Lighting Regulations in Zanesville, Ohio: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Public Safety

Nestled at the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking Rivers, Zanesville boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1799 by Ebenezer Zane. This historic city, which briefly served as Ohio's state capital from 1810 to 1812, has carefully developed lighting regulations that balance safety needs with preserving its distinctive architectural heritage.

The city's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to maintaining its historic character while addressing modern concerns like safety, energy efficiency, and minimizing light pollution. From the iconic Y-Bridge to the historic Muskingum County Courthouse, Zanesville's landmarks remind us why thoughtful lighting standards matter.

Quick Reference Guide to Zanesville Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Illumination in Residential Areas: No more than 0.5 footcandles of direct or indirect illumination
• Sign Illumination Maximum: 150 foot candles at the sign face
• Historic District Requirements: External illumination only for signs; certificate of appropriateness required for light fixture changes
• Downtown Buildings: Decorative lighting encouraged to emphasize architectural features
• Construction Sites: Warning lights required for excavations and construction areas
• Maintenance Requirement: Property owners must promptly replace burned-out bulbs

Public Safety Lighting Requirements

Construction and Excavation Safety

Safety is paramount in Zanesville's lighting regulations, particularly around construction areas. The code explicitly requires:

• Warning lights must be installed at night around excavations, wells, cesspools, or structures under construction
• Barriers, warning devices, and illumination must be placed as required by the Director
• No person may remove or damage any warning light placed for public protection

Controlling Light Trespass and Glare

To maintain neighborhood quality of life, Zanesville has established clear standards for light containment:

• No operation shall produce direct or indirect illumination greater than 0.5 footcandles in any Residential District
• Sources of lighting must be directed, shaded, shielded or otherwise arranged to prevent glare in surrounding properties
• Light sources for illuminated signs must be shaded, shielded, or directed to avoid causing glare on surrounding properties or public streets

Vegetation Management for Street Lighting

Property owners have responsibilities to ensure public lighting remains effective:

• Property owners must prune trees and shrubs that obstruct or shade street lights
• This maintenance requirement helps ensure public safety through adequate street illumination

Historic District Lighting Regulations

Certificate of Appropriateness Requirements

Zanesville takes preservation seriously, particularly in its Historic Overlay Districts:

• A certificate of appropriateness is required before changing light fixtures in Historic Overlay Districts
• This applies to any "material change in, addition to or removal of" light fixtures
• Regular maintenance and repair that doesn't involve significant changes doesn't require a certificate

Sign Illumination in Historic Areas

In historic districts, sign illumination follows stricter guidelines:

• Signs in Historic Overlay Districts must use external illumination only
• This requirement helps maintain the historic character of these special districts

Commercial and Downtown Lighting Standards

Downtown Building Illumination

Zanesville encourages thoughtful lighting in its downtown area:

• Exterior lighting of downtown buildings is encouraged
• Decorative lighting should emphasize architectural features
• Light sources should be as unobtrusive as possible
• Lighting must be directed, shaded, or shielded to prevent glare

Storefront Display Lighting

To create a vibrant downtown atmosphere:

• Business owners are encouraged to light storefront windows and displays along public streets
• Timed light fixtures are suggested for nighttime display lighting
• Buildings with multiple storefronts should use unified, architecturally compatible lighting fixtures

Parking Area Lighting

• All parking and loading area lighting fixtures must be maintained in good condition
• This maintenance requirement remains in effect as long as the areas are used for parking or loading

Sign Illumination Standards

Illumination Types and Restrictions

Zanesville's code is quite specific about sign illumination:

• Maximum intensity of illumination: 150 foot candles at the sign face
• Bare bulb or flame illumination is prohibited (exceptions: neon tubing, indirect lighting on outdoor advertising signs, and bare bulbs on changing signs or theater marquees)
• Gooseneck reflectors or arms with lights are permitted only on free-standing, wall, projecting, and outdoor advertising signs
• Sign illumination must be constant in intensity and color
• Outdoor advertising signs may only use indirect illumination

Safety Considerations

Sign lighting must not create hazards:

• No direct or reflected light from an illuminated sign may create a traffic hazard
• Signs cannot resemble traffic signals or signs in a way that might interfere with traffic movement or safety
• No metal sign can be located within 8 feet vertically or 4 feet horizontally of electric wires or conductors
• All metal signs with electrical wiring must have a minimum clearance of 1.5 feet

Property Maintenance Requirements

Lighting Upkeep Standards

Property owners have clear obligations regarding lighting maintenance:

• Property owners must promptly replace burned-out bulbs
• All non-living landscaping, including ornamental lighting, must be maintained in good condition
• The "source of illumination" must be kept in safe working order at all times

Replacement Without Permits

To simplify maintenance:

• No permit is required for the replacement of light fixtures when the connection is to existing wiring and the work is done by the property owner

Supporting Zanesville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Ohio dating back to 1918, understands and appreciates Zanesville's approach to balancing modern lighting needs with historic preservation. As a regional manufacturer, we share Zanesville's commitment to maintaining the unique character that makes this community special.

Our team has experience working with communities that value their architectural heritage while ensuring public safety and compliance with lighting regulations. We understand the specific challenges of lighting historic structures like those found throughout Zanesville, particularly near landmarks like the Y-Bridge and the Muskingum County Courthouse.

We're proud to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations and finding solutions that honor Zanesville's rich historical character while meeting modern needs.

Conclusion

Zanesville's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality. From specific technical requirements about illumination levels to aesthetic considerations in historic districts, these standards help maintain the city's unique charm while providing adequate lighting for public safety.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the light trespass limits in residential areas, the special requirements for historic districts, and ongoing maintenance obligations. By following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Zanesville's efforts to honor its past while building for the future.

Whether you're renovating a historic building, opening a downtown storefront, or simply maintaining your residential property, understanding these lighting guidelines will help you contribute positively to Zanesville's distinctive community character.