Lighting Regulations in Waynesville, Ohio: Preserving Historical Charm While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Founded in 1792 by Samuel Heighway, Waynesville, Ohio stands as a testament to carefully preserved historical character. The village's charming 19th-century buildings and picturesque streetscapes create a distinctive atmosphere that residents and visitors alike cherish.

This rich architectural heritage influences many aspects of life in Waynesville, including how the community approaches lighting. The village's lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful balance between preserving historical aesthetics, ensuring public safety, and accommodating modern needs.

Let's explore Waynesville's lighting regulations and understand how they support the village's unique character while meeting practical requirements.

Quick Reference Guide

Here are the key lighting requirements to know in Waynesville:

• Street Lighting: Must follow Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) handbook recommendations
• Parking Lots: Must provide minimum 2.5 footcandles at paved surfaces
• Signs: External illumination must provide uniform light without glare
• Pools: Lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties
• General: No direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public street
• Trees: Must be trimmed to allow proper spread of light from street lamps

Street Lighting Requirements

Design Standards

Street lighting in Waynesville is carefully regulated to maintain the village's historical character while ensuring safety. The regulations require:

• Street lighting to be designed and installed following current Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) handbook recommendations
• Illumination must be uniform and compatible with adjacent light sources
• Energy efficient lamps controlled by dusk-to-dawn photocells are required
• Selection of fixtures requires Planning Commission approval

Documentation Requirements

For new developments, proper documentation is essential:

• A lighting plan must be submitted to the Village Manager before final plat approval
• For conditional use applications, plot plans must show lighting and illumination details
• Detailed provisions of the street lighting system must be specified in development plans

Maintenance Agreements

The village has established formal agreements for street lighting maintenance:

• Agreements with Miami Valley Lighting, LLC for street lighting services
• Contract with DPL Energy for street lighting and electricity

Property Lighting Regulations

General Requirements

Waynesville's lighting regulations aim to preserve the village's character while ensuring functionality:

• No glare permitted: Direct or reflected glare visible from any property or public street is prohibited
• Tree management: Trees must be trimmed to allow proper distribution of light from street lamps

Specific Applications

Pool Lighting

For residential and commercial pools:

• Lighting must be arranged to deflect light away from adjoining properties
• No specific illumination levels are mandated, but the focus is on preventing light spillage

Flagpole Lighting

Flagpole illumination has specific requirements:

• Underground lighting is permitted
• Must be situated within a reasonable distance to the flagpole holder
• Must meet all underwriters' requirements
• Highest part of the lighting fixture must be flush with the sidewalk or sodded area

Parking Lot Lighting

For commercial and public parking areas:

• Parking lots used during non-daylight hours must be illuminated
• Illumination must be arranged to reflect light away from adjacent properties
• Must provide not less than 2.5 footcandles at the paved surface

Sign Lighting Regulations

Illumination Standards

Sign lighting in Waynesville must meet specific standards:

• Signs, if lighted, must be illuminated either:
• Externally: Uniform flooding from fixed sources without distracting glare
• Internally: Indirect lighting using incandescent or fluorescent tubes behind translucent backgrounds

Prohibited Lighting Elements

Several types of sign lighting are explicitly prohibited:

• Strings of lights for business advertising
• Flashing, moving, rotating, or intermittently lit signs
• Signs that cause disabling glare or distract from traffic safety
• Window signs cannot be illuminated

Electronic Message Center Signs

For electronic message displays:

• Must not cause disabling glare or create a distraction to traffic
• Must include illumination dimming technology to adjust based on ambient light
• Limited to two illuminated copy colors and two illuminated background colors

Administrative Requirements

Proper permitting is required:

• A sign permit must be obtained whenever the lighting of a sign is changed
• Applications must include specifications and scale drawings showing electrical components

Construction and Public Safety Lighting

Warning Lights for Excavations

When obstructing public ways:

• At least two illuminated warning lamps required at night
• Must be securely and conspicuously posted at each end of the obstruction
• For obstructions exceeding 50 feet, one additional lamp required for each additional 50 feet

Telecommunications Facilities

For wireless communication structures:

• No artificial lighting is permitted except as required by the Federal Aviation Administration

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding these regulations helps property owners maintain compliance while contributing to Waynesville's charming atmosphere:

Tree Maintenance

Property owners are responsible for ensuring trees don't block street lighting:

• The village can issue written notices ordering trimming of trees that obstruct light
• If property owners fail to comply, the village may trim trees and assess costs to the property

Lighting Changes and Permits

When modifying exterior lighting:

• Sign lighting changes require permits and applicable fees
• Lighting plans may be required for property modifications or conditional uses
• Non-conforming lighting typically cannot be altered without bringing it into compliance

Enforcement Process

The village has a structured enforcement approach:

• The Director may remove dangerous signs, including those that are electrically defective
• Written notice of violations provides 10 days to correct issues before removal at owner's expense

Supporting Waynesville's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the delicate balance communities like Waynesville maintain between preserving historical character and incorporating modern lighting technology.

Bock Lighting shares Waynesville's commitment to honoring architectural heritage while ensuring safety and functionality. Our experience with regional architectural styles enables us to provide guidance that respects the village's unique 19th-century aesthetic.

We recognize that in Waynesville, lighting isn't just about illumination—it's about enhancing the village's distinctive character. Our approach focuses on education and understanding of local regulations, helping property owners navigate requirements while maintaining the community's historical integrity.

As a regional partner committed to sustainable lighting practices, Bock Lighting can serve as a resource for Waynesville residents interested in lighting solutions that complement the village's preservation goals and regulatory framework.

Conclusion

Waynesville's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring public safety and functionality. By carefully managing how light is used throughout the community, these regulations help maintain the unique charm that makes Waynesville special.

Property owners play an important role in upholding these standards, from maintaining trees that might block street lights to ensuring sign illumination meets community expectations. Through thoughtful compliance with these regulations, residents contribute to the preservation of Waynesville's distinctive architectural heritage and small-town atmosphere.

By balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation, Waynesville continues its tradition as a charming, picturesque village that honors its past while looking toward the future.