Lighting Regulations in Northlake, Illinois: A Guide to Safety & Compliance

Introduction

Northlake, Illinois, known as "The City of Friendly People," has established lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to community safety and quality of life. Incorporated in 1949 and named for the intersection of North Avenue and Lake Street, Northlake has grown from a population of 3,000 to over 12,000 residents while maintaining its community-oriented atmosphere.

The city's lighting regulations are designed to ensure well-lit, secure spaces that enhance both safety and aesthetic appeal. This is particularly evident in community spaces like the Centerpoint Preserve, which features walking paths and activity areas that remain safe for evening use thanks to thoughtful lighting provisions.

Quick Reference Guide

• Parking Areas: Must be illuminated with low sodium vapor lights
• Business Interiors: Must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Exit Areas: Require continuous exterior lighting of at least 2 foot-candles per square foot
• Common Hallways: Must maintain illumination of at least 5 lumens per square foot
• Street Lighting: Specific requirements based on road classification with maximum spacing of 300 feet
• Residential Requirements: Specific outlet and fixture requirements for different room types
• Exit Signs: Must have 6-inch letters and red lights in assembly halls

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Parking Area Regulations

Commercial property owners must ensure their parking areas are properly illuminated for safety. According to Northlake regulations:

• All parking areas within licensed premises must be illuminated with low sodium vapor lights
• This requirement applies to areas where the public or employees may enter
• Existing businesses were required to install low sodium vapor fixtures by May 1, 1996

Interior Business Lighting

The interior of business premises must be adequately lit at all times when open:

• Premises must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Lighting can be from natural light or artificial white light
• All parts of the interior must be clearly visible
• This ensures safety for both customers and employees

Assembly Hall Exit Lighting

Buildings used as assembly halls with accommodations for 100 persons or more must have:

• EXIT signs with letters at least 6 inches high over every egress door
• A light with a red globe placed at or over each exit sign
• Lights must remain burning during the entire period the hall is open
• Lighting must continue until the audience has completely left the hall

Tattoo Establishment Lighting

Tattoo establishments have specific lighting requirements to ensure proper sanitation and procedure visibility:

• Must have artificial light sources of at least 10 foot-candles at 30 inches from floor throughout the room
• Patron level in tattooing areas must have at least 25 foot-candles of illumination
• This higher standard ensures proper visualization for safe tattooing procedures

Residential Lighting Requirements

Room-Specific Requirements

Northlake's code specifies the minimum lighting fixtures and outlets required in residential properties:

• Habitable Rooms: Every habitable room must have at least 2 separate and remote outlets, one of which may be a ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture
• Kitchens: Must have either 3 separate wall-type electric outlets OR 2 such outlets plus one ceiling/wall light fixture
• Service Rooms: Every public hall, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room or furnace room must have at least one electric light fixture
• Work Spaces: Every nonhabitable work space (laundry, storage, furnace room) must have one supplied electric light fixture

Common Area Lighting

For multi-family dwellings, common areas have specific illumination requirements:

• Common Halls and Stairways: Must be adequately lighted at all times with illumination of at least 5 lumens per square foot in the darkest portions
• Exit Areas: Require continuous exterior lighting from dusk to dawn with minimum intensity of 2 foot-candles per square foot within an 8-foot radius
• Lighting for exit areas may use battery-powered or solar-powered lighting if it meets the performance standards

Accessibility Features

For those designing or renovating homes, be aware of these accessibility requirements:

• Wall switches controlling light fixtures and fans in single-family dwellings must be located at a height not exceeding 48 inches above finished floor
• This height is measured from the finished floor to the center of the switch
• Exceptions exist where special equipment requires different placement

Street Lighting Standards

Technical Specifications

Northlake has detailed requirements for street lighting to ensure consistent illumination throughout the city:

• Maximum Spacing: Light poles cannot exceed 300 feet apart
• Placement: Light standards must be set 2 feet back from the curb line
• Intersections: At least one luminary required at each intersection and cul-de-sac
• Heights: Standard mounting height is 25 feet, with 30-foot heights at major street entrances

Illumination Levels by Road Type

Different roadway classifications require different illumination levels:

• Major Roads: 0.9 average maintained horizontal foot-candles
• Collector Roads: 0.6 average maintained horizontal foot-candles
• Local/Minor Roads: 0.2 average maintained horizontal foot-candles

Equipment Specifications

Street lighting equipment must meet these standards:

• Light Standards: Polished spun aluminum, round shaft, anchor base type with 8-foot mast arm
• Foundation: 5-foot deep concrete foundation with ground rod
• Luminaries: Must have built-in 120/240 volt high power factor constant wattage-type ballast
• Distribution: IES Type, two-way or four-way (with house side shield for three-way distribution)
• Lamp Type: 250-watt mercury vapor luminaries for standard streets; 400-watt for major entrances

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Code Violations

The city specifically identifies these lighting-related code violations:

• Failure to provide adequate hall or stairway lighting
• Failure to provide adequate light as required by City Code
• Swimming pools without adequate nighttime lighting (that doesn't interfere with neighbor privacy)

Permit Requirements

Before installing or modifying electrical systems for lighting:

• Permits Required: All electrical work requires proper permits
• Application Details: Must describe materials, apparatus, class of work, and location
• Plans Required: Submissions must include wiring layout showing outlet locations, wire sizes, control box locations, and service head location

Special Considerations

Be aware of these additional regulations:

• Solar Energy Systems: Illumination of solar energy systems is prohibited
• Time/Temperature Signs: Digital displays can change no more frequently than every 30 seconds
• Construction Areas: House movers must place red lights at front and rear of any street obstruction from sunset to sunrise

Supporting Northlake's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance that communities like Northlake seek to achieve between safety, functionality, and community character. We recognize Northlake's commitment to maintaining its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere while ensuring well-lit public spaces.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, we appreciate Northlake's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that prioritize both safety and neighborhood aesthetics. Our experience working with municipalities throughout the Midwest has given us insight into the specific challenges and opportunities facing communities like Northlake.

Bock Lighting shares Northlake's values of community safety and responsible development. We're committed to serving as a resource for property owners, contractors, and community planners who need guidance navigating lighting regulations while maintaining the character that makes Northlake "The City of Friendly People."

Conclusion

Northlake's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to creating a safe, accessible community environment while maintaining the city's welcoming character. From specific requirements for parking areas and businesses to detailed standards for street lighting, these regulations ensure consistent illumination throughout the city.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements, particularly when undertaking new construction or renovation projects. By understanding and following Northlake's lighting regulations, residents and business owners contribute to the city's ongoing effort to balance growth with community preservation and safety.

Remember that all electrical work requires proper permits and inspections. When in doubt about specific requirements, consult with the city's building department before beginning any lighting installation or modification project.