Lighting Regulations in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois: Balancing Modern Needs with Community Character

Introduction

Nestled in DuPage County, Oakbrook Terrace may be small in size at just 1.8 square miles, but it maintains a distinct identity that reflects its historical journey. From its origins as "Utopia" in the 1870s to its official incorporation in 1958, Oakbrook Terrace has evolved while preserving connections to its past.

The city's approach to development—including its lighting regulations—reflects a commitment to balancing modern needs with community character. With approximately 2,000 residents, Oakbrook Terrace has developed lighting standards that promote safety and functionality while minimizing negative impacts on neighboring properties.

Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and developers looking to maintain compliance while contributing to the community's aesthetic vision.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting requirements in Oakbrook Terrace:

• Maximum Light Levels at Property Lines:
• 2 foot candles maximum measured at any lot line
• Residential Light Pole Height Limits:
• 8 feet maximum for single-family detached residential
• 4 feet maximum for swimming pool areas
• 16 feet maximum for attached residential buildings
• Commercial/Non-Residential Requirements:
• All exterior fixtures must be shaded to prevent direct light on residential properties
• Screening may be required to block vehicle headlight glare
• Emergency Lighting:
• Minimum 90-minute duration in emergency conditions
• Annual testing required for 1.5 hours
• 30-day interval testing for 30 seconds

Residential Lighting Regulations

Height Restrictions

Oakbrook Terrace maintains strict light pole height limits to preserve residential character and prevent excessive light pollution:

• Light poles for single-family detached homes must not exceed 8 feet above grade
• Light poles in conjunction with swimming pools are limited to 4 feet above grade
• Light poles for attached single-family buildings may reach up to 16 feet above grade

Placement Requirements

The city also regulates where light fixtures can be located on residential properties:

• In single-family detached residential districts, light poles may only be placed in the front yard (not in required side or rear yards)
• Exception: Light poles for swimming pools may be placed in rear yards inside the required pool fence

Light Trespass Prevention

Multiple regulations address the impact of residential lighting on neighboring properties:

• No residential lighting shall cause glare or excessive light spillover onto adjacent residential properties
• All exterior fixtures must be directed or shaded to avoid casting direct light upon adjacent properties
• Light levels must not exceed 2 foot candles measured at any lot line

Commercial and Non-Residential Lighting

Adjacent to Residential Areas

The regulations are particularly stringent when commercial or non-residential properties are adjacent to residential districts:

• No non-residential use shall cause glare or excessive spillover light onto residential properties
• All exterior lighting fixtures must be shaded to prevent direct light on residential properties or public streets/parks
• Screening through landscaping or decorative fencing may be required to block vehicle headlight glare
• Maximum light level of 2 foot candles measured at any lot line

Parking Area Lighting

For off-street parking areas:

• Lighting must be directed away from residential properties to avoid creating a nuisance
• Light levels must not exceed 2 foot candles at any lot line
• Light poles in business districts or for attached residential/multiple-family residential buildings may reach up to 16 feet in height

Emergency Lighting Requirements

Power Supply Requirements

Oakbrook Terrace has detailed requirements for emergency lighting backup power:

• Emergency power must provide illumination for a minimum of 90 minutes
• Power sources may include storage batteries, unit equipment, or onsite generators
• Buildings with an occupant load of 50 or more require means of egress lighting connected to an emergency electrical system

Areas Requiring Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting is required in:

• Classrooms, offices, and restrooms
• Storage and copy areas
• Electrical closets and stairwells
• Corridors and access routes
• Spaces over 2,000 square feet
• Any room where 5 or more people may gather

Testing and Maintenance

To ensure emergency lighting functions properly when needed:

• Testing must occur every 30 days for a minimum of 30 seconds
• An annual test must run for 1.5 hours with equipment fully operational
• Written records of inspections and testing must be maintained on-site

Digital Sign Lighting Regulations

Changeable Electronic Variable Message Signs

For electronic signs with changeable messages, Oakbrook Terrace has specific brightness controls:

• Maximum brightness during daytime: 5,000 Nits
• Maximum brightness at night: 300 Nits
• Signs must include light detector/photocell technology to automatically adjust brightness
• Prohibited lighting includes flashing lights, strobe lights, or lights resembling emergency vehicles

Highway Advertising Signs

Additional regulations apply to signs near highways:

• Lighting must be directed to the display panel and shielded so the source is not visible
• Signs must be effectively shielded to prevent light beams from being directed at highways
• Intensity must not cause glare or impair driver vision

Street Lighting Standards

Installation Requirements

The city requires consistent street lighting in new developments:

• Street lighting must be installed in all subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)
• Installation is at the expense of the subdivider or developer
• Lighting must conform to the "City of Oakbrook Terrace Subdivision and Public Improvement Standards"

Utility Pole Standards

When installing or replacing lighting poles:

• Existing utility poles and light standards shall be used wherever practicable
• The installation of additional utility poles is strongly discouraged
• Replacement poles must look substantially the same as existing poles in the surrounding area
• Replacement poles must match the height, width, color, and material of original or adjacent poles

Supporting Oakbrook Terrace's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing safety, functionality, and community character that Oakbrook Terrace values. Our experience with communities similar to Oakbrook Terrace has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from a city's distinctive identity.

Communities like Oakbrook Terrace benefit from lighting solutions that respect local regulations while meeting modern needs. Bock Lighting appreciates Oakbrook Terrace's commitment to managing light pollution and preserving its unique character through thoughtful lighting standards.

As a resource for understanding lighting regulations, Bock Lighting can help property owners navigate compliance requirements while maintaining the aesthetic qualities that make Oakbrook Terrace special. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the community's vision for balanced development.

Conclusion

Oakbrook Terrace's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining a harmonious community where modern needs are met while respecting the quality of life for all residents. The focus on preventing light trespass, controlling fixture heights, and ensuring appropriate emergency lighting demonstrates a thoughtful approach to urban planning.

Property owners should pay particular attention to the 2-foot candle maximum at property lines and the height restrictions for various property types. These consistent standards help preserve Oakbrook Terrace's unique character while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to the community's ongoing efforts to balance development with preservation of its distinctive small-city atmosphere.