Lighting Regulations in Grundy County, Illinois: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Grundy County, Illinois, established in 1841, has a rich history deeply connected to coal mining and small-town charm. The county seat of Morris, originally known as Grundytown, showcases historic buildings that contribute to the area's distinctive character. As part of the Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area, Grundy County balances rural charm with urban proximity.

The county's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, business operators, and anyone planning new construction or renovations in the county.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements:

• Non-residential properties must use cutoff fixtures to limit light at property lines
• Maximum light spillover onto adjacent properties: 0.3 foot-candles
• Maximum height for standard light fixtures: 25 feet (non-residential)
• Recreation lighting has special provisions with 80-foot maximum height
• Street lighting required at intersections with maximum 600-foot spacing
• Body art establishments require specific lighting levels (20-100 foot-candles)
• Establishments selling alcohol must be continuously and clearly lit

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Fixture Types and Requirements

Grundy County classifies lighting fixtures into two main categories:

Cutoff Fixtures (Primary Type)

• Required for most non-residential applications
• Designed to limit light visible or measurable at property lines
• Required for all wall-mounted exterior lighting (must point straight down)

Non-Cutoff Fixtures (Limited Use)

• Permitted only for decorative purposes
• Maximum output: 1,500 lumens (approximately equal to a 100W incandescent bulb)
• Maximum height: 15 feet
• Must use energy-efficient bulbs (such as compact fluorescent)

Height and Illumination Restrictions

For standard exterior lighting installations:

• Maximum freestanding fixture height: 25 feet
• Maximum light spillover: 0.3 foot-candles (both vertical and horizontal measurement)
• Maximum ground level luminance ratio: 12:1 (ratio between brightest and darkest points)
• Light must be deflected, shaded and focused away from adjacent properties

Canopy Lighting Requirements

For gas stations and other facilities with outdoor canopies:

• All luminaires must be recessed into the canopy
• Fixtures must not be visible from off-site at an eye height of 4 feet
• Design should protect automobile drivers from glare
• For automobile service canopies, the trim shall not be internally or externally illuminated

Specialized Lighting Requirements

Body Art Establishments

Body art establishments have specific lighting requirements for health and safety:

• Minimum lighting level: 20 foot-candles at 3 feet above floor level
• Procedure areas: 100 foot-candles at the level where procedures are performed and where instruments are assembled

Establishments Selling Alcohol

For premises licensed to sell alcoholic liquor under Class 'A', Class 'C' or Class 'E' licenses (excluding restaurants, hotels and clubs):

• All rooms must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Must use natural light or artificial white light
• All parts of the interior must be clearly visible

Commercial and Industrial Security Lighting

For certain facilities such as dispensaries and similar businesses:

• Adequate security lighting required for safety
• 24/7 video surveillance with proper lighting for monitoring
• The Grundy County Sheriff reviews lighting and security systems

Recreation and Athletic Field Lighting

Special Provisions for Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor recreation facilities have their own set of lighting standards:

• Cutoff fixtures required to limit light visible at property lines
• Maximum fixture height: 80 feet
• Maximum light spillover: 0.5 foot-candles onto adjacent properties
• Curfew requirement: Lights must be turned off by 10:00 PM if within 300 feet of a residential district
• Field and court lighting must be deflected, shaded, and focused away from adjacent properties

Commercial Shooting Ranges

For commercial outdoor public shooting ranges:

• Standard operating hours: 8:00 AM to sunset for hand firearm training
• Limited exceptions for law enforcement officers and certification purposes
• Night shooting for course certification limited to twice monthly, operating up to two hours after sunset

Street and Public Area Lighting

Street Lighting Standards

Grundy County requires street lighting at strategic locations:

• Required locations: All street intersections, commercial/industrial driveways, and residential parking access drives
• Maximum spacing: 600 feet between intersections
• Fixture type: Sharp cutoff luminaires with 4-6 foot bracket arms
• Maximum height in residential areas: 30 feet
• Design guide: "American National Standard Practice For Roadway Lighting"

Homeowners Association Responsibilities

For subdivisions requiring street lighting:

• A homeowners association must be established to maintain the lighting system
• The association is responsible for repair, replacement, maintenance, and energy costs
• Non-operational fixtures must be repaired or replaced within 30 days

Signage Lighting Regulations

General Sign Illumination

Grundy County regulates sign illumination to balance visibility with aesthetics:

• Signs may be illuminated subject to safety and nuisance restrictions
• Wall signs with indirect illumination must have fixtures mounted to the wall extending no more than 18 inches
• For ground signs taller than 6 feet, only direct lighting (bulbs inside the sign) is permitted
• Spotlights for ground signs are prohibited
• Signs on awnings cannot be illuminated
• Some specific sign types prohibit any illumination

Light Nuisance and Public Safety

Enforcement Provisions

The county may require modification, removal, or limited operation of lighting fixtures that constitute:

Lighting Hazards:

• Light trespass or glare intense enough to impair visual performance
• Lighting that distracts from or impairs safe vehicle operation
• Light that impairs a person's ability to avoid obstacles

Lighting Nuisances:

• Light that deprives owners of reasonable use and enjoyment of property
• Frequent or prolonged periods of light trespass
• Light causing visual discomfort that prevents reasonable enjoyment of public spaces

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When installing or upgrading exterior lighting:

• Consult current regulations before purchasing or installing lighting
• Choose appropriate fixture types (cutoff vs. non-cutoff) based on your property type
• Consider light trespass limits when positioning fixtures near property lines
• Document compliance for potential permit inspections
• Be aware of curfew requirements for recreational lighting

Special Use Considerations

Different property types have unique requirements:

• Commercial properties should focus on cutoff fixtures and light trespass limits
• Recreational facilities must balance adequate illumination with neighbor impacts
• Residential subdivisions must plan for street lighting maintenance through HOAs
• Security-sensitive businesses need lighting that enables video surveillance while complying with regulations

Supporting Grundy County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Grundy County maintains between historical preservation and modern functionality. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that value their heritage while embracing necessary progress.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for Grundy County property owners navigating lighting regulations. We share Grundy County's commitment to preserving community character through thoughtful lighting choices that enhance safety without sacrificing aesthetic values.

Bock Lighting's experience with projects that respect community standards makes us a natural partner for those seeking to maintain Grundy County's unique charm while meeting current regulatory requirements. Our local presence enables a deeper understanding of the community's needs and standards.

Conclusion

Grundy County's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitments to safety and preservation of community character. By following these guidelines, property owners can ensure their lighting enhances their property while respecting neighbors and contributing to the county's distinctive atmosphere.

Understanding fixture types, height restrictions, and illumination limits helps create lighting solutions that comply with regulations while effectively serving their intended purpose. For specialized requirements such as those for recreational facilities or security-sensitive businesses, additional consideration of curfews and monitoring capabilities is essential.

Whether you're planning a new development or updating existing lighting, these regulations provide a framework for creating effective, compliant lighting that preserves Grundy County's unique blend of historical charm and modern functionality.