Lighting Regulations in Woodridge, Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Woodridge, Illinois, established in 1959 by developer Albert Kaufman, has grown from a small community of fewer than 500 residents to a thriving suburban village in the Chicago metropolitan area. Unlike many older communities, Woodridge's relatively recent development history has allowed it to implement contemporary approaches to infrastructure planning, including comprehensive lighting regulations.

These regulations reflect Woodridge's commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and balanced development. As a modern suburban community, Woodridge has implemented lighting standards that address safety concerns while minimizing light pollution and energy waste.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Woodridge:

• Multiple-Family Dwellings: Entrances require illumination equivalent to a 100-watt bulb from sunset to sunrise
• Parking Areas: Minimum 0.4 foot-candle illumination for lots with more than 10 spaces
• Property Line Maximums: 0.1 foot-candle at residential lot lines, 1 foot-candle at non-residential lot lines
• Under-Canopy Lighting: Maximum 50 foot-candles, must be recessed
• Light Source Control: No direct light source visible at residential property lines
• Fixture Requirements: Fully shielded fixtures required for outdoor lighting
• Street Lights: 23-foot height in residential areas, 30-foot in commercial/industrial areas

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multiple-Family Dwelling Illumination

Building entrances in multi-family dwellings must be properly illuminated for resident safety:

• Entrance Lighting: Minimum equivalent to a 100-watt bulb from sunset to sunrise
• Protective Covering: Clear polycarbonate or equally break-resistant material required
• Walkway Illumination: Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot-candle on all sidewalks and walkways from dusk to dawn
• Parking Area Lighting: Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot-candle from dusk to dawn

Residential Property Regulations

• Yard and Landscape Lighting: Decorative lighting permitted when light output doesn't exceed 1,100 lumens
• Property Line Limitations: Light levels must not exceed 0.1 foot-candle at lot lines abutting other residential properties

Building Official Authority

The building official has final approval authority over all illumination and may alter the regulations, including timing requirements, to reduce impact on surrounding properties.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Requirements

Parking Lot Illumination

For commercial and industrial properties, parking lot lighting must balance safety with minimizing light trespass:

• Minimum Illumination: 0.4 horizontal foot-candle on parking surface from dusk until at least 60 minutes after business closing
• Light Direction: All illumination must be directed or shielded away from residential properties
• Property Line Maximum: Cannot exceed 1 foot-candle measured at property line
• Fixture Requirements: All lighting must use recessed, shielded or cut-off fixtures with 90° cut-off angle or less

Under-Canopy Lighting

• Maximum Level: 50 foot-candles
• Installation Requirement: Must be recessed to reduce glare on surrounding properties

Exterior Door Lighting

• Minimum Requirement: 100-watt bulb or equivalent 0.4 horizontal foot-candle illumination
• Operation Period: From sunset to sunrise
• Protection: Bulbs must have clear polycarbonate or equally break-resistant cover

Technical Requirements and Specifications

Photometric Plan Requirements

For non-residential development, detailed lighting documentation is required:

• When Required: All land development applications with outdoor lighting (except single-family residential)
• Plan Must Show:
• Location and mounting height of all fixtures
• Manufacturer and model information
• Light output in initial lumens
• Shielding or glare reduction devices
• Lamp type and control devices
• Illumination levels in foot-candles across the property and at property lines

Light Source Requirements

• Visibility Control: No direct light source (bulb) can be visible from residential property lines
• Light Type: High pressure sodium required for outdoor lighting (with exceptions)
• Alternative Options: Other luminaires not exceeding 4,000 Kelvin for new or replacement installations

Sports Field Lighting

Sports facilities have specific requirements to balance recreation needs with neighborhood impact:

• Operating Hours: May only operate between dusk and 11:00 PM
• Maximum Light Levels: 9 foot-candles at lot line, average of 3 foot-candles over illuminated portion
• Non-Operating Standards: When not in use, maximum 0.2 foot-candles at residential lot lines

Street Lighting Standards

Woodridge has established detailed standards for street lighting that vary by district:

Height Requirements

• Residential Areas: 23 feet above grade
• Industrial/Commercial/Office: 30 feet above grade

Design Specifications

• Mast Arm Span: 8 feet for all standards
• Color: Dark bronze
• Placement: Minimum 3 feet behind back of curb
• Luminaire Type: High pressure sodium or equivalent LED (not exceeding 4,000 Kelvin)

Light Output by District

• Residential: 100-watt high pressure sodium or LED equivalent
• Industrial/Commercial/Office: 250-watt high pressure sodium or LED equivalent

Spacing Requirements

• Narrower Roads (35 LF or less): 200 LF on center, staggered spacing
• Wider Roads (greater than 35 LF): 200 LF on center, opposite spacing

Electronic Message Center Sign Regulations

Electronic signs must adhere to strict regulations to prevent distraction and light pollution:

• Content Requirements: Static messages only, constant intensity and color
• Display Duration: Minimum 10 seconds per message
• Illumination Maximum: Cannot exceed 0.3 foot-candles above ambient light at property line
• Dimming Capability: Must automatically adjust to ambient light conditions

Supporting Woodridge's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character. We recognize Woodridge's commitment to sustainable development and thoughtful infrastructure planning.

As a manufacturer with deep knowledge of regional architectural styles and lighting requirements, Bock Lighting appreciates Woodridge's comprehensive approach to lighting regulations that prioritize both safety and environmental considerations.

Our team can serve as a resource for Woodridge property owners navigating these lighting regulations. We share the community's commitment to reducing light pollution while providing effective illumination for safety and visibility.

Bock Lighting's experience with projects throughout the Midwest gives us unique insight into how communities like Woodridge can maintain their distinctive character while implementing modern, energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Conclusion

Woodridge's lighting regulations reflect the village's modern approach to development that prioritizes safety, energy efficiency, and reduction of light pollution. Property owners should be particularly attentive to illumination levels at property lines, fixture shielding requirements, and photometric documentation when planning lighting installations.

By understanding these regulations, property owners can ensure compliance while contributing to Woodridge's vision of a well-lit yet environmentally responsible community. The careful balance of adequate illumination for safety with considerations for neighboring properties demonstrates Woodridge's commitment to thoughtful community planning.

For specific questions about lighting compliance on your property, the Building Official is your best resource, as they have final approval authority over all illumination in Woodridge.