Lighting Regulations in Canton, Illinois: Balancing Heritage and Functionality

Introduction

Founded in 1825 by Isaac Swan, Canton, Illinois, has maintained its distinctive character through nearly two centuries of development. The city's rich architectural heritage, particularly around the historic Jones Park (formerly Public Square) where Illinois Routes 9 and 78 intersect, reflects Canton's commitment to preserving its unique identity while meeting modern needs.

The city's resilient spirit—having overcome fires, floods, and tornadoes throughout its history—is embodied in its motto, "We do that here." This community-focused approach is evident in Canton's thoughtful approach to development, including its lighting regulations that balance safety, functionality, and respect for the town's historical character.

Quick Reference Guide to Canton's Lighting Regulations

Key lighting requirements:

• Residential fixture height: Maximum 15 feet from grade
• Commercial fixture height: Maximum 35 feet from grade
• Light trespass limit: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle at property lines
• Parking lot illumination:
• Residential districts: Maximum average 1.0 foot-candle
• Non-residential districts: Maximum average 2.5 foot-candle
• Canopy lighting: Maximum average 20 foot-candles underneath
• Street lighting: Minimum average 0.2 foot-candle at intersections
• Required lamp type: High-pressure sodium vapor (with exceptions)

General Lighting Requirements

Installation and Direction

Canton's lighting regulations focus primarily on preventing nuisance and ensuring safety. All lighting must be installed to avoid creating:

• Driving hazards on adjacent streets
• Light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Glare affecting nearby residents

Reflection Control: Where lighting facilities are provided, they must be arranged to reflect light away from adjacent residential districts or zones.

Required Light Types and Fixtures

Canton has specific requirements for the types of lighting fixtures that may be used:

• Lamp type: All luminaires/lamps must be high-pressure sodium vapor type
• Exception: Metal halide lamps may be approved where "true color" rendition is required
• Off-street lighting: Fixtures over 150 watts must be 90° downcast, cutoff fixtures
• Prohibited fixtures: Drop lens fixtures are not permitted
• Fixture placement: No exterior light fixture may be located within 3 feet of property line

Height and Placement Guidelines

Distinct height requirements apply depending on the property type:

• Nonresidential lighting: Maximum 35 feet measured from grade to top of fixture (including base)
• Residential lighting: Maximum 15 feet measured from grade to top of fixture (including base)
• Base height: Maximum 6 inches as measured from grade
• Recommended placement: Inside landscape islands or behind curb lines for protection

Maximum Illumination Standards

Light Level Controls

Canton carefully regulates the intensity of lighting to prevent excessive brightness:

• Parking lot illumination limits:
• Residential districts: Average illumination not to exceed 1.0 foot-candle
• Nonresidential districts: Average illumination not to exceed 2.5 foot-candles
• Property line limit: Maximum 0.5 foot-candle of light trespass at property lines
• Hotspots: Lighting "hot spots" must be avoided as indicated on photometric plans
• Street lighting: Minimum average illumination of 0.2 foot-candle required at street intersections

Canopy Lighting Requirements

Special requirements apply to lighting under canopies:

• Maximum average maintained illumination: 20 foot-candles
• All canopy fixtures must be recessed
• Lens covers must be either recessed or flush with the bottom surface of the canopy
• Areas outside the canopy are regulated by standard light trespass requirements

Building-Mounted and Special Use Lighting

Architectural Lighting

Building-mounted lighting in Canton is permitted with limitations:

• May be used to highlight architectural features or primary entrances
• Not permitted: General floodlighting of building facades
• Not permitted: Neon outlining of buildings

Pool Lighting

When illuminating swimming pools at night:

• Overhead flood or artificial lights must be shielded
• Light must be directed only onto the pool surface
• Shielding should prevent light spillage onto neighboring properties

Home Occupation Lighting

For home-based businesses:

• Only non-illuminated nameplates are permitted (maximum 2 square feet)
• Operations must not generate glare detectable at property boundaries

Sign Illumination Guidelines

General Sign Lighting Rules

Canton has several regulations specific to sign illumination:

• Signs must be effectively shielded to prevent light from being directed at roadways
• Illumination must not cause glare or impair drivers' vision
• All illuminated signs must be constructed according to UL 48 standards
• Sign illumination must not interfere with or obscure official traffic devices

Time Restrictions

• Illuminated signs in residential districts (R-1 through R-4) may not be lit between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM

Specific Sign Types

• Flashing signs: Maximum bulb size of 40-watt incandescent
• Traveling light signs: Maximum bulb size of 40-watt incandescent
• Drive-in/open front establishments: Illuminated displays must not reflect onto adjacent residential zones

Construction and Excavation Lighting

Safety Lighting Requirements

Temporary lighting is required for construction activities:

• Suitable and sufficient lighting must be placed on railings, fences, barriers or obstructions at twilight
• Lighting must remain burning through the night during construction work
• Failure to provide adequate lighting carries penalties of $25-$500
• All excavations for building sewer installations must be adequately guarded with lights to protect public safety

Planning and Approval Process

Site Plan Requirements

Before approval for certain uses, site plans must be submitted for review of various design features, including lighting:

• The Joint Planning and Zoning Commission reviews lighting as part of site plan approval
• Commercial developments must submit a detailed exterior lighting plan showing:
• Location, height, type, design, orientation, anchorage, and wattage of all proposed outdoor lighting
• Photometric plans showing illumination levels for projects with more than 3 outdoor fixtures
• Cut sheets of proposed fixtures, including candlepower distribution curves

Compliance Standards

All development lighting must comply with:

• Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommendations for outdoor lighting
• Canton's specific lighting regulations regarding fixture type, height, and illumination levels

Supporting Canton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Canton's commitment to preserving community character while providing functional lighting solutions. With our understanding of historically significant communities like Canton, we appreciate the balance needed between modern lighting requirements and respect for architectural heritage.

As Canton continues to uphold its motto "We do that here," Bock Lighting recognizes the importance of lighting that enhances safety and functionality while respecting the city's distinctive character shaped by nearly two centuries of history. Our expertise in lighting solutions for communities with historic significance allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating local regulations.

We understand that Canton's regulations reflect its commitment to responsible development—balancing the need for adequate illumination with concerns about light pollution, energy efficiency, and aesthetic impact. As a regional manufacturer, Bock Lighting is proud to support communities like Canton in maintaining their unique character through thoughtful, compliant lighting choices.

Conclusion

Canton's lighting regulations reflect a community that values both its historic character and modern functionality. From specific technical requirements to broader aesthetic considerations, these standards aim to ensure that lighting enhances the city without creating nuisance or safety hazards.

Property owners should work closely with the Planning and Zoning Commission when developing lighting plans, ensuring compliance with both technical specifications and the city's vision for appropriate illumination. By following these guidelines, Canton can maintain its distinctive character—continuing to honor its past while embracing responsible development for the future.