Lighting Regulations in Forest View, Illinois: A Practical Guide for Residents and Businesses

Introduction

Forest View, Illinois is a unique village with a distinctive character shaped by its interesting balance of industrial and residential areas. Originally conceived as a haven for World War I veterans by attorney Joseph Nosek, this small village spans approximately 1.29 square miles. While 90% of the village is dedicated to industrial use along the Stevenson Expressway corridor and Harlem Avenue, the residential section forms a peaceful 2-by-8-block enclave within this industrial landscape.

With approximately 792 residents, Forest View maintains a close-knit community atmosphere while supporting significant commercial and industrial activity. The village's lighting regulations reflect this dual nature, seeking to balance residential tranquility with industrial functionality.

Quick Reference Guide to Forest View Lighting Requirements

Key lighting requirements to know:

• Illuminated Signs: Limited to 75 foot-candles measured perpendicular to sign face; maximum 1 foot-candle on adjoining residential property
• Business Hours: Interior of premises selling alcohol must be fully and continuously illuminated
• Food Preparation Areas: Minimum 20 foot-candles on all working surfaces
• Manufacturing Areas: Maximum 0.1 foot-candle spillover into residential districts
• Parking Areas: Must not cast light into residential areas; must turn off within 30 minutes after business closes
• Toilet Facilities: Minimum 10 foot-candles at 30 inches above floor

Business Lighting Requirements

Food Service Establishments

Food safety is a priority in Forest View, reflected in specific lighting requirements for food service establishments:

• Food Preparation Areas: Must provide artificial light sources that furnish 20 foot-candles on all working surfaces where food or drink is prepared or utensils are washed
• Measurement Method: Light levels must be verified by a suitable light meter
• Natural Light Exception: Artificial lighting not required when equivalent natural light is present
• Dining Areas: The 20 foot-candle requirement does not apply to dining rooms
• Storage Rooms: Considered sufficiently lit with approximately 4 foot-candles at 30 inches from the floor

Liquor-Serving Establishments

Establishments serving alcohol have specific lighting requirements designed for public safety:

• Interior Visibility: Full view from street, road or sidewalk must be maintained
• Continuous Lighting: Must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Light Type: Can use natural light or artificial white light
• Light Level: Must be sufficient so that all parts of the interior are clearly visible

Toilet Facilities

• Minimum Level: Must yield at least 10 foot-candles of light
• Measurement Method: Standard illuminometer test
• Measurement Height: 30 inches above the floor

Sign Illumination Regulations

General Sign Illumination Rules

Forest View has detailed regulations governing how signs can be illuminated:

• Hours of Operation: Exterior signs may be illuminated until 11:00 PM or the close of business, whichever is later
• Light Direction: Direct rays of light must not beam upon any existing residential building, into a residence district, or into a street
• Traffic Signal Visibility: Signs in direct line of vision of traffic signals must not have red, green, or amber illumination
• Allowed Types: Nonflashing but illuminated business signs with no moving parts, awnings and marquees are permitted

Reflectors and Light Fixtures

• Permitted Fixtures: Gooseneck reflectors and lights are permitted on ground signs and wall signs
• Installation Requirements: Lights must be installed to concentrate rays on the sign only
• Glare Prevention: Must prevent glare on or striking the street or nearby property
• Lens Requirements: Proper glass lenses must concentrate illumination on the sign area

Electronic and Multiple Message Signs

• Brightness Adjustment: Must include photosensitive equipment that automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient outdoor illumination
• Maximum Intensity: Limited to 75 foot-candles measured perpendicular to the sign face from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign
• Residential Impact: Maximum 1 foot-candle on adjoining residential property, measured 3 feet above ground level
• Glare Control: All artificial illumination must be designed, located, shielded, and directed to prevent casting glare on adjacent rights-of-way or surrounding property

Electrical Requirements for Signs

• Standards Compliance: Must conform to US Bureau of Standards and may be approved by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
• Maintenance: All illuminating elements must be kept in satisfactory working condition or immediately repaired/replaced
• Disconnecting Switch: Required per village building and electrical codes

Industrial and Manufacturing Lighting Controls

Forest View's industrial presence necessitates specific lighting regulations for manufacturing areas:

• Enclosed Operations: Any operation producing intense glare or heat must be performed within a completely enclosed building
• Shielding Requirement: Exposed light sources must be shielded to prevent creating nuisances across lot lines
• Residential Protection: Illumination exceeding one-tenth (0.1) foot-candle is not permitted in a residential district when the source is in a manufacturing district

Parking Area Lighting

• Direction Control: Illumination must not reflect rays of light into adjacent residential districts and streets
• Timing Restriction: All lighting must be extinguished no later than 30 minutes after the close of business being served
• Exceptions: Village Board may authorize alternative timing

Supporting Forest View's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique character of communities like Forest View. We recognize the village's need to balance industrial functionality with residential tranquility through thoughtful lighting solutions.

As a manufacturer with experience in diverse community settings, Bock Lighting appreciates Forest View's approach to lighting regulations that serve both commercial needs and residential quality of life. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with the village's vision for maintaining a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations, helping to preserve the distinctive character that makes places like Forest View special. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a supportive community partner rather than just a product provider.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Checklist

When planning lighting for your property in Forest View, consider these key points:

• Know Your Zone: Requirements differ significantly between residential, commercial, and manufacturing areas
• Sign Illumination: Follow specific brightness levels, timing restrictions, and placement guidelines
• Light Trespass: Prevent light from spilling onto neighboring properties, especially from commercial to residential areas
• Business Interiors: Ensure proper illumination for specific uses like food preparation or alcohol sales
• Maintenance: Keep all lighting elements in good working condition

Common Questions

When must business signs be turned off? Exterior signs may remain illuminated until 11:00 PM or the close of business, whichever is later.

What lighting is required for food preparation areas? A minimum of 20 foot-candles on all working surfaces, measured by a suitable light meter.

How bright can my sign be? Maximum 75 foot-candles measured perpendicular to the sign face, and no more than 1 foot-candle on adjoining residential property.

Conclusion

Forest View's lighting regulations reflect its unique community character – a small residential area nestled within a larger industrial landscape. These regulations aim to ensure safety and functionality while preserving the quality of life for residents.

Understanding and following these lighting requirements helps maintain the balance between commercial viability and residential tranquility that defines Forest View. Whether you're a business owner or resident, proper lighting compliance contributes to the village's continued success as both an industrial center and a peaceful community.

For specific questions about lighting regulations or for guidance on your particular situation, contact the Village of Forest View's building department directly.