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

Introduction

Westlake, Ohio has a rich historical narrative that began in 1811 as Dover Township, named after Dover Point along Lake Erie. The community was later incorporated as Dover Village in 1911 and finally renamed Westlake in 1940 to distinguish it from another Dover in Tuscarawas County.

This suburban community has grown significantly over the decades, evolving from a population of 27,018 in 1990 to the thriving area we see today. Throughout this growth, Westlake has maintained a commitment to thoughtful urban planning that respects its historical character while embracing modern development.

The city's comprehensive lighting regulations reflect this balance—creating standards that ensure safety and functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal and minimizing light pollution. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers in Westlake.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Requirements:

• Permits Required: Commercial exterior lighting requires permits through the Planning Department
• Lighting Zones: The city is divided into lighting zones (LZ0-LZ3) based on zoning districts
• Color Requirements:
• Site lighting: Maximum 4100K color temperature, minimum 60 CRI
• Building entries: Maximum 4100K color temperature, minimum 70 CRI
• Height Restrictions:
• Pole-mounted fixtures: 16-25 feet maximum (varies by zone)
• Building-mounted fixtures: 16 feet maximum above grade
• Light Trespass Control: No direct line of sight to light sources from property lines
• Automatic Controls: Required for all exterior lighting (shutoff, dimming schedules)

Understanding Westlake's Lighting Zones

Westlake divides the city into different lighting zones that correspond to the zoning districts:

Zone Designations

• LZ 0: Undeveloped parkland - Very dark areas where natural darkness is critical
• LZ 1: One-and Two-Family Residential; Exclusive Industrial - Areas where maintaining natural light levels is desirable
• LZ 2: Multi-Family Residential; most Business Districts; Office-Laboratory; Health Campus - Low density urban neighborhoods and districts
• LZ 3: Shopping Center; Interchange Services; Integrated Shopping Center - Areas with high night-time activity levels

Zone Purpose

Each zone designation ensures appropriate lighting levels for different areas of the city. This thoughtful zoning helps preserve Westlake's character while providing adequate illumination where needed.

The system acknowledges that different parts of the community have different lighting needs - from the serene natural darkness of parklands to the vibrant illumination of shopping centers.

Technical Specifications

Illumination Levels (Selected Examples for LZ 2)

• Building Entries (covered):
• Maximum: 12.0 footcandles horizontal, 6.0 footcandles vertical
• Average: 4.0 footcandles horizontal, 2.0 footcandles vertical
• Pedestrian Walkways:
• Maximum: 5.0 footcandles
• Average: 1.0 footcandles
• Parking Areas:
• Maximum: 5.0 footcandles
• Average: 1.0 footcandles

Color Specifications

• Site and Area Lighting:
• CCT (Color Temperature): Maximum 4100K
• CRI (Color Rendering Index): Minimum 60
• Building Entries, Canopies, Drop-offs:
• CCT: Maximum 4100K
• CRI: Minimum 70
• Landscape and Accent Lighting:
• CCT: Maximum 3500K
• CRI: Minimum 70

Fixture Height Restrictions

• Pole-mounted fixtures:
• LZ 0: Maximum 16 feet
• LZ 1, LZ 2: Maximum 20 feet
• LZ 3 and auto dealerships: Maximum 25 feet
• Building-mounted fixtures: Maximum 16 feet above grade

Lighting Controls and Operation Requirements

Automatic Shutoff

• All exterior lighting must automatically turn OFF between dawn and dusk daily
• Landscape lighting in LZ 1 must be shut off before midnight nightly
• Landscape lighting in LZ 2 must be shut off before midnight or within 30 minutes of closing
• Site and area lighting in all zones must be reduced by at least 50% by 11 PM nightly
• Complete shutoff required by 1 AM for most properties

Exceptions

• Operations open later than midnight can keep lighting on until one hour after closing
• Security lighting approved by Planning Commission
• Temporary emergency lighting
• Code-required emergency lighting

Prohibited Lighting Types

Westlake clearly defines lighting that is not permitted:

• Direct line of sight to any light source from property lines
• Building facade lighting (except top-mounted lighting that illuminates only the facade)
• Uplighting (with limited exceptions for flags and landscape elements with approval)
• Searchlights ("sky spots" or "beam lights")
• Aerial lasers or laser-like projectors
• Ultra-bright fixtures with initial output of 75,000+ lumens or beam intensity of 500,000+ candelas

Permit Requirements

When Permits Are Required

• All new commercial exterior lighting installations
• Major retrofits or modifications (25% or more of existing lighting)
• Changes in property use or zoning classification

Application Process

• Submit applications to the Planning Department
• Provide detailed site lighting plan (scale no smaller than 1:240)
• Include luminaire schedule with manufacturer specifications
• Submit photometric site plan showing illuminance levels
• Pay permit fees as specified in Section 1115.11

Special Applications

Exceptional Uses Requiring Planning Commission Approval

• Automobile sales and rental areas
• Fuel station canopies
• Sports and recreation fields
• Emergency entrances in Health Campus Districts

Landscape Lighting

• Must use full cut-off or directionally controlled sources
• Cannot exceed pedestrian walkway illumination levels
• Individual fixtures limited to 500 initial lumens each
• Must not cause direct glare to motorists
• Cannot cause light trespass that violates other requirements

Supporting Westlake's Lighting Vision

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting shares Westlake's commitment to maintaining community character while embracing necessary modern technologies.

We understand the balance Westlake seeks to achieve between functional lighting, safety requirements, and aesthetic preservation. Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a knowledgeable resource for property owners navigating these comprehensive regulations.

Bock Lighting appreciates how Westlake has structured its lighting requirements to preserve the distinct character of different areas – from residential neighborhoods to commercial centers. Our team can help interpret these zoning-specific requirements, ensuring projects align with both the technical specifications and the community vision that informs them.

We're committed to supporting Westlake's sustainability goals through responsible lighting practices that reduce energy consumption, minimize light pollution, and enhance community safety and enjoyment.

Conclusion

Westlake's lighting regulations demonstrate the city's thoughtful approach to urban development – preserving its historical character while accommodating modern needs. The lighting zone system and detailed technical specifications ensure appropriate illumination throughout the community.

Property owners and businesses should carefully consider these requirements when planning exterior lighting installations or modifications. While the regulations are comprehensive, they create a framework for lighting that enhances safety, functionality, and aesthetic appeal throughout Westlake.

By following these standards, residents and businesses contribute to a well-lit community that respects both its history and its future.