Lighting Regulations in Creve Coeur, Illinois: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance

Nestled along the Illinois River with roots dating back to an 18th-century French trading post, Creve Coeur has evolved while maintaining connections to its historical origins. The village's lighting regulations reflect a practical balance between modern safety needs and preserving the community's small-town character.

Whether you're a business owner, property manager, or homeowner in Creve Coeur, understanding the local lighting requirements helps ensure compliance while contributing to the village's overall aesthetic and safety goals.

Quick Reference Guide

• Exterior Maintenance: All exterior lighting fixtures must be kept in good repair
• Light Shielding: Lighting must be shielded to reduce glare and directed away from residential areas
• Commercial Properties: Special requirements exist for certain business types
• Prohibited Lighting: Flashing or rotating beacons visible from streets are not permitted
• Special Use Permits: May include specific night lighting conditions
• Planning Requirements: Exterior lighting placement must be shown on preliminary site plans

General Exterior Lighting Requirements

Maintenance Standards

Creve Coeur's code emphasizes the importance of properly maintained lighting systems. All exterior lighting fixtures shall be maintained in good repair, ensuring consistent illumination for buildings and walkways. This requirement applies to both occupied and vacant buildings, with vacant properties needing to maintain the same level of illumination as when last occupied (unless an approved vacant building plan specifies otherwise).

Glare Prevention and Light Trespass

To promote good neighborly relations and reduce light pollution, Creve Coeur regulations state that:

• All lighting shall be shielded to reduce glare
• Lighting must be arranged to direct light away from all residential lands that adjoin the site
• Light must also be directed away from abutting streets

These requirements help prevent light trespass—unwanted light spilling onto neighboring properties—while maintaining adequate illumination for safety and security.

Planning and Documentation

When submitting development plans to the Zoning Board, property owners must include the placement of exterior lighting on preliminary site plans. This requirement ensures lighting is considered early in the development process, facilitating compliance with village standards.

Business-Specific Lighting Requirements

Liquor Establishments

Businesses selling liquor for on-premises consumption have unique lighting requirements focused on safety and visibility:

• Continuous lighting during business hours using natural or artificial white light
• All parts of the interior must be clearly visible
• No lighting arrangements may prevent a full view of the entire interior from the street or sidewalk

These requirements emphasize transparency and visibility, likely serving both safety and regulatory oversight purposes.

Vehicle Service Stations and Drive-In Businesses

For these business types, Creve Coeur requires additional light control measures:

• All lighting shall be shielded from adjacent residential districts
• Light must also be shielded from abutting streets

These provisions recognize the typically brighter illumination needed for these businesses while protecting surrounding areas from excessive light.

Adult-Use Cannabis Business Establishments

These businesses must install appropriate security measures, including lighting improvements:

• Enhanced lighting is required as part of security provisions
• Specific lighting requirements are determined based on the floor plan and site characteristics
• Lighting must comply with Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA) requirements

Special Lighting Considerations

Railroad Crossing Illumination

Due to Creve Coeur's historical connection to railway transportation, specific lighting requirements exist for railroad crossings:

• Railroad companies must maintain an arc light of 2,000 candlepower at street crossings
• "Conspicuous" lighting must be placed at railroad track intersections with village streets when required by village authorities

Prohibited Lighting Types

To promote traffic safety and reduce visual distraction, Creve Coeur prohibits:

• Flashing or rotating beacons of light that are visible from any street or highway

This restriction helps prevent confusion with emergency vehicle lighting and reduces visual pollution.

Special Use Permits and Conditions

When granting special use permits, the village may include specific conditions regarding:

• Night lighting (including parking areas)
• Requirements that lighting not be annoying to surrounding properties

These conditional requirements allow the village to address unique situations that may arise with special uses, ensuring lighting remains appropriate for the context.

Supporting Creve Coeur's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Creve Coeur's commitment to balancing practical lighting needs with community character. Our company understands the unique challenges faced by communities like Creve Coeur that value their historical heritage while meeting modern safety and functional requirements.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with the architectural styles and community needs of the Midwest, Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating local lighting regulations. We appreciate Creve Coeur's practical approach to lighting standards that protect residential areas while supporting local businesses.

Our experience with communities similar to Creve Coeur has shown that thoughtful lighting choices can enhance safety and functionality while respecting the village's small-town atmosphere and historical connections.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing property or modifying existing lighting in Creve Coeur:

• Include lighting placement in your preliminary plans
• Consider proximity to residential areas and streets when designing lighting systems
• Research any special requirements that may apply to your specific business type
• Consult with village officials when in doubt about requirements

Maintenance Responsibilities

Regular maintenance isn't just good practice—it's required by village code:

• Inspect exterior lighting regularly for damage or malfunction
• Replace burned-out bulbs promptly
• Ensure lighting fixtures remain properly aimed to prevent light trespass
• Maintain the same level of illumination for vacant buildings as when occupied

Conclusion

Creve Coeur's lighting regulations reflect a practical approach to balancing safety, security, and community character. With roots stretching back to 18th-century French traders, the village has evolved while maintaining its distinct identity, and its lighting regulations support this balance between historical awareness and modern needs.

Property owners can contribute to Creve Coeur's community vision by understanding and following these lighting requirements, ensuring that illumination enhances safety and visibility while respecting neighboring properties and the village's overall character.

For specific questions about lighting requirements for your property, contact the Creve Coeur Village offices for the most current information and guidance.