Lighting Regulations in Kenilworth, Illinois: Preserving Character While Ensuring Safety

In the charming village of Kenilworth, Illinois, lighting regulations reflect the community's deep commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality. Founded in 1889 by Joseph Sears as a meticulously planned community, Kenilworth continues to prioritize its aesthetic integrity through thoughtful regulations, including those that govern lighting.

Quick Reference Guide to Kenilworth Lighting Regulations

• Outdoor Lighting Direction: Must be shielded, directed, and locked to minimize light spillover to neighboring properties
• Sign Illumination Hours: Allowed 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (11:00 p.m. maximum if business remains open)
• Sign Illumination Intensity: Cannot exceed 10 foot candles when measured 4 feet from sign face
• Light Fixture Requirements: Must be harmonious with architectural design
• Permit Requirements: Not required for simple fixture replacements, but required for new circuits
• Prohibited Lighting: Unshielded lights for sign illumination; illuminated real estate signs in residential districts

Understanding Kenilworth's Approach to Lighting

Historical Context Shaping Lighting Regulations

Kenilworth's 0.6 square mile footprint contains a wealth of architectural heritage spanning Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Prairie School styles. This rich historical character has guided the village's approach to development, including its lighting regulations.

The village's commitment to maintaining its small-town charm and aesthetic integrity is reflected in lighting rules that prioritize subtlety and harmony with architectural design. Since its founding, Kenilworth has balanced the need for safe, functional lighting with preservation of its distinctive character.

Why These Regulations Matter

Kenilworth's lighting regulations serve multiple important purposes:

• Preserve Community Character: Maintaining the historically subtle lighting throughout the village
• Prevent Light Pollution: Minimizing spillover to neighboring properties
• Enhance Safety: Ensuring adequate lighting for safety while preventing glare and distraction
• Protect Property Values: Preventing nuisance lighting that could negatively impact adjacent properties

Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Residential Lighting Guidelines

Section 225.28 of Kenilworth's code establishes clear guidelines for outdoor lighting that apply to homeowners:

• All outdoor lighting fixtures must be installed, shielded, directed, and locked into position according to guidelines
• Light sources must be directed away from neighboring residential properties
• Lighting must minimize the amount and intensity of artificial light directed or reflected toward neighboring properties

Architectural Integration

Kenilworth places significant emphasis on ensuring lighting complements architectural design:

• Exterior lighting must be part of the architectural concept
• Fixtures, standards, and exposed accessories must be harmonious with building design
• If external spot or flood lighting is used, it must be arranged so that the light source is shielded from view

Sign Illumination Regulations

Permitted Sign Lighting

Kenilworth tightly regulates sign illumination to preserve its subtle lighting character:

• Only exterior illuminated signs are allowed, with all other illuminated signs prohibited
• Light fixtures for signs must be located, shielded and directed so the light source is not directly visible from surrounding property
• Unshielded lights (including incandescent bulbs on poles or strung on wires) are prohibited for sign illumination

Technical Specifications

The code includes specific technical requirements for sign lighting:

• Maximum Intensity: Cannot exceed 10 foot candles when measured 4 feet from the center of the sign face
• Fixture Protrusion: Receptacles providing external illumination for wall signs cannot protrude more than 9 inches from the sign face (except for ground lighting)
• Hours of Operation: Sign illumination is permitted from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (or until 11:00 p.m. maximum if business remains open)

Sign Type Restrictions

Different types of signs have specific illumination restrictions:

• Free expression signs in Business and Residential districts shall not be illuminated
• Real estate signs in residential districts shall not be illuminated
• Holiday decorations, including illuminated ones, are allowed as temporary signs

Permit Requirements for Lighting Projects

When Permits Are Required

The village has clear guidelines for when electrical permits are needed for lighting projects:

• Permits are required for:
• Extending any branch circuit or feeder circuit
• Replacement or relocation of electrical service panels
• Any new electrical work
• Permits are not required for:
• Replacement of light fixtures
• Light fixtures with ceiling fans
• Switches and receptacle outlets
• As long as all work complies with the adopted National Electrical Code (2020 edition)

Application Requirements

When applying for permits involving lighting:

• Applications must include plans, specifications and schedules in sufficient detail
• Must show the location and capacity of all lighting facilities
• For certain projects, must include details regarding source, type and level of illumination measured in foot candles

Special Lighting Requirements

Safety Lighting

Several safety-related lighting requirements exist:

• Public works projects require barricades with lights at night
• The word "Exit" with red lights burning over the sign at all times when buildings are open to the public
• Entertainment venues require supplemental lighting systems independent of other lights and operational until all audience members have left

Small Wind Energy Systems (SWES)

SWES facilities have specific lighting restrictions:

• Must comply with FAA and other lighting regulations
• Should not be artificially lighted except as required by FAA or for maintenance safety
• Any lighting must be shielded to prevent glare beyond property lines
• Security lighting to be used only to minimum extent necessary
• Only red, dual red-and-white strobe, strobe-like, or flashing lights shall be used

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Lighting Projects

When planning lighting for your Kenilworth property:

• Consider architectural harmony - lighting should complement your building's design
• Prioritize shielding to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Check permit requirements before beginning electrical work
• Consult guidelines for specific applications like sign illumination
• Remember that Kenilworth prioritizes subtle, understated lighting throughout the village

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be aware of these frequent compliance concerns:

• Unshielded lights that create glare for neighbors
• Overly bright fixtures that exceed intensity standards
• Improper direction of lighting toward neighboring properties
• Incompatible fixtures that don't harmonize with architectural design

Supporting Kenilworth's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and shares Kenilworth's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing functionality. We appreciate how communities like Kenilworth balance safety concerns with aesthetic preservation.

Our decades of experience with regional architectural styles gives us unique insight into the lighting needs of historically significant communities. We understand how lighting should complement—rather than compete with—the Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Prairie School styles that give Kenilworth its distinct character.

As a resource for communities, Bock Lighting provides educational support regarding lighting regulations and historically appropriate options. We believe that responsible lighting practices align perfectly with Kenilworth's vision of maintaining its carefully planned character while meeting modern needs.

Conclusion

Kenilworth's lighting regulations reflect its broader commitment to preserving the village's unique character while ensuring safety and functionality. By carefully controlling outdoor lighting direction, sign illumination, and fixture design, Kenilworth maintains its historically subtle lighting environment.

For property owners, understanding these regulations helps ensure projects meet community standards while enhancing both individual properties and the village as a whole. Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses contribute to the preservation of Kenilworth's distinctive charm and architectural heritage.