Lighting Regulations in de land, illinois: Preserving Historical Character While Maintaining Visibility

Introduction

De Land, Illinois, established in 1899, is a charming village known for its early 20th-century architecture and historical significance. With landmarks like the Carnegie Library that opened in 1912 (though now closed), De Land embodies a strong commitment to preserving its architectural heritage and community identity.

At just 0.41 square miles according to the 2010 census, De Land's small footprint and historical character naturally influence its approach to development regulations, including those related to lighting. The village's lighting regulations, though limited in scope, reflect its values of maintaining historical integrity while ensuring safety and respecting neighboring properties.

Quick Reference Guide to De Land's Lighting Regulations

• Shielding Requirement: All lighting must be hooded or shielded to direct light away from neighboring properties and public rights-of-way
• Business Visibility: Establishments serving alcohol must maintain clear visibility from outside and continuous lighting during business hours
• Nuisance Prevention: No lighting that creates offensive glare to neighboring properties is permitted
• Park Protection: Damaging lamps or lighting fixtures in public parks is prohibited and punishable as a petty offense
• Public Lighting Protection: Damaging public lighting fixtures is prohibited

Regulations for Commercial Establishments

Alcohol-Serving Establishments

For businesses licensed to serve alcohol on the premises (excluding restaurants, hotels, recreational facilities, and clubs), De Land has specific visibility requirements:

• Interior Visibility: No arrangement of lights or lighting shall prevent a clear view of the entire interior from the street, road, or sidewalk
• Continuous Illumination: All rooms where liquor is sold for consumption must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Lighting Quality: Illumination must be by natural light or artificial white light
• Visibility Standard: Lighting must ensure that all parts of the interior are clearly visible

These requirements likely exist to ensure public safety and regulatory compliance in establishments serving alcohol.

General Business Considerations

While De Land's code doesn't specify extensive lighting regulations for all businesses, it does establish general parameters:

• Businesses should ensure adequate lighting for customer safety
• Lighting must not create nuisance conditions for neighboring properties
• Business identification signs cannot exceed 16 inches by 24 inches

Residential and General Property Lighting

Shielding Requirements

One of the most important lighting regulations that applies to all properties in De Land states:

"Whenever lighting is provided, it shall be so hooded or shielded as to reflect light away from abutting or neighboring property, including public rights-of-way."

"Whenever lighting is provided, it shall be so hooded or shielded as to reflect light away from abutting or neighboring property, including public rights-of-way."

This requirement demonstrates De Land's commitment to:

• Preventing light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Reducing light pollution in the village
• Maintaining the visual character of the community
• Respecting the privacy of residents

Nuisance Prevention

De Land's code specifically mentions that:

• No activities or mechanical equipment shall be permitted which creates offensive glare
• This regulation applies alongside other nuisance prohibitions (noise, vibrations, heat, odors, smoke, or dust)

Public Space Lighting

Park Lighting Protection

De Land values its public spaces, including parks. The village code specifically prohibits:

• Injuring, cutting, breaking, or defacing any lamp in public parks
• Violations are considered a petty offense

Public Lighting Infrastructure

The village also protects its public lighting infrastructure through regulations that:

• Prohibit throwing any stone, brick bat, or other missile at electric light globes or fixtures
• Classify such actions as a petty offense

What Property Owners Should Know

When installing or modifying lighting on your property in De Land, keep these key points in mind:

• Shield Your Lights: Ensure all outdoor lighting is properly hooded or shielded to direct light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Avoid Creating Glare: Position and aim lights to avoid creating offensive glare for your neighbors or passing traffic
• Respect Public Infrastructure: Take care not to damage public lighting fixtures in parks or other public spaces
• Balance Visibility and Nuisance: Provide adequate lighting for safety while avoiding excessive brightness that might disturb neighbors

Supporting De Land's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands and appreciates communities like De Land that work to preserve their historical character. As a manufacturer with deep regional knowledge, Bock Lighting recognizes the balance De Land seeks to achieve between modern lighting needs and historical preservation.

While De Land's lighting regulations are relatively limited compared to some communities, they reflect important values:

• Respect for neighboring properties
• Preservation of community character
• Appropriate visibility for public safety
• Protection of public infrastructure

For communities like De Land with historic architecture, thoughtfully designed lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting architectural details while maintaining the village's charming character. Bock Lighting's commitment to supporting communities through education about lighting best practices aligns with De Land's community-focused values.

Conclusion

De Land's lighting regulations, though not extensive, reflect the village's priorities: maintaining its historical character, ensuring public safety, and respecting neighboring properties. By requiring shielded lighting, preventing glare, and maintaining appropriate visibility in commercial establishments, these regulations help preserve De Land's small-town charm while meeting modern needs.

Property owners in De Land should focus on directing light appropriately, avoiding nuisance conditions, and respecting public infrastructure. These straightforward guidelines allow the village to maintain its distinctive character while providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality.

As De Land continues to preserve its rich historical heritage dating back to 1899, these lighting practices will help ensure that the village remains a charming, respectful community where history and modern convenience coexist harmoniously.