Lighting Regulations in Hawthorn Woods, Illinois: Preserving Dark Skies in a Model Community

Introduction

Hawthorn Woods, Illinois, established in 1958, stands as a shining example of how suburban communities can preserve their natural beauty while managing growth. Located about 40 miles north of Chicago, this village of approximately 8,000 residents has earned the prestigious designation as an International Dark Sky Community - highlighting its commitment to minimizing light pollution.

The village's lighting regulations reflect its founding principles of preserving natural resources and fostering an estate lifestyle within a suburban setting. These regulations aren't merely bureaucratic requirements; they represent Hawthorn Woods' dedication to protecting its night sky while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide

Critical Lighting Requirements in Hawthorn Woods:

• Color Temperature: Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) not to exceed 3,000° Kelvin
• Shielding: Full shielding required for most outdoor fixtures exceeding 1,000 lumens
• Residential Lighting: Maximum 10,000 lumens per net acre
• Curfew: Non-residential lighting typically allowed from 30 minutes before sunset until 10:00 PM or 1 hour after business closing (whichever is later)
• Compliance Deadline: All existing lighting must comply with regulations by December 31, 2029
• Maximum Heights: 20 feet for residential lighting, 25 feet for non-residential

Understanding Hawthorn Woods' Lighting Philosophy

The Dark Sky Community Commitment

As an International Dark Sky Community, Hawthorn Woods has implemented comprehensive regulations that balance the need for nighttime illumination with the preservation of the night sky. These regulations help minimize glare, light trespass onto neighboring properties, and upward light that contributes to skyglow.

Purpose of Lighting Regulations

According to Chapter 9-19 of the Municipal Code, Hawthorn Woods' lighting regulations aim to:

1. Permit outdoor lighting that doesn't exceed minimum levels needed for safety, security, and enjoyment
2. Minimize adverse impacts like light trespass and obtrusive light
3. Curtail light pollution and reduce skyglow
4. Protect the natural environment from adverse effects of night lighting
5. Conserve energy and resources

Technical Lighting Requirements

Color Temperature Restrictions

Any luminaire used for outdoor lighting must have a correlated color temperature (CCT) not exceeding 3,000° Kelvin. This warmer light is less disruptive to wildlife and contributes less to light pollution than cooler, bluer light.

Shielding Requirements

• Luminaires exceeding 1,000 initial lumens must be fully shielded
• Motion-activated sensors can allow up to 2,000 lumens if they extinguish within 5 minutes
• Unshielded luminaires contribute only 10% toward total lighting limits

BUG Rating System

Hawthorn Woods uses the BUG (Backlight, Uplight, Glare) rating system to control light distribution:

• Backlight (B): Ratings from B0-B4 depending on distance from property line
• Uplight (U): Most fixtures limited to U0 (no light above horizontal plane)
• Glare (G): Ratings from G0-G1 depending on proximity to property line

Height Restrictions

• Residential zones: Maximum 20 feet above finished grade
• Non-residential zones: Maximum 25 feet above finished grade
• Athletic fields on public property: Maximum 50 feet

Residential Lighting Standards

Lumen Limitations

Total light output from all outdoor luminaires shall not exceed 10,000 lumens per net acre in residential zones.

Specific Fixture Allowances

• Shielded luminaire maximum: 1,260 lumens
• Main entry unshielded luminaire: Maximum 630 lumens
• Other unshielded luminaires: Maximum 315 lumens
• Low voltage landscape lighting: Maximum 525 lumens per fixture
• Directional flood lighting: Maximum 1,260 lumens per fixture
• Vacancy sensor lighting: Up to 2,000 lumens (must extinguish within 5 minutes)

Non-Residential Lighting Standards

Parking Area Requirements

• Properties with ≤10 parking spaces: Maximum 630 lumens per parking space
• Properties with >10 parking spaces: Maximum 2.5 lumens per square foot of hardscape
• Canopy lighting: Contributes only 50% toward lumen limits
• Parking areas must be "dark sky compliant"

Special Purpose Lighting

Additional allowances for specific commercial uses:

