Lighting Regulations in Northwood, Ohio: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Nestled in northwest Ohio, the city of Northwood combines residential charm with commercial development along areas like Tracy Road. Since becoming a city in 1982, Northwood has established regulations that reflect its commitment to community safety, functionality, and aesthetic priorities. Understanding the lighting regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers.

Quick Reference Guide

• Maximum Light Intensity: 1 foot-candle at any property line or right-of-way line
• Required Documentation: Photometric plan for all outdoor lighting improvements
• Outdoor Lighting Requirements: Must be steady, stationary, and shielded to avoid glare
• Sign Illumination: Lighting must be concentrated on sign area to prevent glare
• LED/Changeable Signs: May change display every 8 seconds (transitions limited to 2 seconds)

Outdoor Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Northwood has established clear guidelines for outdoor lighting to ensure safety while preventing nuisance to neighboring properties. Section 1250.18 outlines these requirements:

• All permanent outdoor lighting used for area lighting, building floodlighting, or security must be:
• Steady and stationary (no flickering or moving lights)
• Properly shielded to direct light appropriately
• Positioned to avoid glare for motorists, pedestrians, and adjacent premises

Light Intensity Limitations

To prevent light pollution and trespass onto neighboring properties:

• The maximum light intensity at any property line or right-of-way line cannot exceed one foot-candle from the site
• This requirement helps ensure that your lighting doesn't negatively impact your neighbors

Documentation Requirements

Before installing outdoor lighting, be aware that:

• A photometric plan must be submitted to the City for all outdoor lighting improvements
• This plan is required for all site plan submittals and approvals
• For residential districts or residential use in agricultural districts, a plan may be required by the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Coordinator

Special Lighting Applications

Subdivision Development Lighting

Developers planning new subdivisions should note:

• Street lighting must be installed at the sole cost of the developer
• Requirements include:
• Ornamental poles
• Underground wiring
• Lighting intensity as recommended by the electric company
• Trees must be located to not block visibility or affect street lights

Warning and Safety Lighting

For construction and work zones:

• Excavations in streets or public places must be guarded with proper lights to warn and protect persons and animals
• Nighttime obstructions of public ways require:
• At least two illuminated red lamps at each end of the obstruction
• For obstructions exceeding fifty feet, one additional lamp for each added fifty feet

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Rules

Northwood has specific regulations governing sign illumination:

• Prohibited lighting types:
• No flashing signs
• No moving signs
• No animated signs
• Changeable signs (such as LED):
• May change display every 8 seconds
• Transitions must take no longer than 2 seconds

Sign-Specific Lighting Standards

Different types of signs have specific illumination requirements:

Wall Signs

• Lighting is permitted provided illumination is concentrated on the sign area
• Must prevent glare upon streets and adjacent properties

Ground Signs

• Both internal and external illumination permitted
• External lighting must concentrate on the sign area
• Must prevent glare upon streets and adjacent properties

Pole Signs

• Internal illumination is permitted
• External illumination is permitted if concentrated on the sign area
• Must prevent glare upon streets and adjacent properties

Temporary Signs

• Must be non-illuminated

Lighting in Commercial and Industrial Districts

Industrial Districts (M-1 and M-2)

In industrial zones, special lighting allowances and restrictions apply:

• Illuminated, non-flashing ground and/or pole signs may be up to 100 square feet in area
• Non-flashing illuminated signs of any size may be attached to the main building or structure
• Cannot extend more than 10 feet from the main building in any direction

Commercial Areas

The Planning Commission may address "the direction and intensity of outdoor illumination" when approving conditional uses in commercial areas.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Landscape Maintenance

Property owners should be aware that:

• You are responsible for pruning trees or shrubs on your property bordering rights-of-way
• Vegetation must not shade or obstruct street lights

Light Trespass Prevention

To be a good neighbor and comply with regulations:

• Ensure your lighting doesn't cause "offensive glare"
• Position signage so it doesn't "cause excessive lighting to be directed to adjacent property"
• Remember the 1 foot-candle maximum at property lines

Supporting Northwood's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of communities like Northwood. With roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, we share Northwood's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetics in lighting design.

As a regional manufacturer with deep understanding of the area's architectural styles and lighting needs, we appreciate the importance of regulations that maintain community character while ensuring proper illumination for safety and security.

Northwood's transition from village to city status in 1982 marked an important step in defining its community standards, including those for lighting. We recognize the importance of these standards in creating the distinctive environment that makes Northwood special.

Our expertise in helping communities navigate lighting regulations comes from decades of experience working with municipalities throughout Northeast Ohio. We're committed to serving as an educational resource for property owners and developers seeking to understand and comply with local lighting requirements.

Conclusion

Northwood's lighting regulations serve multiple purposes: enhancing safety, preventing nuisance to neighbors, and maintaining the community's aesthetic quality. The primary requirements focus on controlling light intensity at property lines, ensuring proper shielding to prevent glare, and requiring appropriate documentation through photometric plans.

Property owners should particularly note the 1 foot-candle maximum light intensity at property lines, the requirement for steady and stationary lighting sources, and the need for proper shielding to direct light appropriately. By following these guidelines, you'll help maintain Northwood's community standards while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

For specific questions about your lighting project's compliance with local regulations, contacting Northwood's Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Coordinator is recommended before installation.