Lighting Regulations in Atwood, Illinois: Preserving Community Character through Limited Lighting Guidelines

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Illinois, Atwood carries a rich historical legacy dating back to its founding in 1873. Originally known as Shumway and Unity, this small village has carefully balanced progress with tradition throughout its development. As a community with deep agricultural roots and a strong sense of togetherness, Atwood's approach to municipal regulations, including those concerning lighting, reflects its commitment to maintaining its small-town charm while ensuring public safety and functionality.

Unlike larger municipalities with extensive lighting codes, Atwood maintains a more streamlined approach to lighting regulations, focusing on specific areas where lighting impacts community safety, visibility, and character.

Quick Reference Guide: Atwood Lighting Regulations

• Public Street Lighting: Supervised by the Superintendent of Village Services
• Mobile Home Parks: Minimum 0.1 foot-candle throughout street systems; 0.3 foot-candle at hazardous locations
• Businesses Serving Alcohol: Must maintain continuous white lighting during business hours with full interior visibility
• Signs: No flashing/intermittent lights; no beams causing glare or traffic hazards
• Development Planning: Lighting plans require Village Board approval for subdivisions
• Underground Utilities: All gas/electric service to street lighting must be underground in certain developments

Public Street and Community Lighting

Village Oversight and Maintenance

The Atwood municipal code clearly establishes that the Superintendent of Village Services shall supervise the lighting of public streets and alleys. This official is also responsible for maintaining the lighting system in efficient operation and good repair.

Village Planning Considerations

Lighting isn't addressed in isolation but as part of Atwood's comprehensive approach to community development. The village plan includes maps and diagrams showing proposed additions and improvements to the village streets, parks, public buildings, and specifically the street lighting system.

Right-of-Way Provisions

Atwood's definition of "right-of-way" specifically incorporates lighting facilities alongside roadways, curbs, lawn strips, sidewalks, and drainage facilities. This demonstrates how lighting is considered an integral component of public infrastructure.

Residential and Commercial Development Requirements

Subdivision Approval Process

For new subdivisions, lighting plans require formal approval from the Village Board. The code specifically states that "no improvements, such as... lighting... shall be made within any such subdivision until the plans for the subdivision and also the plans for such improvements have been formally approved by the Village Board."

Mobile Home Park Standards

Mobile home parks in Atwood must meet specific lighting requirements:

• Minimum illumination of 0.1 foot-candle throughout the street system
• Minimum illumination of 0.3 foot-candle at potentially hazardous locations including:
• Intersections
• Major pedestrian crossings
• Streets abutting service buildings
• Recreation areas
• Underground utility service required for all gas or electric service to street lighting

Alcoholic Beverage Establishments

Businesses serving alcohol must adhere to specific lighting standards:

• Continuous lighting during business hours using natural or artificial white lights
• Full visibility of all interior parts of the premises required
• No arrangement of lights that prevents a full view of the entire interior

Signage and Exterior Lighting

Illuminated Sign Requirements

Atwood's code includes specific provisions for illuminated signs:

• Signs must employ only light emitting a constant intensity
• Prohibited lighting types include:
• Flashing lights
• Intermittent lights
• Rotating lights
• Moving lights

Light Trespass Prevention

The code prohibits light trespass that could impact public safety or neighboring properties:

• Illuminated signs cannot be placed or directed to permit beams or illumination to be directed upon:
• Public streets
• Highways
• Sidewalks
• Adjacent premises
• Such lighting must not cause glare or reflection that may constitute:
• A traffic hazard
• A nuisance to neighboring properties

Exit Lighting

While the extracts mention regulations for exit lighting in section 150.41, the specific requirements are not detailed in the provided information. Property owners should consult the full municipal code for complete exit lighting specifications.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're developing property in Atwood, remember that lighting plans are considered part of the overall development proposal that requires Village Board approval. This applies particularly to subdivisions and mobile home parks.

Business Considerations

Business owners, especially those serving alcohol, should ensure their establishments have sufficient white lighting that allows full visibility of interior spaces during business hours.

Sign Installation Guidelines

When installing illuminated signs, choose fixtures that provide constant light intensity and position them to prevent light trespass onto streets or neighboring properties.

Community Character Preservation

Atwood's approach to lighting regulation demonstrates the village's commitment to maintaining its community character while ensuring public safety. The focus on supervised public lighting and prevention of nuisance glare reflects the community's values.

Supporting Atwood's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Atwood's appreciation for community character and historical preservation. As a Midwest manufacturer, we understand the unique balance small communities like Atwood strive to maintain between preserving their heritage while incorporating necessary modern infrastructure.

We recognize that Atwood's lighting regulations reflect its values as a close-knit community with strong historical ties. Our experience working with communities of similar size and character allows us to appreciate Atwood's careful approach to lighting oversight.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, helping to interpret requirements and identify solutions that respect local character. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and community needs positions us as a partner in preserving the unique character of small Midwestern villages like Atwood.

Conclusion

Atwood's lighting regulations, while not extensive, provide clear guidance for specific applications like business lighting, signage, and mobile home developments. These targeted regulations reflect the village's practical approach to governance while maintaining its small-town character and ensuring public safety.

For property owners and businesses, understanding these regulations is key to successful development projects and community integration. By respecting these guidelines, residents and business owners contribute to preserving Atwood's unique character and historical legacy while supporting its continued growth and development.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your particular situation, contacting the Village offices directly is recommended, as they can provide the most current and applicable information for your project.