Lighting Regulations in Strasburg, Ohio: Preserving Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Ohio, the village of Strasburg boasts a rich history dating back to its founding by Christian Metzger, a weaver who built the first house in the area. With contributions from Frederick Harbaugh (the first postmaster) and Timothy Bacon (the first store owner), Strasburg developed into a community that values its historical roots and rural charm.

Today, this small village continues to balance its historical heritage with modern necessities. This balance extends to the village's approach to lighting – ensuring adequate illumination for safety while preserving the traditional ambiance that makes Strasburg special.

Quick Reference Guide

Before diving into details, here's a quick overview of Strasburg's key lighting regulations:

• Street lighting plans must be submitted to the Village Engineer for approval
• Off-street parking areas used during non-daylight hours must be illuminated with light directed away from adjoining properties
• Sign illumination is regulated with specific restrictions:
• Billboard signs may be illuminated but must maintain constant illumination (no flashing)
• Home occupation signs cannot be illuminated
• Awning/canopy signs cannot be illuminated
• Sidewalk signs cannot be illuminated
• Glare restrictions prohibit direct or reflected glare visible from properties outside B or M Districts or from public streets

Street and Public Lighting

Administrative Oversight

In Strasburg, the Village Administrator supervises "the lighting, sprinkling and cleaning of all streets, alleys, and public buildings and places within the village." This centralized oversight ensures consistency in public lighting throughout the community.

Planning Requirements

The village has established clear protocols for street lighting implementation:

• Plans for street lights must be submitted to the Village Engineer for approval
• Underground construction may be required for street lighting wires, conduits, or cables
• These requirements ensure that lighting infrastructure aligns with the village's overall development plans

Historical Context

Given Strasburg's appreciation for its historical roots, these lighting regulations likely aim to ensure that public lighting enhances rather than detracts from the village's traditional character. The oversight by the Village Engineer helps maintain a cohesive aesthetic throughout public spaces.

Property and Development Lighting Requirements

Residential and Commercial Property Lighting

Lighting regulations for private properties in Strasburg focus primarily on preventing light pollution and nuisance:

• Off-street parking areas used during non-daylight hours must be illuminated
• Such lighting must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining premises and public rights-of-way
• This balances the need for safety with respect for neighboring properties

Development Applications

For new developments, lighting plans are an important consideration:

• Manufactured housing development applications must include an area lighting plan
• This requirement ensures that lighting is thoughtfully integrated into new residential areas

Glare Restrictions

The village specifically addresses the issue of light pollution through glare restrictions:

• No direct or reflected glare is permitted that is visible from properties outside B or M Districts
• Glare visible from any public street, road, or highway is prohibited
• "Glare" may be regulated as a condition for conditional use approval
• These provisions help maintain the village's rural character and dark night skies

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Illumination Rules

Strasburg's sign regulations include specific provisions for illumination:

• Signs may be illuminated internally or by reflected light, with important restrictions:
• Light sources must not be directly visible
• Light must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining premises
• Illumination must not cause confusion or hazard to traffic
• Illumination must not conflict with traffic control signs or lights

Prohibited Lighting Effects

To maintain the village's traditional character:

• No flashing lights or illumination creating the illusion of movement is permitted
• Exception: Portions of signs indicating time, date, or weather conditions may have changing illumination

Sign-Specific Illumination Restrictions

Different types of signs have specific illumination rules:

• Billboard signs may be illuminated but must maintain constant illumination
• Home occupation signs cannot be illuminated
• Awning or canopy signs cannot be illuminated
• Sidewalk signs cannot have any illumination

Permit Requirements

For those planning to install illuminated signs:

• Sign permit applications must include drawings to scale that show lighting details
• This allows village officials to review illumination plans before installation

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding the Purpose

Strasburg's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to:

• Preserving its historical character and rural charm
• Ensuring safety through appropriate illumination
• Preventing light pollution and nuisance to neighbors
• Maintaining a cohesive community aesthetic

Planning for Compliance

If you're a property owner in Strasburg considering lighting installations:

• For parking areas: Ensure lighting is directed away from neighboring properties
• For signage: Check specific illumination restrictions for your sign type
• For all lighting: Consider how to minimize glare and light spillage
• When in doubt: Consult with the Village Administrator or Engineer

The Approval Process

Several lighting elements require village approval:

• Street lighting plans require Village Engineer approval
• Sign permit applications must include lighting details
• Manufactured housing developments need area lighting plans

Supporting Strasburg's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Strasburg. We share the village's commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring modern lighting needs are met.

Our experience with Ohio's small communities has given us insight into the balance between functionality, safety, and aesthetic preservation. We appreciate Strasburg's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that maintain its rural charm and historical significance.

As a regional manufacturer, we understand the architectural styles and lighting needs particular to Northeast Ohio communities. Our team can serve as a resource for Strasburg residents seeking to understand and comply with local lighting regulations.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Strasburg's vision for controlled, appropriate illumination that enhances rather than detracts from the village's character.

Conclusion

Strasburg's lighting regulations reflect the village's dedication to maintaining its historical character while addressing modern needs. By controlling illumination intensity, direction, and type, these regulations help preserve the village's traditional ambiance.

For property owners, understanding these regulations ensures that lighting installations contribute positively to both individual properties and the community as a whole. Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses can enhance safety and visibility while honoring Strasburg's rich heritage.

Whether you're planning a new development, installing signs, or simply upgrading exterior lighting, considering these regulations early in your planning process will help create lighting that works for you and respects the character that makes Strasburg special.