Lighting Regulations in Des Plaines, Illinois: A Guide to Responsible Illumination

Introduction: Balancing Growth with Preservation

Des Plaines, Illinois has evolved significantly since its incorporation in 1925. From its early days as a settlement along the Des Plaines River to its post-World War II boom following the development of O'Hare International Airport, the city has grown into a vibrant suburban community that balances progress with preservation.

Today's Des Plaines values both its historical character—exemplified by landmarks like the 1907 Queen Anne Revival Kinder House—and its forward-looking development. This balance is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to provide safety and functionality while respecting neighboring properties and maintaining the aesthetic character of different districts.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Light Spillage Limitations (measured at property line):

• Single-family residential districts: 0.1 foot-candles maximum
• Multiple-family residential districts: 0.2 foot-candles maximum
• Commercial districts: 2.0 foot-candles maximum
• Manufacturing and institutional districts: 5.0 foot-candles maximum

Parking Lot Requirements:

• Minimum illumination: 1 foot-candle measured at pavement
• Maximum fixture height: 30 feet from established grade (20 feet from top level of parking structures)
• Setback requirement: Minimum 3 feet from property lines for ground-mounted fixtures

Sign Illumination:

• Maximum intensity: 100 foot-candles at sign face
• Electronic message boards: Maximum 500 nits at night, 5,000 nits during daytime

Residential Protection: Shielding Requirements

Preventing Light Trespass

Des Plaines places significant emphasis on protecting residential areas from unwanted light intrusion. This consideration reflects the city's commitment to maintaining peaceful neighborhoods while allowing for necessary commercial and industrial development.

Commercial Property Requirements

Multiple zoning districts—including C-2 Limited Office Commercial, C-4 Regional Shopping, and M-3 Special Manufacturing—feature this consistent language:

"If the premises abuts a residential district, lighting fixtures shall be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting direct light upon such abutting residential district."

"If the premises abuts a residential district, lighting fixtures shall be shaded wherever necessary to avoid casting direct light upon such abutting residential district."

Home Occupation Restrictions

For residents operating businesses from their homes, lighting restrictions are even more stringent. Home occupations "shall not generate any glare that would exceed that normally produced by a dwelling unit used solely for residential purposes."

Parking Lot Illumination Standards

Safety and Security Requirements

All off-street parking lots or structures in Des Plaines must provide lighting. This requirement helps ensure safety for residents and visitors, particularly during evening hours.

Technical Specifications

• Minimum illumination: 1 foot-candle measured at the pavement
• Fixture shielding: All lighting must be "shielded or otherwise optically controlled" to provide glareless illumination
• Height restrictions: Fixtures cannot exceed 30 feet from grade (20 feet from top of parking structures)
• Placement requirements: Ground-mounted fixtures must be set back at least 3 feet from all property lines

Documentation Requirements

For certain developments, the Zoning Administrator may require submission of:

• Specifications for existing and proposed light fixtures
• A detailed photometric plan showing foot-candle measurements
• Property boundaries clearly identified

Sign Illumination Requirements

Light Source Placement

When illuminating signs, Des Plaines requires thoughtful placement of lighting:

• External light sources: Must be "located, shielded and directed so as to not be visible from any public street or private residence"
• Attached fixtures: Cannot protrude more than 15 inches from the sign face or building
• Ground lighting: Cannot protrude more than 12 inches and must be fully screened with landscaping

Illumination Limits

• Maximum intensity: 100 foot-candles at the sign face
• Design requirement: All artificial illumination must be designed to prevent casting direct light upon adjacent property or streets

Special Sign Types

Electronic message boards have specific requirements:

• Must prevent direct glare onto adjacent properties
• Must include automatic dimming features for nighttime conditions
• Maximum brightness: 500 nits during nighttime, 5,000 nits during daytime

Special Use Requirements

Liquor Establishments

Businesses selling liquor for on-premises consumption must adhere to specific lighting standards:

• Interior must be "continuously lighted during business hours by natural light or artificial white light"
• Lighting arrangement must allow "a full view of the entire interior" from the street, road, or sidewalk

Cannabis Businesses

Cannabis establishments face additional restrictions:

• Signage "may not be directly illuminated"
• Parking lot lighting must comply with general city requirements
• The director of community and economic development reviews lighting adequacy with assistance from the police chief

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Oversights

Property owners often overlook the light spillage requirements at property boundaries. Remember that these limits vary by district type, with residential areas having the strictest protection.

Environmental Impacts

Des Plaines specifically prohibits operations that create "environmental detriment or public nuisance" including excessive lighting. Any operation producing intense glare must be performed within a completely enclosed building.

Maintenance Requirements

Exterior lighting fixtures must be "securely and firmly fastened" and "maintained in safe, good, and working condition." Trees that obstruct public lighting may need to be trimmed, with the city potentially taking action if property owners fail to comply.

Supporting Des Plaines' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique balance that communities like Des Plaines seek to maintain. We appreciate how Des Plaines has evolved from its historical roots while preserving its distinctive character and prioritizing resident comfort.

Our expertise in architectural lighting allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating these regulations. We share Des Plaines' commitment to responsible lighting practices that enhance safety and functionality while respecting community standards and neighboring properties.

With experience in projects throughout the Midwest, we understand the regional architectural styles and lighting needs specific to communities like Des Plaines. Our approach focuses on education and partnership rather than simply providing products—helping property owners understand how lighting choices impact their compliance and community character.

Conclusion

Des Plaines' lighting regulations reflect the city's thoughtful approach to development—balancing necessary illumination for safety and functionality with protection against light pollution and trespass. These standards help maintain the character and livability that have made Des Plaines an attractive community for nearly a century.

Property owners should pay particular attention to:

• Light spillage limitations at property boundaries
• Shielding requirements near residential areas
• Specific technical requirements for parking lots and signs
• Fixture maintenance obligations

By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to the continued evolution of Des Plaines as a community that successfully balances growth with preservation of neighborhood character.