Lighting Regulations in Fox Lake, Illinois: A Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Fox Lake, Illinois, a picturesque community nestled among the Chain O'Lakes, balances natural beauty with commercial development and residential neighborhoods. Like many communities, Fox Lake has established lighting regulations to ensure safety, reduce light pollution, and maintain aesthetic harmony throughout the village. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents alike.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Fox Lake's lighting regulations based on the village's building code. Whether you're planning exterior improvements, installing signage, or simply want to ensure your property is in compliance, this information will help you navigate the lighting requirements in Fox Lake.

Quick Reference Guide

• Residential Properties: Exterior lighting must be directed away from adjacent residential properties
• Commercial Signs: Illuminated signs near residential areas must be turned off between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Sign Illumination: Maximum of 70 lumens reflecting from a white background as measured at the sign surface
• Digital Signs: Automatic changeable copy signs must not change more frequently than once every 5 seconds
• Prohibited Lighting: Unshielded lights on poles/wires (with specific exceptions) and flashing lights
• Safety Requirements: Commercial buildings must have exterior flashing strobe lights for emergency conditions
• Temporary Lighting: Holiday and decorative lighting limited to 90-day installation periods

Property Lighting Requirements

Residential Properties

Fox Lake's code focuses primarily on preventing light trespass onto neighboring properties. All exterior lighting fixtures must be installed to reflect light away from adjacent residential properties to avoid creating a nuisance.

For chicken coops specifically, the code states that "No exterior lighting shall be allowed to focus upon a coop." This requirement helps prevent disturbance to both neighbors and the animals.

Commercial Properties

Businesses must ensure adequate lighting for safety while preventing light trespass:

• Any operation producing intense glare must be performed within a completely enclosed building
• Screening is required to prevent glare from creating a public nuisance or hazard along property boundaries
• Lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas must be directed away from residential properties

Mobile Home Parks

The code specifically requires that "All mobile home parks shall be kept properly and adequately lighted at all times so that the grounds are safe for occupants and visitors." While specific lighting levels aren't detailed, safety is the clear priority.

Sign Lighting Regulations

Fox Lake maintains detailed regulations for illuminated signage to balance business visibility with community aesthetics.

Permit Requirements

• A permit is required for any sign using electrical wiring and connections
• Plans and specifications must comply with the National Electrical Code
• Applications must include details on "method of construction, location, support, attachment to buildings or grounds, illumination and lighting intensity"

Illumination Specifications

• Maximum Brightness: 70 lumens reflecting from a white background as measured at the sign surface
• Gooseneck Reflectors: Permitted on monument and wall signs
• Must concentrate direct rays on the sign
• Must prevent glare on streets and adjacent properties
• Reflectors with proper glass lenses are acceptable

Operational Restrictions

• Hours of Operation: Illuminated signs near residential districts must be turned off between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM
• Flashing Lights: Prohibited on all signs
• Exceptions to Flashing Light Ban:
• Automatic time, temperature, and date displays
• Time/temperature signs with changes limited to numerals
• Changes must occur no more frequently than every 5 seconds

Digital and LED Signage

• Automatic Changeable Copy Signs:
• May use LED or similar illumination (single color or full color)
• Cannot flash, scroll, or be animated
• Messages may change no more frequently than once every 5 seconds
• Not permitted in the Downtown Zoning District
• Must be an accessory to a permanent monument sign
• Must be installed below the business name

Location Restrictions

• Downtown District Restrictions: Backlit signage, channel letters, and LED message signs are prohibited on:
• Grand Avenue
• Nippersink Boulevard
• Pistakee Lake Road (north and south)
• Areas with a Downtown zoning designation

Prohibited Lighting Types

Fox Lake's code specifically prohibits certain types of lighting to maintain safety and community aesthetics.

Unshielded Lighting

The use of unshielded lights, including incandescent light bulbs hung or strung on poles, wires, or any other support to illuminate buildings, outdoor sales areas, or storage areas is prohibited with these exceptions:

• Christmas tree sales areas during December
• Carnival lighting
• Lighting on piers (per International Building Code)
• Ambient lighting over outdoor seating areas

Festoon Lighting

Festoon lighting and signs containing string, cluster, or series of lights are prohibited except as permitted by other sections of the code.

Temporary and Holiday Lighting

Temporary, decorative, and holiday lighting installations are permitted but limited to a period not exceeding 90 days.

Emergency Lighting Requirements

Safety is a priority in Fox Lake's lighting regulations, with specific requirements for emergency conditions:

• Each commercial occupancy must have an exterior flashing strobe light in an approved location
• The strobe must activate during water flow or smoke conditions within the affected occupancy

For wireless towers, the regulations require that prescribed illumination be maintained even after the tower ceases to be licensed by the FCC, until the tower is dismantled.

What Property Owners Should Know

Facade Improvement Program

Fox Lake offers financial assistance for exterior lighting upgrades through its Facade Improvement Program:

• Grants are available for "permanent exterior decorative lighting" on commercial properties
• The program covers 50% of improvement costs up to $4,000 per address per fiscal year
• Minimum project cost must be $1,000 to qualify

Compliance Considerations

When planning lighting installations, property owners should:

• Ensure all exterior lighting is directed away from residential properties
• Consider the impact of lighting on neighboring properties
• Obtain proper permits for illuminated signage
• Adhere to time restrictions for illuminated signs near residential areas
• Remember that temporary lighting has a 90-day limitation

Supporting Fox Lake's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with its deep roots in the Midwest dating back to 1918, understands the unique character of communities like Fox Lake. We recognize the village's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and community aesthetics through thoughtful lighting regulations.

As a regional lighting manufacturer, Bock appreciates Fox Lake's approach to preserving its scenic lake community character while embracing appropriate lighting technologies. Our expertise in exterior lighting solutions aligns with Fox Lake's focus on reducing light trespass while maintaining adequate illumination for safety and visibility.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, offering guidance on compliant exterior lighting solutions that enhance rather than detract from Fox Lake's natural beauty. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs enables us to support the community's distinctive character and help property owners meet both regulatory requirements and aesthetic goals.

Conclusion

Fox Lake's lighting regulations aim to create a safe, visually appealing environment while preventing light pollution and nuisance to neighboring properties. By understanding these requirements, property owners can ensure compliance while enhancing the beauty and functionality of their properties.

The regulations demonstrate a thoughtful balance between providing adequate lighting for safety and preventing excessive or disruptive illumination. For specific questions about lighting compliance, property owners should contact the Village of Fox Lake Building Department before beginning installation.

Remember that lighting is both functional and aesthetic – when done properly, it enhances safety, highlights architectural features, and contributes to the overall character of Fox Lake's unique lakeside community.