Lighting Regulations in Bensenville, Illinois: A Complete Guide to Property Illumination Standards

Introduction

Established in 1873, Bensenville, Illinois has evolved from its early days as a settlement along the Milwaukee Road (now part of the Canadian Pacific Railway) to become a vibrant community that values both its historical roots and modern development. With a population of 18,813 as of the 2020 census, Bensenville's approach to community planning reflects its commitment to balancing growth while preserving its distinctive character.

The village's lighting regulations play a crucial role in this balance, helping to maintain safety, reduce light pollution, and preserve the aesthetic appeal that makes Bensenville unique. These standards ensure that as the community continues to develop, nighttime illumination enhances rather than detracts from the village's charm.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Light Trespass: Exterior light fixtures must not cast illumination past property lines
• Fixture Requirements: All new and replacement outdoor lighting must use full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures
• Illumination Levels:
• Non-residential uses: Maximum 1 foot-candle at any point on lot line
• Residential uses: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at any point on lot line
• Recreational facilities: Maximum 50 foot-candles average (with exceptions)
• Height Limitations:
• Non-residential poles: Maximum 24 feet (60 feet for educational/recreational facilities)
• Residential poles: Maximum 24 feet
• Building-mounted fixtures: Maximum 15 feet for residential properties
• Sign Illumination: Illuminated signs must be turned off from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (with exceptions)
• LED Brightness: Maximum 5,000 nits from dawn to dusk; maximum 150 nits from dusk to dawn

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Applicability

Bensenville's outdoor lighting standards apply to all new or replacement outdoor lighting throughout the village. These requirements are designed to prevent light trespass, promote energy efficiency, and minimize light pollution. The only exceptions are unshielded lighting for holiday decorations and certain permitted temporary uses.

Professional Planning Requirements

For non-residential properties, a photometric plan prepared by a professional must be approved by the Zoning Administrator before installing outdoor light fixtures. This ensures that lighting designs meet village standards before implementation.

Fixture Design and Installation

All outdoor lighting must:

• Employ full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures for new and replacement installations
• Be designed to prevent glare and interference with residential property
• Avoid creating hazards for motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic
• Concentrate light on the intended area without spillover

Automatic Controls and Energy Efficiency

All non-residential outdoor lighting must include:

• Automatic controls (photo sensors, occupancy sensors, or timers)
• Systems that reduce lighting when daylight is sufficient
• Automatic shut-off no more than one hour after business closing (excluding security lighting)

The village encourages the use of energy-efficient technology such as LED lighting where appropriate.

Illumination Standards By Property Type

Residential Properties

• Maximum light level: 0.5 foot-candle at any point on the property line
• Maximum pole height: 24 feet
• Maximum building-mounted fixture height: 15 feet (including under-soffit lighting)

Non-Residential Properties

• Maximum light level: 1 foot-candle at any point on the property line
• Maximum pole height: 24 feet
• Maximum building-mounted fixture height: Not specified, but must comply with general requirements

Recreational Facilities

• General recreational uses: Maximum average of 50 foot-candles
• Golf courses: Maximum average of 5 foot-candles
• Driving ranges: Maximum average of 20 foot-candles
• Maximum pole height: Up to 60 feet for educational or outdoor recreational facilities

Special Use Requirements

• Gas stations: Canopy lighting must be recessed to minimize light pollution with maximum illuminance of 10 foot-candles
• Motor vehicle sales/rental: Maximum 10 foot-candles illuminance in outdoor display areas
• Cannabis businesses: Must incorporate "adequate security measures, such as exterior lighting"

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Sign Lighting Standards

• Hours of operation: Illuminated signs must be turned off from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM, or 30 minutes after close of business (whichever is later)
• Exception: Businesses operating between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM may keep signs illuminated during operating hours
• Light concentration: Sign illumination must focus on the sign face to prevent glare
• Prohibited elements: Series lighting and illuminated tubing may not be used to trim windows or architectural features

