Lighting Regulations in Countryside, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Functionality, and Community Character

Introduction

Nestled in the western suburbs of Chicago, Countryside has evolved from its agricultural beginnings in 1833 to become a vibrant suburban community. Officially incorporated in 1960, the city has maintained a delicate balance between development and preserving its unique character. The city's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to maintaining Countryside's visual appeal while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses alike.

From its early days as farmland (including a chicken farm once owned by the Marx Brothers!) to the post-World War II suburban expansion, Countryside has thoughtfully managed its growth. The city's approach to lighting reflects this careful development philosophy—creating standards that enhance community safety while respecting the suburban atmosphere that residents value.

Quick Reference Guide to Countryside Lighting Regulations

• Outdoor Lighting Application Requirements: Photometric plan required for all multi-family residential and commercial properties
• Maximum Pole Heights: 23' in residential areas, 25' in commercial areas, 32' in industrial areas
• Property Line Light Limits: Maximum 0.10 foot-candles at residential property lines
• Sign Illumination: Must be diffused or indirect near residential areas
• Prohibited Lighting: Flashing lights, searchlights, spotlights at adult entertainment establishments
• Business Lighting: 5 foot-candles average for circulation areas, higher levels permitted for specific uses
• Building Entrances & Common Areas: Must remain well-lit for safety
• Automotive Dealerships: Special provisions allow for higher illumination in display areas

Understanding Countryside's Outdoor Lighting Requirements

Photometric Plan Requirements

For any multi-family residential property or commercial development, Countryside requires a detailed exterior lighting photometric plan that includes:

• Site plan showing fixture locations and foot-candle readings on a 10' grid
• Complete luminaire schedule with model numbers
• Light loss factors (LLF) for proposed fixtures
• Summary table with average, minimum, and maximum foot-candles
• Certification that the plan complies with city requirements

Fixture Design Standards

Countryside places emphasis on appropriate fixture design to minimize light pollution:

• Architectural Consistency: Light fixtures must match the style of the principal building
• Pathway Lighting: Limited to 8' pole height for sidewalks and trails
• Building Lighting: Must be rated U0 per IES TM 15-11 with no light above 90° plane
• Floodlights: Discouraged, and if used, must prevent glare for drivers and pedestrians
• Lens Requirements: Sag lenses are prohibited; flat lenses required for all new fixtures

Light Level Standards

Different areas and uses have specific illumination requirements:

• High Activity Areas: 5.0 foot-candles average (pre-curfew), 2.0 foot-candles (post-curfew)
• Medium Activity Areas: 2.5 foot-candles average (pre-curfew), 1.5 foot-candles (post-curfew)
• Low Activity Areas: 1.0 foot-candles average (pre-curfew), 0.5 foot-candles (post-curfew)
• Auto Dealership Feature Display: 80 foot-candles average (pre-curfew), 25 foot-candles (post-curfew)

Special Lighting Requirements for Specific Uses

Adult Entertainment Establishments

Adult entertainment venues have particularly strict lighting requirements:

• No flashing lights, searchlights, or spotlights permitted on the exterior
• Minimum interior lighting level: 30 lux horizontal (measured 30" from floor)
• Visibility requirement: Sufficient lighting for all objects to be plainly visible

Alcohol-Serving Establishments

Businesses serving alcohol for on-site consumption must adhere to specific lighting standards:

• Full visibility required: No light arrangements that prevent full view of interior from street
• Continuous lighting: All rooms must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Light type: Natural light or artificial white light required

Common Areas and Building Security

• Stairways: Must remain illuminated at all times with no reduction in lighting standards
• Security lighting: Required for hallways, entryways, parking lots, and common areas
• Commercial properties: Parking lots, access aisles, and loading areas must be illuminated from sundown to sunrise

Sign Illumination Standards

Brightness and Design Restrictions

Countryside maintains specific standards for illuminated signs:

• Near Residential Areas: Illumination must be diffused or indirect, non-flashing
• Exposed Lighting: Must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent glare
• Bulb Limitations: No exposed reflecting bulb or incandescent lamp exceeding 15 watts
• Maximum Brightness: Must comply with "Illuminating Engineering Society of North America" standards
• Light Measurement: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles in adjoining residential district, 3 foot-candles in commercial district

Electronic Variable Message (EVM) Signs

• Brightness Control: Must include photosensitive equipment for automatic adjustment
• Maximum Brightness: Cannot exceed 5,000 nit during daylight, 1,000 nit at night
• Operation Hours: Limited to business hours only
• Minimum Pitch: 16 millimeters

Property Line Light Measurement Standards

Countryside carefully regulates light trespass at property boundaries:

• Residential to residential: Maximum 0.10 foot-candles (horizontal)
• Nonresidential to nonresidential: Maximum 2.0 foot-candles (horizontal)
• Nonresidential to residential: Maximum 0.10 foot-candles (horizontal)
• Adjoining right-of-way: Maximum 2.0 foot-candles (horizontal)

Measurement Procedures

• Height: Light levels measured at 3.5 feet above ground
• Method: Both direct and indirect light measured in foot-candles
• Equipment: Measurements taken with direct-reading, portable light meter

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

If you're developing or modifying a property in Countryside:

• Consult Early: Review lighting requirements before planning electrical work
• Budget Appropriately: Higher quality fixtures may be needed to meet standards
• Consider Professionals: A lighting designer familiar with Countryside regulations can save time and money

Exemptions and Special Cases

Some special circumstances have modified requirements:

• Recreational Facilities: Ball fields, tennis courts exempt from general standards but must shield light from residential properties
• Public Roadway Lighting: Exempt from these requirements but subject to other regulations
• Seasonal Decorative Lighting: Limited to 75 watts or less
• Nonconforming Lighting: Existing lighting grandfathered but replacements must comply if more than 10% changed in 12 months

Supporting Countryside's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the balance communities like Countryside seek to maintain. As a manufacturer with extensive experience in suburban and historic settings, we appreciate Countryside's commitment to preserving its suburban character while ensuring safe, functional lighting.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles allows us to help property owners select lighting that complements the community's aesthetic while meeting regulatory requirements. We believe in lighting solutions that respect the community's history and vision for the future.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities, helping navigate the often complex landscape of lighting regulations. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Countryside's thoughtful approach to development and preservation.

Conclusion

Countryside's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to maintaining its suburban character while ensuring safety and functionality. From its humble beginnings as farmland to today's well-planned community, Countryside has thoughtfully developed standards that create an appealing environment for residents and businesses.

Property owners who understand and embrace these lighting standards contribute to the community's continued success. By balancing technical requirements with aesthetic considerations, Countryside's lighting regulations help create a community that respects its past while embracing modern needs.

Whether you're planning a new development or updating an existing property, working with these standards ensures your project will enhance Countryside's distinctive character for years to come.