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

Introduction

Justice, Illinois, a vibrant village in Cook County with approximately 12,000 residents, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its suburban character and community values. Incorporated in 1911 during the Chicago area's urban expansion, Justice has grown with a focus on balancing development needs with maintaining a pleasant residential environment.

The village's approach to lighting regulations demonstrates its commitment to safety, visibility, and community well-being. These guidelines help preserve the quality of life that residents value while ensuring adequate illumination for security and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide to Justice's Lighting Requirements

• Businesses serving alcohol: Must be continuously lit during business hours
• Commercial establishments: Minimum 30 foot-candles of illumination in certain facilities
• Pedestrian areas: Must be well-lit with fixtures focused on walkways
• High-output fixtures: Lights exceeding 14,000 initial lumens must avoid protruding below fixture shells
• Emergency lighting: Required in all corridors, stairwells, public areas, and exit signs
• Streetlights: Must be of village-approved quality and installed at approved intervals
• Construction sites: Require amber safety lights at intervals no greater than 75 feet

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Business-Specific Illumination Standards

Justice's code contains specific lighting requirements for various business types. These standards ensure safety, cleanliness, and proper visibility:

• Establishments serving liquor: Interior spaces must be "continuously lighted during business hours by natural light or artificial white light so that all parts of the interior of the premises shall be clearly visible"
• Certain commercial establishments: Must maintain at least 30 foot-candles of illumination
• Bakeries: "All parts of the bakery shall be adequately lighted at all times"
• Medical cannabis facilities: Must install lighting "as needed or at the request of the village, to ensure the safety of employees and customers"

Maintenance and Aesthetics

Beyond basic illumination, Justice's code addresses the maintenance and visual aspects of lighting:

• Light fixtures attached to walls or ceilings must be kept clean
• Walls and ceilings should be of light color and maintained in good repair
• Materials should be easily cleanable

Outdoor Lighting Regulations

Pedestrian Area Requirements

Justice places special emphasis on illuminating areas where people walk:

• All pedestrian areas "shall be well lighted by fixtures that focus on lighting walkways and sitting areas"
• Decorative lighting fixtures that supplement general lighting are "strongly encouraged in all developments"

Light Pollution Control

To minimize light pollution and glare, Justice requires:

• Fixtures visible from public right-of-way with output greater than 14,000 initial lumens must be designed:
• Without lenses or globes protruding below the fixture shell
• Generally parallel with the ground

Safety and Emergency Lighting

Required Emergency Illumination

Safety lighting is a critical component of Justice's regulations:

• Emergency lighting circuits must be provided for:
• All exit signs
• Corridors
• Stairwells
• Basements
• Assembly rooms
• Other public areas
• All emergency lighting must "conform to the requirements of the fire prevention code"

Construction Site Safety Lighting

The village code specifically addresses lighting at construction sites:

• Amber safety lights must be placed "at each end of every such obstruction or excavation"
• Additional lights required "at intervals of not more than seventy five feet (75')"

Residential Lighting Considerations

Housing Standards

Justice's code includes lighting as part of basic habitability requirements:

• Dwellings must not be "unfit for human habitation" due to "defects in the lighting system"
• Working conditions in all buildings must not be "inadequate or faulty with respect to light"

Mobile Home Parks

For mobile home developments:

• Applications must include "the proposed method of lighting the structures and land"
• Lighting plans are evaluated as part of the permit process

Parking and Street Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

Justice requires proper lighting of parking facilities:

• "All parking spaces and access drives shall be striped, screened and lighted as approved by the planning commission"
• Lighting from parking areas adjacent to residential zones must be obscured by appropriate fencing

Streetlight Standards

The village maintains control over public street lighting:

• "Streetlights of a standard kind and quality approved by the village shall be installed"
• Light placement intervals must be "approved by the village"

Sign Illumination Regulations

Illuminated Sign Definitions

The code defines illuminated signs and places restrictions on certain types:

• "Illuminated Sign means any sign which emanates light either by means of exposed tubing or lamps on its surface or by means of illumination transmitted through the sign faces"

Prohibited Lighting Features

Justice prohibits certain lighting elements on signs, including:

• "Light strings, light bulbs, light bands"
• "Blinking, electronic or flashing signs" (except time, temperature and date signs)
• Signs "which exhibit changing natural or artificial light or color effects"
• Signs containing "bare, unshielded light or tubes which are visible from a public street or private residence"

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

Understanding these lighting regulations helps property owners avoid potential issues:

• Different business types have specific illumination requirements
• Safety lighting is mandatory in commercial spaces
• Outdoor lighting must balance visibility with minimizing glare
• Sign lighting has specific restrictions to maintain community aesthetics

Permit and Fee Information

The village charges specific fees for lighting-related permits:

• Street lighting equipment: $10.00 per lamp post
• Electrical and non-electrical signs: $2.00 per square foot (minimum $10.00)
• Portable sign permit: $75.00

Supporting Justice's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique character of suburban communities like Justice, Illinois. With roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate how proper lighting enhances both safety and community aesthetics in Chicago-area suburbs.

Our familiarity with regional architectural styles allows us to provide resources that respect Justice's suburban character while meeting the specific requirements outlined in the village code. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer, we share Justice's commitment to balancing modern safety needs with maintaining a pleasant residential environment.

We're particularly focused on helping businesses understand regulations for commercial properties, parking areas, and pedestrian spaces—areas where Justice's code provides specific guidance. Our team can serve as an educational resource to help property owners navigate the village's various lighting requirements while maintaining the community atmosphere that residents value.

Conclusion

Justice, Illinois has developed lighting regulations that reflect its community values of safety, visibility, and suburban character. While the requirements aren't consolidated into a single comprehensive section of code, they appear throughout various ordinances addressing specific use cases.

By understanding and following these lighting guidelines, property owners can ensure compliance while contributing to the village's overall quality of life. From commercial properties to residential areas, proper lighting plays an essential role in maintaining Justice's community standards and creating safe, welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.