Lighting Regulations in Carrollton, Illinois: Balancing Historical Character with Modern Illumination Needs

Introduction: Illuminating Carrollton's Historic Legacy

Founded in the early 19th century by Thomas A. Carlin (later the 6th governor of Illinois), Carrollton has carefully maintained its historic charm over two centuries. The city's character is deeply rooted in its frontier origins, with landmarks like the Greene County Courthouse standing as testaments to its architectural heritage.

Carrollton's lighting regulations reflect a thoughtful balance between modern illumination needs and preservation of the town's historic ambiance. These regulations help maintain the community's aesthetic integrity while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Streetlights: Required at each intersection, with at least one streetlight per 400 feet of street frontage
• Streetlight specifications: Minimum intensity equivalent to 175-watt lamp or 6,800 mercury luminary lamp; posts must be at least 16 feet high
• Parking areas: In multi-family areas, one light per 25 parking spaces is required
• Sign illumination: Permitted with restrictions on colors, flashing lights, and direction
• General lighting: Must be directed away from residential properties and motorists' vision
• Parking lots: Lights must be arranged to confine direct light rays within the lot
• Glare control: "Excessive glare" is prohibited as an unreasonable interference

Streetlight Standards and Requirements

Location and Placement

Carrollton's code provides specific guidance on where streetlights must be installed:

• At intersections: Required at each intersection of streets or alleys
• Cul-de-sacs: Required at each cul-de-sac
• Spacing requirement: Minimum of one streetlight per 400 feet of street frontage
• Multi-family developments: One light per 25 parking spaces (or fraction thereof)

Technical Specifications

The city code establishes clear technical requirements for streetlights:

• Light intensity: Must be equivalent, at minimum, to a 175-watt lamp or 6,800 mercury luminary lamp
• Height requirement: Each streetlight standard (post) must be at least 16 feet high
• Oversight: Design and installation must be reviewed by the Building Commissioner and appropriate electric utility company

Planning and Taxation

The city has established several provisions regarding streetlight implementation:

• Tax rate: Maximum rate for street lighting purposes on taxable property is 0.05%
• Documentation: Locations of street lighting standards must be included in improvement plans
• Mobile home parks: All lighting must be acceptable to the guidelines of the City Council

Sign Illumination Requirements

General Guidelines

Carrollton allows illuminated signs but with important restrictions:

• Illumination is permitted subject to specific requirements outlined in §153.06
• Light must be shaded, shielded, or directed to avoid creating nuisance to adjacent properties or traffic hazards

Prohibited Lighting Features

The code explicitly prohibits certain lighting characteristics for signs:

• Color restrictions: No sign shall use red, yellow, or green lights in ways that might confuse or interfere with vehicular traffic
• Animation limitations: No sign (except those showing time/temperature) shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
• Changing illumination: Devices with changing light intensity, brightness, or color are prohibited (except for electronically-operated changeable signs)

Property Lighting Controls

Residential Considerations

When lighting residential or commercial properties, several regulations apply:

• Direction control: All lighting must be arranged to direct light away from neighboring residential properties
• Motorist protection: Lighting must be directed away from the vision of passing motorists
• Excessive glare: Prohibited as an unreasonable interference
• Home occupations: Cannot generate glare noticeable at or beyond lot lines

Specific Applications

The code addresses several specific lighting scenarios:

• Parking lots: Lights must be arranged or shielded to confine direct light rays within the lot boundaries
• Other applications: Signs, swimming pools, and other illuminated features must follow direction control requirements
• Construction areas: Illuminated warning lights required on materials at night

Tree Management and Lighting

Carrollton recognizes that proper tree maintenance is essential for effective street lighting:

• Owner responsibilities: Property owners must prune tree branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• City authority: The city has the right to prune trees on private property when they interfere with proper light spread from streetlights
• Public safety: Maintaining clear light paths contributes to overall community safety

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting

When considering new lighting installations or modifications:

• Review the specific requirements for your property type and lighting purpose
• Ensure lighting designs direct illumination away from neighboring properties
• Consider the historical character of Carrollton when selecting fixtures

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be especially aware of:

• Light trespass: Ensure your lighting doesn't spill excessively onto neighboring properties
• Glare control: Install properly shielded fixtures to minimize glare
• Sign illumination: Pay particular attention to restrictions on colors and animation

Supporting Carrollton's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands the unique balance Carrollton seeks between preserving its historic character and meeting modern illumination needs. With manufacturing roots dating back to 1918, we share Carrollton's appreciation for historical integrity while embracing practical lighting solutions.

Our expertise in community-appropriate lighting helps maintain the character of historic areas like Carrollton's town square and landmark buildings. We're committed to helping communities preserve their distinctive character through thoughtful illumination that respects local regulations and historical aesthetics.

As a resource for understanding lighting requirements, we appreciate Carrollton's careful approach to balancing safety, functionality, and historic preservation. Our experience with similar communities has shown how proper lighting can enhance historical character rather than detract from it.

Conclusion

Carrollton's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining its historic character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. From specific streetlight requirements to careful controls on sign illumination and property lighting, these regulations help preserve the town's unique atmosphere.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements when planning lighting installations or modifications. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to Carrollton's continued legacy as a community that honors its historical roots while meeting contemporary needs.

Whether illuminating historic buildings, residential properties, or commercial spaces, thoughtful lighting choices help maintain Carrollton's distinctive charm for future generations to enjoy.