Canton's outdoor illumination code (Chapter 1185) requires exterior lighting to minimize sky illumination. Under Section 1185.02, all outdoor lighting must be directed to avoid glare into the sky, and fixtures must be shielded so the light source is not visible above five feet at the lot line.
Stark County has no countywide dark-sky ordinance, but Canton adopted outdoor-illumination standards in Chapter 1185 to reduce light pollution while preserving safety. Section 1185.02 requires exterior lighting systems to be designed, installed, and maintained to minimize sky illumination, and states that all outdoor lighting shall be directed to avoid glare outside the property line or into the sky. Fixtures must be designed and mounted so that neither the light source nor the lens is visible from above a height of five feet at the property lot line, and floodlights need top and side shields to prevent light emission above a 45-degree cut-off angle. In unincorporated townships, lighting is governed by township zoning under ORC Ch. 519, if any.
Nonconforming exterior lighting can be cited as a zoning violation, with an order to shield, redirect, or replace fixtures. Enforcement runs through Canton's zoning and building departments.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Stark County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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