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

Introduction

Nestled in Ashland County, Perrysville, Ohio carries a rich heritage dating back to the early 19th century. Named after Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, this charming village maintains its historical character through careful attention to development and infrastructure—including lighting.

The approach to lighting in Perrysville reflects both practical safety concerns and the community's dedication to preserving its rural atmosphere. As a small village with deep agricultural roots and historical significance, Perrysville's lighting regulations focus primarily on safety while respecting the village's modest scale and traditional character.

Quick Reference Guide: Perrysville Lighting Requirements

• Construction Sites: Must be guarded by warning lights at night to prevent hazards
• Street Excavations: Require illuminated red lamps during nighttime (minimum two per site)
• Tree Maintenance: Property owners must prune trees to avoid obstructing street lights
• Public Streets: Only officially accepted streets may receive lighting from the Village
• Illuminated Signs: Defined as signs with artificial light sources
• Conditional Uses: Excessive glare is prohibited as it can be detrimental to community welfare

Safety Lighting Requirements

Construction Site Lighting

Safety remains a top priority in Perrysville's lighting regulations. Any property under construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration must be:

• Adequately protected by suitable barricades
• Guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• Maintained so conditions don't prove dangerous to life or limb

These requirements ensure that construction activities—which are inevitable in any growing community—don't pose unnecessary risks to residents.

Street Excavation Warning Lights

When streets, sidewalks, alleys, or other public ways are excavated or obstructed, proper lighting is mandatory:

• Minimum of two illuminated red lamps must be posted at or near each end of the obstruction
• Must be maintained "at all times during the night season"
• For excavations exceeding fifty feet, one additional lamp is required for each additional fifty feet (or portion thereof)

This detailed requirement ensures that nighttime navigation remains safe for residents and visitors alike.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Tree Maintenance for Street Light Clearance

Property owners in Perrysville have specific responsibilities regarding lighting infrastructure:

• Owners or occupants of properties bordering streets must prune trees to prevent obstruction or shading of street lights
• This maintenance requirement ensures effective street lighting throughout the village

This regulation highlights the community-based approach to maintaining infrastructure in Perrysville, with property owners playing an active role in ensuring public lighting effectiveness.

Glare Prevention

While specific technical requirements for light fixtures are limited in Perrysville's code, there is an important provision regarding light impact on neighboring properties:

• Conditional uses must not involve activities that create excessive glare that would be detrimental to:
• Persons
• Property
• The general welfare of the community

This regulation demonstrates Perrysville's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with neighborly consideration.

Village Lighting Infrastructure

Public Street Lighting

The Village of Perrysville maintains clear guidelines about which streets receive public lighting:

• The Village will only light streets that have:
• Been officially accepted as public streets or ways, OR
• Correspond in location and extent with streets shown on a recorded plat legally accepted by Council or the Village

This ensures that lighting resources are dedicated to officially recognized public infrastructure.

Illuminated Signage

The village code provides a straightforward definition of illuminated signs:

• Illuminated Sign: A sign with an artificial source of light for the purpose of illuminating the sign

While detailed regulations regarding sign illumination intensity, hours, or style are not specified in the extracts provided, this definition establishes the basic framework for sign lighting in the village.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Perrysville's Approach to Lighting

Perrysville's lighting regulations reflect its character as a small, historically significant village. Property owners should:

• Recognize that Perrysville takes a minimalist approach to lighting regulation, focusing on safety and consideration for neighbors
• Understand that while specific technical lighting specifications are limited, general principles of safety and non-disturbance apply
• Consult with village officials when planning significant exterior lighting changes, especially in proximity to historic properties

Practical Compliance Tips

For Perrysville property owners, these practical tips can help ensure compliance with existing regulations:

• Maintain trees regularly to keep street lights clear and functioning
• Use directional lighting that minimizes glare onto neighboring properties
• For construction projects, invest in proper nighttime safety lighting
• When unsure about a specific lighting application, check with local officials before installation

Supporting Perrysville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character that communities like Perrysville work to preserve. We share Perrysville's commitment to maintaining historical character while addressing modern safety needs.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles—including the vernacular designs found throughout Perrysville—allows us to support property owners in making lighting choices that complement the village's aesthetic priorities.

As a community partner, Bock Lighting values the balance that small villages like Perrysville must strike between preserving their rural charm and accommodating necessary infrastructure improvements. Our experience working with historical communities provides valuable perspective on integrating appropriate lighting solutions that respect community character.

We're committed to serving as an educational resource about lighting best practices that align with Perrysville's values of historical preservation and community consideration.

Conclusion

Perrysville's lighting regulations reflect its identity as a small, historically rich village with rural roots. While not extensive in technical specifications, the regulations emphasize safety, consideration for neighbors, and maintaining the village's character.

Property owners should focus on ensuring that their lighting choices enhance safety without creating nuisances through excessive glare or obstruction of public lighting. By understanding these priorities, residents can contribute to preserving Perrysville's unique charm while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

As Perrysville continues to balance preservation with modern needs, thoughtful lighting choices remain an important element in maintaining the village's distinctive rural character and historical appeal.