• Outdoor sales lots: 8 lumens per square foot of uncovered sales area
• Sales frontage: 1,000 lumens per linear foot
• Drive-up windows: 4,000 lumens per window
• Vehicle service stations: 8,000 lumens per fuel pump

Special Lighting Considerations

Uplighting Restrictions

Uplighting is generally restricted but permitted in limited circumstances:

• Landscape lighting: Maximum inclination 60°, maximum 1,000 lumens (up to 45°), 800 lumens (45°-60°)
• Architectural lighting: Maximum inclination 45°, maximum 1,000 lumens
• Flag lighting: Maximum inclination 60°, maximum 1,000 lumens (up to 45°), 800 lumens (45°-60°)
• Sign lighting: Maximum inclination 45°, maximum 1,000 lumens

Sign Illumination Standards

• Monument signs must be externally illuminated from the ground
• Internal illumination is prohibited for many sign types
• Maximum luminance of 100 candelas per square meter for permitted illuminated signs
• Signs for cannabis businesses cannot be illuminated, neon, or internally lit

Athletic Field Lighting

• Must follow Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) guidelines
• Limited to 30 minutes after event conclusion and no later than 10:00 PM
• After events, 30-minute period at reduced output (30%) for maintenance tasks
• No athletic field lighting may be initiated after 10:00 PM

Lighting Curfews and Controls

Operating Hours

• Non-residential lighting: Permitted from 30 minutes before sunset until 10:00 PM or 1 hour after business closing (whichever is later)
• Street lighting: Various restrictions depending on location and safety considerations
• Automatic controls required: Must extinguish lights when daylight is available
• Athletic fields: Must shut off 30 minutes after events end and no later than 10:00 PM

Lighting Control Requirements

• Automatic shutoff: Required via photoelectric switch, astronomic time switch, or equivalent
• Backup power: Battery or similar backup required for control systems

Compliance Requirements

Timeline for Existing Properties

• All properties: Must comply with regulations by December 31, 2029
• Change of use: Immediate compliance required when property use changes
• Renovations: Full compliance required when site improvements increase parking, floor area, or hardscape by 25% or more

Enforcement

• Code Enforcement Officers authorized to inspect lighting installations
• Minimum 90-day compliance period after violation notices
• Fines range from $100 to $750 per day for continued violations

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

• Photometric plan required for new installations showing fixture locations, heights, and lumen calculations
• Manufacturer's cut sheets with BUG ratings must be submitted for approval
• Any changes to approved lighting plans require Village review
• Post-installation inspections may be conducted to verify compliance

Common Violations to Avoid

• Using fixtures that exceed the permitted color temperature (3,000°K)
• Installing unshielded fixtures that exceed lumen limitations
• Exceeding total lumen allowances for your property type
• Failing to install required automatic shutoff controls
• Operating lighting beyond permitted hours

Supporting Hawthorn Woods' Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting shares Hawthorn Woods' commitment to responsible lighting practices that preserve community character while meeting practical needs. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we understand the unique balance required in communities that value both safety and environmental stewardship.

Our expertise in dark sky compliant lighting solutions aligns with Hawthorn Woods' designation as an International Dark Sky Community. We appreciate the village's thoughtful approach to preserving its natural character through careful lighting regulations.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, with particular understanding of how to meet technical requirements like CCT limitations, BUG ratings, and lumen restrictions while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Our regional presence enables us to understand the specific needs of communities like Hawthorn Woods that are working to maintain their distinctive character while providing necessary illumination for residents and businesses.

Conclusion

Hawthorn Woods' lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving dark skies while ensuring safety and functionality. These carefully crafted standards help maintain the village's natural beauty and rural character that has been valued since its founding in 1958.

By following these regulations, property owners contribute to Hawthorn Woods' status as an International Dark Sky Community and help preserve the night sky for future generations. The technical requirements may seem complex, but they serve an important purpose in balancing modern lighting needs with environmental stewardship.

Whether you're a homeowner planning exterior lighting or a business owner developing a commercial property, understanding and complying with these regulations ensures you're supporting Hawthorn Woods' vision of a community that respects its natural environment.