Lighting Regulations in Charleston, Illinois: Preserving Historic Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Established in 1831, Charleston, Illinois carries a rich historical legacy shaped by its early settlers, many of whom migrated from Kentucky and the South. This diverse cultural foundation is reflected in Charleston's approach to urban planning, including its lighting regulations. As home to significant landmarks like the Art Deco Will Rogers Theatre and Commercial Block (constructed in 1935), Charleston demonstrates a commitment to preserving its architectural heritage while adapting to modern needs.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance – maintaining historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for its approximately 21,000 residents. These regulations help Charleston preserve its unique aesthetic while meeting contemporary standards for security and visibility.

Quick Reference Guide

Key lighting requirements in Charleston:

• Light containment: Light must be contained on the property where the source is located
• Height restrictions: Maximum 30 feet for most lighting fixtures
• Permitted luminaries: Downlight, indirect, diffused, or shielded fixtures
• Prohibited fixtures: Bare bulbs or string lamps (except for temporary events)
• Maximum wattage: 75 watts per bulb for decorative lighting
• Decorative lighting: Maximum 15 feet in height
• Business lighting: Interior of liquor establishments must be continuously illuminated during business hours
• Sign lighting: No flashing, intermittent, or moving lights (with limited exceptions)
• Athletic field lighting: Prohibited in Kiwanis Park, Sister City Park, and Heritage Woods Park

General Property Lighting Requirements

Light Containment

The cornerstone of Charleston's lighting regulations is proper containment. Any light used for illumination must be arranged to direct lighting onto the property where it's located and away from:

• Nearby residential properties
• The vision of motorists on adjacent streets

The cone of light from any light source other than a streetlight must not extend onto adjacent residential property or street pavement.

Fixture Height and Placement

Charleston has specific requirements for how high and where lighting may be placed:

• Maximum height: 30 feet from grade level (except for city-approved safety and street lighting)
• Positioning: Light posts and standards must not create pedestrian or vehicular hazards
• Setbacks: Yard and service lighting fixtures and poles may encroach into required setbacks

Permitted and Prohibited Fixtures

The city specifies which types of lighting fixtures are acceptable:

Permitted luminaries:

• Downlight fixtures
• Indirect lighting
• Diffused lighting
• Shielded lighting

Prohibited fixtures:

• Bare bulbs
• String lamps (unless for special events with temporary permits)
• Wattage limit: 75 watts per bulb maximum

Commercial and Business Lighting

Liquor Establishment Requirements

Businesses selling liquor have specific lighting requirements:

• Interior must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Must use natural light or artificial white light
• All parts of the interior must be clearly visible
• For outdoor sales, lighting must be adequate for law enforcement to visually identify patrons

Parking Areas

On-site lighting is required for:

• Multi-family residential developments
• Commercial properties
• Industrial parking lots

Such lighting may be attached to buildings or use freestanding fixtures but must comply with the city's general lighting standards.

Sign Illumination

Charleston strictly regulates illuminated signs:

• No flashing, intermittent, or moving lights (except those giving public service information like weather or temperature)
• Signs must be effectively shielded to prevent light beams from being directed at streets
• No sign illumination may reflect or shine directly into adjacent highways/streets in a manner that hampers driver vision
• All signs must comply with building, fire, and electrical codes

Industrial Properties

Industrial uses must adhere to performance standards regarding glare, and no property should cause:

• Excessive glare detectable at property lines
• Light that constitutes a nuisance to neighboring properties

Public Infrastructure and Spaces

Street Lighting

Charleston defines a streetlamp as a lighting device that:

• Stands no greater than 15 feet off the ground
• Projects light no greater than 30 feet in diameter
• Does NOT include athletic field lighting

Installation of streetlights must follow design and specification standards approved by the public works director.

Park Lighting Restrictions

The city explicitly prohibits athletic field lighting (devices designed to illuminate athletic fields for evening competition) in three specific parks:

• Kiwanis Park
• Sister City Park
• Heritage Woods Park

Tree Maintenance for Street Lighting

Property owners have specific duties related to lighting:

• Must trim trees, plants, and bushes that interfere with proper street lighting
• Minimum clearance of 9 feet for any overhanging portion of trees

What Property Owners Should Know

Considering Lighting in Development

When planning property development in Charleston, remember:

• Land development requires adequate provision for electrical service
• Road lighting must meet the building official's satisfaction
• Lighting installations for safety and security must comply with city regulations
• Lighting is considered part of the "exterior architectural appearance" of structures

Variance Considerations

When seeking variances from zoning requirements, be aware that the city considers whether the variance will subject adjacent residences to additional light. Excessive lighting is considered an environmental impact that should be mitigated.

Special Development Requirements

Specific developments have additional lighting requirements:

• Manufactured home parks must comply with lighting regulations within 5 years of the effective date
• Toilet facilities in certain developments must be adequately lighted and ventilated
• Facilities must be within 200 feet of any space

Supporting Charleston's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we deeply appreciate Charleston's commitment to preserving its rich historical character while ensuring modern safety and functionality. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the importance of balancing historical preservation with contemporary needs.

Charleston's careful regulation of lighting fixtures, heights, and illumination levels demonstrates a thoughtful approach to maintaining the city's unique aesthetic, particularly around historical landmarks like the Art Deco Will Rogers Theatre.

We believe in supporting communities like Charleston that value their distinctive architectural heritage. Our experience with regional architectural styles and our understanding of lighting needs for historical areas allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations while honoring community character.

Bock Lighting shares Charleston's commitment to responsible lighting practices that enhance safety and functionality without compromising the visual integrity of this historically significant community.

Conclusion

Charleston's lighting regulations strike a careful balance between preserving the city's historical character and meeting modern needs for safety and functionality. These regulations reflect the community's values and priorities, emphasizing the importance of containing light, using appropriate fixtures, and considering the impact of lighting on neighboring properties and public spaces.

Property owners should be particularly mindful of requirements for light containment, fixture heights, and the types of luminaries permitted. Special attention should be paid to commercial lighting, particularly for businesses selling alcohol and industrial properties where glare could impact neighbors.

By understanding and following these lighting regulations, residents and business owners help maintain Charleston's unique character while ensuring a safe and visually appealing environment for all.