Lighting Regulations in Pinckneyville, Illinois: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance

Introduction

Founded in 1818 and serving as the county seat of Perry County, Pinckneyville, Illinois carries a rich historical character that reflects its early 19th-century origins. The Perry County Courthouse stands as a testament to the classic civic architecture that defines this small Midwestern community. As Pinckneyville balances preservation of its historical charm with modern development needs, lighting regulations play a key role in maintaining the community's character and ensuring resident comfort.

The city's approach to lighting reflects both practical concerns and historical considerations. Like many small towns with historical significance, Pinckneyville's regulations aim to preserve its distinctive atmosphere while addressing safety and security needs of residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into details, here's a quick overview of Pinckneyville's essential lighting regulations:

• Residential Impact Protection: Commercial properties must protect neighboring dwellings from excessive light
• Business Interior Lighting: Class A licensed premises require continuous lighting during business hours
• Prohibited Lighting: No flashing or rotating beacons/lights visible from streets or highways
• Sign Illumination: Maximum 50 foot-candles when measured perpendicular to sign face
• Home Occupations: Must not generate offensive glare beyond property lines
• Infrastructure: Existing utility poles and light standards should be used whenever possible

Residential and Neighborhood Lighting Requirements

Home Occupation Restrictions

If you operate a business from your home in Pinckneyville, lighting considerations are important. The code specifically states that a home occupation shall not generate any offensive glare noticeable at or beyond the boundary lines of the lot. This protects neighbors from light intrusion while still allowing residents to conduct business activities.

Protection from Commercial Light

Residents living near commercial areas have protections against excessive light. When converting residential property to commercial use in the C-2 Highway Business District, the property owner "shall be responsible for implementing steps to the satisfaction of the Zoning Commission that will reasonably protect neighboring dwellings from excessive light."

Infrastructure Considerations

Pinckneyville encourages using existing lighting infrastructure rather than adding new fixtures. The code specifically notes that "existing utility poles and light standards shall be used wherever practicable; the installation of additional utility poles is strongly discouraged." This approach helps maintain the town's visual character while promoting efficient use of resources.

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Class A Licensed Premises

Businesses operating with Class A licenses have specific lighting requirements:

• Continuous lighting during all business hours
• Must use natural light or artificial white light
• Lighting must be sufficient so that all parts of the interior of the premises shall be clearly visible

Sexually Oriented Businesses

These establishments have particularly detailed lighting requirements:

• License applications must include diagrams showing all overhead lighting fixtures
• Premises must have overhead lighting of sufficient intensity to illuminate every place to which patrons are permitted access at an illumination of not less than five foot-candles measured at floor level
• Operators must maintain this illumination at all times when patrons are present

Industrial District Considerations

The G-1 General Industrial District regulations specifically mention "excessive glare" as an unreasonable interference with neighboring properties. Industrial operations must ensure their lighting doesn't create nuisance conditions for adjacent properties or the community as a whole.

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitting and Restrictions

Pinckneyville has detailed regulations on illuminated signs:

• Sign lighting is prohibited in residential districts except for public and private schools
• No red, yellow, or green lights that could confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic
• No blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or devices with changing light intensity (electronic message boards excepted)
• Beacon lights and illumination by flame are prohibited

Technical Specifications

Sign illumination must meet these specific requirements:

• Light must be shaded, shielded or directed to avoid creating nuisances or traffic hazards
• No exposed reflective type bulbs or strobe lights
• No incandescent lamps exceeding 15 watts on exterior sign surfaces
• Maximum illumination of 50 foot-candles when measured perpendicular to the sign face
• All electrical components must conform to the National Electrical Code
• Light shall not shine into residential structures

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF)

These installations have specific lighting limitations:

• Cannot be artificially illuminated (directly or indirectly)
• Exceptions only for security and safety lighting of equipment buildings with appropriate shielding
• FAA-required illumination must be installed to minimize impacts on adjacent dwellings

Subdivision Requirements

Pinckneyville's code requires subdivisions to provide for "standards governing streets...street lights...in conformity with the applicable requirements of the ordinances, including the official map." This ensures consistent lighting standards throughout new developments.

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Enforcement

The code provides enforcement mechanisms for lighting violations. Particularly notable is that flashing or rotating beacons or lights visible from streets or highways are declared a nuisance and may be removed by any police officer.

Planning for Compliance

When developing property or modifying lighting:

• Consider impacts on neighboring properties, especially residential areas
• Ensure all illuminated signs meet the technical specifications
• Use shielding and proper direction for all lighting
• Utilize existing infrastructure where possible
• Include lighting details in permit applications

Historical Context Considerations

Pinckneyville's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving its small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality. The historical architecture and layout of the community influence how lighting is implemented and regulated.

Supporting Pinckneyville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance communities like Pinckneyville must strike between preserving historical character and meeting modern lighting needs. As a Midwestern manufacturer, Bock appreciates the unique challenges faced by towns with rich historical significance.

Our expertise in historical and architectural lighting allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating local regulations. We understand how proper lighting can enhance community character while complying with local requirements regarding light direction, shielding, and intensity.

Bock shares Pinckneyville's commitment to thoughtful development that respects community context. Our experience with projects in communities with similar historical considerations enables us to provide guidance that supports both compliance and aesthetic preservation.

Conclusion

Pinckneyville's lighting regulations reflect the community's dual priorities of preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to maintaining the unique atmosphere that makes Pinckneyville special.

The regulations focus primarily on preventing nuisance conditions, protecting residential areas from light intrusion, and ensuring appropriate illumination for commercial establishments. While detailed in certain areas like sign illumination, the code generally takes a practical approach that balances preservation and modern needs.

For specific projects or questions about compliance, property owners should consult with the local planning department to ensure their lighting plans align with both the letter and spirit of Pinckneyville's regulations.