Lighting Regulations in East Dundee, Illinois: Balancing Historic Charm with Modern Illumination Standards

Introduction

Nestled along the Fox River and steeped in industrial heritage dating back to the late 19th century, East Dundee, Illinois maintains a delicate balance between preserving its historic character and meeting modern infrastructure needs. The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance—emphasizing safety and functionality while respecting the aesthetic integrity of a community that once helped rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871.

With its historic district showcasing early 20th-century architecture and the popular Fox River Trail following the path of the former railroad, East Dundee's lighting standards aim to enhance these community assets while preventing light pollution that would detract from the village's small-town charm.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Street and Parking Lot Lighting:

• All development must include lighting for roadways and parking lots
• Lighting must follow American Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting and National Electric Code
• Street lighting plans require Village Engineer approval
• High-pressure sodium lamps required in commercial/industrial areas

Illumination Levels:

• Active entrances/security lighting: 5.0 footcandles
• High activity parking: 3.6 footcandles
• Low activity areas: 1.0 footcandles
• Surface parking lots (minimum): 2.0 footcandles

Sign Lighting Restrictions:

• Signs within 100 feet of residential areas must be off between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (unless business is operating)
• Maximum 1,500 watts per circuit with No. 12 wire
• All illuminated signs must bear UL approval stamp

Residential Requirements:

• Outside light fixture required at each entrance and porch
• Switch-controlled interior lighting required in garages
• Ceiling lights required in closets larger than 6 square feet

Street and Parking Lot Lighting Standards

Required for All Development

East Dundee requires lighting facilities for the illumination of all roadways (public or private) that lie within or border any development, as well as all parking lots within the development. Street lighting intended for village acceptance must be constructed within the public right-of-way or in easements dedicated to the village.

Technical Standards and Approval Process

All street lighting must be designed and installed according to:

• The American Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting (latest edition)
• The National Electric Code (latest edition), as amended by Village of East Dundee Electric Code
• Village Engineering Standards

Before installation begins, developers must:

• Submit manufacturer's information and catalog cuts for all materials
• Receive approval from the Village Engineer
• Confirm service drop location with Commonwealth Edison
• Submit a plan/sketch of electrical service with Commonwealth Edison approval

Pole Placement Requirements

The village has specific requirements for light pole locations:

• Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Districts:
• Poles at all intersections
• Maximum spacing of 300 feet along streets
• Poles at ends of cul-de-sacs and curves as required
• Minimum 2-foot clearance from back of curb
• Arterial and Collector Streets:
• Illumination must meet criteria in village engineering standards
• Varies based on roadway classification and urban context

Luminaire and Equipment Specifications

Lamp Requirements

Lamp Types:

• Commercial/industrial zones require high-pressure sodium lamps
• Residential zones may consider alternative lamps with Village Board and Commonwealth Edison approval

Technical Requirements:

• All fixtures must operate in all environmental conditions
• Must operate on 60 hertz alternating current with auto regulator type CWA ballast
• Heat resistant polycarbonate lens required
• Minimum starting temperature of -20°F (-40°F for HPS fixtures)

Light Pole Standards

East Dundee has specific requirements for light poles to ensure durability and aesthetic consistency:

• Round tapered seamless poles with satin ground finish
• Fabricated from aluminum alloy 6063-T6
• Must include bolt-down anchor bases and handholes
• Designed to withstand 90 mph winds and associated gusts
• Must support luminaire panel up to 1.5 square feet
• Residential areas: spun aluminum with 25-foot mounting height
• Painted steel poles are not permitted

Electrical Requirements

• Maximum 2% voltage drop from supply fuse to lamp
• Installation of cable and conduit in trenches at least 6 inches wide
• Trenches must be 24 inches below design subgrade elevation
• Existing utility poles should be used when practicable

Commercial Property Lighting Regulations

Parking Lot Illumination

Parking lot lighting must be designed to prevent light trespass:

• Illumination arranged to prevent light reflection into residential districts
• Lighting must be extinguished within 30 minutes after business closing
• Site plans must include point-by-point illumination plans showing footcandle intensities

Special Use Areas

Motor Vehicle Impoundment Yards:

• Lighting between 1.0-1.5 footcandles
• Poles no higher than 25 feet
• Cutoff fixtures directing light downward
• Maximum intensity at property line: 0.5 footcandles

Performance Standards for Businesses

Businesses must ensure:

• No glare or excessive light casting upon adjacent properties
• Lighting fixtures relate aesthetically to the development's character
• Lighting plans receive approval from Chief of Police and Village Engineer

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Requirements

• All illuminated signs must bear UL approval
• Maximum 1,500 watts per circuit with No. 12 wire
• Supply must be taken only from points with correct fusing
• Outdoor electrical signs require accessible disconnect switches
• Illuminated signs cannot operate between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless the business is open

Illumination Methods

• Illumination must be installed through translucent surfaces, recessed into sign structure, or directed at and concentrated on the sign
• Floodlights or gooseneck reflectors must be contained within protective casing
• Illumination must be constant in intensity and color
• Signs must be shaded to avoid casting bright light on residential districts, public streets, or parks

Electronic Displays

Electronic message displays:

• Must contain static messages only
• May use dissolve or fade transitions only
• Cannot use flashing, scintillating or varying light intensity
• Must display each message for minimum of 10 seconds

Residential Lighting Requirements

East Dundee's residential lighting requirements focus on safety and functionality:

• Outside light fixture controlled by interior switch required at each entrance and porch
• Garages (attached or detached) must have switch-controlled interior lighting
• Each clothes closet or storage area 6+ square feet must have ceiling light
• Walk-in closets must have light controlled by wall switch
• Stairways, halls, corridors must have ceiling lights controlled by three-way or four-way switches

Supporting East Dundee's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots in the Midwest dating back to 1918, shares East Dundee's commitment to balancing historic preservation with modern infrastructure needs. We understand the unique challenges communities like East Dundee face in maintaining their distinctive small-town character while ensuring safety and compliance with lighting standards.

As a regional manufacturer with extensive experience in communities with rich historical heritage, Bock appreciates East Dundee's careful approach to development that honors its industrial past and architectural legacy. Our understanding of regional architectural styles allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations.

While regulations can sometimes seem complex, we're dedicated to helping communities maintain their distinctive character through education and expertise rather than simply selling products. Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with East Dundee's vision for appropriate illumination that enhances rather than detracts from the village's charm.

Conclusion

East Dundee's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring modern safety and aesthetic standards. From specific requirements for street lighting to careful controls on illuminated signs and commercial properties, these standards help maintain the small-town atmosphere that makes East Dundee special.

Property owners should work closely with the Village Engineer and Building Department when planning lighting installations to ensure compliance with these comprehensive regulations. By following these standards, residents and businesses contribute to East Dundee's continued status as a distinctive community that successfully balances growth with preservation.