Lighting Regulations in Bloomingdale, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Historical Character

Introduction

Founded in 1833, Bloomingdale, Illinois has evolved from a small settlement into a thriving suburban community of nearly 22,000 residents. The village takes pride in balancing modern development with its rich historical character, particularly in Old Town Bloomingdale where restored buildings showcase the community's architectural heritage.

This commitment to harmonious development extends to how Bloomingdale regulates lighting throughout the community. The village's comprehensive lighting regulations help ensure safety while reducing light pollution, preventing glare, and maintaining the aesthetic quality that makes Bloomingdale special.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Color Requirements: Minimum Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 65 with color temperature between 3000-5500 Kelvin
• Fixture Color: Black or dark bronze with matte, non-glossy finish
• Light Trespass Limit: Maximum 0.2 footcandles at property lines adjacent to residential properties
• Documentation Required: Photometric plans showing foot-candle readings on a 5-foot grid
• Pole Heights: Minimum 20 feet, maximum 28 feet (with exceptions up to 40 feet in large developments)
• Setbacks: Freestanding fixtures must be set back at least 3 times their mounting height from property lines

Purpose and Applicability

Purpose of Lighting Regulations

Bloomingdale's lighting regulations serve multiple purposes:

• Increase overnight health, safety, utility, and security
• Promote business development through ambient lighting standards
• Conserve energy and resources
• Minimize glare, light trespass, and sky glow

When These Regulations Apply

These requirements apply to all applications for:

• Site plan review
• Zoning code or development ordinance amendments
• Planned developments
• Special use permits
• Zoning variations for new lighting installations (except in single-family residential districts)

Technical Specifications for Lighting

Light Quality Requirements

All electrical light sources must meet these specifications:

• Color Rendering Index (CRI): Minimum of 65
• Color Temperature: Between 3000-5500 Kelvin
• The Building and Zoning Official may permit measurements outside these ranges for specific applications

Illuminance Values for Parking Lots

High Intensity Uses (Shopping centers greater than 300,000 sq. ft.):

• Minimum: 0.9 footcandles
• Average: 3.0-4.0 footcandles
• Average:Minimum Ratio: 4:1

Medium Intensity Uses (Commercial uses over 5,000 sq. ft., parks with over 50 parking spaces):

• Minimum: 0.6 footcandles
• Average: 2.0-3.0 footcandles
• Average:Minimum Ratio: 4:1

Low Intensity Uses (Multi-family residential, small commercial, smaller parks):

• Minimum: 0.2 footcandles
• Average: 1.0-2.0 footcandles
• Average:Minimum Ratio: 4:1

Canopy and Service Area Lighting

Maximum Illumination Levels:

• Driveways: 2.5-3.0 footcandles
• Service Areas: 4.0 footcandles
• Under Canopy: 15.0-20.0 footcandles

Important: Canopy lighting must be recessed with fixtures flush to the underside, and canopies must incorporate architectural buffers to block direct view of fixtures.

Fixture Requirements and Restrictions

Approved Fixture Types

• All parking lot luminaires must be full cutoff fixtures as defined by the IESNA "Lighting Handbook"
• Light sources must be metal halide, mercury vapor, or LED
• Building-mounted security lighting must use full or fully cut-off fixtures

Prohibited Lighting

The following lighting types are not permitted:

• Exposed luminous tube lighting (neon, LED, or fluorescent)
• Strobe lights and laser lights
• Blinking, flickering, scrolling, or pulsating lights
• Revolving lighting
• Searchlights (except for law enforcement or permitted temporary events)

Sign Illumination Standards

Externally Lit Signs

• Lighting fixtures must be aimed and shielded so direct illumination focuses exclusively on the sign
• Ground-mounted lights must not exceed the lumens generated by a 100-watt incandescent lamp (typically 1600-1800 lumens)
• Landscaping may be required to screen motorists from glare

Internally Lit Signs

• Must have light lettering or symbols on a dark background
• Lettering/symbols cannot exceed 40% of the sign surface area
• Maximum luminous transmittance: 35% for lettering/symbols, 15% for background
• Light sources must be fluorescent tubes spaced at least 12 inches on center

What Property Owners Should Know

Application and Review Process

When planning new exterior lighting, property owners must submit:

• Photometric plans showing foot-candle readings on a 5-foot grid
• Maximum, minimum, and average foot-candle readings
• Average to minimum uniformity ratio
• Detailed fixture specifications including manufacturer, model number, and cut sheets
• IES-formatted photometric data
• Mounting height and distance to nearest property line
• Proposed hours of operation and timing controls

Post-Construction Verification

Before receiving a final certificate of occupancy:

• An on-site inspection during darkness will verify that new lighting doesn't cause glare
• The Building and Zoning Official may require post-installation photometric measurement
• If glare is observed or readings don't match the approved plan, remediation will be required

Supporting Bloomingdale's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands and appreciates Bloomingdale's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation. As a manufacturer with deep experience in communities like Bloomingdale, we recognize the importance of lighting that enhances safety while respecting community character.

Our team values the careful approach Bloomingdale has taken to lighting regulations, which shows thoughtful consideration of both practical needs and aesthetic concerns. We're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through appropriate lighting solutions.

With extensive experience working within municipal lighting codes across the Midwest, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to support the village's balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation.

Conclusion

Bloomingdale's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to creating a safe, attractive environment while preserving its unique character. By establishing clear standards for light quality, fixture design, and illumination levels, these regulations help prevent light pollution while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and security.

Property owners planning new lighting installations should carefully review these requirements and consult with lighting professionals familiar with Bloomingdale's specific standards. Through thoughtful lighting design that complies with these regulations, both commercial and residential properties can contribute to Bloomingdale's vision of a well-lit, visually appealing community that honors its historical roots.