Lighting Regulations in Tazewell County, Illinois: Balancing History and Functionality

Introduction

Established in 1827, Tazewell County, Illinois carries a rich historical legacy reflected in its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and charming communities like Pekin, Washington, and Morton. This blend of rural character and historical districts has shaped the county's approach to development regulations, including those governing lighting.

With approximately 135,000 residents spread across 658 square miles, Tazewell County's lighting regulations aim to preserve its historical charm while ensuring safety and functionality. These ordinances reflect the community's commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its architectural heritage and minimizing light pollution across both urban and rural settings.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specifics, here's a quick overview of Tazewell County's most important lighting regulations:

• Residential lighting: Specific requirements for outlets and fixtures in different room types
• Maximum luminaire height: 40 feet for most outdoor lighting
• Light trespass control: Non-residential lighting must be shielded to prevent illuminating residential properties
• Glare prevention: Outdoor lighting cannot cause glare or impair driver vision
• Adult establishments: Minimum 30 lux horizontal lighting level required
• Street lighting: Minimum 0.1 footcandle throughout street systems, 0.3 footcandle at hazardous locations
• Signs: Strict limitations on illumination, with maximum 2,500 Lambert light level

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Tazewell County's code establishes clear minimum standards for residential lighting:

• Every habitable room with available electric service (power lines within 300 feet) must have either:
• Two separate floor or wall-type electric outlets, OR
• One outlet plus one ceiling-type electric light fixture
• Required fixture locations: Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room, and public hall must contain at least one ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture
• All fixtures and outlets must be:
• Properly installed
• Maintained in good and safe working condition
• Connected to power in a safe manner

Multi-Unit Dwelling Requirements

The regulations differentiate between larger and smaller multi-unit buildings:

• Buildings with 5+ dwelling units: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lit at all times
• Buildings with 4 or fewer units: May use conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system instead of full-time lighting

Outdoor Lighting Regulations

General Restrictions

Tazewell County imposes several restrictions on outdoor lighting to prevent excessive glare and light trespass:

• Non-residential lighting: Must be located, screened, or shielded to prevent illumination of neighboring residential properties
• Glare prevention: No outdoor lighting may be of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair driver vision
• Height limitations: Maximum permitted luminaire height is 40 feet (with some exemptions)
• Prohibited features: No flickering or flashing lights permitted (holiday decorations excepted)
• Placement flexibility: Light poles may be placed in any yard

Parking Area Lighting

Special provisions apply to lighting in parking areas:

• Lighting must be directed away from residential properties
• The Zoning Board of Appeals may require:
• Reduced lighting intensity
• Lower mounting height
• Changes to operating hours
• Complete shutdown after certain hours

When considering such restrictions, the Board must balance the needs of neighboring residents against the reasonable requirements of the parking area user.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

Tazewell County maintains detailed standards for illuminated signs:

• Signs must be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded or shaded light sources directed at the sign or internal to it
• Light intensity should not create nuisance to adjacent property or traffic hazards
• Maximum light level: 2,500 Lambert
• No exposed reflective-type bulbs, strobe lights, or unshielded incandescent lamps on sign exteriors
• No flashing, rotating, or moving intermittent lights

Residential Considerations

Signs facing residential areas have additional restrictions:

• Illumination must be directed at the sign face
• Lighting must be shaded to prevent glare affecting residential occupants

Special Use Signs

Special categories have unique requirements:

• Agricultural produce signs: If illuminated, must be non-flashing, uncolored, and confined to sign face
• Directional/information signs: May be illuminated, must be non-flashing, with illumination confined to sign face
• Home commercial special use signs: May be illuminated by white, non-flashing lights during daylight hours only
• Home occupation signs: Cannot be illuminated

Commercial and Development Lighting

Street Lighting Standards

For new developments, street lighting must meet specific illumination levels:

• Standard areas: Minimum 0.1 footcandle throughout the street system
• Hazardous locations: Minimum 0.3 footcandle at intersections, major pedestrian crossings, and near service buildings/recreation areas
• Installation requirement: All gas or electric service to street lighting must be underground

Adult Entertainment Establishments

These venues have specific lighting requirements:

• Minimum light level: 30 lux horizontal (measured at 30 inches from the floor)
• Prohibited features: No flashing lights, search lights, spotlights, or similar lighting systems
• Coverage requirement: Sufficient lighting must be provided and equally distributed throughout public areas

Special Use and Development Applications

Applications for special use permits and developments must include:

• Detailed information about exterior lighting placement
• Lighting plans and specifications
• For commercial, industrial, multi-family, and institutional projects, all plans must show exterior lighting

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Considerations

Understanding Tazewell County's lighting regulations helps property owners avoid potential violations and costly corrections:

• New constructions and renovations: Include lighting plans in your permit applications
• Sign installations: Pay careful attention to illumination requirements
• Commercial properties: Ensure lighting doesn't spill over to residential areas
• Planning considerations: Factor lighting requirements into your budget and timeline

Common Compliance Challenges

The most frequent issues property owners face include:

• Light trespass: Inadequate shielding causing light to spill onto neighboring properties
• Excessive brightness: Lighting that's too intense for its location
• Improper fixture height: Exceeding the 40-foot maximum height limitation
• Residential adequacy: Not meeting the minimum fixture requirements for residential spaces

Supporting Tazewell County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique balance that communities like Tazewell County strive to achieve between preserving historical character and meeting modern lighting needs.

As a company familiar with the architectural heritage of the Midwest, Bock appreciates Tazewell County's commitment to maintaining its 19th-century charm while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. Our experience with regional architectural styles helps us understand the specific lighting needs of communities with significant historical districts.

Bock serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, helping to ensure that lighting solutions enhance rather than detract from the county's historical character. We share Tazewell County's commitment to responsible lighting practices that minimize light pollution while providing adequate illumination.

Our approach focuses on community partnership, working to support the vision that Tazewell County has established for balancing preservation and progress in its diverse urban and rural landscapes.

Conclusion

Tazewell County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety and functionality. From residential requirements to commercial standards, these regulations create a framework that protects community aesthetics while meeting practical lighting needs.

Property owners benefit from understanding these requirements early in their planning process, as compliance is easier and less costly when incorporated from the beginning. The regulations, while technical in nature, ultimately serve to maintain the unique character and quality of life that makes Tazewell County a special place to live and work.

By balancing preservation with functionality, these lighting standards help ensure that Tazewell County's historical legacy continues to shine brightly for future generations.