Lighting Regulations in Carol Stream, Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Carol Stream, Illinois, established in 1959 by Jay Stream and named after his daughter, has evolved from its humble beginnings into a thriving suburban community of approximately 40,000 residents in the Chicago metropolitan area. The village was founded with a vision for strong corporate growth while maintaining suburban residential comfort.

This balance between commercial development and residential quality of life is reflected in Carol Stream's lighting regulations. These standards aim to ensure public safety and functionality while preserving the suburban character that makes Carol Stream a desirable place to live and work.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer in Carol Stream, understanding these lighting regulations is essential for compliance and contributing to the community's vision.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Lighting Requirements

• Light Levels: Vary by property type (residential: 1.20 footcandles minimum; commercial: 2.00 footcandles minimum)
• Light Spillage Limits: Restricted at property lines (0.1 footcandles for single-family residential boundaries)
• Color Temperature: Under 4,000 Kelvin for residential properties
• Maximum Heights: Residential (25 feet), commercial (30 feet), industrial (35 feet)
• Residential Yard Lights: Maximum 8-foot pole height
• Permits Required: Site lighting plans must be submitted and approved before installation

General Outdoor Lighting Purpose and Standards

Community Vision

Carol Stream's lighting regulations are designed to serve multiple important purposes that benefit the entire community:

• Providing adequate lighting for public health, safety, and welfare
• Protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists from excessive illumination
• Reducing stray light upon neighboring properties
• Protecting the environment and night sky from light pollution
• Promoting energy efficiency through thoughtful lighting design

Applicability

These lighting standards apply to all properties within Carol Stream. The requirement to install lighting for parking lots at educational and religious institutions or public agencies may be waived by the Engineering Services Director with proper justification.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

Energy-efficient lighting is encouraged in the design of all lighting systems. Light emitting diodes (LED) are the preferred lighting source in Carol Stream. Lighting fixtures should be installed to minimize light pollution and glare to preserve the nighttime skies.

Light Level Requirements By Property Type

Carol Stream has established specific illumination standards based on property usage:

Minimum Average Light Levels (in footcandles)

• Multi-Unit Residential: 1.20 (3.50 maximum average)
• Commercial: 2.00 (8.00 maximum average)
• Industrial: 1.60 (5.00 maximum average)
• Fuel Station Canopy: 30.00 (45.00 maximum average)

Minimum Light Levels (in footcandles)

• Multi-Unit Residential: 0.10
• Commercial: 0.15
• Industrial: 0.10
• Fuel Station Canopy: 10.0

Maximum Light Uniformity

• Maximum to minimum light levels shall not exceed a ratio of 1:15

Light Spillage and Property Boundaries

Maximum Light Levels at Property Lines

Light spillage must be controlled at property boundaries, with specific limits established based on adjacent property types:

• Single-Unit Residential: 0.1 footcandles
• Multi-Unit Residential: 0.2 footcandles
• Commercial: 2.0 footcandles
• Industrial: 5.0 footcandles
• Institutional: 5.0 footcandles

Measurement Method

Light levels along property lines are measured at a height of five feet above grade in a plane at any angle of inclination.

Residential Lighting Requirements

Light Specifications

• Maximum Intensity: 0.1 footcandles at property line
• Color Temperature: Must be under 4,000 Kelvin
• Automatic Controls: Shut-off controls are encouraged for energy conservation

Height Restrictions

• Building-Mounted Lights: Cannot exceed roof line height
• Yard Light Poles: Maximum 8 feet from established grade
• Recreational Light Poles: Maximum 18 feet (not to exceed dwelling height)

Recreational Lighting Rules

• Design Requirements: Must shield and direct light onto the recreational amenity
• Usage Restriction: Only during active use of the recreational amenity
• Time Limitations: Not permitted between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Installation Standards

• Maximum Height: 30 feet for commercial properties
• Light Direction: Must minimize impact on surrounding properties
• Light Level Requirements: Minimum average of 2.00 footcandles

Bicycle Rack Lighting

Bicycle racks must be located in highly visible areas with adequate lighting from the street and/or building entrance.

