Lighting Regulations in Saint Clairsville, Ohio: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Illumination

Introduction

Saint Clairsville, aptly nicknamed "Paradise on the Hilltop," has a rich architectural heritage dating back to its founding in 1802. The city's Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, showcases beautiful Victorian-era buildings including the iconic Belmont County Courthouse and Clarendon Hotel along Main Street.

In this community where historical preservation meets modern development, lighting regulations play a crucial role in maintaining Saint Clairsville's distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. Understanding these regulations helps property owners contribute to the city's charming ambiance while avoiding potential compliance issues.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Exterior Lighting: Must be shaded to avoid casting direct light onto other properties or public streets
• Parking Lots: When used after dark, must provide minimum 2.5 foot candles at pavement surface (Corridor District exempt)
• TND District Street Lights: Maximum height of 18 feet, installed on both sides of streets at intervals no longer than 75 feet
• Electronic Message Signs: Limited to 5,000 nits during day, 500 nits at night; must include automatic dimming
• Historic Downtown District: Special permits required for altering street lighting facilities
• Underground Requirements: Utility lines including street lighting should be underground when feasible

Historic Downtown District Lighting Requirements

Special Permit Protection

Saint Clairsville's Historic Downtown District enjoys special protection when it comes to street lighting facilities. According to city regulations, no street lighting within this district can be damaged, changed, altered, removed, reconstructed, marked upon, painted, cut, or excavated without obtaining a permit from the Architectural Board of Review.

Defined Historic District Areas

This special protection applies specifically to:

• Main Street from Butler Street to Sugar Street
• Marietta Street from Newell Avenue to Woodrow Avenue
• Market Street from Newell Avenue to Woodrow Avenue
• Any portion of buildings visible from these streets that fronts on the mentioned streets

Design Standards for Lighting

For any repair or replacement of street lighting facilities in the Historic Downtown District, the city has adopted specific design standards. These standards are based on the as-built engineering plans and specifications prepared by the city's engineering consultant, dated December 1990, which are available in the office of the Director of Public Service.

Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) District Lighting

Human-Scale Lighting Philosophy

The TND District embraces a "human scale" lighting approach, with regulations specifically favoring more, smaller lights rather than fewer high-intensity fixtures. This philosophy helps maintain the neighborhood character while providing adequate illumination.

Specific Requirements

TND District lighting requirements include:

• Maximum Height: Street light structures must not exceed 18 feet
• Placement: Lights must be installed on both sides of streets
• Spacing: Intervals between lights cannot exceed 75 feet parallel to the street
• Directional Control: Building, wall, and freestanding exterior fixtures must be directed downward to reduce glare onto adjacent properties and streets

Precedence of Regulations

It's worth noting that if TND District lighting provisions conflict with general municipal lighting policy, the TND District provisions prevail.

Exterior Lighting for Properties

Light Trespass Prevention

One consistent requirement throughout Saint Clairsville is that exterior lighting must be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting direct light upon any other property or public street. This regulation applies to both general properties and accessory structures like swimming pools for single-family dwellings.

Parking Lot Illumination

For commercial and other non-residential properties:

• Parking lots used during non-daylight hours must be illuminated
• Illumination must provide not less than 2.5 foot candles at the paved surface
• Light must be arranged to reflect away from adjacent properties
• The Corridor District is exempt from these specific requirements

Signage Lighting Regulations

Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign Restrictions

Electronic variable message signs have specific illumination requirements:

• Operating Hours: Must not be lit between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
• Maximum Brightness:
• Dawn to dusk: No greater than 5,000 nits
• Other times: No greater than 500 nits
• Technical Requirements:
• Must be equipped with an automatic dimming device
• Must freeze or go blank in case of malfunction

Other Signage Lighting Considerations

• Informational signs shall not be illuminated except from a concealed light source that does not flash, blink, or fluctuate
• Applications for new signs must specify the method of illumination
• Common Signage Plans must specify standards for consistency in lighting

Construction and Safety Lighting

Nighttime Safety Requirements

During construction, reconstruction, repair, or alteration activities, the site must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night to prevent dangerous conditions. These safety lights must not be damaged, removed, or extinguished, as they are placed for public protection.

Structure Lighting Regulations

For tall structures with required signals or lights (as mandated by the FCC, FAA, or City):

• No additional signals, lights, or illumination beyond what's required may be placed on the structures
• Required signals or lights must be shielded to prevent downward transmission of light

Infrastructure Requirements

Street Lighting Installation

Developers are required to install street lights at each intersection involving any combination of streets and alleys. These lights must:

• Be constructed to provide proper light intensity
• Be indicated on the street plan
• Include underground wiring

Underground Utilities Preference

The city regulations specify that:

• Street lighting utility wires, conduits, and cables should be constructed underground when feasible
• Exceptions may be granted by the Director of Public Service if topographic bedrock or underground water conditions would result in excessive costs
• When overhead utility lines are permitted, they must be located at the rear of all lots

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Compliance Issues

When planning lighting for your property in Saint Clairsville, keep these key points in mind:

• Light Trespass: Ensure your lighting doesn't spill onto neighboring properties
• Historic District: Special permits are required before altering any lighting in the Historic Downtown area
• Signage: Electronic signs have strict brightness and timing limitations
• Parking Areas: Commercial parking requires minimum illumination levels

Planning Considerations

When submitting plans for development or conditional use permits, lighting details must be included:

• Site Plans: Must show lighting locations and specifications
• Landscaping Plans: Must include coordinated lighting elements
• Applications: Must include detailed lighting specifications

Supporting Saint Clairsville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Saint Clairsville that balance historic preservation with modern functionality.

With decades of experience serving Ohio communities, Bock appreciates Saint Clairsville's commitment to preserving its Victorian architecture while embracing appropriate technologies. Our expertise in architectural lighting solutions aligns with the city's approach to maintaining its historic charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

As a regional partner, Bock Lighting shares Saint Clairsville's values of thoughtful development that respects community character. We understand the importance of proper illumination that enhances - rather than detracts from - the historic ambiance of areas like Saint Clairsville's National Register Historic District.

Our commitment extends beyond products to education about lighting regulations and best practices that support communities in achieving their vision for appropriate illumination that serves both aesthetic and practical needs.

Conclusion

Saint Clairsville's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern needs. By emphasizing directed lighting, controlling light pollution, and implementing special protections for the Historic Downtown District, these regulations help maintain the city's distinct character as "Paradise on the Hilltop."

For property owners and businesses, understanding these requirements helps ensure that lighting choices contribute positively to the community's ambiance while meeting safety and functional needs. The city's forward-thinking approach to lighting demonstrates its ongoing commitment to maintaining Saint Clairsville's charm while embracing appropriate modern amenities.