Lighting Regulations in Bellwood, Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Nestled just 13 miles west of downtown Chicago, Bellwood, Illinois, has maintained its commitment to community well-being and aesthetic appeal since its incorporation in 1900. The village's lighting regulations reflect its dedication to creating safe, functional spaces while respecting neighboring properties and preserving the suburban charm that makes Bellwood special.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer in Bellwood, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and contributing to the community's quality of life.

Quick Reference Guide

• Parking Lot Lighting: Maximum 3 foot candles at property line, directed away from neighboring properties
• Multi-Family Buildings: Entrances require minimum 60-watt equivalent lighting from sunset to sunrise
• Walkways and Parking Areas: Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot candles required from dusk until dawn
• Commercial Properties: Minimum 1 foot candle required at floor level for all egress routes
• Signs: Specific illumination restrictions based on location and sign type
• Outdoor Fixtures: Must be installed to prevent glare and light trespass
• Emergency Lighting: Must include 90-minute battery backup

Multi-Family Residential Lighting Requirements

Entrance Illumination

For buildings containing multiple dwelling units, Bellwood requires proper lighting for safety and security. Key requirements include:

• Entrances: Must be illuminated from sunset to sunrise
• Minimum Brightness: At least equivalent to a 60-watt bulb
• Safety Features: Bulbs must be covered with clear polycarbonate or similarly break-resistant material

Common Areas and Pathways

The village places strong emphasis on adequately lit common spaces:

• Parking Areas: Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot candles required from dusk to dawn for lots with 10+ spaces
• Walkways: Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot candles required on all sidewalks and paths between parking and dwellings
• Non-enclosed Areas: Areas under or within multi-family dwellings require minimum 0.4 horizontal foot candles

Interior Common Spaces

Bellwood's code specifically addresses interior lighting in multi-family buildings:

• Buildings with 4+ Units: Public halls, stairways, and passageways must be adequately lit at all times
• Buildings with Fewer than 4 Units: Must have adequate lighting systems with conveniently located switches
• Coverage Requirements: One 60-watt equivalent light per 200 square feet of hallway (maximum 30 feet between fixtures)
• Utility Areas: All laundry, boiler, and furnace rooms require dedicated lighting with entrance switches

Commercial Property Lighting Standards

Safety and Security Lighting

Commercial properties in Bellwood must meet specific requirements to ensure patron and employee safety:

• Egress Routes: Minimum one foot candle lighting required at floor level for all stairways and exit paths
• Mechanical Areas: Each furnace or equipment room requires at least one light fixture with switch at entrance
• Exterior Areas: "Minimum levels" of lighting required for parking areas, walkways, and exit doors

Parking Area Illumination

The village has established clear standards for commercial parking areas:

• Direction Control: Lighting must be directed away from surrounding properties and streets
• Maximum Intensity: Cannot exceed three foot candles measured at the property line
• Nuisance Prevention: Designed to provide safety without creating light pollution

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

Bellwood's sign lighting regulations focus on balancing visibility with neighborhood aesthetics:

• Light Shielding: External light sources must be located, shielded, and directed to prevent direct visibility from streets or residences
• Prohibited Elements: No unshielded lights, string lights, flashing lights, or intermittent illumination
• Residential Protection: Illumination cannot exceed one-half foot candle at any residential property line

District-Specific Rules

Different business districts have specific requirements:

• B1 and B2 Districts: Signs may be internally illuminated, but only for lettering or logos
• Auto-Related Businesses: Service stations and dealerships in B1/B2 districts may have fully internally illuminated ground signs
• Time Restrictions: Some areas restrict illumination to until 11:00 PM or when business closes (whichever is later)

Digital Display Standards

For dynamic digital signs, Bellwood sets specific brightness limits (measured in NITS):

| Color | Daytime | Nighttime | | ----------- | ------- | --------- | | Red Only | 3,150 | 1,125 | | Green Only | 6,300 | 2,250 | | Amber Only | 4,690 | 1,675 | | Full Color | 7,000 | 2,500 |

Emergency and Safety Lighting

Ensuring buildings have proper emergency lighting is a critical aspect of Bellwood's regulations:

• Exit Signs: Must be internally illuminated
• Battery Backup: Emergency lighting and exit signs require 90-minute battery backup
• Elevator Areas: Cars, hoistways, and equipment rooms must have battery backup systems
• Knox Box: Requires NFPA 72 compliant exterior strobe light

Street and Subdivision Lighting

Public Street Requirements

The Director of Public Works oversees street lighting throughout the village:

• Maintenance Responsibility: Village maintains the functioning, repair, and efficiency of public street and alley lighting
• Dedicated Streets: Street lighting adjacent to dedicated streets must be publicly dedicated and built to village standards

Development Requirements

Developers have specific lighting responsibilities:

• New Subdivisions: Must provide aesthetic street lighting throughout with underground electrical service
• Approval Process: Materials, equipment, and methods must be approved by Village Engineer and Plan Commission
• Existing Infrastructure: Existing utility poles and light standards should be used whenever practicable

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance and Approvals

The Building Official has significant discretion regarding lighting:

• Final Authority: Can approve or alter lighting requirements to reduce impact on surrounding properties
• Timing Adjustments: May modify required illumination periods based on specific circumstances
• Regular Maintenance: Property owners are responsible for keeping lighting systems in good working order

Common Violations to Avoid

Based on Bellwood's regulations, property owners should be careful to avoid:

• Light Trespass: Directing light onto neighboring properties
• Excessive Brightness: Exceeding foot candle limits at property lines
• Inadequate Coverage: Failing to provide required illumination in common areas
• Improper Shielding: Using unshielded fixtures that create glare

Supporting Bellwood's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of balanced lighting solutions that enhance community character while meeting local regulations. Since our founding in 1918, we've worked with communities throughout the Midwest to develop lighting approaches that respect neighborhood aesthetics while ensuring safety and functionality.

Bellwood's commitment to creating well-lit, safe environments while preventing nuisance lighting aligns with our own philosophy of responsible illumination. Our team appreciates the village's thoughtful approach to lighting requirements that protect residential areas while supporting business visibility and public safety.

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with deep regional roots, we understand the unique architectural styles and lighting needs of communities like Bellwood. We're committed to serving as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations and finding solutions that maintain community character.

Conclusion

Bellwood's lighting regulations demonstrate the village's commitment to creating safe, well-illuminated spaces while respecting the suburban character that makes the community special. By focusing on appropriate light levels, proper shielding, and thoughtful placement, these requirements help prevent light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and security.

Property owners and developers who understand and follow these regulations not only avoid potential violations but contribute to Bellwood's quality of life. The village's approach balances modern lighting needs with consideration for neighbors and community aesthetics—creating spaces that are both functional and respectful of the surrounding environment.

For specific questions about lighting compliance for your property, contact the Bellwood Building Department or consult with a lighting professional familiar with local regulations.