Lighting Regulations in Belleville, Illinois: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety and Functionality

Introduction

Belleville, Illinois, with its name derived from the French phrase "belle ville" (beautiful city), has a rich architectural heritage dating back to its founding in 1814. As the county seat with numerous historic districts and landmarks, Belleville has developed lighting regulations that balance preservation of its unique character with modern safety and functionality requirements.

The city's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of historic districts while accommodating contemporary needs. From its downtown public square with the Veterans Memorial Fountain to its historic neighborhoods, Belleville's lighting standards aim to enhance safety while respecting the city's aesthetic heritage.

Quick Reference Guide to Belleville Lighting Regulations

• Height Restrictions: Luminaires limited to 25 feet maximum height • Glare Control: Lights must be designed to prevent objectionable light/glare across property lines • Street Lighting: 7,200 lumen mercury vapor lamps with minimum 200-foot spacing • Special Districts: Historic areas have unique "period" lighting requirements • Prohibitions: No flashing beacons, laser source lights, or searchlights for advertising • Off-Site Sign Illumination: Prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise • Temporary Lighting: Special permission required from Streets and Grades Committee

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Fixture Placement and Design

All exterior lights in Belleville must be thoughtfully positioned and designed. The city code specifically requires that:

• Luminaires must be mounted at a height ≤ 3+(D/3) feet, where D is distance to nearest property boundary • Maximum height for any luminaire is 25 feet • All exterior lights and illuminated signs must prevent objectionable light at and glare across property lines • Lighting should prevent disability glare at any location on or off the premises

Glare Control and Mitigation

Controlling light pollution is a priority in Belleville's regulations:

• Direct light must be confined within parking area boundary lines to the greatest extent practicable • Any luminaires causing disability glare to motorists, cyclists, or residents must be shielded or redirected within 30 days of notification • Parking lots adjacent to residential areas must not create annoying glare directed toward residence buildings

Exemptions to Standard Requirements

The city recognizes certain situations where standard lighting requirements may not apply:

• Emergency lighting for Police, Fire Departments, and other emergency services • Hazard warning luminaires required by federal regulations • Luminaires used for sign illumination (subject to 25-foot height maximum) • Recreational facility lighting (with shielding requirements)

Specific Lighting Requirements by Property Type

Commercial Establishments

Different types of businesses have specific illumination requirements:

Food and Beverage Establishments

• Rooms serving liquor must be continuously lighted during business hours by natural or artificial white light • All parts of the interior must be clearly visible from the street or sidewalk

Entertainment Venues

• Teen clubs: Minimum 10 foot-candles at floor level • Sexually oriented businesses: Minimum 1 foot-candle illumination measured at floor level throughout the premises

Service Businesses

• Massage parlors: Minimum 1 foot-candle measured at floor level in treatment rooms

Parking Areas

Parking facilities have specific lighting standards:

• Minimum 2 foot-candles per square foot with uniformity ratio ≤5:1 at 18" above surface • Minimal lighting must remain on after dusk (even when building is unoccupied) for emergency safety • Lighting must be arranged to confine direct light rays within the parking area boundary lines

Special Use Properties

Cannabis and telecommunications facilities have additional requirements:

• Adult cannabis dispensaries: No flashing lights, searchlights, or spotlights • Telecommunications facilities: Lighting only if required by FCC/FAA • Solar farms: Lighting must be shielded and downcast to prevent spillover to adjacent properties

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Illumination

Belleville regulates how signs can be illuminated:

• Only white light is permitted for illuminated signs in residential districts • Light must be shaded, shielded, or directed to avoid creating nuisance or traffic hazard • Electrical wiring and connections must conform to the Electrical Code

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Several types of sign lighting are specifically prohibited:

• No red, yellow, orange, green or other colored light that might interfere with traffic • No blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights (except time/temperature displays) • No exposed reflective bulbs or incandescent lamps exceeding 15 watts • No beacon lights or illumination by flame • Strings of light bulbs are prohibited

Off-Site Advertising Signs

• Top-mounted fixtures required for illuminating outdoor advertising signs • Electrical illumination prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and sunrise

Historic District Special Requirements

Belleville takes special care with lighting in its historic areas:

Period-Appropriate Lighting

• Historic Districts have "period" light posts with low wattage bulbs • Light posts mark district boundaries at intersections • Two light poles placed opposite from one another mark entries into the district

Design Considerations

• Lighting fixtures aren't intended for street illumination but to highlight district boundaries • Light poles should enhance the historic district and complement historic preservation • Compatibility with "period look" is important (for example, neon tube lighting generally incompatible with "Gay 90s' period" look)

Temporary and Special Lighting

Application Process

For temporary lighting that doesn't conform to standard regulations:

• Submit detailed description to Streets and Grades Committee • Committee considers: public/private benefits, potential annoyance/safety issues, and duration • Decision typically rendered at the following monthly meeting

Recreational Facility Lighting

• Any permitted light source may be used, provided all fixtures are fully shielded or designed with sharp cut-off capability • Must minimize up-light, spill-light, and glare

What Property Owners Should Know

Permits and Licensing

• Minor electrical repairs, including light fixture replacement, don't require homeowner permits • Professional work requires licensed electrical contractors or electrical sign contractors • Illuminated signs require a $25 permit fee per sign

Responding to Lighting Issues

• If notified about lighting causing glare problems, property owners have 30 days to shield or redirect luminaires • Non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions

Planning for New Development

Site plans must include: • Layout, arrangement, and specifications for lighting • Photometrics plan for street lights showing locations and types • For solar farms, lighting must be designed to prevent glare toward nearby properties and roadways

Supporting Belleville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, shares Belleville's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing modern lighting technology. Our experience with historically sensitive communities helps us understand Belleville's balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

As a manufacturer who appreciates the unique architectural heritage of communities like Belleville, we prioritize solutions that respect local regulations while enhancing the distinctive character of historic districts. Our understanding of regional architectural styles enables us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Belleville's vision for maintaining its historic integrity while meeting contemporary needs. We believe that thoughtful lighting enhances community character rather than detracting from it.

Conclusion

Belleville's lighting regulations reflect its dual commitment to preserving its rich architectural heritage while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. The careful balance of historic preservation with modern needs is evident in the city's thoughtful approach to lighting standards.

Property owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these regulations, particularly when planning renovations or new construction. By adhering to these standards, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining Belleville's distinctive character as a "beautiful city" for generations to come.

Remember that while this guide provides an overview of Belleville's lighting regulations, it's always advisable to consult with the city's planning department for the most current requirements before undertaking lighting projects.