Lighting Regulations in Carbondale, Illinois: Balancing Safety, History, and Development

Introduction

Nestled in southern Illinois with a rich railway history dating back to 1852, Carbondale represents a unique blend of historical preservation and modern development. Founded by Daniel Harmon Brush alongside William Richart and Dr. John Asgill Conner, the city's growth has been shaped by both its railway connections and the presence of Southern Illinois University.

The West Walnut Street Historic District, with its 54 historic houses showcasing Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival architectural styles, stands as a testament to Carbondale's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. This dedication to balancing progress with historical preservation is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations.

Proper lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining both the safety and character of Carbondale's diverse neighborhoods while respecting the historical ambiance that makes the city unique.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Illumination Levels:

• Habitable Rooms: Minimum average of 6 foot-candles at 30 inches above floor
• Bathrooms: Minimum of 3 foot-candles
• Public Halls & Stairways: Minimum of 10 foot-candles at floor level
• Parking Lots: Minimum of 0.125 foot-candles at any space, 0.25 foot-candle average

Height Restrictions:

• Residential Areas: Maximum 15 feet (includes areas within 100 feet of R-1/R-2 districts)
• Commercial & Industrial Areas: Maximum 30 feet
• Pedestrian Areas: Maximum 15 feet
• Special Districts: Exceptions for LI, GI, PAD, or SIU districts

Light Trespass:

• Industrial Use: Maximum 0.1 foot-candle at residence district boundaries
• All Lighting: Must prevent direct glare and light spillage to adjacent properties

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Every habitable room in Carbondale must have adequate natural or artificial lighting. This means either having at least one window/skylight facing outdoors or providing artificial lighting capable of producing an average illumination of 6 foot-candles over the room area measured 30 inches above the floor.

Bathrooms have a lower minimum requirement of 3 foot-candles.

Common Area Illumination

Public areas in multi-family dwellings require particular attention:

• Every public hall and stairway must be illuminated with at least 10 foot-candles at the tread or floor level
• Buildings with no more than two dwelling units may use conveniently located light switches instead of full-time lighting
• Every bathroom, water closet, kitchen, laundry room, furnace room, and public hall must contain at least one ceiling or wall-type electrical light fixture

Determining Habitability

Inadequate lighting can actually render a dwelling uninhabitable under Carbondale's code. A dwelling may be designated unfit for human habitation if it "lacks illumination...adequate to protect the health and safety of the occupants or of the public."

Commercial and Public Space Lighting

Parking Lot Requirements

Carbondale has specific standards for parking lot illumination:

• Minimum Illumination: 0.125 foot-candles at any parking space
• Average Illumination: 0.25 foot-candles across the entire lot
• Photometric Plan: Required showing light levels at 30-foot intervals
• Identification: Parking lots with more than 4 light poles must have numbered poles for easy identification

Height Restrictions

Light fixture height is carefully regulated based on location:

• Standard Maximum: 30 feet for luminaires or lampposts
• Near Residential Areas: Maximum 15 feet within 100 feet of R-1 or R-2 districts
• Pedestrian Areas: Maximum 15 feet
• Special Districts: Exceptions for LI, GI, PAD, or SIU districts
• Sports Fields: Higher fixtures allowed during hours of use

Specialty Commercial Lighting

Different commercial uses have specific requirements:

• Miniwarehouses: Must provide lighting for driveway areas if accessible after dark
• Parking Structures: Lighting system required, with special shielding for roof deck lighting
• Bicycle Parking: Must meet the same lighting standards as motor vehicle parking

Light Trespass and Glare Prevention

Shielding Requirements

To protect neighboring properties and prevent light pollution:

• All outdoor lighting fixtures must employ one or more of the following:
• Full cutoff fixtures
• Fully shielded fixtures
• "NEMA" type II, III, and IV reflectors
• These must be maintained to confine light rays to the premises

Specific Limitations

• Industrial Use: No light industrial use may cause illumination at or beyond any residence district boundary exceeding 0.1 foot-candle
• Residential Protection: When a parking lot adjoins or is within 300 feet of a residential area, lighting must be screened to curtail direct illumination
• Vehicle Light Screening: Can be accomplished through closely spaced evergreen trees or physical structures that harmonize with the land use

Definition of Measurements

For clarity, Carbondale defines a "foot-candle" as a unit of illumination equal to the illumination at all points that are one foot from a uniform point source of one candlepower.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

All illuminated signs in Carbondale must comply with these standards:

• Light sources must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent adverse effects on surrounding premises
• Lighting must not affect the safe vision of vehicle operators
• Light must not shine on or into neighboring residential structures

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following lighting types are not permitted:

• Festoon lights (defined as two or more exposed light bulbs hung or strung overhead visible from public right-of-way)
• Bare bulb illumination exceeding the equivalent lumens of a 25-watt incandescent bulb
• Electronic message boards with flashing, blinking, or pulsating lights

Flashing Sign Regulations

If flashing signs are used, they must:

• Have a minimum of 2 seconds between flashes
• Not exceed the equivalent lumens of a 25-watt incandescent bulb

Street Lighting Requirements

Placement Standards

Street lighting is required at:

• Street intersections
• Locations with crosswalks in the interior of a block
• Cul-de-sacs

Installation Guidelines

• Distance between streetlights should consider foot-candle intensity
• Existing utility poles and light standards should be used when practicable
• Design of poles must be approved by the planning commission
• All streetlights must be indicated on as-built drawings

Tree Maintenance for Lighting

Property owners must trim trees, bushes, shrubs, or plants to avoid interference with proper lighting of public highways by streetlights. A minimum clearance of 8 feet is required for any portion overhanging a public right-of-way or sidewalk.

Supporting Carbondale's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Carbondale's commitment to balancing historical preservation with modern functionality. We understand the unique challenges faced by communities like Carbondale that value their architectural heritage while ensuring safety and compliance with lighting codes.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating Carbondale's lighting regulations. We appreciate the city's thoughtful approach to illumination that preserves the character of historic areas like the West Walnut Street Historic District while providing adequate lighting for safety.

As a company committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices, we align with Carbondale's vision of careful development that respects community character. Our experience with projects that balance technical requirements with aesthetic preservation allows us to serve as an educational partner for property owners seeking to enhance their lighting while maintaining the distinctive atmosphere of this historic railway city.

Conclusion

Carbondale's lighting regulations reflect the city's dedication to safety, functionality, and preservation of its historical character. From specific illumination requirements for different spaces to careful regulations preventing light trespass, these standards ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the community.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the appropriate light levels, fixture heights, and shielding requirements that apply to their specific property types. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to a well-lit, safe, and visually appealing Carbondale that honors both its railway history and its future development.

For specific projects, always consult with the city's planning department to ensure your lighting plans meet all current requirements before installation.