Lighting Regulations in East Moline, Illinois: Balancing Industrial Heritage with Modern Standards

Introduction

East Moline, Illinois stands as a testament to America's industrial heritage. Founded in 1895 and originally known as Port Byron Junction, this city of approximately 21,000 residents has deep roots in manufacturing, particularly the production of farm implements and machinery. As the city has evolved from its 1903 incorporation to today, East Moline has worked to preserve its industrial character while adapting to modern needs.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this balance – maintaining the distinctive aesthetic that honors East Moline's manufacturing past while ensuring safety, efficiency, and consideration for neighboring properties. These standards are designed to illuminate the city's industrial architecture appropriately while preventing light pollution that would detract from the community's character.

Quick Reference Guide to East Moline Lighting Requirements

• Maximum Height of Exterior Light Fixtures: 20 feet
• Freestanding Luminaries Maximum Height: 30 feet with 3-foot support (33 feet total)
• Near Residential Districts: Maximum height reduced to 25 feet within 500 feet of residential zones
• Intensity Limit: Maximum one foot-candle at property boundaries
• Tattoo Establishments: Minimum 20 foot-candles of light intensity required
• Cutoff Requirements: Most fixtures must have cutoff angle ≤90 degrees
• Commercial Parking Timing: Lighting within 300 feet of residential zones restricted to one hour before/after business hours

General Lighting Standards

Light Trespass Prevention

East Moline's regulations focus heavily on preventing light from affecting neighboring properties. The city specifically requires:

• Maximum Boundary Illumination: No more than one foot-candle of light may be measured at any property boundary
• Glare Prevention: Light must be arranged to reflect away from adjoining properties
• Mitigation Tools Required: Lenses, deflectors, shields, louvers, or prismatic control devices must be used to eliminate nuisance lighting

Height Restrictions

Height limitations ensure lighting remains at a human scale and doesn't overwhelm the industrial character of the city:

• Standard Fixtures: Cannot exceed 20 feet in height
• Freestanding Luminaries: Maximum 33 feet total (30-foot pole with 3-foot support)
• Near Residential Areas: Height restricted to 25 feet when within 500 feet of residential districts

Energy Efficiency

Consistent with modern sustainability practices, East Moline encourages:

• Low Energy Fixtures: Required in many applications
• LED and CFL Lighting: Encouraged for efficiency and longevity

Specific Application Requirements

Outdoor Liquor Service Areas

Establishments serving alcohol outdoors must comply with specific illumination standards:

• Must be adequately illuminated if operating after sunset
• Lighting must not disturb surrounding properties
• Must conform to general building code lighting requirements

Massage Establishments and Tattooing Facilities

Health-related businesses have more stringent lighting requirements:

• Massage Establishments: Must have windows/skylights covering at least 1/8 of floor area OR approved artificial lighting
• Tattooing Rooms: Require a minimum of 20 foot-candles of light intensity from permanently fixed sources

Parking Areas and Structures

East Moline has detailed requirements for parking facility illumination:

• Time Restrictions: Parking lots within 300 feet of residential districts can only be illuminated one hour before/after business hours
• Color Differentiation: Pedestrian walkways in parking structures must use lighting with a different color value than vehicle areas
• Renovation Triggers: When 50% or more of parking area is replaced, the entire lot must be brought up to current lighting standards

Home Occupations

Businesses operated from residential properties must adhere to strict lighting controls:

• Lighting must not cause the property to differ from its residential character
• No glare may be noticeable beyond the property line
• No offensive light emissions that carry beyond the premises

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Lighting Types

East Moline has clear guidelines on how signs may be illuminated:

• Materials: Lights must be made of corrosion-resistant materials
• Focus Requirements: Proper lenses must concentrate illumination on the sign area
• Glare Prevention: Must prevent light spillover onto streets or adjacent properties

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Not all types of sign illumination are allowed:

• Strobe Lighting: Explicitly prohibited in all zoning districts
• Flashing Lights: Not permitted for new signs on nonconforming uses
• Beacon-Style Lighting: Unlawful to maintain any flashing or rotating beacon visible from streets

Residential Considerations

Special care is taken with signage in or near residential areas:

• Residential Districts: All lighted signs must be of the "illuminated type"
• Adjacent to Residential Uses: Signs adjoining residential properties along front or side lot lines must be illuminated type

Lighting Plan Requirements

For many projects, formal lighting plans must be submitted for approval:

• Required For: Parking lot and security lighting (except single/two-family homes)
• Must Include:
• Luminaire height and technical specifications
• Intensity of illumination (minimum and maximum)
• Type of light source
• Hours of operation
• Photometric plan superimposed on site plan

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Triggers

Understanding when you need to update existing lighting is important:

• When replacing light poles and supports (except due to accidents/natural disasters)
• When replacing luminaries
• When renovating 50% or more of a parking area
• When developing or redeveloping a site
• When required as a condition of permit approval

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing fixtures taller than permitted height limits
• Failing to use required cutoff devices to prevent light trespass
• Not obtaining approval for lighting plans before installation
• Using prohibited lighting types like strobes or flashing lights

Measuring Light Levels

Property owners should know that light measurements are taken:

• At the greatest point of illumination at the property line
• At ground level, horizontally positioned
• At both minimum and maximum illumination points on the site

Supporting East Moline's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique needs of communities like East Moline that balance industrial heritage with modern development. Our experience working with historic manufacturing communities allows us to appreciate East Moline's commitment to preserving its character while ensuring safety and functionality.

We recognize that East Moline's industrial past creates specific lighting needs - illuminating historic manufacturing structures appropriately while controlling spillover that could affect residential areas. Our expertise in architectural lighting for industrial contexts aligns with East Moline's regulations that aim to preserve the city's distinctive aesthetic.

As a resource for communities, Bock Lighting offers educational support to help property owners understand and navigate lighting regulations. We share East Moline's commitment to energy efficiency through appropriate technology that respects community character while reducing environmental impact.

Conclusion

East Moline's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to honoring its industrial heritage while embracing modern standards for safety, efficiency, and neighborly consideration. These requirements ensure that lighting enhances the community's distinctive character rather than detracting from it.

Property owners should pay particular attention to height restrictions, light trespass prevention, and specific application requirements when planning lighting installations. By understanding these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to East Moline's vision of appropriate illumination that respects both history and neighbors.

Remember that lighting not only serves functional purposes but also plays a key role in defining the aesthetic character of East Moline's industrial landscape for future generations.