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Cannabis Dispensaries

• Exterior Illumination: Required at the building and all entrances/exits
• Illumination Level: One foot-candle
• Operating Hours: Must remain lit until at least one hour after closing
• Light Direction: All exterior lighting must be inwardly directed with no direct lighting cast off-premises

Sexually Oriented Businesses

• Minimum Illumination: 150 foot-candles measured at floor level
• Power Failure Protocol: Must stop operating if lighting levels cannot be maintained

Drive-Through Facilities

Drive-through facilities require screening to minimize the impact of exterior site lighting and headlight glare along public rights-of-way and properties adjacent to residential areas.

Sign Illumination Standards

General Requirements

• Illumination Type: Must be diffused or indirect
• Direction: No direct rays reflecting into public ways
• Prohibited Types: No exposed light bulbs, flashing, blinking, or traveling illumination

Specific Sign Types

• Monument Signs: Direct lighting allowed if rays don't reflect into public right-of-way or residential lots
• Projecting/Blade Signs: Illumination not permitted

Electronic Message Boards

• Dimming Capability: Must have automatic sensors to dim according to ambient light conditions
• Color Temperature: Not to exceed 4,000 Kelvin
• Illumination Level: Maximum 0.3 footcandles over ambient lighting

Prohibited and Exempt Lighting

Prohibited Lighting Types

• Lighting that could be confused for traffic control devices
• Laser source lights (except for emergency use)
• Blinking, flashing, moving lights
• Searchlights
• Any lighting that constitutes a hazard or nuisance

Exempt Lighting

• Lighting required by government agencies
• Temporary seasonal displays (using bulbs of approximately 15 lumens or less)
• Portable maintenance lighting
• Temporary event lighting
• Emergency lighting
• Temporary construction lighting

Street Lighting and Development Requirements

Street Lighting Installation

• Developer Responsibility: Must install street lighting for all developments
• System Components: Includes poles, mast arms, luminaires, wires, and all necessary materials
• Design Standards: Must follow Engineering Services Department specifications

Site Lighting Plan Requirements

All outdoor lighting plans must include:

• Isolux diagram showing light levels across paved surfaces and at property lines
• Summary table with average, maximum, and minimum light levels
• Detailed luminaire descriptions including manufacturer, model, and photometric data

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements

A land improvement permit is required before constructing, altering, relocating, or removing any off-street lighting.

Plan Submission Process

Lighting plans must be submitted in duplicate to the Director of Engineering Services or designated representative for approval prior to installation.

Nonconforming Lights

Existing nonconforming luminaires legally installed before the effective date of the ordinance are exempt unless deemed a safety hazard.

Supporting Carol Stream's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance that Carol Stream seeks to maintain between fostering economic development and preserving its suburban character.

Our experience working with communities similar to Carol Stream has given us insight into the importance of lighting regulations that serve both safety and aesthetic purposes. We appreciate Carol Stream's thoughtful approach to lighting standards that protect residents from light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety.

Bock Lighting is committed to helping communities like Carol Stream implement lighting solutions that respect local regulations while meeting the needs of residents and businesses. Our expertise in energy-efficient LED technology aligns perfectly with Carol Stream's preference for sustainable lighting options.

As a resource for understanding complex lighting regulations, we're available to help Carol Stream property owners navigate these standards and contribute positively to the community's lighting vision.

Conclusion

Carol Stream's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to maintaining a safe, attractive suburban environment while supporting economic development. By establishing clear standards for light levels, spillage, height, and design, the village ensures that lighting enhances public spaces without creating nuisances.

Property owners and developers who understand and follow these regulations contribute to Carol Stream's vision of a well-balanced community where residential comfort and business opportunities can thrive together. Whether installing residential yard lighting or planning commercial development, compliance with these standards helps maintain the quality of life that makes Carol Stream a desirable place to live and work.