Lighting Regulations in Green Oaks, Illinois: Preserving Rural Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Green Oaks, Illinois, originally incorporated as Oak Grove in 1960, has maintained its commitment to preserving a rural, residential character throughout its development. Located approximately 32 miles northwest of Chicago, this Lake County village was founded with clear intentions: to maintain open spaces, natural beauty, and a tranquil suburban atmosphere through low-density residential development.

With a population of just 3,866 residents (as of the 2010 Census), Green Oaks has successfully maintained its peaceful environment through thoughtful regulations, including those governing exterior lighting. These lighting regulations reflect the community's desire to balance modern safety needs with the preservation of its rural nighttime aesthetic.

Quick Reference Guide to Green Oaks Lighting Regulations

General Requirements:

• Glare Prevention: Lighting must not cause glare on adjacent properties or streets
• Maximum Illumination: 3.0 foot-candles for most applications
• Maximum Luminary Height: 30 feet
• Cut-off Requirement: Light cut-off line must be at least 10 feet within property line
• Light Trespass: No direct or sky-reflected glare visible beyond property boundaries
• Dark Sky Compliance: Some installations must be International Dark-Sky Association approved

Understanding the Intent of Green Oaks' Lighting Regulations

The village's lighting regulations are specifically designed to regulate and control the amount of artificial light visible to the public. According to the code (8-12-1), "excessive amounts of manmade light, intruding upon adjacent properties, constitutes light pollution."

The regulations explicitly note that light pollution is:

• Aesthetically destructive
• Tends to destroy the natural rural charm of the village
• Inconsistent with the rural night
• Diminishes the economic value of properties subjected to it

This clear statement reflects Green Oaks' commitment to maintaining its character as a peaceful, low-density community where residents can enjoy natural darkness.

Classifications of Lighting Areas

Green Oaks divides lighting regulations into three distinct classes:

1. Class 1: All residential areas, special use areas, and variation subdivisions
2. Class 2: All nonresidentially zoned areas, including property used for agricultural, educational, religious, and special uses
3. Class 3: All public and private roads (excluding driveways)

Different standards apply to each classification, ensuring appropriate lighting for the context.

Technical Specifications for Exterior Lighting

Illumination Levels and Measurement

Green Oaks has established precise technical requirements for measuring and limiting light levels:

• Maximum Illumination: 3.0 foot-candles for parking lots, walkways and driveways
• Measurement Position: 6 inches above ground level in horizontal position, 10 feet inside property line
• Measurement Equipment: Direct reading portable light meter with color and cosine corrected sensor
• Calibration Requirement: Meter must be tested and calibrated to ±5% accuracy within one year of use
• Measurement Timing: Must be conducted after dark
• Calculation Method: Difference between lights-on and lights-off measurements to eliminate ambient light effects

Fixture Requirements

All exterior lighting fixtures must meet these specifications:

• Baffling: All luminaries must be baffled to minimize glare
• Cut-off Design: Cut-off line of light must be at least 10 feet within property line
• Maximum Height: 30 feet for luminaries
• Minimum Distance: Light poles must be at least 15 feet from fire hydrants, manholes, catch basins or inlets

Specific Requirements for Different Applications

Parking Lots, Driveways and Walkways

• Illumination Requirement: All parking lots, internal driveways, and walkways must be illuminated
• Fixture Type: Baffled and/or cut-off type fixtures to minimize glare
• Maximum Illumination: 3.0 foot-candles

Sign Illumination

• Illumination Methods Permitted:
• Back lighting
• Shielded spotlights
• Internal lighting of letters (but not backgrounds)
• Prohibited Features:
• Flashing or blinking signs
• Exposed neon tubing on freestanding signs
• Revolving or rotating beams or beacons
• Maximum Intensity: 0.5 foot-candle at property line or 10 feet from sign (whichever is lesser)
• Measurement Height: Not less than 3.5 feet above ground line in vertical position

Electronic Changeable Message Signs

• Maximum Intensity: 0.5 foot-candle
• Automatic Dimming: Must incorporate automatic dimmer software or solar sensors
• Daytime Brightness: Maximum 5,000 nits
• Nighttime Brightness: Maximum 500 nits (between dusk and dawn)
• Hours of Operation: Between one-half hour before premises open (or 6:00 AM, whichever is later) until one-half hour after premises close (or 11:00 PM, whichever is earlier)

Permit Requirements and Processes

A permit is required to construct, install, modify, erect or utilize any illumination system in Class 1 and Class 2 areas. The process involves:

• Application Fee: $75.00 (plus professional costs incurred by Village)
• Required Documentation: Three sets of documents including:
• Site drawing showing location of proposed fixtures
• Concrete foundation details
• Trench and backfill material specifications
• Statements of intended use
• Power source information
• Light source type
• Fixture representation
• Material and finishes

Design Review Process

All applications are reviewed by the Building Commissioner, who evaluates:

• Location
• Height
• Style
• Type of fixture
• Compliance with regulations
• Harmony with existing uses

What Property Owners Should Know

Common Violations to Avoid

• Light Trespass: Light extending beyond your property boundaries
• Excessive Illumination: Exceeding 3.0 foot-candles
• Glare: Unshielded lights visible from adjacent properties
• Non-Compliant Fixtures: Fixtures without proper baffling or that exceed height limitations

Special Considerations for Residential Properties

Residential properties (Class 1) have specific permissions and restrictions:

• Exterior residential lighting is generally permitted
• Holiday lighting is permitted
• Driveway lighting is permitted but regulated
• Residential yard/grounds lighting requires approval in some cases

Supporting Green Oaks' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares Green Oaks' commitment to preserving community character while meeting modern lighting needs. As a company that understands the balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation, Bock appreciates Green Oaks' thoughtful approach to maintaining its rural character.

Our experience with regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for communities like Green Oaks. We understand the importance of lighting that complements the rural residential character while providing necessary illumination for safety and security.

Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Green Oaks' vision of reducing light pollution while meeting practical needs. We believe in being a community partner, helping residents and businesses understand and comply with local lighting regulations rather than just providing products.

Conclusion

Green Oaks' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving the village's rural character and night sky while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. By carefully regulating light levels, fixture types, and installation methods, the village maintains its tranquil atmosphere while meeting modern needs.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these regulations before installing or modifying exterior lighting systems. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to maintaining Green Oaks' special character for future generations.

Remember that all lighting installations must prevent glare on adjacent properties, meet technical specifications for illumination levels, and be properly documented and permitted when required. These regulations aren't just about compliance—they're about preserving the rural charm that makes Green Oaks such a desirable place to live.