Lighting Regulations in Forest Park, Illinois: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance

Introduction

Forest Park, Illinois, with its rich history dating back to 1856, balances preservation and progress in many aspects of community life—including its approach to lighting. Once known as part of Harlem before its 1907 incorporation, this "Village of Cemeteries" maintains a unique character shaped by its historical landmarks and close-knit community feel.

The town's 2.4 square miles along the Des Plaines River hosts a modest but significant architectural heritage that informs many of its municipal regulations. The Historical Society of Forest Park works diligently to preserve this character, which naturally extends to how the community approaches lighting.

Understanding Forest Park's lighting regulations helps property owners maintain compliance while supporting the community's visual character and safety standards.

Quick Reference Guide

• Illumination Levels: Sign illumination must not exceed 50 foot-candles when measured perpendicular to the sign face
• Sexually Oriented Businesses: Require minimum illumination of 5.0 foot-candles at floor level
• Light Direction: Lighting must be arranged to reflect light away from residential properties
• Sign Illumination Timing: Illuminated signs near residential areas must be turned off between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM (exceptions for businesses open during these hours)
• Residential Requirements: Outside light fixtures required at each entrance of dwellings
• Parkways: Residents may not install lighting on parkways

Residential Lighting Requirements

Exterior Lighting

Forest Park's code contains specific requirements for residential exterior lighting:

• A minimum of one weatherproofed lighting fixture must be installed at each front, rear, and side entrance to any dwelling
• Patios, balconies, sun rooms, and screened porches must have at least one switched weatherproofed light fixture
• Switching devices must be readily accessible, within 2 feet of entrance/exit areas
• Apartment complexes may use photocell or timer-controlled lighting instead of switches if circuits originate from public panel boards

Interior Lighting Requirements

The village code specifies detailed requirements for interior lighting:

• Every habitable room must have at least two separate electric outlets or one outlet plus one ceiling light fixture
• Water closets, bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms and public halls require at least one ceiling or wall light
• Light fixtures must be installed directly over kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, and utility sinks
• Walk-in closets require switch-controlled lighting
• Basements need specific lighting at stairways, panel boards, furnace areas, and laundry areas
• New construction requires one general lighting circuit for each 500 square feet of area

Basement Illumination Standards

Basement areas have particularly detailed requirements:

• Switched lighting fixtures must be installed at top and bottom of basement stairs
• A light fixture must be installed within 3 feet of any panel board in basement areas
• Furnace/heating systems require a light fixture within 4 feet
• Basement lighting must provide minimum of one foot-candle per square foot throughout
• Lighting must be divided among multiple circuits on different phases

Commercial Property Lighting Requirements

Liquor Establishment Lighting

Establishments selling liquor for on-premises consumption must:

• Be continuously lighted during business hours
• Use natural light or artificial white light
• Ensure all parts of the interior are clearly visible
• Not have any arrangement of lights that prevents a clear view from the street

Parking Lot Illumination

Parking areas have specific lighting requirements:

• Where night parking is permitted, lots must be adequately lighted at all times
• Lights must be arranged to reflect light away from adjoining residential lots
• Temporary parking lots used at night must provide adequate lighting

Sign Illumination Standards

General Standards

Forest Park has detailed regulations for sign illumination:

• External light sources must be located, shielded and directed to prevent direct visibility from streets or residences
• Light receptacles must not protrude more than 18 inches from the sign face
• Maximum illumination level is 50 foot-candles measured perpendicular to the sign face
• Signs near residential areas cannot be illuminated between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM unless the business is open

District-Specific Rules

Different zoning districts have varying requirements:

• R Districts: If illuminated, light sources must not be visible, intermittent, or flashing
• R-3 District: Signs may only be illuminated by natural light
• Sandwich Board Signs: Cannot be illuminated
• Holiday Decorations: May be illuminated without specific restrictions
• Memorial Signs: Must not be illuminated

Awning Illumination

Awnings have specific lighting requirements:

• Movable awnings may be illuminated by exterior light standards from above only
• Fixed awnings cannot be lit from below or within, but may be illuminated from exterior light standards above

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Construction and Work Zones

Safety lighting is required for certain construction activities:

• Any pavement work or excavation must be protected by suitable lights at night
• Defects in pavement must be barricaded and illuminated when open

Small Wireless Facilities

The code specifically addresses modern technology:

• Small wireless facilities shall not be illuminated
• Replacement street lighting must have equipment and cabling internal to the standard or camouflaged

Towers

Telecommunications infrastructure has specific requirements:

• Towers shall not be artificially illuminated unless required by the FAA or other regulatory agencies

Supporting Forest Park's Community Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with community character preservation. While Forest Park's regulations aim to maintain its unique small-town character, implementing these standards requires lighting expertise.

As a company that values historical preservation and community identity, Bock Lighting appreciates Forest Park's efforts to prevent light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. Our understanding of regional architectural styles allows us to provide lighting solutions that complement Forest Park's aesthetic.

Bock serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, helping property owners understand how to meet code requirements while enhancing their properties. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the values that have shaped Forest Park's development approach.

Conclusion

Forest Park's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to preserving its distinctive character while ensuring safety and functionality. From residential requirements to commercial standards, these regulations help create a cohesive community appearance.

Property owners should consult the full municipal code or contact village officials when planning lighting installations to ensure compliance with all current requirements. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses contribute to maintaining Forest Park's small-town charm while meeting modern lighting needs.

Remember that proper lighting not only ensures code compliance but also enhances property values, improves safety, and contributes to the overall quality of life in this historic community.