Lighting Regulations in Grant Park, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Functionality and Community Character

Introduction

Grant Park, Illinois, a village with roots dating back to 1883, embodies resilience and community spirit through its rich history. Having recovered from devastating events including a fire in 1884 and tornadoes in 1912 and 1948, the village has maintained its small-town charm while evolving to meet modern needs.

The village's commitment to preserving its historical character influences many aspects of local governance, including its approach to lighting regulations. These regulations reflect Grant Park's balance between practical safety requirements and maintaining the aesthetic qualities that define this close-knit community.

This guide explores the lighting regulations currently in effect in Grant Park, helping property owners, businesses, and residents understand their responsibilities when it comes to exterior lighting.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Light Trespass Restrictions: Direct and indirect illumination must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles when measured at property lines • Glare Control: Light sources must be shielded; glare should not be visible at any property line • Directional Requirements: Exterior lighting must be directed away from adjoining properties • Special Use Lighting: Facilities and parking areas must direct lighting away from surrounding properties • Mobile Home Parks: Walkways require minimum 50-watt electric lamps (or gas equivalent) spaced at maximum 100-foot intervals

Understanding Glare Restrictions

What Constitutes Glare Violations

Grant Park's code specifically addresses glare as a nuisance element that could "adversely affect the surrounding area or premises." This applies particularly in industrial zones (I-1 and I-2 Districts), but the principle extends throughout the village.

Measurement Standards

The village enforces specific technical standards regarding light spillover:

• Direct and indirect illumination from light sources must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles when measured at property lines • Exposed light sources must be shielded • Intense light sources must be controlled to prevent nuisance across lot lines

Compliance Verification

The Code Enforcement Officer enforces these standards. For new construction or modifications:

• Building plans must be signed off by a qualified professional • The professional must certify that all performance standards, including lighting, will be complied with • Property owners must file a sworn statement that operations will comply with applicable performance standards

Property-Specific Lighting Requirements

Residential Properties

While Grant Park's code doesn't provide extensive residential-specific lighting regulations, the general principles apply:

• Exterior lighting should direct light away from adjoining properties • Lighting should not create glare visible at property lines • Light trespass is limited to 0.5 foot-candles at property boundaries

Commercial and Business Properties

Business properties have additional considerations:

• Parking area lighting must be screened or shrouded to prevent interference with the enjoyment of nearby residential properties • Specific lighting design and illumination requires approval by the Code Enforcement Officer • Business activities (including home occupations) must not generate glare beyond what normally occurs in the zoning district

Mobile Home Parks

Grant Park has specific lighting requirements for mobile home parks:

• All driveways and walkways must be lighted at night • Electric lamps must be minimum 50 watts each (or gas lighting equivalent) • Lamps must be spaced at intervals of no more than 100 feet • Streetlights must produce illumination consistent with Village standards • Hazardous locations (intersections, pedestrian crossings, streets near service buildings and recreation areas) require additional lighting per Village Engineer specifications

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Outside Storage Areas

Facilities with outside storage have straightforward requirements:

• Lighting must be directed away from surrounding properties • Specific requirements are determined by the Code Enforcement Officer

Planned Developments

For planned developments, lighting considerations include:

• Screening may be required to protect residents from undesirable lighting • Similarly, screening may be required to protect adjoining residential districts from adverse lighting influences

Commercial Driveways and Parking Areas

The village code provides detailed lighting requirements for commercial driveways:

• Driveways, accessways, and parking areas must be illuminated sufficiently to create a safe environment • All lighting must be glare-free • Light must be directed away from adjoining properties • Lighting heads must be permanently fixed downdraft lighting • Shadow boxes must be used to direct light downward

Sign Lighting Regulations

External Illumination

The village code states clearly that external lighting of signs must be:

• Directed away from the public right-of-way • Directed away from adjoining properties

These requirements help maintain the village's aesthetic character while allowing businesses to effectively advertise their presence.

Special Structures and Facilities

Tower Lighting

For towers, including Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS):

• Lighting must comply with FAA requirements • Construction must follow minimum standards allowed by regulatory authorities • Design should minimize visual impact on surrounding areas

Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF)

WCFs have specific lighting restrictions:

• No signals, lights, or illumination are permitted unless required by FCC, FAA, or Village ordinances • If lighting is required, a detailed lighting plan must be submitted • The plan must show effects of light on all residential dwellings within 1,500 feet of the WCF • Written documentation from the FAA detailing specific lighting requirements must be provided

Tree Maintenance for Street Lighting

An interesting aspect of Grant Park's lighting regulations involves trees and their relationship to public lighting:

• Trees that grow to obstruct public street lamps must be trimmed • The Village will notify property owners in writing if trees obstruct street lamps • Trees must be trimmed within the timeframe and manner specified in the notice • Tree branches along streets should be trimmed at least 10 feet above ground to avoid obscuring street light reflections

Supporting Grant Park's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and appreciates communities like Grant Park that balance historical preservation with modern functionality. We recognize that proper lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining the character that makes Grant Park special.

With experience in communities that value their historical legacy, Bock Lighting understands the unique challenges of implementing lighting solutions that meet safety standards while preserving aesthetic integrity. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Grant Park's vision for maintaining its small-town charm.

As a resource for understanding lighting regulations, we believe in helping communities like Grant Park navigate the technical requirements while honoring their community values. Our appreciation for regional architectural styles and lighting needs makes us a natural partner in supporting the village's balance of safety, functionality, and preservation.

Conclusion

Grant Park's lighting regulations, while not forming a comprehensive standalone ordinance, address key concerns through provisions scattered throughout the village code. The consistent themes of minimizing light trespass, controlling glare, and directing light away from neighboring properties reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its character while ensuring safety.

Property owners should review requirements specific to their property type and intended use, with particular attention to the technical specifications for light levels at property boundaries. When in doubt, consulting with the village's Code Enforcement Officer before installing or modifying exterior lighting is always recommended.

Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses can contribute to preserving Grant Park's unique character while meeting their practical illumination needs.