Lighting Regulations in Urbana, Ohio: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Safety Standards

Nestled in the heart of Champaign County, Urbana, Ohio represents a community where historical preservation and contemporary development coexist harmoniously. Founded in 1805 by Colonel William Ward, this charming city takes pride in its well-preserved downtown and architectural heritage that spans more than two centuries.

Urbana's approach to lighting regulations reflects this careful balance between honoring its historical essence while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. The city's lighting standards are designed to maintain the aesthetic integrity of its heritage while accommodating modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Exterior Lighting Direction: Must be positioned to direct glare away from adjacent properties and rights-of-way
• Parking & Loading Areas: Lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining properties
• Light Nuisance: No private property activity may generate light creating a nuisance to surrounding properties
• Mobile Home Walkways: Must be illuminated with minimum 0.3 foot-candles of artificial light
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required at night for excavations and structures under construction
• Prohibited: Beacons, searchlights, and revolving lights (except when required by FAA)

Exterior Lighting Standards for Properties

General Property Lighting Requirements

Urbana's regulations prioritize considerate lighting practices that respect neighboring properties. The city requires that all exterior lighting be positioned to direct glare away from adjacent properties or rights-of-way. This approach ensures that useful illumination doesn't become a nuisance to others.

Property owners should be aware that the Zoning Inspector has authority to determine if an activity generates light that creates a nuisance to surrounding properties. This discretionary power helps address unique situations that may arise.

Intensity and Visibility Limitations

The regulations specifically address lighting intensity with these key requirements:

• Operations producing intense light or heat must not be visible beyond property lot lines
• Equipment, processes, materials or chemicals creating offensive glare are prohibited
• Lighting should be functional without creating nuisance conditions

These standards help maintain the peaceful character of Urbana's neighborhoods while allowing for necessary illumination.

Special Purpose Lighting Requirements

Construction and Safety Lighting

Safety remains a priority in Urbana's lighting regulations. Section 521.03 specifically addresses lighting for construction areas:

• Warning lights required at night for any excavation, well, cesspool or structure under construction
• Adequate protection with suitable barricades and warning devices is mandatory
• The goal is preventing conditions that could "reasonably prove dangerous to life or limb"

Facility and Equipment Lighting

Several specific lighting requirements exist for particular facilities:

• Backflow prevention devices: Must have adequate natural or artificial lighting for maintenance and inspection
• Pump equipment: Requires run lights on the outside door of the enclosure
• Control panels: Must include a high-water alarm flashing red light atop the enclosure

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home communities have specific lighting standards:

• Walkways from mobile home sites to service buildings must be illuminated with a minimum of 0.3 foot-candles of artificial light
• This requirement ensures safe pedestrian movement throughout these communities

Sign Illumination Regulations

Allowed Sign Lighting

Urbana permits illuminated signs while maintaining standards that prevent excessive light or distraction:

• Signs may generally be illuminated unless otherwise specified
• Reflectors and lights are permitted when they concentrate illumination on the sign area
• Lighting must be designed to prevent glare on streets or adjacent property

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The following sign lighting types are explicitly prohibited:

• Exposed lighting sources with or without external reflectors and without sunscreens/diffusion
• Revolving beacon lights
• Flashing lights on temporary signs

Electronic Signs

The code defines specific categories of illuminated signs:

• Illuminated Signs: Signs with characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes
• Electronic Message Boards: Signs incorporating lights, neon, LED, LCD, TV screens or other lighting devices displaying messages or patterns

Street and Walkway Lighting

Development Requirements

Developers play an important role in implementing Urbana's street lighting infrastructure:

• Street and walkway lighting plans must follow the City of Urbana Design Criteria and Construction Standards and Drawings
• Plans must be developed in conjunction with the City Engineer
• Proposed light pole layouts and electric feeds must be included in development plans

Installation Standards

The regulations specify technical requirements for street lighting implementation:

• Telephone, electric, and street lighting wires, conduits, and cables must be constructed underground unless otherwise approved
• Developers are responsible for all labor, materials, and costs involving street light installation
• This includes underground cables, trenches, poles, mast arms, and associated restoration

Special Considerations for Telecommunications

Cell Tower Lighting

Cell towers and antennas have specific lighting limitations and requirements:

• Mounts and antennas must not display bright flashing strobe or beacon lights unless required by the FAA
• When FAA lighting is required, a dual lighting system is recommended:
• White strobe during daylight hours
• Red beacon during evening hours

This approach minimizes light pollution while maintaining safety compliance.

Supporting Urbana's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands and appreciates Urbana's commitment to preserving its historical character while embracing necessary modern technology.

Bock Lighting shares Urbana's values of balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. Our experience with projects throughout Ohio has given us unique insight into how lighting can enhance historical areas while meeting contemporary needs.

We recognize that Urbana's lighting regulations serve the important purpose of preserving the city's distinctive charm while ensuring properly illuminated streets, buildings, and public areas. Our team's understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements positions us as a helpful resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

As a community partner, Bock Lighting is committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Urbana's vision. We believe in education and community support rather than simply providing products, and we're dedicated to helping maintain the character that makes Urbana special.

Conclusion: Lighting with Purpose in Urbana

Urbana's lighting regulations demonstrate the city's thoughtful approach to community development. By establishing clear standards for exterior lighting, sign illumination, and public infrastructure, these regulations help maintain Urbana's historical character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Property owners should approach lighting with consideration for neighbors and the community's aesthetic values. By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to the harmonious environment that makes Urbana a special place to live and work.

The careful balance of preservation and progress that defines Urbana is reflected in these lighting standards – guidelines that help illuminate the city's path forward while honoring its rich historical legacy.