Lighting Regulations in Tinley Park, Illinois: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Tinley Park, Illinois, with roots dating back to 1853, has evolved from its humble beginnings as a German settlement (originally named Bremen) into a thriving suburban community of approximately 56,000 residents. The village, renamed in 1890 after Samuel Tinley, the first railroad station agent, maintains a strong connection to its historical heritage, particularly in its downtown district which preserves the original 1892 boundaries.

This commitment to historical preservation while accommodating modern growth has shaped the village's approach to infrastructure development, including its lighting regulations. These regulations reflect Tinley Park's dedication to maintaining its unique character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide to Tinley Park Lighting Requirements

• Street Lighting: Required at all intersections and cul-de-sacs; 300 ft maximum spacing on major streets
• Commercial & Multi-family Properties: Parking lots must be illuminated from dusk until dawn
• Exit Lighting: Required in assembly halls with 50+ capacity; LED fixtures required for new installations
• Emergency Lighting: Mandatory in all buildings except one and two-family dwellings
• Historic Properties: Certificate of appropriateness required for exterior lighting modifications
• Construction Sites: Barricades must be illuminated at night

Street Lighting Specifications

Placement and Distribution Requirements

Street lighting in Tinley Park follows specific guidelines for placement and distribution to ensure adequate illumination throughout the village. These requirements help maintain safety while preserving the aesthetic quality of neighborhoods.

• Required Locations: All street intersections and cul-de-sacs
• Maximum Spacing: 300 feet between luminaries on major and collector streets (except where unusual conditions warrant otherwise)
• Pole Placement: 2 feet 6 inches from back of curb
• Distribution Type:
• Type II, two-way distribution for standard placements
• Type I, four-way distribution for intersections and cul-de-sacs
• Shields: Required where necessary to eliminate unnecessary glare

Technical Specifications for Street Lights

The village has detailed technical requirements for street lighting fixtures to ensure quality, durability, and appropriate illumination levels.

• Pole Height: Minimum 30-foot mounting height on primary streets
• Pole Type: Round, tapered aluminum with anchor base
• Arm Length: Minimum 8-foot mast arm on primary streets; 6-foot on collector streets
• Luminaire Options:
• 250-watt mercury vapor with built-in regulator ballast
• 400-watt mercury vapor with built-in regulator ballast
• 400-watt Lucalox sharp cut-off with built-in regulator ballast
• 250-watt Lucalox with sharp cut-off
• Control: Each light must be individually photo-celled
• Voltage: All fixtures wired at 120 volts

Street Light Inspection Requirements

The village maintains strict oversight of street lighting installation through a three-phase inspection process:

1. Pre-construction: All street light plans must be approved before construction begins
2. Foundation inspection: Required prior to pouring pole foundations after hardware installation
3. Final inspection: Performed at project completion by the Village Electrical Engineer

As-built plans must be submitted to the Village Electrical Engineer at or before the final inspection.

Building and Property Lighting Requirements

Emergency and Exit Lighting

Safety is a primary concern in Tinley Park's lighting regulations, with particular attention paid to emergency and exit lighting systems.

• Emergency Lighting: Required in all building types except one and two-family dwellings
• Exit Lighting in Assembly Halls (50+ person capacity):
• Signs with "EXIT" in letters at least 6 inches high over every egress door/opening
• Red globe light placed at or over each sign
• Lights must remain on during entire period hall is open and until audience departs
• New Construction Requirements:
• Buildings exceeding four stories require on-site generators for exit/emergency lighting
• Generators must be installed in approved weather-proof enclosures
• New/replacement exit signs must be LED-type fixtures
• All emergency lighting circuit breakers must be properly labeled

Commercial and Multi-family Lighting

The village has specific requirements for lighting in commercial and multi-family residential properties:

• Illumination Period: All parking lots, access aisles, and loading areas must be illuminated from dusk until dawn
• Applicability: All existing commercial buildings and multi-family residential buildings with more than two dwelling units sharing a common entryway
• Security Hours: Defined as the period from "dusk to dawn" based on seasonal/meteorological time of year

