Lighting Regulations in Shiloh, Illinois: Balancing Growth with Community Character

Introduction

Nestled in St. Clair County, the village of Shiloh, Illinois carries a rich heritage dating back to the early 19th century. From its origins as Shiloh Valley Township to its current 11-square-mile footprint, this community has carefully balanced preserving its historical character while accommodating modern development needs.

This balance is especially evident in Shiloh's lighting regulations, which aim to maintain the village's aesthetic appeal while ensuring safety and functionality. These regulations reflect the community's commitment to thoughtful development – allowing growth while respecting both historical roots and neighboring properties.

Whether you're a property owner, developer, or simply interested in understanding Shiloh's approach to community planning, this guide will illuminate the village's lighting requirements and their practical applications.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Shiloh:

• Parking Areas: Minimum 2 footcandles illumination (1 footcandle for places of worship)
• Near Residential Areas: Maximum 1 footcandle average illumination
• At Residential Property Lines: Maximum 0.1 footcandle illumination
• Light Pole Heights: 15 feet max for non-cutoff fixtures; 30 feet max for cutoff fixtures
• Fixture Output: Maximum 10,000 lumens for non-cutoff/globe fixtures
• Electronic Signs: Maximum brightness of 5,000 nits (day) and 500 nits (night) in AO-1 District
• Installation: All site lighting must use underground cable
• Pole Color: Light standard poles must be black or brown

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Requirements

Where These Regulations Apply

Shiloh's site lighting regulations primarily apply to commercial and industrial developments. Specifically, they cover:

• All uses within B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, PB and I districts
• New developments in these districts
• Amendments to approved site plans
• Changes to existing lighting setups involving new fixtures or standards

Basic Illumination Standards

The village has established clear guidelines for illumination levels to ensure safety while preventing excessive brightness:

• Parking & Loading Areas: Minimum uniform illumination of 2 footcandles measured at ground level
• Worship Facilities: Parking areas require minimum 1 footcandle illumination (measured 3 feet above ground)
• Maximum Site Illumination: 5 footcandles with cutoff-type luminaires
• Near Residential Properties: Maximum average illumination of 1 footcandle between rear building wall line and property line

Light Fixture Specifications

Fixture height and design requirements help maintain the village's aesthetic standards:

• Standard Light Poles: Must be black or brown in color
• Non-Cutoff/Globe-Style Fixtures:
• Maximum height of 15 feet
• Maximum output of 10,000 lumens
• Globe-style fixtures must be frosted or translucent (bulb not visible)
• Only permitted as decorative accents along property/building fronts facing commercial streets
• Not allowed in side or rear yards
• Cutoff-Type Fixtures: Maximum height of 30 feet

Light Trespass Prevention

Shiloh's regulations include several provisions to prevent light from spilling onto neighboring properties:

• Residential Adjacency: Maximum 0.1 footcandle illumination at residential property lines
• Shielding Requirements: Where parking/loading areas abut residential property, fixture heads must control lighting pattern and shield residential properties
• Direction Control: Lighting must not be directed upward, in radiating patterns, or at angles that illuminate surfaces other than building walls, parking/pedestrian areas, and landscaped areas

Airport Overlay District Requirements

Special Considerations Near Scott Air Force Base

Properties within the Airport Overlay (AO-1) District have additional lighting requirements to ensure flight safety:

• Shielding: Light sources must be fully shielded and downward facing
• Glare Prevention: Outdoor fixtures must not cause excessive glare or light trespass
• Parking Surfaces: Must be constructed of non-reflective paving materials

Electronic Signage in AO-1 District

Electronic display signs near the airport must follow these specific guidelines:

• Maximum Brightness: 5,000 nits during daylight hours; 500 nits from dusk to dawn
• Display Duration: Minimum 15 seconds for any image or message
• Display Type: Must be static (no animation)
• Prohibition: Electronic display signs are completely prohibited in the AO-2 District

Temporary Lighting

For special events or temporary needs near the airport:

• Special Use Permits: Required for temporary lights such as spotlights
• Approval Criteria: Must not create excessive glare, sky glow, or light trespass

Documentation Requirements

Lighting Plan Submission

When applying for development approval, a comprehensive lighting plan must be submitted including:

• Fixture Locations: Site plan showing where outdoor light fixtures will be installed
• Specifications: Manufacturer's catalog cut sheets, drawings, and descriptions
• Photometric Data: Curves indicating both vertical and horizontal candlepower distribution
• Illumination Grid: Plan of the site with a grid (maximum 20 feet between light sources) showing calculated footcandle levels

Review Process

The Village Board reviews lighting plans as part of the development approval process:

• Applications are reviewed at two meetings before receiving formal acceptance
• Applications are listed by name and address on the agenda to allow for public input
• For the AO District, applications may be sent to Scott AFB for review

Street Lighting Process

Requesting Additional Street Lights

Property owners wishing to add street lighting follow this process:

1. Submit a written request to the village
2. Village staff contacts the power company for a site survey and recommendation
3. If the power company recommends additional lighting, the request goes to the Village Board
4. Upon approval, the property owner pays upfront installation and fixture costs
5. The village covers ongoing monthly energy costs

Funding for Street Lights

Shiloh allocates specific revenue for street lighting infrastructure:

• Revenues from utility taxes are designated for street lights and park improvements

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Violations to Avoid

When installing exterior lighting, be aware of these frequent compliance issues:

• Light Trespass: Failing to prevent light spillage onto neighboring properties
• Insufficient Documentation: Not providing complete lighting plans during development approval
• Improper Fixtures: Using globe-style fixtures in side or rear yards
• Excessive Brightness: Installing lights that exceed illumination limits

Special Considerations for Residential Properties

While many regulations focus on commercial properties, residential owners should note:

• Home occupations must not generate glare noticeable beyond the lot lines
• In all zoning districts, illumination must be controlled to prevent light spillage onto adjoining residential properties
• Property owners are responsible for removing trees or shrubs that interfere with street lighting

Safety Requirements for Detention Facilities

If your property includes stormwater detention:

• Design must incorporate safety features including appropriate lighting around outlets, steep slopes, and attractive nuisances
• Lighting should help restrict access during critical periods

Supporting Shiloh's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Shiloh's commitment to balancing modern needs with community character. As a company with deep appreciation for regional architectural styles, Bock understands the importance of lighting solutions that enhance safety while respecting neighborhood aesthetics.

Our expertise in municipal lighting regulations allows us to serve as an educational resource for Shiloh property owners navigating compliance requirements. With experience in projects that respect community character and local regulations, Bock can help maintain the delicate balance that makes Shiloh special.

As advocates for sustainable and responsible lighting practices, we appreciate Shiloh's thoughtful approach to preventing excessive brightness and light trespass. Our commitment to these same principles positions us as a valuable community partner rather than just a lighting provider.

Conclusion

Shiloh's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to thoughtful development that balances safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. By establishing clear guidelines for illumination levels, fixture specifications, and light trespass prevention, the village creates a framework that allows for growth while protecting community character.

Whether you're installing new lighting for a commercial development or simply adding exterior fixtures to your home, understanding these regulations helps ensure your project enhances the community while remaining in compliance with local standards.

For property owners, the key takeaway is the importance of planning your lighting with both functionality and neighbors in mind. By following Shiloh's guidelines, you contribute to a community that values both its historical roots and its bright future.