Lighting Regulations in Brighton, Illinois: Preserving Small-Town Charm Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in Macoupin County with a portion extending into Jersey County, the village of Brighton, Illinois, carries a rich historical legacy dating back to the early 19th century. With notable historical significance including a Civil War prisoner of war camp, Brighton has maintained its small-town character through thoughtful community planning and municipal regulations.

The village's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to preserving the traditional ambiance while ensuring safety and visibility for its residents. With a population of just over 4,000 spread across 36.49 square miles, Brighton's close-knit community values influence many aspects of local governance, including how properties and streets are illuminated.

This guide explores Brighton's lighting regulations and how they help maintain the village's historical character while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide: Brighton's Key Lighting Requirements

• Streetlight Standards: Must be at least 16 feet high
• Streetlight Spacing: At least one light per 400 feet of street frontage
• Multi-family Parking: Minimum of one light per 25 parking spaces
• Light Containment: Lighting must be arranged to prevent light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Alcohol-Serving Establishments: Require continuous white lighting during business hours
• Home Occupation Signs: Cannot be illuminated

Street Lighting Requirements

Planning and Approval

The foundation of Brighton's street lighting system begins at the planning stage. Developers must include the specific locations of streetlight standards in their subdivision plans for review.

These plans undergo thorough evaluation by:

• The Village Engineer
• The appropriate electric utility company
• The administrator

This multi-level review ensures all lighting installations align with community standards and technical requirements.

Technical Specifications

Brighton maintains clear standards for its street lighting infrastructure:

• Height Requirement: Each streetlight standard (post) must be at least 16 feet high
• Energy Efficiency: All streetlights must comply with current electrical energy saving standards
• Placement at Intersections: Streetlights are required at each intersection of streets or alleys within a subdivision
• Cul-de-sac Illumination: Each cul-de-sac must have at least one streetlight
• Linear Spacing: There must be at least one streetlight per 400 feet of street frontage between intersections

Multi-Family Dwelling Requirements

For multi-family residential developments, Brighton has established additional requirements focused on parking area illumination:

• Lighting must be provided within parking areas
• Minimum rate of one light per 25 parking spaces or fraction thereof

This ensures adequate visibility and safety in commonly used communal areas.

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Establishments Serving Alcoholic Beverages

Brighton has specific lighting requirements for premises selling beverage alcohol or intoxicating liquor for consumption:

• Interior lighting must not be arranged in a way that's visible from the street, road, or sidewalk
• The premises must be designed to allow a full view of the entire interior from the street, road, or sidewalk
• All rooms where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Natural light or artificial white light must be used to ensure all parts of the interior are clearly visible

These requirements focus on transparency and safety while maintaining the village's aesthetic standards.

Parking Area Lighting

For commercial parking areas, Brighton emphasizes light containment:

• Any lights used to illuminate parking areas must be arranged or shielded
• Light fixtures should confine direct light rays within the parking area boundary lines to the greatest extent practicable
• This prevents light pollution and glare affecting neighboring properties

Residential Lighting Regulations

Home Occupation Considerations

For residents operating businesses from their homes, lighting regulations help ensure these activities don't disrupt the residential character:

• Signs for home occupations cannot be illuminated
• Home occupations must not generate offensive glare that's noticeable at or beyond lot lines

General Residential Lighting Control

Brighton's general lighting control regulation applies to residential properties:

• Lights used for illuminating signs, swimming pools, or any other purpose must be arranged to direct light rays away from neighboring residential properties
• Lighting must also be positioned to avoid affecting the vision of passing motorists
• This ensures both privacy and safety while maintaining the village's traditional character

What Property Owners Should Know

Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics

Brighton's lighting regulations demonstrate a thoughtful approach to balancing practical needs with aesthetic considerations. Property owners should understand that these regulations aim to:

• Ensure adequate lighting for safety and visibility
• Prevent light pollution and trespass onto neighboring properties
• Maintain the village's historical ambiance and small-town character

Compliance Considerations

When planning lighting installations, property owners should:

• Review the specific requirements relevant to their property type
• Consult with professionals familiar with Brighton's regulations
• Consider the impact of lighting choices on neighboring properties
• Prioritize designs that contain light within property boundaries

Supporting Brighton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation. As a manufacturer with deep Midwestern roots, we appreciate communities like Brighton that work to maintain their distinctive small-town character through thoughtful regulations.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and understanding of historical contexts allows us to serve as a resource for communities preserving their unique identity. Brighton's approach to lighting—focusing on safety while preventing light trespass and preserving aesthetic character—aligns with Bock Lighting's values of responsible illumination.

We believe that effective lighting enhances community character rather than detracting from it, and we're committed to helping municipalities like Brighton achieve their vision through education and appropriate lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community values.

Conclusion

Brighton's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors. By focusing on containing light within property boundaries, requiring appropriate illumination for commercial establishments, and establishing clear standards for street lighting, Brighton maintains its small-town charm while meeting modern needs.

These thoughtful regulations help create a cohesive community aesthetic that honors Brighton's historical significance while providing the necessary illumination for a safe and vibrant village. Property owners who understand and embrace these standards contribute to the preservation of Brighton's unique character for future generations.