Medina, OH Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

09(c)(4) limits how tall an exterior light can stand: fixtures may not exceed 15 feet in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential districts, 20 feet in R-4, O-C, M-U, P-F, C-S, C-1 and C-2, and 25 feet in C-3 and I-1, measured from the average grade around the pole to the top of the fixture. The Planning Commission can approve a taller pole only if the applicant shows both that the extra height is necessary to efficiently illuminate the outdoor area and that it will have no adverse effect on adjacent properties.

Subsection (c)(5) adds the shielding requirement that gives Medina's rule its dark-sky character: every luminaire must be a cut-off type, fitted with shields or other devices that eliminate all light above an angle of 85 degrees measured from the vertical axis of the light source, so no fixture can throw light sideways or upward past that angle. The section defines "glare" for this purpose as the brightness of a light source that causes eye discomfort, and bars any exterior lighting from casting glare on adjacent properties or streets regardless of the neighboring use.

Compliance is documented up front: subsection (c)(6) requires an exterior lighting plan with every site plan, and a full photometric plan whenever a nonresidential or multi-family use will sit next to a residential lot.