Lighting Regulations in Hodgkins, Illinois: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction: The Balance of Safety and Community Character

Hodgkins, Illinois, a village of approximately 1,900 residents located in Cook County just west of Chicago, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its unique community values. Since its incorporation in 1896, Hodgkins has maintained a balance between preserving its historical character and addressing modern needs.

The village's approach to lighting reflects this balance, with regulations designed to ensure public safety while respecting the small-town charm that makes Hodgkins special. While not as extensive as some neighboring communities, Hodgkins' lighting regulations provide important guidance for property owners, particularly those with multi-family dwellings and commercial properties.

Quick Reference Guide to Hodgkins Lighting Regulations

For property owners seeking immediate answers, here are the key lighting requirements:

• Multi-Family Dwellings (4+ units):
• Entrances must be illuminated from sunset to sunrise (minimum 100-watt equivalent)
• Entrances require clear polycarbonate protective covers
• Minimum 0.4 foot-candle illumination for parking areas from dusk to dawn
• Minimum 0.4 foot-candle illumination for walkways from dusk to dawn
• Commercial & Industrial Properties:
• Light sources must be shielded to prevent nuisance across property lines
• Operations producing intense glare must be conducted in enclosed buildings
• Maximum 0.5 foot-candle illumination spillover in residential districts
• "Down" lights required for certain outdoor lighting applications
• Signs:
• No exposed reflective bulbs exceeding 15 watts
• No red, green, or amber illumination in direct line of motorist vision when approaching traffic signals
• Flashing/blinking lights prohibited
• Sign illumination near residential areas must be diffused or indirect

Multi-Family Dwelling Requirements

Entrance Illumination

The village code places special emphasis on proper lighting for buildings containing four or more dwelling units. These properties must maintain:

• Illumination timing: From sunset to sunrise
• Minimum light level: Equivalent to a 100-watt bulb
• Safety requirement: Bulbs must be covered with clear polycarbonate or equally break-resistant material

Parking Area and Walkway Safety

For the safety of residents and visitors, Hodgkins requires consistent illumination of common areas:

• Open parking lots (10+ spaces): Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot-candle from dusk to dawn
• Covered parking areas in multi-family dwellings: Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot-candle from dusk to dawn
• Sidewalks and walkways between parking and dwelling units: Minimum 0.4 horizontal foot-candle from dusk to dawn

Administrative Oversight

The dwelling official has final approval authority for all illumination and may adjust regulations to reduce impact on surrounding properties. This allows for case-by-case considerations based on specific property characteristics.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting Standards

Light Trespass Prevention

Hodgkins places clear restrictions on light trespass to neighboring properties:

• Exposed light sources must be shielded to prevent nuisance across lot lines
• Maximum spillover: No more than 0.5 foot-candle illumination allowed in residential districts
• Operations with intense glare must be performed within completely enclosed buildings

Height and Direction Requirements

The village code addresses the physical characteristics of lighting installations:

• Maximum height: Structures for outdoor lighting may reach up to 100 feet
• Direction requirement: Outdoor lighting must use "down" lights with housings constructed so no part of the light source protrudes below the bottom frame or shield
• Setback for tall fixtures: Light fixtures exceeding 45 feet in height must be located at least:
• 150 feet from perimeter streets or highways
• 300 feet from any residential use

Sign Illumination Standards

Brightness and Illumination Limitations

Hodgkins has established specific standards for sign illumination:

• Maximum brightness: As specified by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America for "luminous background sign luminance"
• Illumination limits:
• No more than 0.5 foot-candle at residential district property lines
• No more than 3 foot-candles at commercial district property lines
• Bulb limitations: No exposed reflective bulbs exceeding 15 watts

Prohibited Lighting Types

Several lighting types are explicitly prohibited:

• Festoon lighting: Groups of exposed incandescent bulbs hung overhead
• Flashing signs: Any sign with illumination that intermittently flashes on and off
• Blinking/flashing lights: No changing light intensity, brightness, or color

Special Considerations for Residential Proximity

Signs near residential areas require additional consideration:

• Residential adjacency: Signs within 100 feet of a Residence District must use diffused or indirect, non-flashing illumination
• Visibility shields: Light sources exceeding 30 foot-lamberts must be shielded so the source cannot be seen from residential districts
• Size limitations: Luminous sources larger than one square foot visible from residential districts cannot exceed 150 foot-lamberts

Construction and Temporary Lighting

Work Site Safety

The village code addresses temporary lighting needs during construction:

• Building permits include the right to install temporary lighting apparatus inside lot lines during construction
• Excavations and barriers must have illuminated lamps with red globes, flares, or other approved lights
• Placement requirement: Lights must be at each end of excavations with intermediate points as necessary for proper warning after dark

Emergency Lighting Requirements

Safety System Maintenance

Property owners are responsible for:

• Annual testing of emergency lighting systems by an approved service company
• Documentation: Providing written test reports to the village with annual license applications
• Immediate correction of any deficiencies noted in reports

Specific Requirements

The code specifies:

• Power source: Independent, approved reliable battery or automatic starting generator
• Installation locations: All rooms and spaces where two or more exits are required, stairways, corridors, access routes, and other exit components
• Exterior requirements: A weather-resistant strobe light at entrances providing access to alarm and/or annunciator panels

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance and Enforcement

The village's lighting regulations are enforced through:

• Permitting process: Many lighting installations require proper permits
• Inspection: Systems may be subject to inspection
• Penalties: Damaging or defacing public lighting is prohibited and considered a misdemeanor

Special Cases

Some situations require additional consideration:

• Cannabis businesses may have additional security lighting requirements specified in conditional use permits
• Subdivisions must provide for street lighting, though specifics may vary
• Adaptive design dwellings have accessibility requirements for light switches and controls

Supporting Hodgkins' Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of communities like Hodgkins. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate how lighting contributes to both safety and community identity in historic villages.

Hodgkins' balanced approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to preserving small-town charm while ensuring modern safety standards. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating these requirements.

We share Hodgkins' commitment to responsible lighting practices that respect both historical character and contemporary needs. Our team can help community members understand how lighting choices impact both compliance and community aesthetics, supporting the village's vision for thoughtful development.

Conclusion

Hodgkins' lighting regulations reflect the village's practical approach to community development. By focusing on safety, nuisance prevention, and aesthetic considerations, these regulations help maintain the character of this historic Cook County village while ensuring modern standards are met.

Property owners, particularly those with multi-family dwellings, commercial properties, or illuminated signs, should carefully review these requirements when planning lighting installations or upgrades. Working with knowledgeable professionals can help ensure compliance while achieving functional and attractive lighting solutions.

By respecting these regulations, community members contribute to preserving Hodgkins' small-town charm while promoting safety and security for all residents and visitors.