Lighting Regulations in Highwood, Illinois: Balancing Heritage and Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in the North Shore region of the Chicago metropolitan area, Highwood, Illinois, has evolved from its 1887 founding into a vibrant community of approximately 5,400 residents. The city's rich history, shaped by Italian immigration and the influence of nearby Fort Sheridan, has created a distinctive cultural and architectural character that continues to define Highwood today.

This unique heritage is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations. By carefully managing illumination throughout the community, Highwood strikes a balance between preserving its historical character while ensuring safety, visibility, and aesthetic appeal for residents and visitors alike.

Understanding these lighting regulations is essential for property owners, business operators, and anyone involved in construction or renovation projects within city limits.

Quick Reference Guide

Most Critical Lighting Requirements:

• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at property lines near residential districts
• Maximum 1.0 foot-candle at property lines in business districts
• Sign Illumination:
• Electric illumination only
• No "box signs" except in exceptional circumstances
• No blinking, flashing, LCD/plasma displays
• Lighting must be placed on same property as sign
• Documentation Requirements:
• Separate lighting plan overlay required for site plans
• Photometric documentation required
• Light fixture catalog cuts and lamp types must be specified
• Fire Safety:
• Blue strobe light required over fire department connections for sprinklered buildings (except single-family homes)

Sign Illumination Requirements

Permitted Illumination Methods

Highwood regulates sign illumination to maintain aesthetic standards while ensuring visibility. The regulations specify that:

• All signs must be illuminated by electrical means only
• All electrical wiring must conform to the National Electrical Code
• Preferred option: Signs with individually cut, opaque, raised letters on raceways illuminated with back lighting (reverse channel letters)
• Internal illumination of individual letters/logos is not preferred but may be considered where appropriate

Prohibited Illumination Types

The following lighting types are expressly prohibited for signs:

• Illuminated "box signs" (with limited exceptions for unique circumstances)
• LCD/plasma displays
• Blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
• Illumination that changes in intensity, brightness, or color
• Neon signs (unless specifically permitted)

Approval and Permitting

Before installing any illuminated sign:

• Obtain building department approval for electric wiring and devices
• Secure electrical permits for installation and maintenance
• Note that replacement or relettering of illuminated signs doesn't require permits unless wiring changes are needed

Location and Intensity

• Lighting must be placed on the same property as the sign
• Illumination levels must be appropriate for the proposed signage, site, and adjoining properties
• For integrated shopping centers, specific size and height restrictions apply to illuminated signs

Light Trespass and Property Boundaries

Maximum Light Levels

Highwood enforces strict light trespass limits to prevent unwanted illumination affecting neighboring properties:

• Near residential districts: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at property lines
• In business districts: Maximum 1.0 foot-candle at property lines

These measurements are taken at property lines using a light meter.

Building Illumination

• Illuminated building faces are prohibited unless specifically approved
• Approved illuminated faces must not front residential districts
• All primary light sources must follow Illuminating Engineering Society standards
• Light must not adversely affect surrounding property or create traffic hazards

Exterior and Landscape Lighting

Design Principles

Exterior lighting in Highwood should:

• Enhance building design and adjoining landscape
• Be compatible with building design and adjacent areas
• Use restrained design to avoid excessive brightness
• Be considered part of the architectural concept
• Have fixtures, standards, and accessories that are harmonious with building design

Parking Area Requirements

• Approved lighting is required for all off-street parking spaces
• Lighting must be arranged to prevent direct glare onto any adjacent public or private property

Documentation and Planning Requirements

Required Lighting Plans

For construction and renovation projects, Highwood requires comprehensive lighting documentation:

• Separate lighting plan overlay showing site and building lighting
• Photometric documentation demonstrating compliance with zoning regulations
• Reference codes keyed to light fixture catalog cuts
• Lamp type specifications
• Site section drawings indicating light standards

Planned Unit Developments

Preliminary facilities plans for planned unit developments must include a lighting program that demonstrates compliance with all relevant regulations.

Fire Safety Lighting Requirements

Blue Strobe Light Installation

Highwood requires specific lighting for fire safety in commercial buildings:

• A blue strobe light must be installed on all buildings with fire sprinkler systems (except single-family residences)
• The strobe must be located directly over the fire department connection
• It must be clearly visible from the fire department's normal access route
• The light must be labeled as "water flow"
• Style and height must be approved by the bureau of fire prevention

Special Considerations

Holiday and Seasonal Lighting

• Lights or strings of lights may only be illuminated during holiday seasons
• Seasonal holiday lighting is exempt from prohibitions on changing illumination

Utility Poles and Light Standards

• Existing utility poles and light standards should be used wherever practicable
• Installation of additional utility poles is strongly discouraged

Protection of Public Lighting

Highwood prohibits:

• Defacing, carrying away, injuring, or destroying any public lamp
• Climbing upon any public lamppost
• Hanging or placing goods or merchandise on public lampposts
• Placing goods, boxes, wood, or heavy material against public lampposts

Supporting Highwood's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation. We appreciate Highwood's commitment to maintaining its unique cultural character while ensuring safe and appropriate illumination throughout the community.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with Midwestern architectural styles and community values, Bock Lighting shares Highwood's dedication to thoughtful illumination that respects historical context. Our experience with communities that prioritize their distinctive heritage allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

We recognize that Highwood's lighting regulations reflect the city's vibrant history as a hub for Italian immigrants and its connection to Fort Sheridan. Through education and community engagement, we're committed to supporting municipalities like Highwood in achieving their lighting vision for years to come.

Conclusion

Highwood's lighting regulations represent a thoughtful approach to illumination that honors the city's rich heritage while meeting modern needs. By carefully controlling light trespass, sign illumination, exterior lighting design, and documentation requirements, the city maintains its distinctive character and protects quality of life for all residents.

Property owners and businesses should carefully review these requirements before undertaking any construction, renovation, or signage projects to ensure compliance. When in doubt, consulting with city officials early in the planning process can help avoid costly modifications later.

Through these carefully crafted regulations, Highwood continues its tradition of balancing preservation with progress, creating a welcoming and visually appealing environment for all who live in and visit this unique community.