Lighting Regulations in Parma, Ohio: A Complete Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Parma, Ohio, with its rich historical background dating back to the early 19th century, has transformed from agricultural farmland to Cleveland's largest suburb. The city experienced explosive growth after World War II, with the population nearly tripling between 1950 and 1960. This rapid suburban expansion shaped many of Parma's neighborhoods and established the foundation for the community we know today.

As Parma has evolved, so too have its regulations around exterior lighting. These regulations aim to balance the suburban comfort and family-friendly values that define Parma while ensuring public safety, preventing nuisances, and maintaining the quality of life for its approximately 80,000 residents.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of Parma's most important lighting regulations:

• Residential Properties: All outside entryways require at least one lighting fixture with 100-watt minimum bulbs
• Parking Lots: Must be thoroughly illuminated for safety with shielding from residential areas
• Common Areas in Apartments: Minimum 3 foot-candles of illumination required throughout
• Light Trespass Prevention: Exterior lighting must be shielded to prevent spillage onto neighboring properties
• Electronic Signs: Maximum nighttime luminance of 250 cd/m² (candelas per square meter)
• Construction Sites: Red lanterns or amber lights required every 10 feet around excavations

Residential Lighting Requirements

Entryway Lighting

Parma places significant emphasis on adequate lighting for residential safety:

• All outside entryways (except doors leading from attached garages) must be equipped with at least one lighting fixture attached to the dwelling
• Lights must have bulbs of at least 100 watts
• Lighting must be controllable from inside the house
• This lighting is required in addition to any auxiliary lighting on the property perimeter
• Flood lighting is considered supplementary and cannot serve as the primary lighting

Emergency Beacon Lights

Parma offers an emergency beacon light program for residents:

• Limited to two emergency beacon lights per household
• Pricing structure:
• Seniors (65+) and medically/physically challenged residents: $2.00 per light (proof required)
• All others (non-senior Parma residents and non-Parma residents): $6.00 per light

Commercial Property Lighting

Parking Lot Illumination

Parking areas in Parma must follow specific lighting standards:

• Purpose: Thoroughly illuminated whenever necessary to protect public safety
• Light Direction: Illumination must be designed so light sources are shielded from adjoining residential districts and streets
• Brightness Control: Must not be excessively bright or cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• Permit Fees: $25.00 each for up to 5 poles, $10.00 each thereafter

Light Trespass Prevention

Parma has several regulations aimed at preventing light pollution and nuisance:

• Spotlighting/Floodlighting: All sources of light for spotlighting or floodlighting buildings or grounds must be shielded to prevent direct visibility from adjacent properties or public streets
• Exterior Illumination: Must be positioned to avoid reasonable objections from other property owners
• Glare Control: Operations producing intense glare must be enclosed or screened to prevent visibility from residential areas or public streets

Development Requirements

New developments must consider lighting in their planning:

• Lighting Plans: Required to show proposed fixtures, locations, and lumen levels
• Zero Foot Candles: Plans must demonstrate zero foot candles at all property lines
• Public Safety Review: The Director of Public Safety reviews the location and type of proposed outdoor lighting installations

Multi-Family Dwelling Requirements

Common Area Illumination

Multiple dwellings must maintain specific lighting levels in shared spaces:

• Public Areas: All hallways, corridors, and stairways require illumination equal to at least 3 foot-candles throughout
• Utility Areas: Boiler rooms, laundries, basements, and other common areas also require minimum 3 foot-candle illumination
• Code Official Authority: The Code Official may increase these requirements if reflected light is deemed inadequate for safety
• Dance Halls: All stairways and passages must be kept clear and well-lit
• "Moonlight Dances": Not permitted unless there is sufficient light for patrons to be easily seen

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Self-Storage Facilities

Self-storage properties have specific security lighting requirements:

• Must have security measures including adequate property lighting
• Electrical service to storage units is restricted to lighting and climate control only
• Lighting fixtures and switches must be of secure design to prevent tampering

Construction Sites

Safety lighting is mandatory at construction and excavation sites:

• Required Lighting: Red glass globed lanterns, amber lights, or other approved warning devices
• Placement: One light for every ten feet of excavation or obstruction
• Duration: Must be displayed and maintained throughout the night

Telecommunications Towers

Lighting of telecommunications towers is carefully regulated:

• Towers under 150 feet should not be artificially lit except for safety or FAA requirements
• Towers between 150-200 feet must follow FAA safety marking and obstruction lighting requirements
• Security lighting is permitted around equipment shelters

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

Digital signs with variable messaging have specific requirements:

• Must include automatic brightness controls (photocell or software) keyed to ambient light
• Maximum luminance levels:
• Nighttime (beginning 15 minutes before sunset until 15 minutes after sunrise): 250 cd/m² (candelas per square meter)
• Daytime: 5,000 cd/m²
• Must be turned off promptly if malfunctioning

General Sign Lighting

• In residential districts, only certain signs (electronic message centers, nameplates, and bulletin boards) may be illuminated
• All signs in non-residential districts may be illuminated
• Illumination must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination is prohibited (with specific exceptions for digital billboards and electronic message centers)

Adult Entertainment Business Lighting

Adult entertainment venues have strict lighting requirements designed to ensure safety and compliance:

• Minimum Illumination: Not less than five foot-candles measured at floor level
• Coverage: All areas accessible to patrons, including restrooms
• Maintenance: Required whenever patrons are present
• Power Failures: Business must close immediately until minimum illumination is restored
• Regulatory Purpose: Lighting requirements help enforce laws and deter illegal activities

Supporting Parma's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of suburban communities like Parma. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate the balance Parma seeks between safety, functionality, and neighborhood comfort in its lighting regulations.

Our team recognizes that Parma's post-war suburban development created distinctive neighborhoods that benefit from thoughtful lighting solutions that respect community standards while enhancing safety and security. With our deep understanding of local architectural styles and regional needs, we're committed to helping property owners navigate lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting shares Parma's commitment to family-friendly communities where lighting enhances safety without creating nuisances. Our expertise is available as a resource to help maintain the suburban character that makes Parma special, while supporting the city's focus on infrastructure and quality of life.

Conclusion

Parma's lighting regulations reflect its suburban character and emphasis on family-friendly neighborhoods. From residential entryway requirements to commercial property standards, these regulations aim to enhance safety while preventing light pollution and nuisances.

Property owners should pay particular attention to shielding requirements for exterior lighting, illumination levels for multi-family common areas, and the specific technical standards for electronic signs. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to the well-lit, safe, and comfortable community that Parma strives to maintain.

For specific questions about compliance with lighting regulations, property owners should consult with Parma's Building Department or Planning Commission to ensure their lighting installations meet all local requirements.