Lighting Regulations in Prospect Heights, Illinois: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Prospect Heights, Illinois has evolved significantly since its founding in 1935 by developers Carlton Smith and Allen Dawson. What began as farmland along Elmhurst Road has transformed into a thriving community with a unique character and aesthetic appeal.

The city's lighting regulations reflect Prospect Heights' commitment to balancing growth with preservation of community character. These guidelines aim to enhance public safety while maintaining the aesthetic quality that makes Prospect Heights special.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for property improvements and maintenance in Prospect Heights.

Quick Reference Guide

Critical Lighting Requirements:

• Pool Lighting: No fixtures within 5 feet horizontally of pool walls unless 12+ feet above water level
• Parking Lots: Maximum height of 12 feet for fixtures; 2.0-3.0 foot-candles illumination level
• Light Trespass: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle illumination at property lines
• Residential Garage: One ceiling light per bay plus exterior lighting at service and overhead doors
• Bathroom/Shower Areas: All lighting fixtures must be GFCI protected
• Business Lighting: Must be shielded to prevent glare across property lines
• Street Lighting: Specific standards based on zoning (residential vs. commercial)

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Safety Lighting

Prospect Heights has specific requirements for interior lighting that focus on safety and functionality:

• Bathroom/Toilet Areas: All switches, receptacles, and light fixtures must be GFCI protected
• Attic and Crawlspace Access: A light is required in the immediate vicinity of the opening, inside the attic and/or crawlspace
• Garage Illumination: At least one ceiling light is required for each bay

Exterior and Pool Lighting

Pool lighting has strict safety requirements to prevent electrical hazards:

• Pool Fixture Placement: No lighting fixture shall be installed over a pool or within 5 feet horizontally of inside walls unless located at least 12 feet above maximum water level
• Electrical Compliance: All electrical wiring for pool lights must comply with the National Electric Code
• Exterior Garage Lighting: One outside light is required at each exterior service door and one light on each side of overhead doors

Residential Exterior Design Considerations

When designing exterior lighting for residences:

• Lighting should enhance building design and the adjoining landscape
• Fixtures should be compatible in design and size with the building and adjacent areas
• Lighting must be restrained in design, avoiding excessive brightness and brilliant colors
• House numbers must be clearly readable from the street, especially at night

Commercial and Business Lighting Standards

General Requirements

Commercial properties in Prospect Heights must adhere to specific lighting guidelines:

• Operations producing glare must be conducted within completely enclosed buildings
• Direct and indirect illumination must not exceed 0.5 foot-candle when measured at the property line
• Exposed light sources must be shielded
• Flickering or intense light sources must be controlled to prevent nuisance across property lines

Parking Lot Illumination

Off-street parking areas for more than four vehicles have detailed lighting requirements:

• Maximum Height: Fixtures shall not exceed 12 feet above finished grade
• Fixture Type: Must be non-spill type, hooded to prevent glare
• Illumination Levels: Between 2.0 and 3.0 foot-candles measured at grade level
• Overnight Security: Minimum security lighting required from 11:00 PM to sunrise
• Residential Protection: Screening required to protect adjacent residential properties from unreasonable glare
• Approval Process: All parking lot lighting arrangements must be approved by the building director and city engineer

Special Use Considerations

Cannabis business establishments have specific security lighting requirements:

• Security lighting may be required as set forth in the conditional use permit
• All lighting must comply with general glare limitations

Signage and Illumination Guidelines

Permitted and Prohibited Sign Lighting

Prospect Heights has clear regulations about sign illumination:

• Prohibited: Flashing signs, animated signs, signs with moving lights
• Permitted: Time/temperature signs with intermittent lighting
• Shading Requirement: Illuminated signs must be shaded to prevent light from shining on adjacent residential properties

Traffic Safety Considerations

• Signs in direct line of vision of traffic signals shall not have red, green, or amber illumination
• Rotating signs may be permitted only by special use permit

Temporary Signs

• No self-illumination is allowed for temporary signs on public baseball field outfield fences

Street and Public Lighting Standards

Location Requirements

Street lighting placement follows these guidelines:

• At least one standard luminaire at each intersection and interior of each cul-de-sac
• Spacing not to exceed 300 feet in residential areas
• Commercial/manufacturing area spacing as approved by City Council
• Trees must be located so as not to interfere with street lights

Technical Specifications

Street lighting in Prospect Heights must meet specific technical standards:

Residential Areas:

• Standard Height: 23 feet
• Bracket Arm: 8 feet
• Luminaire Type: Mercury vapor with constant wattage ballasts
• Wattage: 175-watt
• Average Life: 3,000 hours

Commercial/Industrial Areas:

• Standard Height: 30 feet
• Bracket Arm: Length as approved by City Council
• Luminaire Type: Mercury vapor with constant wattage ballasts
• Wattage: 250-watt or 400-watt
• Average Life: 3,000 hours

Approval Process

The City Council reviews all requests for street lights considering:

• Safety factors
• Maintenance cost
• Electricity cost
• Liability
• General benefit to the City

What Property Owners Should Know

Permitting Considerations

Be aware that electrical permits are required for lighting installations and changes:

• The minimum electrical permit fee is $60.00
• Permits cover fixture installations, replacements, and exterior lighting
• All work must meet code requirements

Compliance Enforcement

The zoning administrator has authority to enforce lighting regulations:

• If violations regarding glare are found, the administrator will take action to ensure correction
• Failure to comply with orders may result in penalties as provided in Chapter 12 of the city code

Planning for New Construction

When planning new construction or renovations:

• Incorporate lighting requirements early in the design process
• Include lighting plans in preliminary and final improvement plans
• Consider both functional requirements and aesthetic guidelines

Supporting Prospect Heights' Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with a long history in the lighting industry, Bock Lighting understands the importance of preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality.

Prospect Heights' balanced approach to lighting regulations aligns with our commitment to creating lighting solutions that enhance architectural character while meeting specific technical requirements.

Our experience with communities that value thoughtful development makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations in Prospect Heights. We understand the regional architectural styles and aesthetic priorities that shape the city's character.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that reflect local values and priorities.

Conclusion

Prospect Heights' lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to thoughtful development that balances modern needs with community character. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners can contribute to the city's unique aesthetic while ensuring safety and functionality.

From specific technical requirements for parking lots and street lighting to broader aesthetic guidelines for exterior building illumination, these regulations create a framework for lighting that enhances the community experience.

Whether you're updating your home, developing commercial property, or simply replacing fixtures, these lighting standards help maintain the quality and character that make Prospect Heights a desirable place to live and work.