Lighting Regulations in Salem, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Needs

Introduction: Salem's Lighting Heritage

Founded in 1806 by Quaker settlers, Salem, Ohio has long been known as the "City of Peace." The city's rich architectural heritage is evident in its well-preserved 19th and early 20th century buildings, creating a distinctive visual character that residents treasure. Salem's approach to lighting regulations reflects this commitment to historical preservation while ensuring safety and functionality for its community.

The city's lighting codes aim to preserve the peaceful ambiance of its neighborhoods while providing adequate illumination for safety and security. These regulations are designed with Salem's unique historical character in mind, balancing modern lighting needs with respect for the city's architectural heritage.

Quick Reference Guide to Salem's Lighting Requirements

Most Critical Requirements:

• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum of 1.0 horizontal foot-candle and 0.5 vertical foot-candle at adjacent residential properties
• Business Hours: Non-essential lighting must be turned off after business hours near residential areas
• Illuminated Signs: Must emit constant intensity light only (no flashing/intermittent lighting)
• Parking Areas: Must have adequate floodlighting when used during darkness, with shielding to minimize glare
• Multiple Dwellings: Halls and stairways serving 3+ units must be adequately lit at all times

Exterior Lighting Standards for Properties

Purpose and Intent

Salem's exterior lighting regulations (Chapter 1192) exist primarily to:

• Control light pollution throughout the city
• Prevent light trespass and glare, especially in residential areas
• Preserve Salem's historical character and peaceful ambiance
• Ensure safety while respecting neighboring properties

Light Trespass Limitations

When lighting your commercial or multi-family property, you must adhere to these specific limitations:

• Maximum light trespass: No more than 1.0 horizontal foot-candle and 0.5 vertical foot-candle at adjacent residential properties
• Measurement method: Light levels measured in foot-candles using a direct-reading portable light meter
• Measurement location: 5 feet from property line at a height of 3.5 feet above ground
• After-hours requirements: For commercial businesses adjacent to residential property:
• All non-essential outdoor lighting must be turned off after business hours
• Only safety/security lighting may remain lit, reduced to minimum level of 0.5 foot-candles

Shielding Requirements

Proper shielding is essential for compliance with Salem's regulations:

• All lighting must be designed not to shine onto adjacent residential properties
• No glare is permitted on any public street or vehicles
• Parking lot fixtures must be full shielded and full cut-off style with baffles
• Line of sight to glaring light sources cannot be visible from inside a residential property

Exterior Lighting Plan Requirements

When a Plan is Required

An exterior lighting plan must be submitted for:

• New commercial and industrial developments
• New multiple-family projects exceeding 6 dwelling units
• Exterior lighting changes to existing commercial, industrial, or multiple-family locations

Plan Components

Your lighting plan must include:

• Site plan showing all exterior light fixtures, controllers, and transformers
• Property boundaries, building locations, and parking layout
• Specifications and photographs for all fixture types and poles
• Lamp wattage of all proposed luminaries
• Information showing minimum light level of 0.5 foot-candles in vehicular areas
• Cut sheets for proposed fixtures and poles
• Lighting grid pattern at 20-foot intervals extending 50 feet beyond property lines

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Alcohol-Serving Establishments

Premises serving alcohol must have:

• Electric lighting consisting of either:
• One 60-watt incandescent light per 60 square feet of floor area, or
• One 40-watt fluorescent bulb per 60 square feet of floor area
• Lighting must be unshaded and centered within the area

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments require:

• Overhead lighting fixtures of sufficient intensity to illuminate all patron areas
• Minimum illumination of 5 foot-candles measured at floor level
• Maintained illumination whenever patrons are present
• Detailed lighting plans showing overhead fixture locations

Construction and Temporary Lighting

• Warning lights must be provided at night for excavations, wells, or structures under construction
• Temporary construction lighting is exempt from standard regulations
• Emergency lighting is exempt but must be discontinued when the emergency ends

Exemptions from Lighting Regulations

Salem's code provides reasonable exemptions for certain types of lighting:

Exempt Lighting Types

• Upward-directed architectural and landscaping lighting (provided direct light isn't visible above the building roofline)
• Flag, statue, and monument lighting (using narrow cone beams not extending beyond the object)
• Recreational area lighting (ball diamonds, playing fields, tennis courts)
• Seasonal decorative lighting with bulbs less than 25 watts
• Pre-existing lighting legally installed before the adoption of Chapter 1192

Street and Public Lighting

• Property owners must prune trees to prevent obstruction of street lights
• Street lighting installation must be approved by the Planning Commission and Service Director
• Street lighting plans must be prepared by a registered professional engineer

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Implementation Tips

• Conduct a lighting audit to ensure your current setup complies with regulations
• Consider timers or motion sensors to manage after-hours lighting requirements
• Use shielded fixtures to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Document your lighting levels with measurements in foot-candles
• Keep lighting plans on file for future reference

Common Compliance Issues

• Over-illumination of commercial properties adjacent to residential areas
• Insufficient shielding causing glare on public streets
• After-hours lighting not reduced to required levels
• Improper measurement of light levels at property boundaries

Supporting Salem's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Salem's commitment to preserving its historic character while embracing functional lighting solutions. We understand the balance Salem seeks to maintain between modern needs and historic preservation.

As lighting professionals with deep knowledge of regional architectural styles, we appreciate Salem's unique character and lighting needs. Our understanding of the city's regulations allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements while respecting the community's historical ambiance.

Bock Lighting's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Salem's vision for controlled illumination that enhances safety without compromising the city's peaceful character. Our local presence enables us to better understand the community's specific needs and standards.

Conclusion

Salem's lighting regulations reflect its identity as the "City of Peace" and its commitment to preserving its historical character. By establishing clear standards for light levels, trespass prevention, and fixture specifications, the city ensures that illumination enhances safety and functionality without compromising its unique atmosphere.

Property owners who understand and implement these regulations contribute to the overall visual harmony of Salem, helping to maintain the character that makes the city special. With thoughtful lighting choices, Salem can continue to balance its historical heritage with modern lighting needs for generations to come.