Lighting Regulations in Lake Barrington, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Community Values

Quick Reference Guide

• Maximum Light Levels: 0.1 foot-candle at property lines
• Shielding Requirement: All exterior lighting must be shielded to prevent direct illumination beyond property lines
• Digital Signs: Maximum 0.2 foot-candles over ambient light levels measured within 150 feet
• Residential Sign Illumination: Maximum 50 foot-candles for indirectly lit signs
• Approval Process: Exterior lighting plans required when installing or modifying outdoor lighting
• Pool Lighting: Must not create nuisance to neighboring properties
• Electrical Supply: Underground electrical supply required for illuminated freestanding signs

Introduction: Preserving Lake Barrington's Character Through Thoughtful Lighting

Lake Barrington, incorporated in 1959, stands as a testament to community values that prioritize preservation, aesthetic harmony, and environmental stewardship. Since its founding, Lake Barrington has maintained a careful balance between development and preservation of both architectural heritage and natural surroundings.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects these deeply held community values. By establishing clear guidelines for outdoor illumination, Lake Barrington works to maintain the character of its neighborhoods while reducing light pollution that might obscure the night sky.

These lighting regulations aren't merely bureaucratic requirements—they're an extension of the community's commitment to quality of life, environmental responsibility, and respect for the village's historical context.

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Safety First, Nuisance Never

Lake Barrington's outdoor lighting philosophy centers on a simple principle: provide enough light for safety without creating problems for neighbors. The village code requires that artificial lighting must be:

• Sufficient for safety of all persons using outdoor areas
• Not create a nuisance or inhibit normal enjoyment of surrounding properties
• Limited to 0.1 foot-candle at any property line

Shielding Requirements

Proper shielding of light fixtures is essential for compliance with Lake Barrington regulations. The code specifies that:

• All exterior lighting sources must be shielded
• Direct illumination must not be visible to observers standing at residential district property lines
• The observation point is measured at 5 feet above ground level

Approval Process for Lighting Changes

Before making changes to your property's exterior lighting:

• An exterior lighting plan must be submitted for approval
• This requirement applies whenever lighting is installed or substantially modified
• Approval must come from the enforcement officer prior to implementation

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Restaurant and Public Facility Lighting

Businesses serving the public have specific lighting requirements:

• All rooms in restaurants must be properly and adequately lighted for inspection
• Toilet facilities must be well-lighted and ventilated
• Emergency and exit lighting is required as part of floor plan specifications

Minimizing Impact on Residential Areas

Commercial properties must take special care not to impact nearby homes:

• Operations producing intense glare or heat must be performed within enclosed buildings
• Exposed light sources must be shielded to prevent nuisance across lot lines
• Decorative wall-mounted sconces or fixtures should be used on elevations facing away from residential uses

Pedestrian-Friendly Lighting

For commercial developments with pedestrian areas:

• Pedestrian-scale lighting is required in plazas, courtyards, pathways, and seating areas
• Fixtures should complement the architectural style of the development
• Accent lighting for unique features like architectural elements and specimen trees is encouraged

Sign Lighting Regulations

General Sign Illumination Rules

Lake Barrington carefully regulates sign lighting to maintain community aesthetics:

• Signs must not cause glare on any public area or residential property
• Colored lights that might interfere with or confuse traffic are prohibited
• Sign owners must maintain good condition of both signs and their lighting

Residential District Sign Requirements

In residential areas, sign lighting has stricter limitations:

• Only indirect lighting or backlighting is permitted
• Light levels cannot exceed 50 foot-candles when measured with a standard light meter
• The meter must be held parallel to the sign face at a distance equal to the narrowest dimension
• Internal illumination is not permitted for residential district signs

Digital Sign Requirements

Digital signs must incorporate technology to prevent excessive brightness:

• Construction must use non-reflective materials
• An ambient light monitor must automatically adjust brightness
• Maximum brightness cannot exceed 0.2 foot-candles over ambient light levels
• Measurement is taken within 150 feet of the sign
• Annual reinspection and recalibration is required
• Certification of preset brightness limitations must be provided to the village

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Outdoor Lighting

When designing outdoor lighting for your Lake Barrington property:

1. Prioritize shielding to direct light downward and prevent spill onto neighboring properties
2. Measure light levels at property lines to ensure they don't exceed 0.1 foot-candle
3. Submit lighting plans before making changes to existing outdoor lighting
4. Consider complementary fixtures that match your property's architectural style

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners sometimes encounter challenges with:

• Light trespass at property boundaries
• Insufficient shielding of exterior fixtures
• Over-illumination that exceeds code requirements
• Failing to obtain proper approvals before modifying lighting

Benefits of Compliance

Following Lake Barrington's lighting regulations provides numerous advantages:

• Preserves neighborhood character and aesthetic quality
• Reduces light pollution for better night sky visibility
• Minimizes conflicts with neighbors over unwanted light
• Supports property values by maintaining community standards

Supporting Lake Barrington's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and respects the values that shape Lake Barrington's approach to outdoor illumination. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that thoughtfully balance modern lighting needs with preservation of character and environmental responsibility.

Our experience working with communities throughout the Midwest has given us insight into the unique challenges faced by historic villages like Lake Barrington. We recognize that proper lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining the distinctive character that makes Lake Barrington special.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs enables us to provide guidance that respects both community standards and individual property requirements.

We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Lake Barrington's vision for preserving its natural environment and neighborhood aesthetics.

Conclusion

Lake Barrington's lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to maintaining its distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality. By limiting light trespass, requiring proper shielding, and establishing clear guidelines for illumination levels, the village protects its natural environment and neighborhood aesthetics.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to the quality of life that makes Lake Barrington special. Through thoughtful lighting choices, residents and businesses can support the village's vision of a community that respects both its historical roots and the natural environment.

Whether you're planning new construction, renovating an existing property, or simply upgrading outdoor lighting, these regulations provide a framework for illumination that serves practical needs while preserving the character that defines Lake Barrington.