful approach to development and preservation. By establishing clear guidelines for illumination, the community maintains its semi-rural character while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and utility.

Property owners, businesses, and developers should consider these regulations early in their planning process to ensure compliance and avoid costly adjustments later. The village's emphasis on controlling light trespass, minimizing glare, and reducing atmospheric light pollution serves both current residents and future generations.

These regulations embody North Perry's commitment to maintaining a harmonious balance between growth and preservation—a balance that has helped define the village's unique character and quality of life.