Lighting Regulations in Grandview, Illinois: A Guide to Village Illumination Standards

Introduction: Preserving Grandview's Mid-Century Character

In Grandview, Illinois, a village with deep roots in the 1950s, lighting regulations reflect the community's commitment to orderly development and aesthetic consistency. Since its incorporation in 1951, Grandview has maintained its distinct mid-century character through thoughtful ordinances that shape its visual environment.

The village's approach to lighting showcases its dedication to creating a harmonious community atmosphere while addressing practical safety concerns. These regulations serve the dual purpose of preserving Grandview's historical character while ensuring that residents and businesses have clear guidelines for appropriate illumination.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a quick summary of Grandview's key lighting regulations:

• Commercial Liquor Establishments: Must have clear interior visibility from outside
• Residential Dwellings: Specific requirements for fixture placement and illumination
• Street Lighting: Required at all intersections and at 500-foot intervals
• Signage: Illumination must be shielded from residential areas and public roads
• Public Spaces: Multiple-unit dwellings require continuous lighting in common areas
• Site Planning: Outdoor lighting locations must be included in site plans

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Every habitable room in a Grandview residence must have at least two separate floor or wall-type electric convenience outlets, or alternatively, one convenience outlet and one ceiling-type electric light fixture.

Specific rooms require dedicated lighting:

• Water closet compartments
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Furnace rooms
• Public halls
• Stairways

Each of these spaces must have at least one supplied ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture to ensure adequate illumination for safety.

Common Area Illumination

For multi-family dwellings, Grandview enforces different standards based on building size:

Four or More Dwelling Units

• Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times
• Continuous lighting is mandatory for resident safety

Three or Fewer Dwelling Units

• Public halls and stairways may use conveniently located light switches
• Full-time lighting is not required if switch-controlled lighting is available
• Lighting system must provide adequate illumination when activated

Commercial Lighting Regulations

Liquor Establishment Lighting

Businesses selling liquor for on-site consumption face specific lighting requirements designed to ensure safety and visibility:

• Clear Interior View: No arrangement of lights can prevent a clear view of the entire interior from streets, roads, or sidewalks
• Continuous Illumination: All rooms where liquor is consumed must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Light Quality: Either natural light or artificial white light must be used
• Visibility Standard: All parts of the interior premises must be clearly visible

Adult Use Establishments

The Zoning Board of Appeals maintains oversight of lighting for adult-oriented businesses:

• May recommend specific lighting conditions for development and operation
• Requirements ensure conformance with village ordinances
• Lighting must be compatible with surrounding uses
• Conditions are determined on a case-by-case basis

Signage and Billboard Illumination

Electrical Standards

• All electrical components, connections, and installations must conform to the current edition of the National Electric Code
• Electrical wiring must not be exposed to public view or access

Light Direction and Control

Grandview places strong emphasis on controlling light spread from signs:

• Light must be shaded, shielded, or directed appropriately
• No light ray from any fixture may directly impinge upon residential structures or public roads
• All visible light must be either reflected from or diffused and filtered through the sign

Prohibited Lighting Types

The village expressly prohibits:

• Flashing billboards or on-premises advertising signs
• Flashing or moving lights on billboards and signs
• Reflective pennants

Exception: Signs displaying time, temperature, date, or similar information are permitted.

Location Restrictions

Billboard and freestanding sign placement is regulated to prevent interference with public spaces:

• Not permitted on public right-of-way
• Cannot be affixed to public property including street lamps, electric poles, or lighting systems

Public Infrastructure Lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

Grandview requires developers to install street lighting as part of infrastructure development:

• Mandatory at all intersections
• Required at 500-foot intervals along public streets
• Installation is the responsibility of the subdivider

Site Planning Requirements

When submitting development plans, applicants must include:

• Location of all outdoor lighting fixtures
• Placement of illuminated signs
• These details are required as part of the standard site plan submission process

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

Whether you're building a new home, renovating a commercial space, or installing signage, understanding Grandview's lighting requirements is essential:

• Residential Projects: Ensure your electrical plans include the minimum required outlets and fixtures
• Commercial Developments: Pay special attention to visibility requirements, particularly for establishments serving alcohol
• Signage Installation: Light direction and shielding are crucial considerations to prevent light trespass

Addressing Issues

Properties lacking adequate illumination, ventilation, or sanitation facilities may be deemed unsafe. Proper lighting is not just a matter of compliance but also of public safety and property value preservation.

Supporting Grandview's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918, shares Grandview's commitment to preserving community character while embracing necessary modernization. As a Midwest manufacturer, we understand the unique challenges of balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic considerations in established communities like Grandview.

Our experience with mid-century architectural styles aligns perfectly with Grandview's 1950s heritage. We appreciate the village's thoughtful approach to development that maintains its historical character while providing clear guidance for growth.

Bock serves as an educational resource to help property owners understand and navigate lighting regulations, offering expertise that supports the community's vision for appropriate illumination that enhances rather than detracts from neighborhood character.

Conclusion

Grandview's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining the village's distinctive mid-century character while ensuring safety and functionality. From residential requirements to commercial standards and public infrastructure guidelines, these regulations create a framework for appropriate illumination throughout the community.

Property owners, developers, and businesses can contribute to Grandview's aesthetic consistency by understanding and following these lighting standards. By doing so, they help preserve the village's historical character while creating well-lit, safe, and visually appealing spaces for residents and visitors alike.