Lighting Regulations in Elwood, Illinois: Balancing Growth, Safety and Small-Town Character

Introduction

Nestled in Will County, the village of Elwood, Illinois combines small-town charm with steady development. Since its founding in the late 19th century, Elwood has carefully managed growth while preserving its distinctive character. This balance became especially important during the 1990s when the CenterPoint Intermodal Center catalyzed significant development.

Like many historic communities, Elwood has established lighting regulations that reflect its values. These guidelines aim to ensure safety and functionality while maintaining the village's aesthetic appeal. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers who want to contribute positively to Elwood's community vision.

Quick Reference Guide

• Commercial/Industrial Requirements: Minimum of 0.05 foot-candles at property lines
• Parking Area Illumination:
• Residential: 1.5-2.0 foot-candles
• Commercial: 2.0-5.0 foot-candles
• Industrial: 2.5-5.0 foot-candles
• Light Pole Height Limits:
• Residential zones: Maximum 15 feet
• Other zones: Maximum 30 feet
• Shielding: All exterior lighting must be fully shielded and directed downward at 90 degrees
• Photometric Plan: Required for commercial, office, and industrial properties

Exterior Lighting Fundamentals

Shielding and Direction Requirements

Elwood's regulations emphasize responsible light management. All exterior lighting must be fully shielded, directed downward at a 90-degree angle, and designed to prevent glare onto neighboring residential properties.

The code specifically defines "shielded" to mean that the bulb/light source and cover portion of a fixture cannot extend beyond or below the opaque portion of the fixture. This ensures the light source isn't visible from a side view, reducing light pollution and neighborhood disruption.

Height and Design Considerations

The regulations specify that exterior lighting features should generally not exceed the height of the principal building they relate to. This creates visual harmony and prevents overly tall light structures that might dominate the landscape.

Lighting designers must identify the light cutoff angle for all outdoor illumination sources. This technical requirement ensures proper light containment and minimizes spillover.

Balance of Function and Conservation

Elwood's code acknowledges the multiple purposes lighting serves. It states that exterior lighting should balance energy conservation with safety, security, and decorative needs - reflecting the village's practical approach to development.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

Photometric Requirements

For commercial, office, and industrial sites, a photometric plan must be submitted during site plan review. These properties must maintain a minimum of 0.05 foot-candles at the property line.

Prohibited Lighting Types

The regulations specifically prohibit:

• Security wall-pack lighting on exterior structures that point down at a 45-degree angle
• Exposed neon tubing on building trim or accent areas

Special Requirements for Large Structures

Commercial buildings exceeding 100,000 square feet have additional requirements. These structures must incorporate public space with at least three provisions, one of which can be pedestrian-scaled lighting.

Parking Area Illumination Standards

Applicability and Operation Times

Lighting regulations apply to parking areas with five or more spaces. For residential properties, lights must operate from dusk until dawn. Commercial properties must maintain lighting during the same hours, but only when the business is "open for operation."

The code defines "open for operation" as times when retail businesses are open for sales or when facilities have employees working (excluding security personnel).

Height Restrictions

Elwood maintains strict height limitations for parking area lighting:

• Maximum 15 feet in residential zoning districts
• Maximum 30 feet in other zoning districts

Illumination Levels

Specific foot-candle requirements ensure adequate but not excessive lighting:

• Residential zones: Minimum 1.5, Maximum 2.0 average ground-level foot-candles
• Commercial zones: Minimum 2.0, Maximum 5.0 average ground-level foot-candles
• Industrial zones: Minimum 2.5, Maximum 5.0 average ground-level foot-candles

Sign Illumination Regulations

Documentation Requirements

When proposing illuminated signs, applicants must submit details about the illumination method and the amount of light generated (measured in foot-candles).

Permitted and Prohibited Sign Lighting

The code allows limited use of bare bulb signs exclusively for time/temperature displays using bulbs up to 25 watts. However, these signs:

• Must not display advertisements, scrolling or flashing messages
• Must be integrated within the main sign structure
• Must be located at least 150 feet from residential zones
• Cannot interfere with motorists' vision

Several illumination types are expressly prohibited:

• Pennants, streamers, and festoon lighting
• Bare bulb or bare neon illumination (except as noted above)
• Flame as a light source

Maintenance and Intensity Standards

All illumination sources must be maintained in good working order. The code specifies that lighting intensity cannot exceed prevailing Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) standards. Additionally, exposed neon tubing is prohibited on all signs located on exterior wall surfaces.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Cargo Container Facilities

Cargo container facilities have distinct lighting requirements:

• Must provide adequate site lighting, especially at entrances and exits
• Must submit and receive approval for a lighting plan with the special use permit application
• All lighting must be installed to avoid adverse effects on adjacent properties

Home Occupations

For home-based businesses, lighting must not alter the residential character of the property. The regulations aim to preserve neighborhood aesthetics while allowing appropriate commercial activity.

Special Events

For special events, the regulations note that "amplification and special lighting are allowed only if a permit is issued at the time of the original request." This ensures temporary lighting installations are properly reviewed.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Ahead

The lighting regulations in Elwood emphasize proper planning. Before installing or modifying exterior lighting, property owners should:

• Consider the shielding requirements
• Verify height restrictions for their zoning district
• Plan for appropriate illumination levels
• Consider the impact on neighboring properties

Submitting Lighting Plans

For many projects, lighting plans must be submitted for review. These plans should include:

• Light pole locations, heights, and spacing
• Control system and underground site wiring diagram
• Unit duct and wire size specifications
• Installation details showing base, pole type, brackets, wattage, and mounting height
• Manufacturer catalog cuts and specifications

Supporting Elwood's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with over a century of experience, Bock Lighting understands communities like Elwood that carefully balance growth with preservation of character. Our Midwest roots give us insight into the unique challenges faced by villages that want to maintain their small-town feel while ensuring modern safety and functionality.

Bock Lighting appreciates Elwood's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations. These standards reflect the community's commitment to responsible development - values we share through our focus on appropriate lighting solutions that respect community character.

We recognize that lighting plays a crucial role in defining community spaces, from enhancing security to creating welcoming environments that honor local heritage. Our expertise in lighting regulations and standards allows us to serve as a resource for communities navigating these complex requirements.

Through education and community engagement, we support the vision of communities like Elwood that strive to preserve their distinctive character while embracing necessary updates to infrastructure.

Conclusion

Elwood's lighting regulations reflect its balanced approach to development - embracing modern standards while preserving the village's unique character. By focusing on appropriate illumination levels, shielding requirements, and careful planning, these regulations help maintain Elwood's small-town charm while ensuring safety and functionality.

Property owners and businesses who understand and follow these guidelines contribute to the community's vision for responsible growth. Through thoughtful lighting choices, Elwood can continue to develop while honoring its historical roots and maintaining the qualities that make it a special place to live and work.