Lighting Regulations in Divernon, Illinois: Preserving Small-Town Character While Meeting Modern Needs

Introduction: Divernon's Lighting Approach

Nestled in Sangamon County, the village of Divernon, Illinois, carries a rich history dating back to 1887. With roots deeply tied to the coal mining industry, this close-knit community of approximately 1,510 residents has developed a thoughtful approach to lighting that respects its historical character while addressing contemporary needs.

The village's lighting regulations reflect its values: maintaining small-town charm, preserving the practical aesthetic that evolved from its mining heritage, and ensuring safety without excessive illumination that would disrupt its spacious, rural environment.

Quick Reference Guide to Divernon Lighting Regulations

• Outdoor Dining Lighting: Limited to 0.5 footcandles maximum illumination on any abutting property
• Electrical Compliance: All lighting must comply with National, State, and Village Building and Construction Codes
• Street Lighting: Required for new subdivisions, to be installed by developers
• Ornamental Lighting: Permitted in any yard
• Sign Illumination: Allowed with restrictions on colors (red, green, amber) near traffic signals
• Prohibited Lighting: Flashing or rotating beacons in view of streets

Outdoor Space Lighting Requirements

Dining Areas and Patios

The village has specific requirements for outdoor dining areas to ensure they don't create light pollution or disturb neighboring properties:

• Maximum Illumination: 0.5 footcandles at property boundaries
• Installation Requirement: Lighting must be "minimal"
• Measurement Method: Both direct and indirect illumination are considered

Yard and Landscape Lighting

While Divernon's code doesn't extensively regulate residential yard lighting, it does note that:

• Ornamental Light Standards: Explicitly permitted in any yard
• General Guideline: Lighting should not impair adequate light to adjacent properties

Waterfront Areas

For properties with water access, safety measures include:

• Dock Safety: Dock posts must be marked with reflective devices
• Structural Considerations: Light poles along waterways fall under IDNR/OWR statewide permit requirements

Street and Public Lighting Standards

Subdivision Development Requirements

Divernon requires developers to provide adequate street lighting in new subdivisions:

• Installation Responsibility: Street lighting must be installed by the subdivider
• Underground Service: Must include underground service cables
• Approval Process: Must use "material, equipment, and methods approved by the applicable electric utility supply service"
• Plan Submission: Electric street lighting plans must be submitted to the village engineer for approval before final subdivision plat approval

Construction Standards

The village references broader standards for construction of public improvements:

• State Specifications: Public improvements must follow the "State Of Illinois Standard Specifications For Road And Bridge Construction" as adopted by the Illinois Department of Transportation
• Village Oversight: Plans require approval by appropriate village authorities

Sign Illumination Regulations

Permitted Illumination Types

Divernon's code addresses how signs may be illuminated:

• General Permission: Signs may have either constant or flashing illumination
• Defined Terms:
• Flashing Sign: "Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and/or constant in intensity and color"
• Illuminated Sign: "A sign which is directly or indirectly lighted"

Safety Restrictions

Important limitations apply to illuminated signs:

• Traffic Signal Visibility: Signs in direct line of vision of traffic control signals must not have contrasting or flashing intermittent illumination in red, green, or amber colors
• Street View Restrictions: Flashing or rotating beacons of light in view of any street or highway are prohibited

Special Use Considerations

Adult Business Regulations

For adult businesses, additional oversight applies:

• Conditional Lighting: The Village Board may determine specific lighting conditions
• Compatibility Focus: Lighting must be designed to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses
• Compliance Requirement: Must conform with all village ordinances

Zoning Variances

When considering zoning variances, lighting impact is a factor:

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals must "not impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property"
• Community Impact: Light effects are considered alongside safety and property value impacts

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Essentials

When planning any lighting installation, Divernon property owners should:

• Check Codes: Ensure all electrical work complies with National, State, and Village Building Codes
• Measure Light Levels: For outdoor dining areas, verify illumination doesn't exceed 0.5 footcandles at property lines
• Consider Neighbors: Be mindful of light trespass onto adjacent properties

Permitting Process

While specific permitting procedures for lighting aren't extensively detailed in the available regulations:

• Subdivision Development: Lighting plans must be submitted to the village engineer
• Building Integration: Lighting should be included in overall building and site plans
• Code Compliance: All installations must meet applicable electrical codes

Supporting Divernon's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historical character in communities like Divernon. Our experience with small towns throughout the Midwest has given us insight into the unique lighting challenges faced by communities with rich industrial heritage.

We appreciate Divernon's approach to preserving its small-town charm while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality. As lighting professionals, we're committed to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through thoughtful lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community values.

Our team understands the balance needed between providing sufficient illumination for public safety while preventing light pollution that would detract from Divernon's spacious, rural atmosphere. We're available as a resource for residents and businesses navigating lighting compliance in historically sensitive communities.

Conclusion

Divernon's lighting regulations, while not extensive, reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its small-town character while ensuring safety and functionality. The focus on minimal lighting for outdoor spaces, appropriate street lighting in new developments, and thoughtful sign illumination all contribute to preserving the community's charm.

Property owners should be particularly attentive to light trespass concerns, especially for commercial outdoor spaces where specific footcandle limits apply. When in doubt about any lighting installation, consulting with village officials is recommended to ensure compliance with both explicit regulations and the community's overall vision for appropriate lighting.

By respecting these lighting guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining the distinctive character that makes Divernon a special place to live and visit.