Lighting Regulations in Berkeley, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Functionality, and Community Character

Introduction

Berkeley, Illinois, with its rich history dating back to 1835, has maintained its predominantly residential character throughout generations of growth and change. Founded by German and Dutch farmers, this Cook County village of 1.40 square miles has evolved while preserving its community atmosphere. The village's approach to development, including its lighting regulations, reflects a balance between practical needs and maintaining the residential ambiance that defines Berkeley.

The lighting requirements throughout Berkeley aim to ensure safety and functionality while respecting the community's residential character. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or property developer, understanding these regulations is essential for compliance and contributing to the village's aesthetic goals.

Quick Reference Guide

• Residential Light Trespass Limit: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at residential property lines
• Multiple-Unit Building Entrances: Minimum 1 foot-candle at all means of egress from sundown to sunrise
• Parking Areas: Minimum 1 foot-candle for multiple-unit building parking from sunset to sunrise
• Street Lighting: Various specifications based on street type with specific mounting heights and spacing requirements
• Sign Illumination: Maximum 50 foot-candles; 5,000 nits daytime/150 nits nighttime
• Business Hours: Most illuminated signs may remain lit during business operating hours
• Recreational Facilities: Limited to 15-foot height fixtures with glare prevention
• Manufacturing Areas: Must use diffused mercury or sodium vapor lighting (or equivalent)

Residential Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Restrictions

Berkeley's code places significant emphasis on preventing light pollution between properties. No exterior light in or adjacent to residential districts may exceed 0.5 foot-candle at any residential lot line. This requirement helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere of residential neighborhoods while still allowing for necessary outdoor lighting.

Recreational Facility Lighting

For residents with private recreational facilities on their property, Berkeley has established clear guidelines:

• Limited to use by occupants and their guests
• Maximum fixture height of 15 feet
• Must be designed to prevent glare and direct light from reaching neighboring properties
• Cannot produce excessive sky-reflected glare

Garage and Accessory Structure Lighting

The village requires:

• At least one overhead light in each garage
• Two electrical circuits (one for lighting, one for power)
• All lighting must comply with electrical code requirements

Commercial and Multi-Unit Property Requirements

Building Entrance Illumination

For safety and accessibility, Berkeley requires:

• Exterior lighting at each means of egress for multiple-unit buildings
• Minimum illumination of 1 foot-candle measured at the door handle
• Operation required from sundown to sunrise

Parking Area Lighting

Parking facilities serving multiple-unit buildings must meet these standards:

• Illumination required from sunset to sunrise
• Minimum lighting level of 1 foot-candle throughout the parking area
• For lots with more than 10 vehicles, fixed lighting is mandatory

Recreation and Entertainment Venues

Berkeley's code specifically addresses lighting for public entertainment venues:

• Skating rinks, billiard centers, and bowling alleys must be properly illuminated during all public use
• Operation with insufficient lighting that doesn't provide proper vision is prohibited

Street Lighting Standards

Technical Specifications

Berkeley maintains detailed standards for street lighting, which must be professionally designed and approved:

• Street Light Spacing: Minimum 150 feet apart in residential districts
• Light Types: High-pressure sodium (HPS) is specified with LED heads also approved
• Wattage Requirements:
• Standard: 150 watts
• Intersections with state/county highways or in business/industrial parks: 250 watts

Mounting Heights and Spacing by Street Type

Berkeley's specifications vary by street classification:

Arterial Streets:

• Mounting Height: 35'0"
• Pole Height: 33'
• Spacing: 175' along centerline
• Wattage: 250W
• Initial Lumens: 30,000

Local Streets:

• Mounting Height: 30'10"
• Pole Height: 28'
• Spacing: 200' along centerline
• Wattage: 150W
• Initial Lumens: 16,000

Single-Family Residential Streets:

• Mounting Height: 25'10"
• Pole Height: 23'
• Spacing: 250' along centerline
• Wattage: 150W
• Initial Lumens: 16,000

Installation Guidelines

• Streetlights typically located on one side of street
• Poles set 3 feet back from curb line
• Special configurations may be required at intersections

Sign Illumination Rules

Illumination Standards

Berkeley carefully regulates how signs may be illuminated:

• Maximum illumination: 50 foot-candles when measured perpendicular to sign face
• Maximum luminance: 5,000 nits during daylight hours; 150 nits at all other times
• Light sources must be located, shielded and directed to prevent direct visibility from streets
• External light source fixtures cannot protrude more than 18 inches from sign or building face

Restrictions and Hours

• Signs may remain illuminated during business hours
• Signs near residential areas: Cannot be illuminated between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM unless the business is open
• Exposed gas tubes are prohibited for exterior signs
• Internally illuminated signs cannot have transparent backgrounds that allow direct view of light source
• Damaged illuminated signs cannot operate when light source is directly visible

Manufacturing and Commercial Districts

Outdoor Lighting Types

In manufacturing districts, Berkeley requires:

• All outdoor lighting must be diffused mercury or sodium vapor type (or equivalent)
• Light must be positioned to prevent shine onto adjoining residential properties
• All operations must comply with performance standards governing glare

Glare Prevention

Berkeley's code contains specific provisions to limit unwanted glare:

• Uses in business and manufacturing districts cannot produce glare exceeding 0.5 foot-candle in residential districts
• Flickering or intrinsically bright light sources must be controlled to avoid nuisance
• No light source can create a traffic hazard along public rights of way

What Property Owners Should Know

Key Compliance Points

Understanding Berkeley's lighting regulations is essential for property improvements:

• Consult professionals: For commercial projects, lighting systems should be designed by a registered professional engineer
• Measurement standards: Illumination levels are measured with a photoelectric photometer
• Consider your neighbors: Most violations occur from light trespass onto adjacent properties
• Focus on function: Lighting should serve its purpose (safety, security) without creating nuisance

When Planning New Lighting

Before installing new exterior lighting on your property:

• Check fixture specifications to ensure compliance with foot-candle limitations
• Consider using shielded fixtures that direct light downward
• Be mindful of placement and direction to prevent light trespass
• Remember that all lighting must be reduced to security levels during non-use periods

Supporting Berkeley's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balanced lighting solutions that respect community character. We appreciate Berkeley's approach to lighting regulations that maintain the village's residential nature while ensuring necessary illumination for safety and functionality.

Our experience with communities similar to Berkeley has shown that thoughtful lighting design can enhance the distinctive character of a village while meeting modern needs. We're committed to supporting educational efforts about lighting regulations and helping residents and businesses understand how proper lighting contributes to community ambiance.

Bock's understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a resource for Berkeley property owners seeking to maintain the village's traditional residential atmosphere. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Berkeley's vision for balanced, appropriate illumination.

Conclusion

Berkeley's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its residential character while ensuring safety and functionality. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners contribute to the village's aesthetic goals and help preserve the community atmosphere that has defined Berkeley since its founding nearly two centuries ago.

Whether you're installing security lighting at your home, planning lighting for a commercial development, or simply replacing exterior fixtures, these regulations provide a framework for appropriate illumination that respects neighbors and enhances the village's character.

Remember that lighting compliance is not just about following rules—it's about contributing to the village's long-standing tradition of creating a harmonious residential environment for all residents.