Lighting Regulations in Evergreen Park, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Aesthetics, and Community Character

Introduction: Illuminating Evergreen Park's Heritage

Founded in 1893, Evergreen Park has evolved from a small settlement with a star-shaped central park design to a thriving suburban community southwest of Chicago. The village's careful approach to development reflects its commitment to maintaining a cohesive visual environment while honoring its architectural heritage.

Evergreen Park's lighting regulations are designed to preserve its distinctive suburban character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses. These guidelines reflect the community's values and its dedication to creating pleasant, well-designed spaces that enhance quality of life.

Quick Reference Guide: Evergreen Park Lighting Essentials

Before diving into details, here are the key lighting requirements you should know:

• Residential Properties: Exterior lighting must be shaded with maximum light intensity of one-half foot candle at residential lot lines
• Parking Areas: Fixed lighting required for lots with more than 10 vehicles; maximum 3 foot candles at lot lines
• Sign Illumination: Must be directed away from public right-of-way and adjoining properties
• Construction Sites: Motion-activated lighting required from dusk to dawn
• Prohibited: Unshielded lights, festoon lighting, distracting flashing lights
• Seasonal Exception: Christmas lights permitted November 15 to January 15

Residential Lighting Requirements

Light Trespass Prevention

Evergreen Park's code emphasizes considerate lighting that doesn't affect neighboring properties. The regulations specifically state:

• Exterior lighting fixtures must be properly shaded
• No direct light should be cast upon any property in a residential district
• Maximum light intensity at residential lot lines: one-half foot candle

Maintaining Neighborhood Character

These regulations help preserve the character of Evergreen Park's residential areas while ensuring adequate illumination for safety. The half-foot candle limitation strikes a balance between providing sufficient light and preventing light pollution that could disturb neighbors.

Commercial Property Lighting

Workplace Lighting Standards

The village code addresses indoor lighting for commercial properties, stating that no workplace shall have "inadequate or faulty" lighting. While not specifying exact requirements, this provision ensures that employees work in properly illuminated environments.

Video Gaming Establishments

Evergreen Park has specific restrictions regarding lighting for buildings with video gaming:

• Prohibited: Using exterior visible lighting (including strobe lights, racing lights, and LED lights) to advertise or promote video gaming
• This regulation helps maintain the village's aesthetic standards and prevents potentially distracting lighting displays

Sign Illumination Guidelines

External Sign Lighting

When illuminating signs from external sources:

• Light must be directed away from public right-of-way
• Light must be directed away from adjoining properties
• Lighting should be harmonious with the building or structure to which the sign relates

Internal Sign Illumination

For internally lit signs:

• Opaque backgrounds with illuminated lettering are preferred
• Neon lettering is permitted on window signs
• Signs with bare, unshielded lights visible from streets or residences are prohibited (except neon signs)

Prohibited Sign Lighting

To maintain traffic safety and visual appeal, Evergreen Park prohibits:

• Light strings, light bulbs, and light bands used as attention-getting devices
• Blinking and festoon lighting
• Strobe or flashing lights similar to emergency vehicles
• Signs that may be confused with traffic signals due to their illumination

Parking Area Lighting Standards

Requirements for Larger Lots

For parking areas serving multiple vehicles:

• Fixed lighting is mandatory for all parking lots and garages with more than 10 vehicles
• Lighting must be directed away from adjoining properties
• Maximum light intensity: 3 foot candles measured at any lot line

Condominium Association Responsibilities

The village code specifically notes that condominium associations are responsible for lighting in their areas, along with other maintenance duties like snow removal and parking control.

Special Use Lighting

Construction Site Lighting

Buildings under construction require:

• Motion detector lighting system from dusk to dawn
• Lighting must be located in an area not easily accessible to non-construction personnel
• Power options include standard 110-volt source or battery

Cannabis Dispensary Security

Cannabis dispensing organizations must install:

• Security cameras
• Appropriate lighting
• Other security improvements as required by the Village

While not specifying exact lighting parameters, this requirement ensures that cannabis facilities maintain adequate illumination for safety purposes.

Seasonal and Decorative Lighting

Holiday Exceptions

While the village restricts many decorative lighting applications, there is a specific exception for:

• Christmas lights and ornaments
• Permitted period: November 15 to January 15

Banner Placement on Light Poles

The code includes specific regulations for banners on light poles:

• Maximum 1 banner per 30 linear feet on parking lot light poles that border or are parallel to streets
• Banners are permitted on interior parking lot light poles

Supporting Evergreen Park's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of preserving community character while embracing functional lighting solutions. As a manufacturer with deep Midwestern roots, we appreciate Evergreen Park's commitment to maintaining its suburban charm while ensuring safety and visibility.

Our approach aligns with Evergreen Park's balanced lighting philosophy – providing adequate illumination while preventing light trespass and maintaining aesthetic harmony. We believe in helping communities like Evergreen Park preserve their distinctive character through thoughtful lighting solutions that respect local regulations and community values.

With expertise in residential, commercial, and decorative lighting applications, Bock Lighting serves as a resource for property owners navigating lighting requirements. We're committed to supporting communities like Evergreen Park in creating welcoming, well-lit environments that honor their architectural heritage.

Conclusion: Illuminating the Future While Respecting the Past

Evergreen Park's lighting regulations reflect its dedication to creating a cohesive, appealing community environment while addressing practical safety needs. By balancing illumination requirements with protections against light pollution and visual disruption, these guidelines help preserve the village's unique character.

Property owners should pay particular attention to light trespass limits at property lines, directional requirements for sign and parking lot illumination, and restrictions on decorative lighting. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses can contribute to Evergreen Park's vision of a well-designed, visually harmonious community.

Whether updating existing lighting or planning new installations, considering these guidelines early in the process can save time and resources while helping to maintain the distinctive character that makes Evergreen Park special.