Lighting Regulations in Sharon, Pennsylvania: Preserving Historical Character While Meeting Modern Standards

Introduction

Sharon, Pennsylvania, with its rich heritage dating back to 1795, balances historical preservation with contemporary needs in its municipal regulations. As a city officially incorporated in 1841 and later becoming a city in 1918, Sharon's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to maintaining its unique character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents.

The city's architectural landscape showcases its evolution through the centuries, with the Sharon Historical Society (established in 2013) working diligently to preserve this heritage. Understanding Sharon's lighting regulations helps property owners maintain compliance while respecting the city's historical essence and community values.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Public Spaces in Multi-Unit Dwellings:

• 5+ dwelling units: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times
• 4 or fewer dwelling units: May use conveniently located light switches controlling adequate lighting instead of full-time lighting
• Minimum illumination: At least one foot-candle on every part of public halls, stairways, and foyers

Residential Lighting Requirements:

• Every habitable room requires either one ceiling light fixture, two electrical outlets, or one outlet plus one ceiling fixture
• Bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, and public halls must have at least one ceiling or wall-type fixture
• All fixtures and outlets must be properly installed and maintained in good, safe working condition

Accessibility Requirements:

• Light switches must be placed in accessible locations in covered multi-family dwelling units

Detailed Requirements for Multi-Family Dwellings

Lighting Standards for Common Areas

Sharon's building code specifies different lighting requirements based on the size of the dwelling structure. These requirements ensure adequate visibility and safety in shared spaces while allowing for energy efficiency in smaller buildings.

For larger multi-family dwellings containing five or more units, public halls and stairways must remain illuminated at all times. This constant lighting ensures safety for residents and visitors navigating these common areas at any hour.

In contrast, structures with four or fewer dwelling units may implement a more flexible approach. These buildings can use conveniently located light switches that control an adequate lighting system, allowing residents to illuminate common areas when needed rather than maintaining continuous lighting.

Illumination Requirements

The code specifically requires that every public hall, stairway, and foyer must have sufficient lighting to provide illumination of at least one foot-candle throughout these areas. This illumination can come from either windows (natural light) or electric lighting fixtures.

This one foot-candle standard ensures minimal safety lighting while still preserving the warm, historical ambiance that characterizes Sharon's architectural heritage.

Residential Lighting Standards

Room-Specific Requirements

Sharon's code includes specific requirements for different rooms within dwellings that have electric service available (from power lines not more than 300 feet away):

For habitable rooms:

• At least one ceiling-type electric light fixture, OR
• Two separate floor or wall-type electric convenience outlets, OR
• One convenience outlet plus one ceiling-type electric light fixture

For utility spaces and common areas:

• Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room, and public hall must have at least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture

Maintenance and Safety Standards

The regulations emphasize that all outlets and fixtures must be properly installed and maintained in good and safe working condition. This requirement helps prevent electrical hazards while ensuring adequate lighting throughout residential spaces.

Inadequate illumination is specifically cited as a potential health and safety concern. Properties lacking "illumination, ventilation or sanitation facilities adequate to protect the health or safety of the occupants or of the public" may be deemed non-compliant.

Accessibility Considerations

Lighting Controls in Multi-Family Dwellings

Sharon's building code includes provisions for accessibility in covered multi-family dwelling units. These regulations require:

• Light switches must be placed in accessible locations
• Electrical outlets and other environmental controls must also be positioned for ease of access

These requirements align with broader accessibility standards to ensure that all residents, including those with mobility challenges, can easily control their living environment.

Public Infrastructure Considerations

City Lighting Standards

The code includes a specific exemption noting that "posts, poles or lighting standards used by the City or by public utilities" are not considered obstructions under certain regulations. This provision recognizes the essential nature of public lighting infrastructure while allowing the city to maintain appropriate lighting in public spaces.

Supporting Sharon's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Sharon's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing modern technology. As a regional partner with deep understanding of the architectural styles that define communities like Sharon, Bock appreciates the delicate balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations positions us as a resource for property owners seeking to comply with Sharon's lighting requirements. We understand that lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining the charm of Sharon's historic areas while meeting contemporary needs.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Sharon's vision for preserving its unique character. Our local presence enables a better understanding of community needs and standards, supporting Sharon's approach to thoughtful development that honors its historical roots.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Compliance Guidance

Property owners in Sharon should pay particular attention to lighting requirements in common areas of multi-family dwellings. Ensuring that public halls, stairways, and foyers meet the minimum one foot-candle illumination standard is essential for both code compliance and resident safety.

For residential spaces, confirming that each room has the appropriate number of lighting fixtures or outlets based on the room type is important. Regular maintenance of these fixtures is not just good practice but a specific requirement under Sharon's building code.

Historical Considerations

When updating lighting in older structures, consider solutions that complement the historical character of the building while meeting modern safety standards. This approach helps preserve Sharon's architectural heritage while ensuring code compliance.

Conclusion

Sharon's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to safety and functionality while respecting its rich historical character. By understanding and adhering to these requirements, property owners contribute to the preservation of Sharon's unique charm while creating well-lit, safe spaces for residents and visitors.

These lighting standards, though not extensive, provide clear guidance for ensuring adequate illumination in residential and multi-family dwellings. They represent Sharon's balanced approach to regulation—maintaining essential safety standards while allowing for the preservation of the city's distinctive architectural heritage.