Lighting Regulations in Westerville, Ohio: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in the northeast corner of Ohio's rapidly growing region, Westerville combines rich historical heritage with forward-thinking urban development. Founded in 1809 by Revolutionary War veterans, the city later became a notable stop on the Underground Railroad, establishing a legacy of community pride that continues today.

With approximately 40,000 residents and a prime location just 15 miles from Columbus, Westerville has carefully managed its growth while preserving its historical character. The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance, ensuring safety and functionality while respecting Westerville's architectural heritage.

Quick Reference Guide

For property owners and developers, here are the most essential lighting requirements in Westerville:

• Directional Requirements: All exterior lighting must use cutoff-type fixtures directing light downward
• Height Restrictions: Parking lot lighting cannot exceed 28 feet in height
• Light Trespass Prevention: Lights must be arranged to reflect away from streets and adjacent properties
• Design Consistency: All exterior lighting (parking, pedestrian, other) must maintain consistent type and style
• Color Restrictions: No colored or flashing lights permitted for exterior building illumination
• Sign Illumination: Electronic message centers have specific brightness limits (daytime: 3,000 nits, nighttime: 100 nits)

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Core Requirements

Westerville's code establishes clear standards for exterior lighting throughout the city. These regulations appear consistently across multiple zoning districts, creating a uniform approach to lighting:

• All exterior lighting must be designed with cutoff-type fixtures directing light downward
• All lights must be arranged to reflect away from streets and adjacent properties
• Direct or indirect glare affecting motorists or pedestrians must be avoided
• Exterior lighting must maintain consistent style and appearance

Fixture Specifications

The city provides specific technical requirements for lighting installations:

• All building illumination must come from concealed sources
• Cutoff-type landscape lighting and building uplighting are permitted
• Parking lot lighting cannot exceed 28 feet in height
• No colored or flashing lights may be used for exterior building illumination

Service Areas & Property Boundaries

Special attention is given to areas where light might affect neighboring properties:

• Service areas behind buildings must use cutoff fixtures to prevent light spillage onto adjacent properties
• Swimming pool lighting must be designed and installed to confine direct beams to the property
• Outdoor recreational/sports facility lighting is reviewed for compliance with light trespass and glare minimization

Specialized Requirements by Use Type

Commercial Properties

Westerville's commercial districts have specific requirements to ensure appropriate lighting while minimizing negative impacts:

• All external outdoor lighting must use cutoff fixtures or downlighting
• Service area lighting must prevent spillage onto adjacent properties
• Canopy lighting must be flush with or recessed into the ceiling to avoid off-site glare

Wireless Communication Towers

These specialized structures have unique lighting requirements:

• On-site: Cutoff style fixtures for controlling light spread
• On tower: No lighting unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Home Occupations

Businesses operating in residential settings must ensure:

• No equipment or process may create glare detectable to normal senses off the lot (for single-family residences)
• For other dwelling types, no glare may be detectable outside the dwelling unit

Temporary Uses

For seasonal businesses like Christmas tree lots, pumpkin sales, and farmer's markets:

• No flashing, blinking, or moving lights of any kind permitted
• The Planning Commission determines site lighting requirements and proximity considerations to adjacent residential uses

Signage Illumination Requirements

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

Westerville has detailed regulations for digital signage:

• EMCs are only permitted on ground signs
• Display must use a black background with either red or amber (orange) text
• Each message must remain static for minimum 8 seconds
• Maximum brightness: 3,000 nits during daytime, 100 nits at night
• EMCs must not emit light between 11:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m.

General Sign Illumination

For all illuminated signs in Westerville:

• Light must come from a concealed or indirect light source
• Illumination must not flash, blink, fluctuate, travel, or move
• Light sources must be shielded from directly beaming onto adjacent properties or streets
• Mechanical changeable copy signs, flashing signs, and animated signs are prohibited

Emergency Lighting Requirements

For buildings over four stories in height, Westerville requires:

• Emergency lighting must provide minimum 1 foot-candle intensity measured at floor level
• Required in all exitway corridors, stairways, elevators, and egress paths
• Must operate within 10 seconds of primary power failure
• Emergency lighting systems require quarterly inspections
• Clear instructions for all emergency systems must be posted with Fire Chief approval

Supporting Westerville's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Westerville's commitment to balancing modern needs with historic preservation. We understand that Westerville's lighting regulations stem from its unique heritage and community values.

Bock appreciates the city's careful attention to lighting standards that enhance safety while preserving the character that makes Westerville special. Our experience with regional architectural styles and understanding of Ohio's communities enables us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements.

We're committed to supporting communities like Westerville that value thoughtful urban planning and preservation of historical character. Through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices, we aim to contribute to maintaining the distinctive qualities that define Westerville's aesthetic.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing lighting plans for your Westerville property:

• Include detailed specifications showing fixture types, heights, and illumination levels
• Ensure all exterior lighting fixtures are shown on plans, including parking, walkways, and accent lighting
• Specify lighting intensity and installation height for all fixtures
• For signage, indicate illumination type (internal only) and intensity

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be especially careful about:

• Light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Fixtures that aren't properly shielded or directed downward
• Exceeding maximum height restrictions for parking lot lighting
• Using prohibited lighting types (colored, flashing, etc.)

Conclusion

Westerville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to thoughtful urban development that respects the city's historical character. By establishing clear standards for fixture types, light direction, and intensity limits, these regulations help create a cohesive community aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality.

For property owners and developers, understanding these requirements is essential for successful project planning. While navigating these regulations may seem challenging, they ultimately contribute to the distinctive character that makes Westerville a special place to live and work.