Lighting Regulations in Portsmouth, Ohio: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Standards

In the historic river city of Portsmouth, where 19th-century architecture meets modern urban needs, lighting regulations play a crucial role in preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality. Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, Portsmouth's rich architectural heritage dates back to its incorporation in 1815, creating a unique aesthetic that city regulations aim to protect.

The city's approach to lighting blends practical considerations with respect for its historical districts, creating standards that maintain Portsmouth's distinctive character while meeting contemporary needs.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Regulations in Portsmouth:

• Color Temperature Limit: Maximum 3000 Kelvin between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Fixture Requirements: Cut-off type shielding required for all fixtures
• Light Direction: Most light must be directed downward
• Light Trespass: Lighting cannot create nuisance or glare for neighboring properties
• Multiple Dwellings: Minimum 3 foot-candles illumination required in public areas
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations and obstructions
• Sign Illumination: Must be shielded from residential areas with brightness limitations

Outdoor Lighting Standards

Maximum Color Temperature

Portsmouth's code (Section 1137.07) establishes clear parameters for outdoor lighting:

• No outdoor lighting may exceed a correlated color temperature of 3000 Kelvin between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Lighting must maintain constant intensity over time
• The City of Portsmouth is exempt from these outdoor lighting standards

Fixture Design and Shielding

The code places emphasis on proper fixture design to minimize light pollution:

• All light fixtures must have cut-off type shielding so light is reflected downwards
• Visible light from the top of fixtures is prohibited
• All lighting must be directed, reflected, or shielded to prevent excessive brightness

Up-Lighting Permissions

Rules for architectural lighting vary by district:

• Up-lighting to highlight building features is generally permitted in most districts
• Rural Districts, Hillside Neighborhood Districts, and Traditional Neighborhood Districts have special restrictions for up-lighting:
• Must be directed toward the intended building features
• Cannot trespass onto neighboring properties
• Must not cause glare for neighbors, pedestrians, or vehicles

Avoiding Light Trespass

The regulations specifically address potential impacts on neighboring properties:

• Lighting cannot create a nuisance or unreasonably interfere with neighboring property enjoyment
• Light must not cause hazardous glare for pedestrians or drivers
• For certain industrial uses, glare or heat must be screened to prevent perception beyond property lines

Residential & Multi-Family Lighting Requirements

Multiple Dwelling Standards

Section 1351.06 outlines specific requirements for apartment buildings and multi-family dwellings:

• Public hallways, corridors, and stairways:
• Minimum 3 foot-candles illumination at all times
• Can be natural or artificial lighting
• Common areas (boiler rooms, laundries, basements, etc.):
• Minimum 3 foot-candles illumination on every part
• Must have appropriate electrical lighting facilities

Dwelling Unit Requirements

Every dwelling must meet specific electrical and lighting requirements:

• Habitable rooms: At least two separate wall/floor electrical outlets, or one outlet plus one ceiling light fixture
• Bathrooms and utility rooms: At least one ceiling-type light fixture
• Public halls: At least one ceiling or wall-type light fixture
• Two-family and multi-family dwellings: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times

Specific Fixture Placements

The code requires:

• UL listed pull-chain fixtures at:
• Distribution panels
• Furnace areas
• Laundry areas
• Basement stair fixtures with switch control at the top of stairs

Safety and Construction Lighting

Hazard Prevention

Portsmouth's code emphasizes lighting for public safety:

• Excavations and construction sites must be guarded by warning lights at night
• No removal or damage to warning lights or barricades is permitted
• Cellar openings and vaults with entrances to public areas must have lights when open between twilight and morning

Tree Management for Light Access

Property owners must maintain trees to ensure street lighting remains effective:

• Tree branches overhanging streets must be pruned so they do not obstruct light from street lamps
• This maintenance requirement helps ensure public safety through adequate street illumination

Outdoor Entertainment Venues

Special restrictions apply to outdoor entertainment venues:

• If within 1,000 feet of residential areas, operations producing noise and light are restricted to 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Timer-operated lighted ball fields and recreation areas may be used until 11:00 p.m.

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Illumination Standards

Portsmouth's code provides clear guidelines for illuminated signs:

• Light sources must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Illumination must not be excessively bright near residential areas
• External and internal illumination is permitted in most districts
• Beacon lights are not permitted
• No colored lights that could be confused with traffic control devices

Prohibited Lighting Types

The code specifically prohibits:

• Exposed reflective bulbs and strobe lights exceeding 15 watts on exterior sign surfaces
• Strings of light bulbs as part of signs (with certain exceptions)
• Flame as a light source

Permit Requirements

Applications for illuminated signs must include:

• Number and types of lamps
• Lens material details
• Written statement that illumination meets shielding and brightness requirements
• Electrical inspection and permit for signs with outside power sources

Supporting Portsmouth's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Portsmouth's commitment to balancing historical character with modern lighting needs. We understand the unique challenges faced by historic river cities like Portsmouth, where preserving 19th-century architectural heritage while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality requires thoughtful approaches.

Our experience with communities similar to Portsmouth has given us insight into lighting solutions that respect local architectural styles and community values. As lighting regulations evolve, we remain committed to serving as an educational resource to help community members understand and navigate compliance requirements.

The architectural heritage of Portsmouth deserves lighting that enhances rather than detracts from its historic charm. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a knowledgeable partner for property owners seeking to maintain the distinctive character of Portsmouth's historic areas while meeting modern lighting standards.

Conclusion

Portsmouth's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. From specific technical requirements for outdoor fixtures to detailed standards for residential illumination, these regulations help maintain the city's unique aesthetic while providing adequate lighting.

Property owners should pay particular attention to fixture shielding requirements, color temperature limitations, and restrictions on light trespass. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to Portsmouth's efforts to balance modern lighting needs with respect for its architectural heritage.

Whether illuminating historic buildings along the riverfront or ensuring properly lit residential properties, these regulations help Portsmouth maintain its distinctive character as a historic river city while meeting contemporary lighting standards.