Lighting Regulations in Barrington Hills, Illinois: Preserving Rural Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: Lighting in a Rural Community

Nestled in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Barrington Hills stands as a testament to thoughtful rural preservation. Incorporated in 1957 and spanning across four counties (Cook, McHenry, Lake, and Kane), this village has maintained its commitment to open spaces, natural resources, and a distinctive rural character.

With over 4,722 acres of forest preserve, the village offers residents a unique blend of country and suburban living on properties ranging from one to over ten acres. This commitment to preserving natural spaces and rural ambiance extends naturally to how the community manages outdoor lighting.

Barrington Hills' comprehensive lighting regulations reflect the community's values – balancing necessary illumination for safety while minimizing light pollution to preserve the ability to view the night sky. These regulations help maintain the village's rural character while addressing modern lighting needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

General Requirements:

• Maximum Residential Light Output: 10,000 lumens per acre
• Maximum Non-residential Light Output: 50,000 lumens per acre (max 5,000 lumens unshielded)
• Light Trespass Limit: 0.1 foot-candle at residential property lines
• Curfew for Most Lighting: 11:00 PM
• Maximum Fixture Height: 18 feet for freestanding lights
• Setback Requirement: 3x the mounting height from property line

Prohibited Lighting:

• Mobile or ground-mounted searchlights
• Strobe and laser lights
• Blinking, flickering, or scrolling lights
• Mercury vapor fixtures that aren't fully shielded
• Lighting that outlines buildings or structures
• Lighting that causes glare into public roadways

Residential Lighting Standards

Basic Requirements

Barrington Hills' residential lighting regulations apply to all exterior lighting installed for new construction in residential zones R1-R4. These standards aim to balance residents' practical lighting needs with the community's desire to preserve its rural night sky.

The total light output on any residential property must not exceed 10,000 lumens multiplied by the total acreage of the property. This requirement helps ensure that lighting remains proportional to property size.

Installation Requirements

Exterior lighting fixtures in residential areas must meet several key requirements:

• Shielding: Most fixtures must be fully shielded or aimed to eliminate glare
• Height Restrictions:
• Structure-mounted fixtures cannot exceed the height of the eave
• Freestanding lights cannot exceed 18 feet in height
• Setbacks: Freestanding fixtures must be set back from property lines by at least 3x their mounting height

Special Applications

Barrington Hills provides specific guidelines for different lighting applications:

Landscape Lighting

• Unshielded landscape lighting is permitted if the light source isn't visible from adjoining properties
• Each fixture must not exceed 1,600 lumens
• Must be extinguished between 11:00 PM and dawn (except solar-powered lights without switches)

Entrance and Identity Lighting

• Unshielded lighting for driveways, walkways, property signs, gates, and fences is permitted
• Each fixture must not exceed 1,600 lumens

House Wash Lighting

• Permitted in an upward angle if each fixture doesn't exceed 1,600 lumens
• Must be extinguished by 11:00 PM

Non-Residential Lighting Standards

For business districts and special use properties within residential districts, Barrington Hills has established more detailed lighting requirements.

Maximum Output and Light Trespass

• Total Output: Maximum 50,000 lumens per acre (no more than 5,000 unshielded)
• Light Trespass Limits:
• 0.1 foot-candle maximum at property lines adjacent to residential areas
• 0.1 foot-candle maximum at waterways or nature preserves
• Maximum illumination at any point cannot exceed 40 foot-candles for cutoff luminaries

Installation Requirements

• Fixture Height: Cannot exceed 18 feet
• Hours of Operation: All exterior lighting must be turned off within 30 minutes after business closure and no later than 11:00 PM
• Lamp Types: High pressure sodium, fluorescent, low pressure sodium, or metal halide required for fixtures rated above 1,800 lumens

Parking Lot Lighting

All parking lot fixtures must be fully shielded and aimed straight downward. The lighting must be directed away from residential properties to avoid interference with residential use.

Sports Lighting Requirements

Sports lighting for tennis courts, pools, horse arenas, and other recreational facilities has specific requirements:

• Shielding: Fixtures must be properly shielded as designed
• Light Levels: Cannot exceed appropriate IESNA recommended levels
• Automatic Shutoff: Required when not in scheduled use
• Curfew: Must be extinguished by 11:00 PM (30 minutes additional time allowed for safe egress)
• Maximum Height: No greater than 1/4 the distance to the property line and not exceeding 18 feet
• Light Trespass: Maximum 0.1 foot-candle at property lines
• Minimum Property Size: Sports lighting not permitted on properties less than 5 acres

Exemptions to Lighting Regulations

Barrington Hills exempts certain lighting from these regulations:

• Security lighting
• Doorway lighting in residential districts
• Emergency lighting for public safety
• Lighting for municipal road construction or utility maintenance
• Holiday lighting (October 20 through January 31)
• Upward lighting of flags (single ground-mounted spotlight)
• Underwater pool lighting that meets electrical codes
• Temporary lighting for special events

Enforcement and Compliance

The village takes lighting regulations seriously, with specific enforcement procedures:

• Violations receive notification with 30 days to correct the issue
• Penalties after 30 days: $50 per day for residential violations, $150 per day for non-residential violations
• Pre-existing non-residential lighting must conform to regulations by specific deadlines
• The village police department can order prohibited lighting to be extinguished

Supporting Barrington Hills' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Barrington Hills' commitment to preserving community character while embracing necessary modern technology. Like Barrington Hills, we understand that thoughtful lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining the charm and character of communities with strong historical roots.

Our experience with communities throughout the Midwest has given us a deep appreciation for the balance Barrington Hills seeks to achieve – providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality while minimizing light pollution that would detract from the village's rural atmosphere.

We recognize the importance of preserving the night sky in Barrington Hills, where properties range from one to over ten acres and residents value their connection to nature. As a resource for lighting education and compliance guidance, we strive to help communities maintain their distinctive identities through appropriate lighting solutions.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to appreciate Barrington Hills' careful approach to exterior lighting regulations. We're committed to supporting communities like Barrington Hills in their efforts to implement lighting practices that respect both historical character and environmental concerns.

Conclusion

Barrington Hills' comprehensive lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to preserving its rural character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. By carefully balancing these needs, the village maintains its distinctive atmosphere and protects the visibility of the night sky.

For property owners in Barrington Hills, understanding these regulations is essential when planning exterior lighting installations. The detailed requirements for different types of lighting applications provide clear guidance while allowing flexibility for various property needs.

By following these thoughtfully developed lighting standards, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining the unique rural character that makes Barrington Hills a special place to live.