Pierce Township does not pay for the operation and maintenance of street lighting in subdivisions. However, special lighting districts can be established to cover the cost of street lighting through a special assessment paid by property owners. The cost of the lighting assessment is generally calculated by dividing the Duke Energy bill cost by the number of parcels within the designated district/subdivision.

In order for the Township to accept the monthly billing to maintain lighting, homeowners must agree to the assessment through the petition process. The requirements for these petitions are listed in Chapter 515 of the Ohio Revised Code.

For an assessment to be considered by the trustees, petition signatures must meet (at least) a 51% threshold. As detailed in the ORC, this refers to the length of property frontage in the district, not a simple number of property owners. For example, if a proposed district has 1,000 feet of frontage and one property has a boundary of 501 feet, then that property owner will be required to sign the petition for the lighting district process to move forward.

After the petition is received and validated, a public hearing must be held to consider any objections or questions regarding establishment of the lighting district. If the trustees vote to proceed, a resolution must be drafted and approved to create the district.

Once the district has been approved by the Trustees, the map and assessment list are sent to the Clermont County Auditor, and property owners would start paying this cost through their property tax bill.

For questions regarding lighting districts or assessments, please call 513-947-2033.