Lighting Regulations in Saint Paris, Ohio: Preserving Small-Town Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Saint Paris, nestled in the heart of Champaign County, has maintained its charming small-town atmosphere since its founding in 1858. With landmarks like the historic "Monitor House" listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this village of just over 2,000 residents balances preservation of its heritage with modern community needs.

Lighting plays a subtle but essential role in maintaining this balance. While Saint Paris has fairly minimal lighting regulations compared to larger municipalities, these guidelines reflect the village's commitment to safety, functionality, and preservation of its distinctive character.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Street Lighting Distance: Street lights must be positioned approximately 25-35 feet from the street, depending on light source size
• Parking Areas: Off-street parking lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential properties
• Walkways: Must be illuminated by a minimum of 0.3 foot-candle of artificial light
• Landscaping: Industrial uses should utilize landscaping and existing woodlands as buffers to screen lighting
• Signs: May be illuminated internally or by reflected light, but light sources must not be directly visible
• Telecommunication Facilities: Generally unlit except for security lighting or when personnel are present

Street and Public Lighting Standards

Administrative Oversight

The Street Commissioner in Saint Paris holds responsibility for supervising the "lighting...of all public places" throughout the village. This centralized oversight helps maintain consistency in public lighting approaches.

Technical Specifications

Saint Paris has specific requirements for street lighting luminaires:

• 7,700-lumen mercury luminaires, 5,800-lumen high-pressure sodium luminaires, and 16,000-lumen high-pressure must be equipped with a type unit (G.E. Form M-250) or similar for directing and distributing light
• 21,000-lumen mercury luminaires, 27,000-lumen high-pressure sodium luminaires, and 50,000-lumen high-pressure sodium luminaires must be equipped with a type unit (G.E. Form M-400) or similar
• All luminaires must be supported on standard poles per Dayton Power and Light Company Construction Standards 6-G and 6-H
• Street lighting must be installed according to plans on file with the Village Clerk

Installation and Documentation

For new developments, Saint Paris may require subdividers to install adequate lighting along public streets within proposed subdivisions. These installations must conform to standards and specifications established by the Village Engineer.

Importantly, street lighting plans are maintained on file with the Village Clerk and attached to the ordinance for lighting, providing a reference point for consistent implementation.

Property-Specific Lighting Regulations

Residential and Commercial Properties

While Saint Paris doesn't have extensive detailed lighting requirements for private properties, there are important considerations:

• Tree Maintenance: Property owners must prune tree branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• The village has authority to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they interfere with street light illumination or traffic control device visibility

Walkways and Pedestrian Areas

Walkway lighting is specifically addressed for manufactured housing developments:

• Walkways must be lit by at least 0.3 foot-candle of artificial light
• In subdivisions, walkways "shall be lighted at night with lamp fixtures acceptable to the Village Engineer"

Parking Areas

For commercial and industrial developments, any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining premises in residential districts. This requirement helps minimize light trespass into residential properties.

Sign Illumination Standards

Allowable Illumination Methods

Saint Paris permits signs to be illuminated, with specific requirements:

• Signs may be illuminated internally or by reflected light
• The source of light must not be directly visible
• Light must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining premises
• Illumination shall not cause confusion or hazard to traffic or conflict with traffic control signs/lights

Commercial Development Considerations

In planned commercial developments, outdoor lighting arrangements must be compatible with existing and future land use plans. This requirement helps ensure new lighting installations align with the village's development vision.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Telecommunication Facilities

Saint Paris has specific lighting requirements for telecommunication towers and facilities:

• Telecommunication towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration or other regulatory authority
• If lighting is required, the design that would cause the least disturbance to surrounding views shall be chosen
• All telecommunication facilities shall be unlit except for security lighting or when authorized personnel are present
• No advertising or illumination, other than that required by law, may be located on the structure or required screening

Industrial Developments

Industrial parcels must be developed with lighting considerations in mind:

• Industrial uses shall be developed in park-like surroundings utilizing landscaping and existing woodlands as buffers to screen lighting
• The location and arrangement of outdoor lighting shall be compatible with existing and future land use plans

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

When planning lighting installations in Saint Paris, property owners should:

1. Consult village authorities: The Village Engineer must approve many lighting installations
2. Review existing plans: Street lighting plans are on file with the Village Clerk
3. Consider neighbors: Direct light away from adjoining properties, especially residential areas
4. Maintain vegetation: Ensure trees and shrubs don't block street lights or signs

Electrical Standards

All electrical installations in Saint Paris must comply with the current provisions of the National Electric Code published by the National Fire Protection Association. This requirement ensures safety and standardization.

In some cases, utilities including electrical service for lighting may be required to be installed underground, enhancing the village's aesthetic appeal.

Supporting Saint Paris's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with deep roots in Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character and needs of small historic communities like Saint Paris.

We appreciate that Saint Paris balances safety and functionality with preservation of its small-town charm and historical character. This village, with landmarks like the Monitor House, demonstrates a commitment to architectural heritage that resonates with our own values.

As a regional lighting partner, Bock Lighting offers resources to help property owners and developers understand and implement lighting solutions that comply with Saint Paris's regulations while enhancing the village's distinctive character. Our experience with similar communities provides valuable perspective on balancing modern needs with historical preservation.

From walkway lighting that meets the specific foot-candle requirements to parking area solutions that minimize light trespass, Bock Lighting's expertise can help ensure compliance while contributing positively to Saint Paris's community vision.

Conclusion

Saint Paris's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the village's priorities of safety, functionality, and preservation of its small-town character. For property owners and developers, understanding these requirements helps ensure projects align with the community's vision.

By focusing on proper light direction, appropriate illumination levels, and thoughtful placement, Saint Paris maintains an atmosphere that honors its historical roots while meeting modern needs. These lighting standards contribute to the village's continued appeal as a charming community with a rich architectural heritage.