Lighting Regulations in Diamond, Illinois: Balancing Heritage with Modern Needs

Introduction

Diamond, Illinois, a community with roots dating back to the late 19th century coal mining era, has developed its lighting regulations to reflect both its historical character and contemporary needs. With a modest population of 2,527 residents (as of the 2020 census), Diamond maintains a careful balance between preserving its unique identity while ensuring practical lighting solutions for safety and functionality.

The village's approach to lighting mirrors its broader mission: providing high-quality services that align with community character while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Understanding these regulations helps property owners contribute to Diamond's distinctive atmosphere while staying compliant with local codes.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

• Light Spillage: Exterior lighting must be designed to limit spillage onto adjacent properties
• Residential Adjacency: Maximum 0.5 footcandles at lot lines next to residential uses
• Fixture Height: Should not exceed the predominant height of the principal building
• Preferred Technology: LED or metal halide fixtures are preferred for consistency
• Shielding: Most exterior lighting must be fully shielded to prevent glare
• Illuminated Signs: Must be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if within 150 feet of residential zones (unless business is operating)
• Sign Brightness Limits:
• Amber/red signs: 5,000 nits (day)/1,750 nits (night)
• Full color signs: 7,000 nits (day)/2,500 nits (night)

General Exterior Lighting Regulations

Balancing Priorities

Diamond's regulations recognize that effective lighting must balance multiple needs. All exterior lighting should find the right equilibrium between:

• Energy conservation considerations
• Safety requirements
• Security concerns
• Decorative elements

This balanced approach reflects Diamond's commitment to maintaining its character while addressing practical concerns.

Technical Requirements

When installing exterior lighting on your property, these specific requirements apply:

• Shielding: Fixtures must be fully shielded to prevent glare onto neighboring residential properties
• Definition of "Shielded": The bulb/light source and cover portion that transmits light must not extend beyond the opaque portion of the fixture, ensuring the light source isn't visible from a general side view
• Light Technology: LED or metal halide fixtures are preferred to maintain consistency between developments
• Light Spillage: All fixtures must be designed and placed to limit light spillage onto adjacent lots
• Residential Protection: Light levels at lot lines adjacent to residential uses cannot exceed 0.5 footcandles (except at ingress/egress points)
• Height Restrictions: Exterior lighting features generally should not exceed the predominant height of the principal building

Operations Producing Glare

For businesses or operations that might produce intense glare:

• Activities must be performed within a completely enclosed building
• Effective screening is required to prevent public nuisance or hazards along property boundaries
• All exposed light sources must be shielded to prevent nuisance across lot lines

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Liquor Establishments

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

• Interior Visibility: No arrangement of lights can prevent a clear view of the entire interior from the street, road, or sidewalk
• Continuous Illumination: All rooms must be continuously lit during business hours by either:
• Natural light, or
• Artificial white light that clearly illuminates all parts of the interior

Vending Machines

Outdoor vending machines have their own lighting requirements:

• External Illumination: Should be externally illuminated for security purposes
• Sign Illumination: Internal illumination of the sign portion is prohibited
• Product Display: May be internally illuminated, provided it doesn't appear as advertising

Solar Panels

A simple but important regulation: No solar panel shall be artificially lighted.

Sign Illumination Regulations

Electronic Message Signs

Electronic signs must adhere to strict brightness standards:

• Brightness Limits:
• Amber or red signs: Daytime - 5,000 Nits, Nighttime - 1,750 Nits
• Full color signs: Daytime - 7,000 Nits, Nighttime - 2,500 Nits
• Certification Required: Written certification from the sign installer must verify that light intensity has been preset not to exceed the specified levels
• Security Measures: Access to intensity controls must be protected with password-protected software or other appropriate methods approved by the Zoning Administrator

General Illuminated Sign Requirements

For all illuminated signs in Diamond:

• Proximity to Residential Areas: Signs within 150 feet of residential zoning districts must be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the business is operating during those hours
• Illumination Methods:
• Through a translucent surface
• Recessed into the sign structure
• If external to the sign, directed to and concentrated on the sign
• Light Trespass Prevention: Signs must be shaded to avoid casting bright light upon residential property or public streets/parks
• Fixture Protection: Floodlights, gooseneck reflectors, or other external illumination sources must be contained within a protective casing
• Dynamic Lighting Restrictions: No flashing or intermittent illumination (except for displays showing time, temperature, and similar information)

Parking Area Lighting

Off-street parking areas have specific lighting requirements to maintain safety while respecting neighboring properties:

• Directional Control: Lighting must be directed away from residential properties to avoid creating a nuisance
• Height Limitation: Exterior light fixtures cannot exceed the predominant height of the principal building they serve
• Light Source Requirements:
• Light bulbs/sources should primarily be metal halide or LED
• High pressure sodium lights are explicitly discouraged

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When developing or modifying property in Diamond, be aware that:

• Lighting Plans: Detailed plans including fixture types, heights, and locations are required as part of site plan applications
• Certificate of Occupancy: Street lighting must be installed and functioning before a certificate of occupancy will be issued
• Approval Process: Lighting designs may require approval from the Village Engineer or Zoning Administrator
• Easements: Permanent easements (at least 10 feet wide) are required for street lighting

Street Lighting Responsibilities

For developers and subdividers, understanding street lighting requirements is essential:

• LED Technology: All street lighting must be LED
• Standards Compliance: Must meet American National Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting requirements
• Installation Locations:
• At every "cross" or "T" intersection
• At the end of all culs-de-sac or "eyebrows"
• At least every 240 feet along road frontages
• Electrical Requirements: All electrical lines must be placed in conduit approved by the Village Engineer

Supporting Diamond's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique balance that communities like Diamond strive to achieve. We appreciate Diamond's commitment to maintaining its historical character while incorporating modern lighting technology for safety and functionality.

Our experience with communities that value their heritage allows us to serve as a resource for Diamond residents and businesses seeking to comply with local lighting regulations. We understand the importance of appropriate lighting that respects both the village's coal mining history and its vision for the future.

Bock Lighting shares Diamond's commitment to balancing practical needs with community character. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting standards can help maintain the unique atmosphere that makes Diamond special while meeting modern lighting requirements.

As a regional partner, we're committed to supporting communities through education about lighting regulations and sustainable practices that align with local visions and values.

Conclusion

Diamond's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its unique character while ensuring safety and functionality. From general exterior lighting to specific requirements for signs, businesses, and street lighting, these standards help maintain the community's visual integrity.

Property owners, developers, and businesses can contribute to Diamond's distinctive atmosphere by understanding and following these lighting guidelines. By balancing practical needs with aesthetic considerations, Diamond continues to honor its historical roots while embracing appropriate modern technology.

Through thoughtful lighting choices, Diamond residents and businesses play an important role in shaping the visual character of this historic Illinois community for generations to come.