Lighting Regulations in Silverton, Ohio: Preserving Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled within the Cincinnati metropolitan area, Silverton, Ohio stands as a testament to thoughtful community planning and historical preservation. Founded in the 19th century with deep ties to railroad expansion, Silverton maintains a delicate balance between honoring its rich past and embracing modern development. The Kuhnell Museum, a replica of the original train depot located in Silverton Park, serves as a reminder of the town's historical foundations.

Silverton's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to maintaining the town's historical ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality for its residents. These regulations aim to prevent light pollution, minimize glare, and create a cohesive aesthetic that complements the architectural character of the community.

Quick Reference Guide

• Light Trespass Limits: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Minimum Illumination Levels:
• Parking areas: 0.5 foot-candles (minimum average)
• Pedestrian areas: 2.0 foot-candles (minimum average)
• Light Pole Height: Maximum 20 feet for freestanding poles
• Placement Requirements: Minimum 10 feet from property lines when adjacent to residential uses
• Prohibited Fixtures: Floodlights, wall pack units, unshielded lights, non-cutoff fixtures
• LED Sign Maximum: 1000 nits during evening hours (amber only for monochrome text)

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Fixture Requirements

Silverton's lighting code prioritizes appropriately shielded and directed illumination. Key requirements include:

• Shielding and Direction: All lighting must be placed and shielded to direct light onto the site and away from adjoining properties
• Light Source Visibility: The lighting source shall not be directly visible from adjoining properties
• Prohibited Fixtures:
• Floodlights
• Wall pack units
• Unshielded lights
• Lights where the lens is visible outside the fixture
• Non-cutoff light fixtures

Fixture Design and Approval

Silverton emphasizes aesthetically appropriate lighting that complements the community's character:

• Decorative Requirements: A decorative light pole and fixture utilizing a traditional design style must be used for all lighting not attached to structures
• Approval Process: The Planning Commission must approve lighting fixture designs
• Streetscape Conformity: Exterior lighting poles and fixtures must be substantially similar to those designated in the city's streetscape plan

Lighting Purpose and Use

The code is specific about appropriate lighting applications:

• Limited Usage: Lighting shall be used in a very limited manner
• Approved Applications: Lighting may only be used to:
• Highlight architectural details on buildings
• Illuminate signs
• Illuminate walkways and/or parking areas
• Approved Light Types: Incandescent, natural gas, or halogen lights are permitted
• Prohibited Light Types: Sodium, colored, and neon lights are prohibited

Illumination Standards and Measurements

Required Light Levels

Silverton's code specifies minimum illumination requirements for different areas:

• Parking Areas: Light intensity shall average a minimum of 0.5 foot-candles (measured 5 feet above surface)
• Pedestrian Areas: Light intensity shall average a minimum of 2.0 foot-candles (measured 5 feet above surface)

Light Trespass Limitations

To protect residential areas from unwanted light:

• Maximum at Property Lines: Lighting levels shall not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at any common property line with property zoned or used for residential purposes
• Positioning Requirement: All exterior lighting on private property must be positioned to direct glare away from adjacent properties or public rights-of-way

Documentation Requirements

For new development or modifications:

• Illustrated Drawings: Location, height, intensity, and bulb type of all external lighting fixtures must be documented
• Photometric Analysis: A detailed analysis of the proposed development site must be submitted to verify compliance with illumination standards

Special Application Requirements

Parking Area Lighting

Parking areas have specific lighting requirements:

• Safety Requirement: Any parking area intended for use during non-daylight hours must be properly illuminated to avoid accidents
• Light Direction: Any lights used to illuminate parking must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• Compliance: All parking illumination must comply with the standards in § 153.164

Residential Considerations

Special protections exist for residential areas:

• Setbacks: Any freestanding light pole and fixture must be placed a minimum of 10 feet from any property line when adjacent to residential land uses
• Home Occupations: No equipment or processes that create glare shall be utilized in home occupations

Construction and Safety Lighting

Temporary lighting for construction and safety has specific requirements:

• Excavation Safety: Excavations, wells, cesspools or structures under construction must have warning lights at night if they could pose a danger
• Emergency Cases: The City Manager may authorize temporary "red-lighting" and barricading in emergency situations

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Standards

Sign illumination has detailed requirements:

• Illumination Method: Signs shall be externally illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources directed solely at the sign
• Down-Lighting: All permitted external lights illuminating signs shall be oriented and directed toward the ground (with exceptions in C-2 Highway Commercial District if approved)
• Prohibitions:
• Illumination by bare bulbs or flames
• Glaring, unshielded or undiffused lights or bulbs
• Lighting that could distract motorists or create traffic hazards

LED Sign Regulations

LED signs have specific technical requirements:

• Maximum Brightness: 1000 nits maximum during evening hours
• Anti-Glare: All LED signs must be anti-glare and equipped with automatic dimmers
• Color Restrictions:
• Monochrome text must be amber only
• No colored or neon lights that might be confused with traffic signals
• Operation Requirements:
• No flashing lights
• Minimum message duration of 8 seconds
• Must "freeze" or go blank if malfunctioning
• No animations or video

Special District and Zoning Considerations

Requirements vary by location and use:

• Commercial Districts: Signs in C-2 Highway Commercial District may have special lighting permissions with Planning Commission approval
• Residential Zones: LED signs in R-1 districts have strict requirements including minimum 5-acre parcels and 200-foot setbacks from residences

Street Lighting Requirements

Public Street Illumination

Street lighting in subdivisions must meet specific standards:

• Installation Responsibility: Subdividers must provide for adequate installation of public street lighting
• Wiring Requirement: Street lights shall be served by underground wiring unless otherwise approved
• Fixture Selection: Decorative street light fixtures must be chosen from the Planning Commission's approved list
• Plan Documentation: Street light plans must be included in construction drawings
• Maintenance: Power company maintenance is standard unless private maintenance is permanently provided through legally recorded documents

Tree Trimming Requirements

To ensure effective street lighting:

• Obstruction Prevention: Branches of trees near public lamps must be trimmed to prevent obstruction of light to streets and sidewalks
• Visibility Standards: The "No Accessory Structure Zone" and sight triangles at intersections must be maintained clear of obstructions

Supporting Silverton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with deep roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Silverton's commitment to preserving historical character while embracing functional, modern lighting solutions. Our experience working with communities throughout the region has given us a unique understanding of how lighting contributes to community identity.

We appreciate Silverton's thoughtful approach to balancing safety and aesthetics through careful lighting regulations. The town's emphasis on traditional design styles, shielded fixtures, and appropriate illumination levels aligns perfectly with our own design philosophy.

As a resource for the Silverton community, we offer expertise in navigating lighting regulations and finding solutions that enhance the town's historic charm. Our understanding of regional architectural styles allows us to recommend lighting that complements Silverton's unique character while meeting all technical requirements.

We're committed to supporting Silverton's vision of a well-lit, historically authentic community where lighting enhances rather than detracts from the small-town ambiance that makes Silverton special.

Conclusion

Silverton's lighting regulations demonstrate the community's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By carefully regulating fixture types, illumination levels, and placement, these standards help maintain Silverton's charming atmosphere while preventing light pollution and unwanted glare.

Property owners and developers should work closely with the Planning Commission when designing lighting plans to ensure compliance with these regulations. Through thoughtful implementation of these standards, Silverton continues to balance small-town charm with the conveniences and safety measures expected in contemporary communities.

Understanding and following these lighting regulations helps preserve what makes Silverton special – a community that honors its past while thoughtfully embracing its future.