LED Sign Brightness Standards

• Maximum brightness (dawn to dusk): 5,000 nits
• Maximum brightness (dusk to dawn): 150 nits

Non-LED Sign Lighting

• Maximum illumination: No greater than one foot-candle at any time as measured at the curb line

Electronic Message Signs

• Location restrictions: Only allowed in C-2 District and in all Residential Districts for parks, schools, libraries, and places of worship
• Message timing: May change messages once every 10 seconds (transitions must be instantaneous)
• Display requirements: Must show static messages without flashing, blinking, strobing, traveling, chasing, rotating, or changing in intensity
• Failure mode: Must default to static display if mechanical failure occurs

Specific Sign Type Regulations

Permitted Illuminated Signs

The following sign types may be illuminated according to village standards:

• Marquee signs (internal illumination allowed)
• Window signs (internal illumination allowed, including neon signs up to 6 square feet)
• Awning signs (external illumination only)
• Canopy-mounted signs (internal and external illumination allowed)
• Drive-through signs (internal illumination allowed)
• Wall signs (internal and external illumination allowed)
• Hanging signs (internal and external illumination allowed)
• Manually changeable copy signs (internal illumination allowed)
• Monument signs (internal and external illumination allowed)

Prohibited Illuminated Signs

• Temporary signs may not be illuminated
• Roof signs (painted) may not be illuminated
• Flashing signs are prohibited
• Signs that could be confused with traffic signals due to position, shape, illumination, or color

Pedestrian Areas and Public Lighting

Pedestrian-Scale Lighting

• Decorative lighting: Required on building facades fronting public rights-of-way
• Maximum height: 9 feet for pedestrian-scale decorative lighting
• Bollard lighting: Must use full cut-off or fully shielded fixtures when adjacent to pedestrian ways

Public Street Lighting

• Installation requirements: Street lighting systems must be installed according to Village and IDOT standards specific to each zoning district
• Protection of public lights: Village code prohibits breaking, defacing, disturbing, or interfering with any electric lamp or light in public places
• Tree maintenance: No planting allowed within 10 feet of any street light
• Pruning authority: Village has the right to prune trees on private property when they interfere with proper spread of light from streetlights

Supporting Bensenville's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in Northeast Ohio dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. We recognize Bensenville's commitment to maintaining its historical charm while providing safe, functional illumination for residents and businesses.

Our experience with communities similar to Bensenville has taught us the importance of lighting solutions that respect local regulations while enhancing architectural features. We appreciate Bensenville's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that maintain the village's aesthetic appeal while providing adequate illumination for safety and visibility.

As a resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, we're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with Bensenville's vision for balanced development. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us to provide guidance that respects the unique character of communities like Bensenville.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

Before installing new outdoor lighting, consider these steps:

• Review regulations: Understand the specific requirements for your property type
• Consult professionals: For non-residential properties, work with lighting professionals who can create required photometric plans
• Consider neighbors: Remember that light must not trespass beyond your property line
• Think long-term: Choose energy-efficient fixtures that comply with village standards to avoid future replacement

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners often encounter challenges with:

• Light trespass: Ensure fixtures direct light downward and away from property lines
• Fixture selection: Verify that new fixtures meet the "full cut-off" or "fully shielded" requirements
• Automatic controls: Non-residential properties must have systems to reduce or extinguish lighting when not needed
• Sign illumination: Remember to turn off illuminated signs by 11:00 PM unless your business operates overnight

Conclusion

Bensenville's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to balancing growth and development with preservation of community character. By establishing clear standards for outdoor lighting and sign illumination, these regulations help maintain the village's aesthetic appeal while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and visibility.

Whether you're a business owner, homeowner, or developer, understanding these regulations is essential for contributing to Bensenville's vision of thoughtful community development. By following these guidelines, you'll help preserve the unique character that makes Bensenville a special place to live and work.