Lighting Regulations in Saint Bernard, Ohio: Preserving Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Saint Bernard, Ohio, is a charming village with a rich historical tapestry dating back to its incorporation in 1878. Nestled as an enclave within Cincinnati and covering just 1.56 square miles, this small but vibrant community takes pride in its architectural heritage, exemplified by landmarks such as St. Clement Church, originally built in 1871.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects its dual commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These regulations are designed to maintain the distinctive atmosphere that makes Saint Bernard unique while accommodating modern needs.

Organizations like the St. Bernard-Ludlow Grove Historical Society demonstrate the community's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage, which naturally extends to how the village manages its built environment—including lighting.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Saint Bernard:

• Sign Illumination:
• Maximum 70 foot candles at sign face for off-site advertising
• No flashing, moving, laser, strobe, or blinking lights permitted
• External lighting sources only (no internal illumination)
• Ground lighting must not protrude more than 12 inches above grade
• General Lighting:
• Parking area lighting must direct light away from adjoining properties
• Lighting should be appropriate to the district in type, design, and quantity
• Limited use: only for architectural highlights, signs, walkways, and parking areas
• Safety Lighting:
• Construction sites require warning lights at night
• Common halls and stairways (non-single-family) require minimum 60-watt illumination
• Exit pathways in assembly spaces must be adequately lit at all times when occupied

Sign Illumination Requirements

External Lighting Only

Saint Bernard takes a preservation-minded approach to sign lighting. Internal illumination is prohibited, including backlit and neon signage. This requirement maintains the village's traditional aesthetic while still allowing businesses to be visible.

Illumination Specifications

When illuminating signs, property owners must follow these specific guidelines:

• External light sources must be designed and located to prevent direct visibility from streets or residences
• Ground lighting receptacles may not protrude more than 12 inches above grade
• Ground lighting must be fully screened by landscaping
• Off-site advertising signs cannot exceed 70 foot candles at the sign face

Prohibited Lighting Types

To maintain a calm, consistent ambiance throughout the village, Saint Bernard prohibits:

• Flashing lights
• Moving or rotating lights
• Laser-generated illumination
• Strobe lighting
• Blinking or intermittent lights

These restrictions apply to all signage within village boundaries.

Glare Management

Sign lighting must be effectively shielded to prevent light beams from being cast directly onto streets or highways. The regulations specifically require that illumination minimize glare upon public streets and adjoining properties.

General Property Lighting Standards

Appropriate Lighting Approach

Saint Bernard requires that all lighting be appropriate to its district in type, design, location, and quantity. This context-sensitive approach ensures lighting complements the character of different areas within the village.

Limited Application

The village specifies that lighting should be used in a limited manner and only for specific purposes:

• Highlighting architectural details on buildings
• Illuminating signs
• Lighting walkways and parking areas

Parking Area Illumination

Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises. This requirement prevents light trespass that could affect neighboring properties.

Avoiding Objectionable Glare

Village regulations specifically note that development layouts and building designs causing "objectionable glare" are considered detrimental to both the proposed facilities and nearby properties.

Construction and Safety Lighting

Worksite Safety Requirements

Construction sites, excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures undergoing construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night to prevent dangerous conditions.

The regulations explicitly prohibit anyone from extinguishing barricade or warning lights that are placed for public protection.

Interior Common Areas

Interior lighting requirements focus on safety in multi-unit buildings:

• Common halls and stairways (except in single-family dwellings) must be adequately lighted at all times
• Minimum illumination equivalent to a 60-watt light bulb is required
• Illumination must cover all normally traveled stairs and passageways

Assembly Spaces

For portable structures and tents used as places of assembly:

• All exits, aisles, and passageways must be adequately lit whenever occupied
• Artificial light must be provided when natural light is insufficient
• For spaces with capacities exceeding 50 persons, illuminated exit signs are required with transparent green letters at least 5 inches in height

Vacant Property Requirements

Security Lighting Plans

Owners of vacant properties must provide:

• A comprehensive lighting plan for building exteriors, walkways, parking areas
• Special attention to illuminating areas vulnerable to vandalism and vagrancy
• A regular maintenance plan for all exterior lighting fixtures

These requirements help ensure vacant properties remain secure and don't become safety hazards or eyesores within the community.

Landscape Considerations

Preventing Light Obstruction

Property owners must maintain landscaping to ensure it doesn't interfere with lighting infrastructure:

• Trees, plants, or shrubbery must be cut down or removed if they obstruct street lights or wires
• This requirement helps maintain adequate illumination of public areas for safety

What Property Owners Should Know

Documentation Requirements

When submitting plans for development, property owners should be aware of lighting documentation requirements:

• Special lighting fixtures must be indicated in landscaping plans
• Roadway, parking, and pedestrian lighting plans must include fixture types, heights, and designs
• Site plans must detail the illumination of facilities
• For signs, documentation of lighting method and design is required

Historical Considerations

Saint Bernard's historical character influences its approach to lighting regulations. Property owners should consider how their lighting choices will complement the village's architectural heritage.

The St. Bernard-Ludlow Grove Historical Society can be a valuable resource for understanding the historical context that informs the village's aesthetic preferences.

Supporting Saint Bernard's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the delicate balance Saint Bernard seeks to maintain between preserving its historical character and meeting modern lighting needs.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with the architectural styles and community values of villages like Saint Bernard, Bock appreciates the importance of lighting that complements rather than overwhelms historical settings.

Our team recognizes that in communities with a strong preservation ethic, lighting should enhance the existing character while providing necessary functionality. We're committed to helping property owners understand lighting regulations and identify solutions that respect Saint Bernard's unique identity.

With a century of experience working in communities throughout Ohio, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating the specific requirements of local lighting ordinances.

Conclusion

Saint Bernard's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By focusing on appropriate lighting types, minimizing glare, and preventing light trespass, these regulations help maintain the distinctive atmosphere that makes Saint Bernard special.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements when planning any lighting installations or modifications. By working within these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to the village's ongoing efforts to honor its rich history while meeting contemporary needs.

Whether illuminating historic structures, commercial signage, or residential properties, thoughtful lighting that complies with local regulations enhances Saint Bernard's charm and livability for all who call it home.