Lighting Regulations in Golf, Illinois: A Guide to Navigating Village Standards

Introduction

Nestled in Cook County with a population of just 500 residents, the Village of Golf, Illinois maintains its distinctive charm through thoughtful planning and regulations. Named after the Glen View Club, this community emerged during the 1920s "golden age of golf" and has preserved its early 20th-century residential character ever since.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to maintaining the quaint, suburban atmosphere that has defined Golf since its incorporation in 1928. These standards help preserve the community's historical character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and visitors alike.

Quick Reference Guide: Golf's Lighting Requirements

Before diving into specific details, here's a quick overview of the essential lighting regulations in Golf, Illinois:

• Exterior Lighting: Must conform to standards established by the building commissioner
• Swimming Pool Lighting: Must be arranged to direct light away from neighboring properties
• Address Number Visibility: Must be readable at night from the roadway
• Ornamental Light Standards: Limited to 2 per property, maximum 6 feet in height when placed at sidewalk or driveway entrances
• Emergency Lighting: Required in buildings containing fire safety equipment and certain occupancies (excluding single-family and two-family homes)
• Electrical Safety: GFCI protection required for bathroom lighting fixtures within 30 inches of water fixtures

Residential Lighting Standards

Exterior Lighting Overview

Golf's approach to exterior lighting is overseen by the building commissioner, who establishes standards for implementation across the village. This centralized authority helps maintain consistency throughout the community and preserves the village's aesthetic character.

Ornamental Lighting Fixtures

For homeowners interested in enhancing their property with decorative lighting:

• Light Standards (Ornamental):
• Permitted in front, side, and rear yards
• Limited to 2 in number
• Maximum height of 6 feet when placed at sidewalk or driveway entrances

Address Illumination Requirements

Proper address illumination is essential for emergency services and visitors:

• Each property owner must display street address numbers that are:
• Easily and distinctly readable year-round from the roadway during daylight
• Visible during darkness with the use of outside lighting by persons on the roadway

This regulation ensures that emergency responders can quickly locate properties when needed, while maintaining the village's character.

Swimming Pool Lighting Regulations

Outdoor Pool Illumination

When installing lighting for swimming pools, Golf residents must ensure:

• Lights are arranged and shaded to reflect light away from adjoining premises
• This requirement helps prevent light trespass and maintains neighborly relations

Indoor Pool Considerations

For indoor swimming pools:

• Both natural and artificial lighting require approval from the building commissioner
• This oversight ensures appropriate illumination levels for safety while maintaining aesthetic standards

Technical Requirements for Lighting Installations

Electrical Safety Standards

The village maintains specific regulations for lighting installation safety:

• Wall-mounted lighting fixtures near water:
• Must not be located within 30 inches (measured horizontally) from the outside edge of bathtubs, whirlpool tubs, showers, or similar fixtures
• GFCI protection is required if fixtures are within this 30-inch zone

Recessed Lighting Requirements

For ceiling installations:

• Recessed lighting fixtures installed in insulated ceilings must be I.C. (Insulation Contact) type
• This requirement prevents fire hazards associated with recessed lighting

Voltage Limitations for Water Features

For safety in aquatic environments:

• Lighting fixtures installed in swimming pools, fountains, and similar features:
• Must not operate at more than 15 volts, as measured between conductors

Emergency Lighting Requirements

Commercial and Multi-Family Buildings

Safety lighting is essential in certain buildings:

• Battery-operated emergency lighting is required in all occupancies except one- and two-family dwellings
• Requirements are established by the Glenview Fire Prevention Bureau

Critical Infrastructure Protection

Additional emergency lighting is required in:

• Rooms containing building fire sprinkler risers
• Rooms housing fire pumps
• Locations of fire alarm control panels

Sign Lighting and Utility Infrastructure

Illuminated Signage Requirements

For businesses with illuminated signs, disconnects and raceways must be located:

1. Within an enclosed building within sight of the sign(s), or
2. Behind a parapet wall within sight of the sign(s), or
3. Completely enclosed within the sign

Utility Planning

The village emphasizes conservation of infrastructure:

• Existing utility poles and light standards should be used whenever practicable
• Installation of additional utility poles is strongly discouraged

What Property Owners Should Know

Respecting Neighbors

Golf's regulations reflect the community's emphasis on considerate development:

• The Zoning Board of Appeals will only permit variations that will not "impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property"
• This standard ensures that new construction or modifications don't negatively impact neighbors

Working with Village Officials

When planning lighting projects:

• Consult with the building commissioner early in the process
• Understand that standards may be applied on a case-by-case basis
• Consider the village's historical character when designing lighting schemes

Supporting Golf's Lighting Vision

As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands and appreciates communities like Golf that balance historical preservation with modern needs. We recognize the unique character of small villages with rich architectural heritage and the importance of lighting regulations that preserve community identity.

Bock Lighting shares Golf's commitment to maintaining historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. Our understanding of regional architectural styles, particularly those from the early 20th century that characterize much of Golf's residential landscape, allows us to serve as a resource for residents navigating lighting regulations.

We're dedicated to supporting communities through education about lighting standards and providing solutions that respect local regulations. Our experience with projects in historically-minded communities has given us insight into balancing aesthetic preservation with practical lighting needs.

Conclusion

The Village of Golf maintains lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving its historical character while ensuring safety and functionality. From swimming pool illumination to emergency lighting requirements, these standards help maintain the village's unique charm.

Property owners should consult with village officials when planning lighting projects to ensure compliance with local standards. By understanding and following these regulations, residents contribute to preserving Golf's distinctive atmosphere for generations to come.

Remember that specific interpretations of lighting standards may require consultation with the building commissioner, as several regulations reference standards "established by the building commissioner" or requiring their approval.