Lighting Regulations in Madison County, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Function, and Community Character

Introduction

Madison County, Illinois, with its rich heritage dating back to 1812, has evolved from its early French settlement roots to become a vibrant part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Named after President James Madison, the county's approach to development reflects its commitment to balancing growth with preservation.

The county's lighting regulations are designed to maintain the aesthetic integrity of its communities while ensuring safety and functionality. From the historical districts of Edwardsville to the rural areas that dot the county's 760 square miles, these lighting standards help preserve Madison County's unique character while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specific contexts, here's a quick overview of Madison County's most important lighting regulations:

• Property Boundaries: Light must be directed away from neighboring residential properties and passing motorists
• Glare Control: No unreasonable reflection or direct glare beyond property lines
• Public Areas: Specific illumination requirements for different types of facilities
• Signs: No flashing or blinking lights; illumination must be shielded and directed
• Special Uses: Additional requirements for specific facilities like body art establishments, mobile home parks, and businesses

General Property Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Prevention

Madison County places significant emphasis on preventing light from affecting neighboring properties. This approach preserves both the night sky and respects the privacy of neighbors.

• Direct light control: Lights used for any purpose (signs, parking areas, swimming pools, etc.) must be arranged to direct light away from neighboring residential properties
• Driver safety: Lighting must be positioned to avoid affecting the vision of passing motorists
• Property line limitation: No offensive lighting is permitted beyond property boundaries

Nuisance Prevention

The county code specifically addresses lighting as a potential nuisance:

• Unreasonable reflections: Creation or maintenance of unreasonable reflection or direct glare beyond property lines is prohibited
• Hobby/personal vehicle repair: Activities must not create light emissions that become a nuisance

Commercial and Special Use Properties

For businesses and special use properties, additional requirements apply:

• Adjacent properties: Outdoor lighting must be designed to minimize light from directly hitting adjacent property or any public right-of-way
• Specific to wineries and reception venues: Special attention to preventing light spillover to neighboring properties

Specific Facility Requirements

Body Art Establishments

Body art establishments have precise lighting requirements to ensure safety and hygiene:

• General lighting: Minimum artificial light source equivalent to at least 20 foot candles three feet off the floor
• Procedure areas: At least 100 foot candles where body art procedures are performed
• Instrument preparation: Minimum 100 foot candles where instruments and sharps are assembled

Mobile Home Parks

The county has established specific lighting standards for mobile home parks:

• Hazardous locations: Average illumination of at least 150 watts every 150 feet or 40 watts per space at potential hazardous locations (park entrances, street/walkway intersections, steps)
• Service buildings: Must have good natural and artificial lighting
• Space identification: Mobile home spaces must be numbered in a uniform manner visible from the street, implying adequate lighting for visibility

Adult Businesses

Adult businesses have strict illumination requirements:

• Private viewing areas: Booths, rooms, or cubicles must be lit by light bulbs of at least 25 watts during business hours
• Public areas: Must be lit by light bulbs of at least 60 watts when the business is open

Sign and Display Lighting

Electronic Message Centers (EMCs)

Electronic displays must adhere to specific brightness controls:

• Automatic adjustment: EMCs must use dimming software and sensors to adjust brightness for nighttime viewing and ambient light variations
• Glare prevention: Light intensity must not produce glare that constitutes a traffic hazard or is detrimental to public health and safety

Illuminated Signs

For all illuminated signs, the following regulations apply:

• Light shielding: Light from illuminated signs must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent objectionable brightness in surrounding areas
• Residential protection: Light rays shall not spill over property lines into residential zones except by indirect reflection
• Dynamic lighting prohibition: No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or scintillating lights or changing light intensity, brightness, or color
• Beacon lights: Not permitted
• Traffic safety: Neither direct nor reflected light may create a traffic hazard for vehicle operators
• Bulb limitations: No exposed lamps or bulbs exceeding 15 watts on sign exterior surfaces facing public streets or adjacent property

Special Infrastructure Lighting

Telecommunication Facilities

Telecommunications infrastructure has specific lighting guidelines:

• Security lighting: Lighting installed for security and safety purposes must be shielded to prevent glare beyond facility boundaries
• Exception: FAA and FCC required lighting is exempt from the shielding requirement

Cable Systems

Cable system construction, operation, maintenance, and repair must comply with:

• Federal Aviation Administration "Obstruction Marking and Lighting" guidelines
• Federal Communications Commission Rules Part 17 on "Construction, Marking and Lighting of Antenna Structures"

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Implications

Understanding these regulations helps property owners avoid potential violations while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and function.

The core principle of Madison County's lighting regulations is containment - keeping your light on your property. When installing new lighting, consider:

• Fixture direction: Aim lights downward and away from property lines
• Shielding: Use fixtures with proper shielding to prevent light spillover
• Brightness control: Choose appropriate wattage and consider motion sensors or timers for energy efficiency

Compliance Benefits

Following these regulations offers multiple benefits:

• Good neighbor relations: Preventing light trespass shows respect for those around you
• Safety enhancement: Proper lighting improves security without creating hazardous glare
• Environmental consideration: Reducing light pollution supports local wildlife and preserves night sky visibility

Supporting Madison County's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Madison County's approach to balancing growth with preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share the county's commitment to maintaining community character while meeting modern needs.

We recognize that Madison County's lighting regulations reflect its unique blend of historical districts and growing communities. Our team is knowledgeable about regional architectural styles and lighting needs, particularly in areas with rich historical character like Edwardsville and its surrounding communities.

Bock Lighting is committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Madison County's vision. We focus on providing education about lighting regulations and solutions that respect community character while meeting safety and functionality requirements.

As a resource for property owners and businesses in Madison County, we aim to support the community's lighting needs with an understanding of both local regulations and the county's distinctive blend of historic preservation and forward-looking development.

Conclusion

Madison County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining community character while ensuring safety and functionality. From general property guidelines to specific requirements for various facilities, these standards help preserve the county's aesthetic integrity while meeting modern needs.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners can contribute to Madison County's vision of balanced development that respects both tradition and progress. Proper lighting not only ensures compliance but also enhances safety, respects neighbors, and preserves the unique character that makes Madison County special.

Whether you're installing lighting for a residential property, business, or special facility, these guidelines provide a framework for creating effective illumination that benefits the entire community.