Lighting Regulations in Colona, Illinois: A Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Nestled along the Green River in Henry County, Colona represents something unique in Illinois history. Established in 1997 through the merger of the former City of Green Rock and the Village of Colona, it became the first community in Illinois to merge by popular vote. This union, which began as discussions in the 1970s, reflects Colona's commitment to unified community values and shared governance.

With a population of just over 5,300 residents, Colona maintains its small-town charm while establishing lighting standards that ensure safety and visual consistency. The city's lighting regulations reflect its balanced approach to development – preserving community character while meeting modern needs.

Quick Reference Guide

For property owners in Colona, here are the key lighting requirements you need to know:

• Multi-family buildings: Hallways and stairways must maintain at least 5 foot-candles of light at floor level
• Habitable rooms: Must have at least one ceiling or wall light fixture/outlet operable at the entrance
• Trailer/mobile home parks: Street systems require 0.4 foot-candles with a minimum of 0.2 foot-candles
• Hazardous areas: Locations like street intersections and steps must have a minimum of 0.4 foot-candles
• Barricades: Must be illuminated at night during street repair or excavation work
• Energy standards: All lighting must comply with the International Energy Conservation Code (2012 edition)

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Colona's building code establishes clear standards for interior lighting in residential properties. These requirements focus on ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Every habitable room within a dwelling must have at least one ceiling or wall-type electrical light fixture or outlet that can be operated by an occupant at the entrance to the room. This requirement ensures basic visibility and safety when entering any living space.

For multi-family dwellings, the standards are more specific:

• Hallways and stairways must be illuminated at all times
• Lighting can be natural or electric
• Must provide at least 5 foot-candles of light at tread or floor level
• Conductor supported pendant light fixtures are prohibited

General Residential Standards

The code simply states that "adequate ventilation and artificial lighting shall be provided for all occupied dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units, hotels or motels." While this language is broad, it establishes a basic expectation that all residential spaces must have sufficient lighting.

Commercial Lighting Requirements

Alcohol-Serving Establishments

Businesses serving alcohol face specific lighting requirements that focus on visibility:

• Premises must have an arrangement of lights that allows full view of the entire interior
• Rooms where alcoholic liquor is consumed on-site must be continually lighted during business hours
• Illumination must be from natural or artificial white lights
• All parts of the interior must be clearly visible
• Outside security lighting is required when deemed necessary by the licensing authority

These regulations are designed to promote safety and transparency in establishments serving alcohol.

Construction and Public Safety Lighting

Temporary Construction Lighting

The Colona building code requires appropriate lighting for construction activities that might pose safety hazards to the public.

Any person laying or repairing a street or public place, or making an excavation, must:

• Maintain suitable barricades to prevent injury
• Protect these barricades with lights at nighttime

Development Considerations

The code mentions providing "adequate light, air, and privacy for all residents of new developments" as a goal, aiming to prevent undue concentration of population. This suggests that lighting is considered an important element in the planning and approval process for new developments.

Mobile Home and Trailer Park Lighting

Specific Illumination Requirements

Trailer parks and mobile home communities have detailed lighting requirements:

• All park street systems must maintain:
• 0.4 foot-candles average illumination
• Minimum of 0.2 foot-candles at any point
• Potentially hazardous locations require additional lighting:
• Major street intersections
• Steps or stepped ramps
• Must be individually illuminated with minimum 0.4 foot-candles

Park owners must provide "sufficient electrical system and lighting units at the owner's expense" to meet these standards.

Signage Lighting Restrictions

Residential Areas

Colona's code places limitations on illuminated signage, particularly near residential areas:

• No sign with flashing, intermittent, or animated illumination is permitted within 300 feet of residential district property (unless not visible from that property)
• In residential districts:
• Only non-illuminated identification signs are permitted
• Maximum size: 1 square foot per dwelling unit
• Temporary real estate signs must be non-illuminated and not exceed 6 square feet

Specialized Facilities

Wireless Communications Facilities

The code provides specific lighting regulations for wireless communications facilities:

• No artificial illumination (direct or indirect) except for:
• Security and safety lighting of equipment buildings (must be appropriately down-shielded to contain light within property boundaries)
• FAA-required illumination (must be installed to minimize impacts on adjacent residences)
• Unless otherwise required by FAA, lights should be red and shielded upward

What Property Owners Should Know

Permits and Compliance

Property owners should be aware that the construction of light poles requires a permit in Colona. Additionally, all lighting installations must comply with the adopted International Energy Conservation Code (2012 edition).

Planning for Compliance

When planning lighting for your property:

1. Identify the zone your property is located in
2. Check specific requirements for that zone
3. Consider neighbors and light trespass issues
4. Obtain necessary permits before installation
5. Document compliance with foot-candle requirements

Supporting Colona's Lighting Vision

As communities like Colona implement thoughtful lighting standards, Bock Lighting stands as a resource for property owners navigating these requirements. With roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character.

Bock Lighting shares Colona's commitment to creating well-lit, safe environments while respecting the unique character of the community. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting requirements allows us to provide guidance that helps maintain Colona's distinctive small-town charm.

We recognize the valuable balance Colona has created between unified governance and preservation of community identity since its historic merger. Our focus remains on supporting community education and responsible lighting practices that align with Colona's vision.

Conclusion

Colona's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to safety, visibility, and community character. From residential requirements to commercial standards, these regulations ensure appropriate illumination throughout the city while preventing light pollution and nuisance.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these standards before undertaking new construction or renovation projects. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to the continued development of Colona as a safe, attractive community that honors both its historical roots and its vision for the future.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the Colona building department or consult with a lighting professional familiar with local codes.