Lighting Regulations in Hampshire, Illinois: Guidelines for Property Owners and Businesses

Introduction

Hampshire, Illinois, located approximately 52 miles northwest of Chicago, has maintained its small-town charm since its founding in 1836. As this Kane County village has grown, it has carefully balanced preserving its historical character with accommodating modern development needs. The village's lighting regulations reflect this balance, aiming to maintain Hampshire's aesthetic appeal while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

The regulations outlined below help Hampshire maintain its distinctive small-town atmosphere while allowing for necessary illumination of properties. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to the village's effort to preserve its unique character while meeting contemporary lighting needs.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Hampshire:

• Maximum Light Levels at Property Lines:
• Non-residential uses: 1 foot-candle maximum (0.5 fc if adjacent to residential)
• Residential uses: 0.5 foot-candle maximum
• Maximum illumination at property line: 0.1 foot-candle in some zones
• Fixture Requirements:
• All new and replacement outdoor lighting must use full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures
• Lighting must be directed downward
• Light poles in industrial zones: 30 feet maximum
• Light poles for educational/recreational facilities: 60 feet maximum
• Light poles in other non-residential areas: 20 feet maximum
• Residential light poles: 20 feet maximum
• Residential building-mounted fixtures: 10 feet maximum
• Prohibited Lighting:
• Flashing lights, strobe lights, and laser lights
• Lights that could be confused with traffic control devices
• Lighting causing glare or interference with traffic or adjacent properties

General Outdoor Lighting Standards

Purpose and Application

Hampshire's outdoor lighting standards aim to prevent light trespass, promote energy efficiency, minimize light pollution, and enhance public safety. These requirements apply to all new and replacement outdoor lighting with some specific exemptions.

Exemptions from Lighting Regulations

The following lighting is exempt from the village's standard requirements:

• Holiday lighting and decorations (October 1 through January 31)
• Low-voltage landscape lighting
• Public streetlights
• Temporary lighting (fewer than 30 days)

Technical Requirements

All outdoor lighting must conform to specific technical standards:

• Fixtures: Full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures required for all new and replacement outdoor lighting
• Exception: Non-parking lot lights at least 5 feet from property lines may use other means of screening upward light
• Light Measurement: Light levels must be measured in foot-candles with a direct-reading light meter (±5% accuracy)
• Energy Conservation: Automatic lighting controls required for non-residential uses to reduce lighting when daylight is sufficient

Specific Requirements by Property Type

Non-Residential Properties

Non-residential properties must adhere to specific requirements for outdoor lighting:

• Photometric Plan Required: Must include:
• Scale drawing showing all outdoor lighting fixture locations
• Fixture specifications (type, height, shielding, lighting type, wattage)
• Lamp type and size
• Point-by-point illumination array along property lines at 10-foot intervals
• Height Limitations:
• Industrial zones: 30-foot maximum for poles and building-mounted fixtures
• Educational/recreational facilities: 60-foot maximum
• All other non-residential zones: 20-foot maximum
• Light Levels:
• Maximum 1 foot-candle at any point on property line
• Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at any point on property line adjacent to residential use
• Recreational facilities: Maximum average of 50 foot-candles
• Golf facilities: Maximum average of 5 foot-candles for courses, 20 foot-candles for driving ranges

Residential Properties

Residential lighting requirements are designed to maintain neighborhood aesthetics while ensuring safety:

• Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at any point on property line
• Light poles must not exceed 20 feet in height
• Building-mounted fixtures (including under-soffit lighting) must not exceed 10 feet in height

Mixed-Use and Multi-Family Properties

• Multi-family dwellings are considered non-residential uses for lighting purposes
• Mixed-use lots in business or industrial zoning districts containing residential uses are considered non-residential

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Restaurants and Taverns with Outdoor Seating

Hampshire has specific lighting requirements for establishments with outdoor seating:

• Lighting must be directed downward
• Light must not cast illumination outside of the outdoor seating area
• No special lighting devices without inspection and permission of electrical inspector
• Site plans must show boundary, location of entrances, and all surrounding light poles

Liquor Establishments

Places serving alcohol must meet these lighting standards:

• All rooms must be continuously lighted during business hours by natural or artificial white light
• All areas where alcoholic liquor is sold, served or consumed must be clearly visible
• No arrangement of lights shall prevent a full view of the entire interior
• Willfully obscuring view may result in license revocation

Adult Entertainment and Cannabis Establishments

The village may specify special conditions for these businesses, including lighting requirements:

• Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend specific lighting conditions
• Village Board may require lighting improvements to ensure safety of employees, customers, and surroundings

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

• Sign illumination must conform with section 6-3-17 of the code
• Building facade and signage illumination limited to fully shielded fixtures directed toward the facade or sign
• All light must concentrate on the exterior surface being illuminated

Downtown Special Graphics Area Restrictions

Internally illuminated wall signs are prohibited in the Downtown Special Graphics Area, which includes properties fronting on:

• State Street from Allen Road to Jackson Avenue
• Washington Avenue from State Street to Elm Street
• Jefferson Avenue from Park Street to Elm Street
• Rinn Avenue from Park Street to State Street

Prohibited Sign Lighting

• Flashing signs (except for public information)
• Signs that obstruct driver vision or detract from traffic signs/devices
• Signs using lights that interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic
• Festoon lighting (groups of two or more incandescent light bulbs hung overhead)

Fire Safety Lighting

Hampshire requires specific emergency lighting to assist first responders:

• Sprinkler Systems: 75cd minimum blue, weather-proof strobe light above the fire department sprinkler connection and adjacent to the outside sprinkler alarm bell
• Fire Alarm: 75cd minimum red strobe light outside the main building entrance that activates on all general fire alarm activations

Street Lighting Standards

Street lighting in Hampshire must be:

• Installed according to specifications of the village engineer
• Included in preliminary plans showing location of street lights
• Protected during construction (bond required to secure against damage)

Supporting Hampshire's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of communities like Hampshire, with its blend of small-town charm and modern development. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate Hampshire's commitment to preserving its historical character while embracing practical lighting needs.

We recognize that Hampshire's lighting regulations are designed to reduce light pollution, prevent light trespass, and maintain the village's aesthetic appeal. Our expertise in architectural lighting can help property owners navigate these requirements while enhancing the beauty and functionality of their spaces.

Bock Lighting shares Hampshire's values of community character preservation, energy efficiency, and appropriate lighting design. We're committed to serving as a resource for communities seeking to balance modern lighting needs with historical preservation and neighborhood character.

Conclusion

Hampshire's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its small-town atmosphere while providing safe, functional lighting for residents and businesses. By following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to preserving Hampshire's unique character while meeting their illumination needs.

Understanding and implementing proper lighting not only ensures compliance with village regulations but also enhances property values, improves safety, and contributes to Hampshire's overall aesthetic appeal. Whether you're planning new construction, renovating an existing property, or simply updating your outdoor lighting, these regulations provide a framework for creating beautiful, effective lighting solutions that respect the community's values and vision.

The village's careful approach to lighting regulations demonstrates its dedication to sustainable development that honors Hampshire's rural roots while embracing appropriate modern amenities. This balance is essential to maintaining the quality of life that makes Hampshire such a desirable place to live and work.