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

Introduction

Nestled in the scenic Cuyahoga River valley, the Village of Valley View embodies a rich historical heritage dating back to its incorporation in 1919. With portions of the village situated within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and a deep connection to the historic Ohio & Erie Canal, Valley View has always maintained a careful balance between preserving its unique character and accommodating contemporary needs.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this thoughtful approach, ensuring that modern illumination practices enhance rather than detract from Valley View's natural beauty and historical significance. These guidelines help maintain the integrity of the community while still meeting safety and functional requirements for businesses and residents alike.

Quick Reference Guide to Valley View Lighting Requirements

Business Properties:

• Entrances and exits must be illuminated during nighttime hours
• Minimum illumination: not less than 150 watts
• Fixtures must be shielded to prevent interference with neighboring residences

Signs and Advertising:

• Illuminated signs must not create annoying glare
• Red and green colors restricted where they might interfere with traffic signals
• Flashing, moving, or intermittent illumination generally prohibited
• Bare strings of light bulbs not permitted as advertising devices

Construction Sites:

• Excavations and construction areas must have warning lights at night
• Removal or damage of these safety lights is prohibited

Business Establishment Lighting Requirements

Entrance and Exit Illumination

All business establishments in Valley View, including retail, commercial, and manufacturing properties, must maintain proper lighting at entrances and exits during nighttime hours. This requirement is outlined in Section 804.01 of the village code.

Minimum Illumination Standards

The code specifies that business illumination must be "not less than 150 watts" at these key access points. This ensures adequate visibility for safety and security purposes.

Shielding Requirements

Business owners should note that all lighting fixtures must be installed and shielded in a manner that prevents light from interfering with the privacy of neighboring residential properties. This requirement balances commercial needs with residential comfort.

Sign Illumination Guidelines

Brightness and Glare Restrictions

Under Section 1264.14, Valley View regulations state that light sources used to illuminate signs must not be of excessive brightness or cause glare that could:

• Create hazards for pedestrians
• Distract or endanger drivers
• Cause objectionable conditions for adjacent residential districts

Color Restrictions for Safety

The colors red and green are specifically restricted in areas where they might interfere with traffic signals. This safety-focused requirement prevents confusion for drivers approaching intersections.

Prohibited Lighting Types

Valley View prohibits several types of sign illumination:

• Flashing or intermittent illumination
• Moving light patterns
• Outline lighting
• Bare strings of light bulbs as advertising devices
• Bright lighting of roofs or buildings for advertising purposes

Special Exemptions and Permissions

The regulations do provide some flexibility:

• Time and temperature displays may use changing illumination
• The Planning Commission may permit certain otherwise restricted lighting as a conditional use
• Christmas display lighting is exempt from the standard restrictions

District-Specific Regulations

Illumination rules vary by zoning district:

• Residential districts: Signs generally cannot be illuminated (exceptions for bulletin boards, subdivision signs, and instructional signs)
• Business and Industrial districts: Signs may be illuminated, following the brightness and glare guidelines

Construction and Safety Lighting

Warning Lights for Hazardous Areas

Section 660.13 requires warning lights for any excavation, well, cesspool, or structure under construction. These lights must:

• Be visible at night
• Be arranged to prevent danger to life or limb
• Remain in place until the hazard is eliminated

Protection of Safety Lighting

The code explicitly prohibits destroying, removing, damaging, or extinguishing any warning light placed for public protection. This ensures that safety illumination remains functional when needed.

Parking and Commercial Lot Lighting

Business District Parking Areas

In Business Districts where front yards are used for automobile parking, lighting fixtures must be carefully managed:

• Light bulbs or tubes must be shielded from adjacent residential areas
• Lighting must be arranged to cause no annoying glare

Car Sales and Commercial Lot Illumination

For parking lots and used car sales lots, additional requirements apply:

• Illumination must not be of excessive brightness
• Lighting must not cause glare that would be objectionable to adjacent residential districts
• Except for safety lighting, illumination is permitted only during business hours

What Property Owners Should Know

Permitting Requirements

When applying for signage that includes illumination, property owners must specify the method of illumination as part of their permit application. This allows village officials to review compliance with all applicable lighting regulations.

Buffer Requirements

Property owners should be aware that in some cases, fences may be required as part of landscape buffers where lights create a need for greater screening between properties. This is particularly important at commercial-residential boundaries.

Dance Hall and Public Space Requirements

Operators of dance halls must ensure all connected rooms, stairways, and passages are "well lighted" for safety. While the code doesn't specify exact illumination levels for these spaces, the requirement emphasizes the importance of adequate lighting in public gathering places.

Supporting Valley View's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Valley View's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with preservation of community character. As a regional manufacturer, we understand the unique challenges faced by communities like Valley View that seek to honor their historical heritage while ensuring safety and functionality.

Our experience with the architectural styles and lighting needs of the Cuyahoga Valley region has given us valuable insights into creating lighting solutions that respect both the natural environment and historical context of communities like Valley View.

While navigating lighting regulations can sometimes be complex, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners and businesses seeking to understand and comply with local requirements. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Valley View's vision of preserving its scenic character and historical significance.

Conclusion

Valley View's lighting regulations reflect the village's thoughtful approach to development that honors its historical roots while addressing contemporary needs. From business establishments to construction sites and advertising signs, these guidelines ensure illumination enhances rather than detracts from the community's character.

Property owners and businesses in Valley View should familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure compliance while contributing to the village's distinctive atmosphere. By understanding and following these regulations, community members help preserve the unique blend of natural beauty and historical heritage that makes Valley View special.

Whether you're a business owner, property developer, or resident, these lighting guidelines serve the community by creating a safe, attractive, and historically respectful environment throughout this charming village in the Cuyahoga Valley.