Lighting Regulations in Riverwoods, Illinois: Preserving Natural Beauty Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction: A Village Designed to Coexist with Nature

Riverwoods, Illinois is a unique village in Lake County where the community's dedication to environmental preservation shapes its approach to development—including lighting regulations. Incorporated in 1959, Riverwoods was founded with a vision of creating a community that harmonizes with its woodland surroundings.

With approximately 3,500 residents nestled among extensive forested areas near the Des Plaines River, Riverwoods has developed lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to environmental stewardship and preserving the natural night environment. These regulations aim to balance safety and functionality with minimal disruption to the village's serene, rural character.

Quick Reference Guide: Critical Lighting Requirements

Key residential lighting regulations at a glance:

• All outdoor lighting must be fully shielded with specific exemptions for tree-mounted, decorative, facade, and security lights
• Maximum light trespass: 0.1 horizontal or vertical foot-candle when measured at adjacent property lines
• Decorative lights: Maximum 1,200 lumens and 8' height limit
• Security lights: Maximum 2,800 lumens and 12' height limit, with a limit of 2 per property
• Placement rule: Fixtures must be at least 3x their mounting height away from property lines
• Tree-mounted lights: Must be directed inward, with downward illumination, and turned off after 10:00 PM
• Prohibited: Searchlights, laser source lights, and similar high-intensity lighting except in emergencies

Residential Lighting Standards

Shielding Requirements

Riverwoods places significant emphasis on proper shielding to minimize light pollution and trespass:

• Fully shielded fixtures are the baseline requirement for all floodlights, spotlights, security lights, and outdoor fixtures in residential zones
• Directed illumination: Light must be aimed to prevent direct line of sight to the light source from neighboring properties
• Downward focus: Shielded fixtures on structures must be directed downward or inward

Specialized Lighting Types

Different lighting applications have specific requirements:

Tree-Mounted Lights

• Must have no direct line of sight to the light source from other properties
• Light rays must be directed inward against the vertical trunk axis
• Downward illumination required for all new installations
• Must be turned off after 10:00 PM

Decorative Lights

• Maximum illumination: 1,200 lumens per fixture
• Maximum height: 8 feet above ground
• Special exemptions for lights mounted on driveway entrance columns

Facade Lights

• Must be aimed so there's no direct line of sight to the light source from neighboring properties
• Effectively must function as if they were fully shielded

Security Lights

• Must be directed and partially shielded with center beam aimed at a point at least 30 feet from any property line
• Beam must be no higher than 45 degrees below horizontal
• Maximum illumination: 2,800 lumens
• Maximum per property: 2 security lights
• Maximum height: 12 feet above ground

Technical Specifications and Measurement

Light Trespass Limits

• Maximum illumination at property line: 0.1 horizontal foot-candle or 0.1 vertical foot-candle

Commercial and Non-Residential Lighting

For office/research developments and certain zones:

Luminaire Types and Limits

• No cutoff luminaires:
• Maximum permitted illumination: 0.3 footcandles
• Maximum height: 12 feet
• Required buffer increase: 20%
• Cutoff less than 90 degrees luminaires:
• Maximum permitted illumination: 3.0 footcandles
• Maximum height: 30 feet
• No buffer increase required

Measurement Standards

Illumination must be measured following specific protocols:

• Measured in footcandles 6 inches above ground in horizontal position
• Measurements taken after dark using calibrated portable light meter
• Difference between "lights on" and "lights off" measurements used to eliminate ambient light effects

Special Applications

Street Lighting

• Required at all intersections with public roads
• Required at all intersections in areas with density greater than one single-family residence per 42,000 square foot lots
• Must meet village and/or state specifications for illumination

Sign Illumination

• Illuminated signs must be shaded to prevent light on adjacent properties
• Must comply with the residential outdoor lighting ordinance
• No flashing signs, animated signs, or signs with moving/scintillating lights exceeding 15 watts per lamp
• Time and temperature displays with intermittent lighting are permitted exceptions

Special Event Lighting

• Applications must include description of lighting and potential impact on surrounding properties
• Village president considers lighting impact when evaluating special event permits

What Property Owners Should Know

Exemptions and Existing Installations

• Holiday and temporary lighting: Low wattage/voltage lighting for holidays and celebrations are exempt from shielding requirements (but must still consider light trespass)
• Existing installations: Nonconforming fixtures legally installed before the effective date are generally exempt, with important exceptions:
• Fixtures causing discomfort glare or light trespass must be corrected immediately
• Lighting creating public hazards can be ordered removed at any time
• Repaired, replaced, or relocated fixtures must be brought into compliance
• New installations must fully comply

Outdoor Usage Restrictions

• Tree-mounted lighting must be turned off after 10:00 PM
• Cultural center outdoor street lighting must be turned off at 10:00 PM
• Lighting for playing purposes on racing or game tracks is prohibited
• Renewable energy systems cannot be artificially illuminated

Supporting Riverwoods' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer since 1918, shares Riverwoods' commitment to preserving natural environments while providing necessary illumination. With deep roots in understanding how lighting affects community character, Bock appreciates Riverwoods' thoughtful approach to balancing safety needs with environmental preservation.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, Bock understands the unique challenges of communities that prioritize their natural settings. Our experience with projects that respect community character and local regulations aligns with Riverwoods' vision of maintaining its woodland atmosphere while providing appropriate lighting for safety and function.

Bock Lighting is committed to serving as an educational resource on lighting regulations, helping property owners understand how to maintain compliance while achieving their lighting goals. Our focus on sustainable and responsible lighting practices complements Riverwoods' environmental stewardship values.

Conclusion

Riverwoods' lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its natural woodland character while ensuring safety and functionality. By carefully controlling light output, direction, and timing, these regulations minimize light pollution and maintain the village's serene nighttime environment.

Property owners should pay particular attention to shielding requirements, maximum illumination levels, and placement considerations to ensure compliance. Through thoughtful lighting design that respects these regulations, residents contribute to maintaining Riverwoods' unique character as a community that lives in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Understanding and following these lighting guidelines helps preserve the qualities that make Riverwoods special—a village where environmental consciousness shapes development and where residents value the peaceful coexistence with the natural world around them.