Lighting Regulations in Streetsboro, Ohio: Balancing Growth and Community Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Portage County with convenient access to both Akron and Cleveland, Streetsboro has evolved from a quiet farming community into a thriving suburban city. Founded in 1822 by Connecticut native Titus Street, the city experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century, particularly following the construction of major highways like Interstate 80 and Interstate 480.

Since officially becoming a city in 1968, Streetsboro has carefully managed its development while maintaining its distinct suburban character. With approximately 16,000 residents enjoying proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the city's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to balanced growth, safety, and quality of life.

Quick Reference Guide to Streetsboro Lighting Regulations

• Light Spillover Control: All lighting must be designed to prevent glare or excessive light spillover onto adjacent properties
• Security Lighting Direction: Must be directed toward buildings rather than surrounding areas
• Documentation Requirements: Photometric plans required for verification of compliance
• Illumination Levels: Security lighting must maintain a two-foot candle level for parking and grass areas
• Sign Lighting: Internally illuminated signs must use LED only, with specific brightness limitations
• Street Lighting: Required at intersections in designated residential districts

General Property Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

The core principle of Streetsboro's lighting regulations is preventing unwanted light from affecting neighboring properties. All lighting must be designed and installed to prevent glare or excessive light spillover onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way.

This principle appears consistently throughout the city's regulations, emphasizing Streetsboro's commitment to maintaining pleasant residential environments while accommodating commercial development needs.

Security Lighting Standards

Security lighting plays an important role in Streetsboro's commercial and residential areas. The city requires that:

• Security lighting be directed toward buildings rather than surrounding areas
• Lighting must maintain a two-foot candle level including all parking and grass areas
• All lights must be shielded to direct light onto established buildings and away from adjacent property

Documentation and Verification

For new developments and renovations, Streetsboro requires proper documentation to ensure lighting compliance:

• Photometric plans must be provided to verify conformance with lighting requirements
• For outdoor display and storage areas, site plans must indicate the location and type of any artificial illumination devices

Commercial and Business Lighting

Light Containment for Commercial Properties

Businesses in Streetsboro must take special care with their lighting installations to prevent negative impacts on surrounding properties:

• No business lighting may create glare on any street or adjacent residential property
• All lighting must be arranged or baffled to direct and confine illumination to the subject property
• For outdoor display and storage areas, artificial illumination must be designed so direct rays aren't visible beyond property lines

Parking Area Illumination

Parking lots require careful lighting design to balance safety and neighborhood compatibility:

• All lighting used to illuminate parking areas must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining premises or streets
• Open light sources such as strings of light bulbs are not permitted in parking areas

Construction and Safety Lighting

During construction or excavation projects, proper lighting is required for safety:

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be guarded by warning devices or lights at night
• These safety measures ensure that construction sites don't pose dangers to residents

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Rules

Streetsboro maintains specific regulations for illuminated signs to preserve the city's appearance and prevent distraction:

• No strings of lights are permitted for advertising or attracting attention
• Internally illuminated signs must use LED (light emitting diode) only
• No intermittent, flashing, or moving illumination is permitted
• No exposed LED or neon lighting is allowed

Brightness Limitations

The city places precise limits on sign brightness:

• Signs illuminated after sunset cannot exceed a maximum luminance level of 750 cd/m² (candelas per square meter)
• At sunrise, signs may resume luminance levels appropriate for daylight conditions
• External illumination fixtures must be fully shielded
• Temporary signs cannot be illuminated

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

Digital signage has additional specific requirements:

• EMCs cannot exceed 5,000 cd/m² during daytime operation
• EMCs cannot exceed 250 cd/m² during nighttime operation
• EMC signs must automatically adjust to ambient light conditions
• EMCs must use only one color at a time on a black background

Street and Infrastructure Lighting

Street Light Requirements

Streetsboro's street lighting requirements vary by zoning district:

• In R-R Rural Residential and R-T Transitional Residential districts, street lights are required at street intersections only
• In the R-G Golf Course Community District, street lights are required according to specific provisions

Underground Utility Requirements

For new developments in Streetsboro:

• All utility lines, including those for street lighting, must be installed underground
• Easements must be granted for utilities to install, maintain, and replace lines and equipment including street lighting
• Property developers must include restrictive covenants allowing for assessment, installation, and maintenance of street lighting

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Tower and Wind Energy System Lighting

Streetsboro carefully regulates lighting for tall structures:

• Towers can only be artificially lit for safety, FAA requirements, or security purposes
• Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) shall not be illuminated except as required by the FAA
• WECS lighting plans must show mechanisms to prevent glare and shield lighting from residences

Building Number Illumination

For safety and emergency response:

• Building numbers must be displayed where they will be illuminated by exterior lighting
• This ensures addresses remain visible at night for emergency services

Supporting Streetsboro's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique character and needs of communities like Streetsboro. We share the city's commitment to balancing growth with maintaining suburban character and quality of life.

Bock Lighting appreciates Streetsboro's approach to lighting regulations that emphasize safety and considerate design. Our experience with projects throughout Northeast Ohio has given us valuable insights into how lighting can enhance community spaces while respecting neighboring properties.

We're committed to serving as a resource for Streetsboro residents and businesses seeking to understand and comply with local lighting regulations. Our knowledge of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to support the community's vision for thoughtful development.

As Streetsboro continues to grow, Bock Lighting remains dedicated to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligned with the community's standards and values.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Guidance for Compliance

If you're planning lighting installations for your Streetsboro property, keep these key points in mind:

• Documentation is essential - Prepare photometric plans showing how your lighting will comply with spillover restrictions
• Direction matters - Ensure all lighting is directed appropriately to avoid affecting neighbors
• Shielding is required - Use proper shields and baffles to control light spread
• Brightness has limits - Particularly for signs, strict brightness limitations apply
• Consult professionals - When in doubt about compliance, work with lighting professionals familiar with local requirements

Common Compliance Challenges

Some frequent issues property owners encounter include:

• Insufficient shielding that allows light to spill onto neighboring properties
• Security lighting that's too bright or poorly aimed
• Decorative lighting that crosses into prohibited categories
• Sign illumination that exceeds brightness limitations

Conclusion

Streetsboro's lighting regulations reflect its journey from a farming community to a suburban hub. The city has developed thoughtful standards that maintain safety and security while preventing light pollution and preserving neighborhood character.

By following these regulations, property owners contribute to the community's vision of balanced growth and suburban quality of life. Whether illuminating a business sign, securing a property, or building new infrastructure, these guidelines ensure lighting enhances rather than detracts from Streetsboro's appeal as a place to live and work.

For specific projects, always consult the full text of current regulations and consider professional guidance to ensure complete compliance with all requirements.