Lighting Regulations in Woodmere, Ohio: Balancing Community Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Nestled in Cuyahoga County, the village of Woodmere, Ohio, combines a rich history with a forward-looking approach to development. Incorporated in 1944, this small but diverse community of less than 1,000 residents balances preservation of its distinctive character with modern necessities. This approach is evident in the village's lighting regulations, which aim to enhance safety, reduce light pollution, and maintain the aesthetic appeal of the community.

In this guide, we'll explore Woodmere's lighting requirements for different property types and use cases—information essential for property owners, developers, and businesses operating within the village.

Quick Reference Guide

• Multiple Dwelling Illumination Requirements: Minimum 3 foot-candles in all public areas
• Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: Minimum 5 foot-candles required for interior spaces
• Digital Signs: Must include automatic dimming technology and can't operate between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Neon Signs: Prohibited within the municipality
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required for excavations and construction areas
• Site Plans: Professional lighting plans must be submitted for approval

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multiple Dwelling Common Areas

Woodmere places a strong emphasis on adequately illuminated common spaces in apartment buildings and other multiple dwellings:

• Public hallways, corridors, and stairways: Must maintain at least 3 foot-candles of illumination at all times through either natural or artificial lighting
• Service areas (boiler rooms, laundries, basements, locker rooms, meter rooms, and cellars): Require electrical lighting providing minimum 3 foot-candles throughout
• Outdoor areas: Sidewalks and parking areas must be illuminated to at least 3 foot-candles during hours of darkness

Building Inspector Authority

It's important to note that the Building Inspector has the authority to increase these lighting requirements if they determine that the reflected light is not adequate for safety purposes. This discretionary power highlights Woodmere's commitment to maintaining safe living environments.

Basic Electrical Requirements

Every dwelling structure in Woodmere must be equipped with approved electrical service, outlets, and fixtures that:

• Are installed and maintained to be free from potential ignition sources
• Pose no potential source of electrical hazard
• Adequately supply the lighting needs of the structure

Commercial Lighting Regulations

Site Plan Requirements

For commercial developments, lighting is an integral part of the site plan review process:

• A lighting plan prepared by a licensed professional is required
• Plans are reviewed and subject to approval by the Village Engineer, Architect, and Planning and Zoning Commission
• Placement and dimensions of lighting fixtures must conform to the approved site plan

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Requirements

Dispensaries have specific lighting requirements that exceed those of other businesses:

• Interior lighting: Minimum of 5 foot-candles measured at floor level in all patron-accessible areas
• Exterior lighting: Must be adequate for visual inspection and video monitoring
• Comprehensive lighting plan required: Must detail illumination of interior, façade, adjoining sidewalks, parking areas, and immediate surroundings
• Light deflection: Design must prevent light from spilling onto adjacent properties
• Continuous video monitoring: Required whenever the premises is open

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Lighting Requirements

• Ground signs: May be illuminated if light is concentrated on the sign area to prevent glare on streets or adjacent properties
• Wall signs: May be illuminated if light is concentrated on the sign area to prevent glare
• Illuminated signs: Light sources must be shielded from adjacent residential buildings and streets
• Brightness restrictions: Illumination must not cause glare hazardous to pedestrians or drivers

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Woodmere maintains specific prohibitions on certain types of sign illumination:

• Neon signs: Completely prohibited within the municipality
• Animated, blinking, or racing lights: Not permitted
• Exposed light bulbs: Not allowed
• Strings of lights: Prohibited unless permanently mounted to a rigid background

Digital Display Requirements

Digital and electronic signs face additional restrictions:

• Must be equipped with dimmer control and photo sensor that automatically adjusts display intensity based on ambient light
• Cannot display light intense enough to cause glare or impair vehicle operators' vision
• Shopping center digital signs may only operate from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Copy changes must not occur more frequently than once per 10 seconds
• Flashing, twinkling, zooming, sparkling effects are prohibited

Construction and Safety Regulations

Barricades and Warning Lights

Safety lighting is required at construction and excavation sites:

• Excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction must be protected with warning lights at night
• It is prohibited to damage, remove, or extinguish any warning light placed for public protection
• Inadequate lighting is explicitly defined as a factor that can designate a building as unsafe

Telecommunications Towers

• Towers shall not be artificially lighted unless required by the FAA
• If lighting is required, the design must cause the least disturbance to surrounding views

Supporting Woodmere's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance that communities like Woodmere strive to achieve. As a regional manufacturer, we appreciate Woodmere's commitment to preserving its village character while ensuring modern standards of safety and functionality.

Our expertise in architectural lighting solutions aligns with Woodmere's thoughtful approach to development. We understand the importance of lighting designs that respect the village's aesthetic priorities while meeting essential technical requirements.

As a community partner, Bock Lighting can serve as a resource for property owners and developers navigating Woodmere's lighting regulations. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and local regulatory frameworks positions us to support projects that enhance the village's distinctive character.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Ahead for Compliance

When undertaking new construction or renovation in Woodmere:

• Consult early: Review lighting requirements before finalizing design plans
• Professional assistance: Licensed professionals are required for lighting plans
• Budget appropriately: Account for required illumination levels in multiple dwellings
• Consider the approval process: Site plans including lighting must be approved by multiple village authorities

Understanding Enforcement

The village takes lighting compliance seriously:

• Building inspectors have authority to increase requirements if safety demands
• Inadequate lighting can cause a structure to be designated as unsafe
• Removing or damaging required safety lighting is prohibited

Conclusion

Woodmere's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community character. By maintaining specific illumination standards for various types of properties while prohibiting lighting that could cause disturbance or hazards, the village preserves its distinctive atmosphere.

Property owners should work closely with qualified professionals to ensure their lighting plans meet these requirements while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their properties and the community as a whole.