Lighting Regulations in South Russell, Ohio: Preserving Village Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in Geauga County within the Cleveland metropolitan area, South Russell Village maintains its distinctive small-town charm since its incorporation in 1923. With just under 4,000 residents across its 3.83 square miles, this close-knit community takes pride in preserving its historical character dating back to the early 19th century.

The village's commitment to maintaining its architectural heritage and aesthetic appeal extends to its approach to outdoor lighting. South Russell's lighting regulations balance the need for safety and functionality with the desire to preserve the village's traditional ambiance and protect residents from light pollution and nuisance.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here are the most important lighting regulations in South Russell:

• Maximum pole height: 35 feet for all outdoor light pole fixtures
• Shielding requirements: All outdoor lighting must be shielded to prevent direct glare
• Direction: Lighting must be directed away from lot lines toward principal buildings/parking areas
• Full cutoff requirement: Fixtures with lamps rated at initial lumens of 2,500+ must be full cutoff type
• Constant intensity: All outdoor lighting must maintain constant intensity (no flashing)
• Pools and recreational areas: Lighting must deflect away from adjoining properties
• Signs: No self-illuminated signs in residential districts; no blinking/flashing signs

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Shielding and Direction Requirements

South Russell places high importance on preventing light trespass that could affect neighboring properties:

• All exterior lighting must be shielded to avoid:
• Excessive brightness
• Glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers
• Nuisance to neighboring properties
• Unreasonable interference with neighboring properties
• Direction control: Light sources must be specifically directed away from property lines and toward the primary structures and parking areas on the property

Technical Specifications

The village has established clear technical parameters for outdoor lighting:

• Cutoff requirements: Lighting fixtures with lamps rated at initial lumens of 2,500 or greater must be the full cutoff type
• A full cutoff fixture is defined as one which emits no light above a horizontal plane drawn through the lowest part of the fixture
• Maximum height: All outdoor light pole fixtures cannot exceed 35 feet in height
• Special object illumination: Light fixtures used to illuminate flags, statues, or other objects mounted on poles or platforms:
• Must use a narrow cone beam of light
• Limited to one fixture per object
• Lamp must emit no more than 1,800 lumens

Prohibited Lighting Types

Several lighting types are explicitly prohibited:

• Flashing lights are prohibited in all contexts
• Blinking lights are not permitted
• Lights that could be confused with traffic signals or safety devices

Special Area Lighting Requirements

Pool and Recreation Area Lighting

The village has specific requirements for swimming pools and recreational areas:

• Pool illumination: Any lighting used to illuminate pools or ponds must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining property
• Club swimming pools: Must specifically arrange lighting to prevent light spillage onto neighboring properties

Parking and Loading Areas

Safety-conscious lighting is required for parking facilities:

• Public safety: Parking and loading areas must be illuminated when necessary for public safety
• Shielding: Light sources must be shielded from adjoining properties and streets
• Design requirement: Lighting must provide indirect illumination to avoid:
• Excessive brightness
• Glare
• Hazards to pedestrians and traffic

Conservation Development Districts

• Lighting in Conservation Development Districts must comply with village regulations as approved by the Planning Commission
• No building, structure, lighting, or parking area can be located closer than 100 feet to any development plan boundary line

Sign Illumination Regulations

Residential District Restrictions

Sign lighting in residential areas faces stricter controls:

• Self-illumination: No self-illuminated signs are permitted in residential districts
• External illumination: May be permitted if:
• Supplied by an external source
• Does not unreasonably illuminate adjacent property
• Does not create a safety hazard

Commercial Sign Lighting

• Ground signs: Lighting is permitted on ground signs provided illumination is concentrated on the sign area to prevent glare upon streets or properties
• Compliance: All sign illumination must comply with the village's development and performance regulations

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The following are expressly prohibited for all signs:

• Blinking illumination
• Flashing illumination
• Moving illumination
• Neon or neon-type illumination

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Safety Lighting for Excavations

The village requires temporary lighting for potentially dangerous situations:

• Dangerous excavations: Must be "lighted during the night season" by the property owner
• Minimum standard: Illumination must be sufficient to warn of present danger
• Enforcement: Quality and placement determined by the Zoning Inspector or Chief of Police
• Penalties: Each day an excavation remains unlit constitutes a separate offense

Oil and Gas Well Lighting

• Emission control: All artificial lighting for drilling or production must be designed and located to prevent emission upon property outside the drilling unit

Tower Lighting

• Height-based requirements:
• Towers under 150 feet shall not be artificially lighted except for safety or FAA requirements
• Towers between 150-200 feet must follow FAA safety marking and obstruction lighting
• Security lighting is permitted around equipment shelters

Exemptions from Lighting Regulations

The village provides specific exemptions for certain lighting types:

• Fossil fuel lighting: All outdoor lighting fixtures producing light directly by combustion, such as:
• Kerosene lanterns
• Gas lamps
• Low-voltage lighting: All lighting rated twelve volts or less
• Seasonal lighting: Holiday and seasonal decorative lighting

Installation Guidelines

Utility Company Installations

The village offers specific provisions for local utilities:

• Permit exemption: Electrical utility companies with active village franchises may install outdoor illumination on private property without obtaining permits
• Requirements:
• Must have contract/agreement with property owner
• Installation must be performed by utility company's full-time personnel
• No subcontracting permitted
• Limitations: This exemption does not approve installations that create nuisances to adjoining properties or hazardous conditions

Supporting South Russell's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares South Russell's commitment to preserving the unique character and charm of local communities. We understand the delicate balance between maintaining historical integrity while meeting modern lighting needs.

As a regional manufacturer with deep appreciation for the architectural heritage of communities like South Russell, Bock Lighting recognizes the importance of thoughtful outdoor lighting that respects both safety requirements and neighborhood aesthetics.

Our experience working with communities throughout Northeast Ohio has taught us that lighting plays a crucial role in defining a village's character. South Russell's careful approach to lighting regulations demonstrates a commitment to preserving its small-town atmosphere while ensuring public safety.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, with particular expertise in solutions that maintain community character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a valuable partner for South Russell residents seeking to enhance their properties while respecting the village's guidelines.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

Before installing or modifying outdoor lighting in South Russell:

• Review regulations: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for your property type and zone
• Consider neighbors: Remember that light trespass onto neighboring properties is prohibited
• Choose compliant fixtures: Select shielded fixtures that direct light downward and away from property lines
• Measure height: Ensure pole-mounted lights stay under the 35-foot maximum
• Check special cases: Pool areas, signs, and specific use cases have additional requirements

Common Compliance Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing unshielded fixtures that allow light to spill onto neighboring properties
• Choosing excessively bright lighting without proper cutoff features
• Failing to consider the cumulative effect of multiple light sources
• Installing flashing or moving lights prohibited by village code

Conclusion

South Russell's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its charming, small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality. By balancing technical requirements with aesthetic considerations, these guidelines help maintain the quality of life that makes South Russell special.

Property owners play an essential role in supporting these community standards through thoughtful lighting choices. By understanding and following these regulations, residents contribute to preserving the village's distinctive atmosphere for future generations while meeting their practical lighting needs.

Remember that well-designed lighting enhances both safety and beauty—goals that align perfectly with South Russell's vision for its future.