Lighting Regulations in Campton Hills, Illinois: Preserving Rural Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Incorporated in 2007, Campton Hills stands as one of Illinois' younger municipalities, but it has quickly established a clear vision for its future. The village was founded with a primary goal that continues to guide its development today: maintaining local control while preserving the area's cherished rural character amidst the expanding Chicago metropolitan area.

The lighting regulations in Campton Hills directly reflect these community values. By establishing clear standards for outdoor illumination, the village aims to reduce light pollution, preserve the beauty of the night sky, and maintain the distinctive semi-rural atmosphere that residents treasure while ensuring safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know in Campton Hills:

• Residential spillover limit: Maximum 0.5 lumen per square foot onto adjacent properties
• Color temperature requirement: Maximum 3200°K for most outdoor lighting
• Light output limits: 50,000 initial lumens per acre (80,000 for auto service stations)
• Maximum height restrictions:
• Residential: 20 feet
• Commercial/municipal: 25 feet
• Public playing fields: 50 feet
• Fines for violations: $100 (first offense), $200 (second offense), $300 (third offense within 12 months)
• Full cutoff requirement: All regulated lighting must be full cutoff design

Residential Lighting Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

In Campton Hills, residential lighting is designed to balance illumination needs with neighborhood harmony. The code specifically requires that residential yard lighting must not produce direct illumination or cause glare onto surrounding properties.

Spillover lighting onto adjacent property must not exceed 0.5 lumen per square foot. This technical specification ensures that your lighting enhances your property without affecting your neighbors' enjoyment of their outdoor spaces.

Safety Lighting Considerations

Safety is a priority in Campton Hills, and the regulations make reasonable accommodations for security needs. Motion-activated safety lights are permitted in residential neighborhoods, provided they:

• Work properly
• Do not create excessive spillover lighting onto adjacent properties
• Automatically turn off after activation

New Construction Requirements

For new residential construction, the village regulates:

• Street lighting
• Pedestrian lighting
• Sign illumination
• Flood lighting
• Parking lot luminaires

All other residential lighting installations have greater flexibility, though they must still comply with the general spillover limits.

Commercial Lighting Regulations

Operating Hours Restrictions

Commercial properties face more comprehensive lighting regulations than residential areas. A key requirement addresses when exterior lighting can be used:

• During business hours: Full lighting permitted
• Before/after business: Lighting permitted one hour before opening and one hour after closing
• Non-business hours: Only 50% of exterior lighting can remain illuminated
• Daylight hours: All outdoor lighting must be turned off

Technical Specifications

Commercial lighting must adhere to specific technical requirements:

• Installation height: Maximum 25 feet
• Light output: Maximum 50,000 initial lumens per acre (80,000 for auto service stations)
• Canopy lighting: Maximum 10 foot-candles, measured horizontally at ground level
• Canopy construction: Must include skirting with minimum 8-inch depth

Photocell and Timer Requirements

Both commercial street lighting and parking lot lighting must include photocells or timers to:

• Regulate hours of operation
• Prevent operation during daylight hours
• Ensure compliance with time-based lighting restrictions

Prohibited Lighting for All Properties

Several lighting types are explicitly prohibited for new construction in Campton Hills:

• Strobe and laser lights (including laser light shows and aerial laser lights)
• Neon-style colored light tubes
• Flashing lights (unless temporarily triggered by a security system)
• Building outline lighting (including neon, fiber optic, LED, or fluorescent tube lighting)
• Uplighting (except when illuminating flags)
• Lighting causing glare on public roadways

Technical Lighting Standards

Color Temperature and Light Quality

Campton Hills places a strong emphasis on the quality and character of light:

• Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): All lighting (except public playing fields) must be at or below 3200°K
• Full cutoff requirement: All regulated lighting must use full cutoff fixtures that direct light downward
• Light pole appearance: Street and parking lot poles must have a dark, matte finish (no spun aluminum or concrete poles)

Maximum Light Output by Type

Different lighting applications have specific output limits:

• Architectural lighting: Maximum 1,100 initial lumens
• Floodlighting: Maximum 2,200 initial lumens
• Sidewalk lighting: Maximum 800 initial lumens

Road and Street Lighting

Road lighting serves a critical safety function and must be installed:

• At all road intersections
• At subdivision entrances
• At closer intervals if subdivision density is 3+ dwelling units per acre
• On alternative sides of commercial and industrial roads

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for New Construction

If you're planning new construction or significant lighting changes, you'll need to submit a comprehensive lighting plan that includes:

• Site plan showing all structures, traffic areas, and luminaire locations
• Iso-foot-candle plots demonstrating compliance
• Summary table of maximum and minimum light levels
• Detailed luminaire descriptions including manufacturer, lamp type, bulb type, color temperature, and photometric data

Understanding Enforcement

Compliance with lighting regulations is taken seriously in Campton Hills, with a graduated fine structure:

• First offense: $100
• Second offense within a 12-month period: $200
• Third or further offenses within a 12-month period: $300

Post-installation inspections may be conducted to verify compliance, and remedial action can be required within 30 days.

Supporting Campton Hills' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the importance of preserving Campton Hills' semi-rural character while providing effective illumination solutions. With roots dating back to 1918, our experience in the Midwest gives us unique insight into the balance communities like Campton Hills seek to achieve.

We appreciate Campton Hills' commitment to ecological stewardship and controlled growth. Our lighting solutions are designed with these values in mind, helping property owners meet regulatory requirements while enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of their spaces.

As a resource for property owners, Bock Lighting can help you understand the technical requirements of Campton Hills' lighting regulations and identify solutions that maintain community character while meeting your specific needs. Our focus is on supporting communities through education and quality lighting that respects local regulations and values.

Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns perfectly with Campton Hills' vision for preserving its unique identity while accommodating necessary growth and development.

Conclusion

Campton Hills' lighting regulations reflect the community's dedication to preserving its rural character while ensuring safety and functionality. By establishing clear standards for light levels, fixture types, and operating hours, the village has created a framework that protects property owners' rights while preventing light pollution and maintaining the quality of life that makes Campton Hills special.

Whether you're planning new construction or updating existing lighting, understanding these regulations is essential to creating illumination that enhances your property while respecting the community's vision. With careful planning and appropriate fixtures, you can enjoy effective lighting that complies with local requirements and contributes to Campton Hills' unique character.