Interior Lighting Requirements

Tinley Park also regulates certain aspects of interior lighting to ensure safety and functionality:

• Switch Control: All closet luminaires must be wall switch controlled
• Multi-way Switches: Required for stairways, halls, passageways, corridors, garages, and bedrooms with multiple entries/exits
• Storage Areas: Spaces of 5 sq. ft. or more must be illuminated
• Utility Areas: Areas with sump pumps or ejector pumps require lighting if not otherwise illuminated
• Bathroom Safety: GFCI protection required for recessed luminaires over tubs and showers
• Inspection Readiness: All light fixtures must have at least one bulb installed for final inspection

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Historic District Lighting Considerations

Tinley Park values its historical character, and lighting plays an important role in maintaining the architectural integrity of historic areas.

• Certificate of Appropriateness: Required before any lighting modifications to designated landmarks or properties in Historic Preservation Districts
• Architectural Elements: Light fixtures are considered part of the "exterior architectural appearance" of historic structures
• Preservation Focus: Lighting modifications must align with the village's commitment to preserving historical character

Construction and Work Zone Lighting

Safety during construction activities is addressed through specific lighting requirements:

• Night Illumination: All barricades protecting pavement work or excavations must be protected by lights at night
• Protection: It is unlawful to disturb barricades or lights marking any new pavement, excavation, or opening in public streets, alleys, or sidewalks

Sexually Oriented Business Lighting

The village has established specific lighting standards for sexually oriented businesses:

• Operating Hours: Off-street parking areas and premise entries must be illuminated from dusk to closing hours
• Illumination Level: Average maintained horizontal illumination of one foot candle required on parking surfaces and walkways
• Interior Illumination: Minimum of 2.0 foot candles measured at floor level
• Documentation: Lighting plans must be shown on required sketches/diagrams
• Maintenance: Owners, operators, agents, and employees are responsible for ensuring illumination is maintained whenever patrons are present

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Tinley Park's lighting regulations can help property owners avoid compliance issues and contribute to the village's safety and aesthetic goals.

Key Considerations for Property Owners

• Historic Properties: If your property is in a historic district or designated as a landmark, consult with the village before making any exterior lighting changes
• Rental Properties: Multi-family buildings require dusk-to-dawn lighting of parking areas and access points
• Commercial Properties: Ensure your parking areas meet the illumination requirements for security and safety
• New Construction: Work closely with the village's Electrical Engineer to ensure street lighting plans meet all specifications
• Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of required lighting is the responsibility of property owners

Planning for Compliance

When planning new construction or modifications to existing properties, consider these steps:

1. Review the specific lighting requirements that apply to your property type
2. Consult with qualified lighting professionals familiar with Tinley Park's regulations
3. Submit detailed lighting plans as part of your permit application
4. Schedule all required inspections at appropriate intervals
5. Maintain documentation of compliance for future reference

Supporting Tinley Park's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Tinley Park's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring modern safety standards. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share the village's respect for historical integrity and quality craftsmanship.

Our experience with communities like Tinley Park has given us insight into the delicate balance between preservation and progress. We understand how thoughtful lighting solutions can enhance the unique character of historic districts while meeting contemporary needs for safety and functionality.

Bock Lighting believes in serving as an educational resource for communities navigating complex lighting regulations. Our team stays current with regional architectural styles and lighting requirements, allowing us to provide guidance that aligns with Tinley Park's vision for its future development.

We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that respect community character while providing the illumination needed for safe, vibrant public spaces. Through collaboration and education, we aim to be a valuable partner in maintaining Tinley Park's unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

Conclusion

Tinley Park's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving historical character and ensuring modern safety standards. From the specific technical requirements for street lighting to the careful oversight of lighting in historic districts, these regulations help maintain the village's unique identity while supporting growth and development.

Property owners play a crucial role in upholding these standards, whether through properly illuminated parking areas, code-compliant exit lighting, or thoughtful lighting choices that respect historical context. By working together, residents, businesses, and the village government can ensure that Tinley Park remains both safe and true to its historical roots for generations to come.