Lighting Regulations in Western Springs, Illinois: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Safety Standards

Introduction

Western Springs, Illinois, a village of approximately 13,000 residents in the Chicago metropolitan area, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving historical character while ensuring public safety. Since its incorporation in 1886, Western Springs has demonstrated a dedication to maintaining its architectural heritage, as evidenced by landmarks like the 112-foot stone water tower (now a museum and on the National Register of Historic Places) and the meticulously reconstructed train station that replicates its 1972 predecessor.

This balance between honoring history and meeting contemporary needs is reflected in the village's approach to lighting regulations. These standards help maintain Western Springs' aesthetic charm while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Western Springs:

• Illumination Levels for Parking:
• Low activity areas: 0.2-1.5 foot-candles
• Medium activity areas: 0.6-2 foot-candles
• High activity areas: 0.9-3 foot-candles
• Light Trespass Limits:
• Maximum 0.5 foot-candles at adjacent property lines
• Maximum 0.1 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Fixture Requirements:
• Exterior luminaires must have full cutoff optics with flat lenses
• Mounting height restrictions: maximum 30 feet for parking, 12 feet for residential recreation
• Operation Restrictions:
• Recreational lighting causing nuisance must be turned off 9 PM to 7 AM
• Illumination must be directed to minimize glare on surrounding properties

General Illumination Standards

Controlling Light Pollution and Glare

Western Springs prioritizes controlling unwanted light effects. All lighting installations must properly manage:

• Light trespass (unwanted light falling on neighboring properties)
• Light pollution (sky glow and excessive brightness)
• Glare (uncomfortable brightness causing visual impairment)

The village reserves the right to require corrective action for any lighting installation that produces unacceptable levels of these effects or fails to meet required criteria.

Technical Requirements for Fixtures

All exterior luminaires must:

• Be horizontally mounted
• Have full cutoff optics with flat lenses
• Prevent lens protrusion below the housing

Exception: Decorative fixtures approved by the code enforcement officer

When adjacent to residential properties, ornamental lighting must have house shields installed to reduce nuisance lighting.

Light Direction Requirements

All lighting sources must be directed, shaded, shielded or otherwise arranged to minimize perceived glare from adjacent properties. This reflects Western Springs' commitment to being a good neighbor while maintaining adequate illumination.

Residential Lighting Standards

Recreational Facility Lighting

For outdoor residential recreational facilities like pools and sports courts:

• Freestanding luminaires cannot exceed 12 feet in height
• Lighting must be of residential character
• Fixtures must be shielded/directed to minimize perceived glare on surrounding properties
• Sufficient light must be provided for the facility's intended purpose
• If lighting becomes a nuisance after 9 PM, it must be turned off until 7 AM the next day

Pool Lighting Requirements

Swimming pools have specific lighting requirements:

• Sufficient light must enable swimmers to see and be seen at all times
• Lights must be positioned to prevent direct rays on adjoining residences
• No direct rays of light may be directed into public streets
• Lights must be turned off between 9 PM and 7 AM if they become a nuisance

Ornamental Lighting

Freestanding ornamental lighting for entrances and exits is permitted in required front or rear yards, but must be at least 10 feet from the lot line.

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Parking Lot Illumination Standards

Western Springs uses a three-tier activity classification system for parking lot lighting:

Low Activity (lots primarily unused after 6 PM):

• Minimum at any point: 0.2 foot-candles
• Minimum average: 0.5 foot-candles
• Maximum average: 1.5 foot-candles

Medium Activity:

• Minimum at any point: 0.6 foot-candles
• Minimum average: 1 foot-candle
• Maximum average: 2 foot-candles

High Activity (regular evening traffic or employee/customer parking after 6 PM):

• Minimum at any point: 0.9 foot-candles
• Minimum average: 2 foot-candles
• Maximum average: 3 foot-candles

Special Case - Gas Station Canopies:

• Maximum average illumination: 10 foot-candles

Height and Uniformity Requirements

• Uniformity ratio (average to minimum) for all parking lots: 4:1
• Maximum mounting height adjacent to residential areas: 26 feet
• Maximum overall mounting height: 30 feet
• Light trespass at residential property lines: maximum 0.1 foot-candles

Establishments Serving Alcohol

Businesses serving alcoholic beverages must maintain:

• Continuous lighting during business hours (interior)
• Adequate artificial lighting at night (exterior)
• Sufficient illumination to ensure all parts of the interior are clearly visible

Signage Illumination

Key Sign Lighting Regulations

• Internal illumination limited to signs with opaque backgrounds illuminating only letters, trademarks, or logos
• Illumination must be steady and stationary (no flashing)
• Maximum illumination: 30 foot-candles measured 4 feet from the sign
• External illumination sources must be shielded and directed to prevent visibility from streets or residences
• Subdivision identification signs may only be externally illuminated
• Gasoline price signs may use internal illumination
• Illuminated signs are prohibited from hanging inside windows

Prohibited:

• Festoon lighting (except when Village-installed or Village-approved for outdoor dining)
• Flashing signs or changing light effects
• Flashing or rotating beacons visible from streets/highways

Fire Safety Lighting Requirements

Western Springs has specific lighting requirements for fire safety:

• A blue 75-candela weatherproof strobe light must be installed above fire department connections
• This light must be supervised by the fire alarm system and operate upon water flow activation
• In single-story Multi-Tenant Group M buildings, a minimum 75-candela weatherproof clear outside strobe is required over each tenant entrance
• Luminaries mounted 8 feet or less above the floor must have appropriate lens or cover

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning and Permits

When planning exterior lighting installations:

• Exterior lighting and receptacles require permits
• Submit comprehensive lighting plans showing fixture locations, aiming angles, illuminance levels, and manufacturer specifications
• For recreational facilities, include specifications and proposed locations of all lighting fixtures
• Ensure compliance with light trespass limits to avoid neighbor complaints
• Consider the village's emphasis on historical character when selecting fixtures

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be particularly careful about:

• Light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Over-illumination beyond permitted foot-candle levels
• Improper fixture selection (non-shielded lights)
• Mounting height violations in residential and commercial areas
• Nuisance lighting complaints from excessive brightness or poor direction

Supporting Western Springs' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of maintaining Western Springs' historical character while incorporating necessary modern lighting technology. Our approach aligns with Western Springs' commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while ensuring safety and functionality.

With our deep understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs, we appreciate Western Springs' careful balance of historical preservation and contemporary requirements. Our expertise can serve as a resource for property owners navigating the village's lighting regulations.

As a company committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices, we share Western Springs' vision for thoughtful illumination that enhances community character while minimizing light pollution. Our experience with projects that respect community standards makes us a natural partner for Western Springs residents seeking lighting solutions that honor the village's distinctive character.

Conclusion

Western Springs' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historical charm while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. By establishing clear standards for fixture types, illumination levels, and light trespass limits, the village promotes responsible lighting practices that enhance its distinctive character.

Property owners should carefully review these requirements when planning lighting installations, particularly focusing on proper shielding, appropriate mounting heights, and illumination levels. With thoughtful planning and compliance with these regulations, Western Springs residents can contribute to preserving the village's unique aesthetic while enjoying well-lit, functional spaces.