Lighting Regulations in Greenville, Illinois: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Quick Reference Guide to Greenville's Lighting Requirements

• Preferred Light Sources: Low-pressure sodium for minimizing night sky impact
• Prohibited Fixtures: Mercury-vapor outdoor lighting installations
• Maximum Illumination Levels: Range from 0.2 to 2.0 foot candles depending on location
• Time Restrictions: Most display lighting must be turned off within 30 minutes after business closing
• Maximum Fixture Height: 25 feet (with specific calculation requirements)
• Glare Control: Required for all fixtures over 1,800 lumens

Introduction: Preserving Greenville's Unique Character Through Thoughtful Lighting

Greenville, Illinois, with its incorporation dating back to 1872, has developed a character defined by both its historical charm and modern development. The city's approximately 7,000 residents enjoy a blend of historical downtown areas and newer development along the I-70 corridor.

Greenville's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving historical integrity while meeting modern needs. These regulations ensure new developments enhance rather than detract from the city's unique character. Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or developer, understanding these lighting requirements will help maintain Greenville's distinctive ambiance.

Fundamental Lighting Requirements

Purpose of Lighting Regulations

Greenville's lighting code explicitly states four key objectives:

• Encouraging good lighting practices designed to conserve energy and money
• Minimizing glare for safety and visual comfort
• Protecting the use and enjoyment of surrounding properties
• Increasing nighttime safety, utility, and security

Basic Installation Standards

All outdoor artificial illuminating devices must be installed in conformance with:

• The provisions outlined in the lighting regulations
• The Greenville Building Code
• Specific illumination standards based on property location and use

Light Source Requirements and Restrictions

Preferred Light Sources

• Low-pressure sodium is explicitly preferred to minimize undesirable light emission into the night sky
• Warm white and natural lamps are preferred to minimize detrimental effects on the night environment

Prohibited Light Sources

• Mercury-vapor fixtures are completely prohibited for outdoor lighting
• Searchlights for advertising purposes cannot operate between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise
• Laser source light projected above horizontal is prohibited for outdoor advertising

Special Requirements for Specific Light Types

Metal halide lighting has specific restrictions:

• Cannot be used for security lighting after 11:00 p.m.
• Must be installed in enclosed luminaries
• Must be filtered (have glass, acrylic, or translucent enclosure)

Technical Illumination Standards

Maximum Illumination Levels (Non-Residential Areas)

• Adjoining non-residential district along arterial: 2.0 foot candles
• Adjoining residential district along arterial: 1.0 foot candles
• Adjoining non-residential district along collector street: 1.2 foot candles
• Adjoining residential district along collector street: 0.6 foot candles
• Adjoining non-residential district along local street: 0.9 foot candles
• Adjoining residential district along local street: 0.4 foot candles
• Property line adjoining another non-residential district: 0.9 foot candles
• Property line adjoining residential district: 0.2 foot candles

Residential Illumination Standards

• Building exterior: Maximum 5.0 foot candles
• Property line (front, side, or rear yard): Maximum 1.0 foot candles

Fixture Design and Installation Requirements

Height Restrictions

• Standard maximum height: 25 feet
• Calculation formula: Maximum height = 3 + (D/3), where D is distance in feet to nearest property boundary
• Light poles in specified developments: Maximum 15 feet

Fixture Shielding Requirements

• Luminaires >1,800 lumens: Must not emit direct light above horizontal plane
• Flood/spot luminaires >900 lumens: Must not emit direct light above horizontal plane
• Pole-mounted fixtures: Must be anodized or coated to minimize glare
• Spacing-to-height ratio: Must not exceed 4:1

Canopy Lighting Requirements

• Underside fixtures: Cannot protrude more than 2 inches below canopy ceiling surface

Time Restrictions and Special Use Lighting

Business and Display Lighting

• Display lot lighting: Must be turned off within 30 minutes after business closing
• After-hours lighting: Limited to security lighting only

Recreational Facility Lighting

• Outdoor recreational facilities: Cannot be illuminated after 11:00 p.m.
• Exception: Only to conclude specific events in progress before 11:00 p.m.
• Sports lighting fixtures: Must be fully shielded or designed with sharp cut-off capability
• Events: Should be scheduled to complete all activity before or near 10:30 p.m.

Special Applications and Exemptions

Low-Intensity Lighting Exemptions

• Luminaires ≤1,800 lumens total: Exempt from distribution/mounting restrictions
• Flood/spot luminaires ≤900 lumens: Exempt from distribution/mounting restrictions
• Exception: If aimed toward residential buildings or creating glare for motorists

Sign Illumination

• Signs illuminated from within: No shielding required if constructed of translucent materials
• Preferred design: Dark backgrounds with light lettering or symbols

Parking Area Lighting

• Design requirement: Lights must be positioned to reflect away from streets and adjacent properties

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Measurement

• Equipment: Measurements taken with direct-reading, portable light meter
• Calibration: Meter must be certified within one year of use
• Accuracy: Must read within ±5%

Planning for New Development

When planning new construction or property improvements:

• Include lighting plans in development applications
• Consult zoning district standards as requirements vary by district
• Consider scheduling site assessment to ensure compliance before installation
• Obtain necessary permits before installing new exterior lighting

Supporting Greenville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with manufacturing roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of preserving community character while meeting modern lighting needs. Our Northeast Ohio heritage gives us a unique appreciation for communities like Greenville that value their historical identity.

We share Greenville's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while maintaining safety and aesthetic appeal. Our experience with historic districts throughout the Midwest has taught us the delicate balance between modern efficiency and historic character.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. We understand the technical specifications required in Greenville's code and can help translate these requirements into practical lighting solutions that respect the community's vision.

Our approach emphasizes sustainable lighting practices that align with Greenville's goals of energy conservation, glare reduction, and protecting the enjoyment of surrounding properties—values explicitly stated in the city's lighting code.

Conclusion

Greenville's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its distinct character while ensuring safety and functionality. By understanding and following these requirements, property owners contribute to preserving the city's charm while enjoying well-lit, compliant properties.

The balance of historical preservation and modern needs is at the heart of Greenville's approach to lighting. These regulations ensure that as the city continues to grow and develop, it will maintain the special qualities that make it unique among Illinois communities.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the Greenville Planning Department or consult with a lighting professional familiar with local regulations.