Lighting Regulations in Chatham, Illinois: A Guide for Property Owners and Businesses

Introduction

Nestled in Sangamon County, Chatham, Illinois has evolved from its humble beginnings as part of Campbell Township (renamed Chatham Township in 1863) to become a thriving village with an estimated population of 13,596 as of 2021. With its strong educational system and appealing housing market, Chatham continues to attract new residents while maintaining its distinctive community character.

As Chatham has grown, the village has implemented various regulations to preserve its aesthetic qualities and community values. Lighting regulations play an important role in this effort, helping to maintain the village's visual appeal while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide to Chatham's Lighting Regulations

• General Outdoor Lighting: Must be directed away from adjacent properties • Parking Areas: Illumination must not reflect light into adjacent districts and streets • Amusement Parks/Golf Ranges: Floodlights must be shielded to avoid annoying residential properties • Liquor-Serving Establishments: Must have clear, continuous lighting during business hours • Home Occupation Signs: Must be non-illuminated • Billboards: Light must be shaded/shielded from residential structures and public roads • Street Lighting: Village has full discretion in design and installation

General Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Directional Requirements

When installing outdoor lighting on any property in Chatham, property owners must ensure that light rays are generally directed away from adjacent properties. This simple but critical requirement helps prevent light trespass - unwanted light spilling onto neighboring properties.

Residential Considerations

Residential neighborhoods receive special protection in Chatham's lighting regulations. Several provisions specifically mention avoiding annoyance or disturbance to residential properties, indicating the village's commitment to preserving peaceful residential environments.

Permit Requirements

Special lighting for events in public spaces, such as parks, requires permits. These must be requested at the time of reservation, allowing the village to review and approve lighting plans in advance.

Commercial Property Lighting

Parking Area Illumination

For businesses with accessory off-street parking areas, the illumination must be arranged to prevent light reflection into adjacent districts and streets. This helps maintain safety without creating light pollution or hazardous glare for drivers.

Establishments Serving Alcohol

Premises licensed to sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on-site (excluding restaurants, hotels, or clubs) have specific lighting requirements:

• No arrangement of lights can prevent a clear view of the entire interior from the street, road, or sidewalk • All rooms where liquor is sold must be continuously lighted during business hours • Lighting must be either natural light or artificial white light • All parts of the interior must be clearly visible

These requirements are designed to promote safety and security through visibility.

Special Use Lighting Regulations

Amusement Parks & Golf Driving Ranges

These recreational facilities have specific lighting requirements:

• Must be located on major or secondary thoroughfares or nonresidential streets • Floodlights must be directed and shielded to avoid annoying residential properties

Towers and Communication Structures

For towers in the village:

• Artificial lighting is only permitted if required by the FAA or other applicable authority • If lighting is required, the design chosen must cause the least disturbance to surrounding views

Adult Use Establishments

The Planning Commission has authority to place conditions on lighting for adult use establishments to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses and conformance with village ordinances.

Billboard and Signage Regulations

Billboard Illumination

Billboards in Chatham have specific lighting requirements:

• Non-conforming billboards cannot have their illumination increased • All electrical components must conform to the village electric code • Electrical wiring cannot be exposed to public view or access • Light must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent direct impingement on residential structures or public roads • Flashing billboards, moving lights, and reflective pennants are prohibited (with exceptions for time/temperature displays)

Home Occupation Signage

For home-based businesses:

• Only one sign is permitted, not exceeding one square foot in area • The sign must be non-illuminated • Signs must be mounted flat against the wall of the principal building

Village Authority and Infrastructure

Street Lighting Systems

The village maintains significant authority over lighting infrastructure:

• The village has "full discretion in the design of the system and computation of costs" for the electric system • Street lights must be installed along public streets by subdividers • Construction plans must specify "the type and location of the street lighting system" • Developers must submit construction plans to the village's consulting engineer and Electric Department

Ornamental Lighting

The village regulations specifically permit ornamental light standards in any required yard, acknowledging the aesthetic value these fixtures can add to properties.

Supporting Chatham's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the importance of lighting regulations in maintaining community character and values. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate Chatham's commitment to thoughtful development and preservation of its unique identity.

Our experience working with communities throughout the region has given us insight into the balance municipalities like Chatham seek to achieve - maintaining safety and functionality while preserving community aesthetics. We recognize that Chatham's approach to lighting reflects its growth patterns and commitment to quality of life.

Bock Lighting shares Chatham's values of responsible development and community-minded planning. We're committed to helping communities understand and implement lighting solutions that respect local regulations while meeting practical needs.

As Chatham continues to grow and develop, having resources for understanding and implementing appropriate lighting solutions becomes increasingly important. We're proud to serve as an educational resource for property owners navigating these requirements.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing properties in Chatham, remember that plans must include the "location of outdoor lighting and signs." This requirement helps the village ensure compliance with regulations during the planning phase.

Understanding Enforcement

While Chatham's lighting regulations may not be as detailed as some municipalities, they are nonetheless important for maintaining community standards. Property owners should work with qualified professionals who understand these requirements when installing or modifying lighting systems.

Considering Neighbors

Many of Chatham's lighting regulations focus on preventing nuisance to neighboring properties. When designing outdoor lighting, always consider potential impacts on adjacent properties, particularly residential areas.

Conclusion

Chatham's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining community character while ensuring safety and functionality. By directing light appropriately, preventing glare, and establishing specific requirements for special uses, these regulations help preserve Chatham's appeal as it continues to grow.

For property owners and businesses, understanding these regulations is an important part of contributing to the village's vision for thoughtful development. While not overly complex, Chatham's lighting rules serve an important purpose in maintaining the quality of life that makes the village an attractive place to live and work.

By following these guidelines, community members help ensure that Chatham continues to shine brightly - but not too brightly where it doesn't belong!