Lighting Regulations in Darien, Illinois: A Guide to Community Standards and Compliance

Introduction

Nestled about 30 miles southwest of Chicago, Darien, Illinois has proudly maintained its motto of being "A Nice Place to Live" since its incorporation in 1969. Though relatively young as a municipality, the area's history stretches back to the 1830s when Thomas Andrus first settled the community then known as Cass.

As Darien transformed from farmland into a thriving suburban community following World War II, the city developed regulations to preserve its residential character and quality of life. These lighting regulations reflect Darien's commitment to balancing modern needs with community aesthetics and safety.

The following guide outlines Darien's lighting requirements based directly on city ordinances. Understanding these regulations will help property owners maintain compliance while contributing to the community's pleasant environment.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Darien:

• Emergency Lighting: Required in rooms over 2,000 sq. ft. or with 20+ occupancy
• Sign Illumination: Restrictions on hours, brightness, and flashing/blinking lights
• Light Trespass: Maximum 3 foot-candles in residential areas
• Exterior Lighting: Must be directed away from neighboring properties
• Street Lighting: Specific requirements based on street classification

Emergency Lighting Requirements

When Emergency Lighting Is Required

Emergency lighting plays a crucial role in building safety throughout Darien. The city requires emergency lighting in:

• All rooms and spaces exceeding 2,000 square feet
• Rooms with an occupancy load of 20 or more people
• Stairways, corridors, access routes and other exit components
• All multi-family buildings (both existing and new construction)

Power Source Requirements

For proper compliance, emergency lighting systems must:

• Be equipped with power supplies from an independent, approved reliable source
• Use either battery backup or an automatic starting generator
• Provide adequate illumination for safe evacuation

Installation Standards

When installing commercial lighting fixtures:

• Fluorescent fixtures in suspended ceilings cannot be attached to the ceiling grid using screws, clips, or rivets
• Fluorescent fixtures must be supported by two pencil wires connecting the structural framing to two angled corners of the fixture
• Commercial wiring must be minimum #12 AWG, except for flexible connections to lighting fixtures or control wiring

Sign Illumination Regulations

Hours of Operation

To preserve neighborhood tranquility, Darien limits when illuminated signs can operate:

• Illuminated signs within 100 feet of residential zoning districts must be turned off between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Exception: If the business is operating during these hours, signs may remain lit only during actual hours of operation

Brightness and Safety Regulations

For traffic safety and neighbor consideration:

• No sign can have red, green, or amber illumination in the direct line of vision of motorists approaching traffic signals
• Light intensity cannot exceed 150 foot-lamberts
• Light sources with brightness greater than 30 foot-lamberts must be shielded so they cannot be seen from residential zoning districts
• No exposed reflective bulbs exceeding 15 watts on exterior sign surfaces

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following are expressly prohibited in Darien:

• Blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights
• Devices with changing light intensity, brightness, or color
• Beacon lights
• Pennants, streamers, and festoon lights (except as authorized by temporary sign regulations)

Property Lighting and Light Trespass

Residential Protection Standards

Darien places strict limits on light trespass to protect residential quality of life:

• Maximum 0.5 foot-candle illumination permitted in residential zoning districts
• Maximum 3 foot-candles at property lines in residential areas
• All measurements taken at property line using a light meter operated by a trained operator through an independent testing agency

Directional Requirements

To prevent nuisance to neighbors:

• Exterior lights must be planned, erected, and maintained to direct light away from adjoining properties or public rights of way
• Lighting must be confined to the property and not cast direct glare upon adjacent properties
• For home occupations, no equipment or process can create glare beyond what's normally expected in residential units

Special Use Lighting

Specific regulations apply to certain property uses:

• Athletic Facilities: Lighting for nighttime operations must be directed away from surrounding properties
• Off-Street Loading Areas: Lighting must be directed away from surrounding property and public streets
• Off-Street Parking: Must comply with Illuminating Engineers Society (IES) standards
• EV Charging Stations: Must provide adequate site lighting per City ordinances

Street Lighting System Standards

Illumination Requirements

Darien's street lighting standards vary by street classification:

• Major and Minor Arterials: 1.2 average foot-candles
• Collector Streets: 0.6 average foot-candles
• Minor Streets: 0.4 average foot-candles

Height and Fixture Specifications

Street lights must use stress-spun concrete precast butt type standards with these specifications:

Major and Minor Arterials:

• Height: 30-33 feet
• Fixture: 25,000-45,000 lumens, HP sodium
• Mounting: Bracket-arm mounted
• Wattage: 250-400 maximum

Collector Streets:

• Height: 23 feet
• Fixture: 13,000-25,000 lumens, HP sodium
• Mounting: Bracket-arm mounted
• Wattage: 150-250 maximum

Minor Streets:

• Height: 23 feet
• Fixture: 8,000-13,000 lumens, HP sodium
• Mounting: Bracket-arm mounted
• Wattage: 100-150 maximum

Circuit Requirements

Street lighting circuits must meet these technical specifications:

• 120-240 volt single-phase
• Triplexed, cross-linked polyethylene, 600 volt type insulation
• Direct burial cable type
• Pedestal to lamp runs not smaller than #6 AWG (AL)
• Minimum depth of 32 inches below final established grade line

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When planning new construction or renovations:

• Photometric plans are required, including location, size, height, and method of illumination
• Existing utility poles and light standards should be used whenever practicable
• Installation of additional utility poles is strongly discouraged

Common Compliance Issues

Property owners should be especially careful about:

• Light trespass onto neighboring properties
• Proper emergency lighting in commercial buildings and multi-family residences
• Sign illumination timing in proximity to residential areas
• Proper installation of fixtures according to code requirements

Health and Safety Considerations

Beyond aesthetics, lighting regulations serve important health and safety purposes:

• Inadequate lighting in commercial spaces can violate health requirements
• Dwellings unfit for habitation due to lighting deficiencies can be considered dangerous or detrimental
• Proper emergency lighting is essential for safe evacuation during emergencies

Supporting Darien's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand Darien's commitment to maintaining its suburban charm while providing for the safety and functionality of modern lighting needs. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the balance communities like Darien strive to achieve between growth and preservation.

We share Darien's values of creating pleasant residential environments through thoughtful lighting design. Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners seeking to comply with local regulations while enhancing their properties.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting communities through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices. We understand that good lighting is not just about illumination—it's about creating environments that respect community character and enhance quality of life.

Conclusion

Darien's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to being "A Nice Place to Live" by balancing functionality, safety, and aesthetic considerations. From emergency lighting requirements to sign illumination restrictions and street lighting standards, these regulations help maintain the character of this suburban community.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to Darien's vision of a harmonious environment where lighting enhances rather than detracts from quality of life. By directing light appropriately, limiting brightness, and following installation standards, community members help preserve what makes Darien special.

For specific projects, always consult with local authorities to ensure complete compliance with the most current regulations. The City of Darien continues its thoughtful approach to development, including lighting, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life for all residents.