Lighting Regulations in Strongsville, Ohio: Balancing Heritage and Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction

Founded in 1818 as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Strongsville, Ohio has evolved from a small settlement into a thriving suburb of Cleveland while maintaining its historical character. Named after John S. Strong, who gifted the Strongsville Commons to residents in 1821, the city takes pride in its rich architectural heritage, abundant green spaces, and distinctive neighborhoods.

Strongsville's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to balancing modern development needs with historical preservation. The city's regulations aim to ensure safety and functionality while preserving the aesthetic integrity that makes Strongsville unique. Understanding these lighting requirements is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents alike.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Strongsville:

• Signs: Illuminated signs must not exceed 10 footcandles when measured at night, 3 feet from the sign face
• Sign Lighting Color Quality: Signs must have color temperature of 3000-4000 degrees Kelvin and a minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 80-90
• Residential Areas: Light fixtures must shield light sources from adjoining residences
• Business Lighting: Various businesses have specific minimum lighting levels, ranging from 5 to 40 foot-candles depending on use
• Parking Areas: Illumination required where determined necessary for public safety
• Light Trespass: Fixtures must be designed to prevent excessive brightness on adjacent properties

Residential Lighting Requirements

Lighting Approval Process

All illuminated signs in residential districts must be reviewed by the Building Commissioner. Applications must demonstrate that lighting will not create excessive brightness or glare that could affect pedestrians, drivers, or neighboring properties.

Front Yard Post Lamps

In subdivisions where developers chose front yard post lamps instead of municipal street lighting:

• Post lamps must be maintained in working order
• They must provide illumination of both the property and public rights-of-way
• Maintenance ensures public safety as originally intended in the design

Recreational Area Lighting

For lighting of playfields, buildings, bulletin boards and parking areas in residential zones:

• Flood lighting must be designed to shield light sources from adjoining residences
• Except for general lighting, illumination must be extinguished between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Commercial Lighting Standards

Business-Specific Requirements

Strongsville's code includes precise illumination requirements for specific businesses:

• Tattoo Businesses:
• Minimum 20 foot-candles at 30 inches above floor throughout establishment
• Minimum 40 foot-candles at the tattooing level (spotlighting permitted)
• Sexually Oriented Businesses:
• Minimum 5 foot-candles at floor level throughout all accessible areas
• Must maintain this level whenever patrons are present
• Must close immediately during power failures until minimum illumination can be restored
• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs):
• Minimum 10 candlefoot power at the face of the ATM and within 5 feet radius
• Minimum 2 candlefoot power within 40 feet radius from the ATM
• Special provisions for ATMs located near building corners

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS)

• Security lighting must provide minimum 10 foot-candles at ground level
• All fixtures must be full cut-off design to minimize light pollution
• Lighting concerns are specifically considered when limiting the number of EVCS units on a property

Sign Illumination Standards

Technical Specifications

Strongsville maintains precise technical requirements for illuminated signs:

• Maximum Brightness: Cannot exceed 10 footcandles (10 lumens per square foot) when measured at night, 3 feet from the sign face
• Color Quality:
• Color Temperature: 3000-4000 degrees Kelvin
• Minimum CRI: 80-90 (ensuring accurate color rendering)
• Glare Prevention: Light sources must be shielded from adjacent buildings and streets

Application Process

• Applications required for all illuminated signs
• Must specify number and types of lamps and lens materials
• Must include statement confirming compliance with Section 1272.05
• Residential sign illumination reviewed by Building Commissioner
• Non-residential sign illumination reviewed by Architectural Review Board

Parking and Public Space Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

• Planning Commission may require illumination where necessary for public safety
• Fixtures must not cast direct rays of excessive brightness upon adjoining residential districts
• Must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers on adjacent streets
• Berms, fencing, or plantings may be required to shield residential areas from parking lot illumination

Street Lighting

• The city may prune trees that obstruct light from street lamps
• New street lighting installations are evaluated based on:
• Effects on vehicular and pedestrian safety
• Impact on private land use and enjoyment
• Existing illumination from public/private installations
• Approval percentage from area landowners/residents
• City's financial priorities and abilities

Safety-Related Lighting Requirements

Construction and Excavation Sites

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be adequately protected by suitable barricades and warning lights at night
• Any excavation existing at the close of a working day must be properly barricaded and lighted
• It is prohibited to destroy, remove, damage, or extinguish any barricade or warning light placed for public protection

Fire Safety Lighting

• Buildings protected by fire pumps must have a white strobe light installed in the upper third of the exterior
• The strobe must be visible from the Fire Department Connection (FDC) and continuously flash when the fire pump is running
• Final placement may be adjusted by the Fire Marshal's office

Supporting Strongsville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Strongsville seeks to maintain between preserving its historical character and meeting modern illumination needs. Our company shares Strongsville's commitment to thoughtful development that respects community heritage.

With deep knowledge of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements, Bock appreciates Strongsville's efforts to preserve its distinctive neighborhoods while ensuring safety and functionality. Our expertise in historic preservation lighting makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating the city's specific illumination standards.

As a community partner, Bock focuses on educating property owners about lighting regulations and helping maintain the aesthetic integrity that makes Strongsville special. Our understanding of both heritage preservation and contemporary lighting technology allows us to support the city's vision of balancing historical character with modern needs.

Conclusion

Strongsville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From specific technical requirements for signs to detailed standards for various business types, these regulations help create a cohesive community aesthetic while preventing light pollution and nuisance.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing or modifying exterior lighting. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to Strongsville's vision of a well-lit, safe community that honors its historical roots while embracing thoughtful development.

For specific questions about compliance, property owners should consult with the Building Commissioner or Architectural Review Board as appropriate for their particular project or property type.