Lighting Regulations in Johnston City, Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Johnston City, Illinois, with its rich historical background rooted in the coal mining industry, has developed lighting regulations that reflect both practical needs and community values. Officially named in 1903, this small Williamson County community grew alongside the coal mining boom that shaped its architectural character and development patterns.

The city's lighting regulations balance safety and functionality with respect for the community's historical roots. These standards help maintain Johnston City's small-town charm while ensuring adequate illumination for residents and businesses.

This guide outlines what property owners need to know about lighting requirements in Johnston City, organized by property type and application.

Quick Reference Guide

• Street Lighting Requirements:
• One streetlight required per 400 feet of street frontage
• Minimum intensity equivalent to 175-watt lamp or 6800 mercury luminary lamp
• Minimum post height of 16 feet
• Commercial Properties:
• Exterior lighting must minimize light spill into residential areas
• Billboard illumination must not interfere with traffic control devices
• Residential/Indoor Lighting:
• Habitable rooms require minimum 6 foot-candles of illumination (3 foot-candles in bathrooms)
• Electrical service must provide at least 3 watts per square foot
• Window area must equal at least 8% of floor area for natural light
• Construction Sites:
• Warning lights required on building materials left on streets
• Barriers must include warning lights from sunset to sunrise

Street Lighting Standards

Location Requirements

Johnston City's subdivision regulations specify precise requirements for street lighting placement. These standards ensure consistent illumination throughout the community while maintaining its character.

Street lights must be installed:

• At each intersection of streets or alleys within subdivisions
• At each cul-de-sac
• At intervals of no more than 400 feet of street frontage between intersections
• At the terminus of dead-end streets

Technical Specifications

The city code includes specific requirements for light intensity and fixture height:

• Minimum light intensity: Equivalent to a 175-watt lamp or 6800 mercury luminary lamp
• Minimum post height: 16 feet

Multi-Family Dwelling Requirements

Additional lighting is required for multi-family developments:

• Parking area lighting: Minimum of one light per 25 parking spaces or fraction thereof

Commercial Lighting Regulations

General Requirements

Commercial establishments must be mindful of how their lighting affects surrounding properties:

• Exterior lighting must be installed to avoid illumination of residential areas as much as possible
• Service stations are subject to specific lighting regulations as established by code

Billboard and Signage Lighting

Johnston City allows for illuminated signage, but with important restrictions:

• Billboards or signboards may use constant or flashing illumination
• Signs in the direct line of vision of traffic control devices must not have:
• Contrasting or flashing intermittent illumination
• Red, green, or amber colored lighting
• For reflective illumination:
• Direct rays of light must not project upon existing state or federal highways
• Light must not project upon existing residential structures
• Light must not project upon any R District

Residential and Indoor Lighting Standards

Habitable Room Requirements

The code establishes minimum standards for lighting in living spaces:

• Electrical service: Must provide at least 3 watts per square foot of total floor area
• Illumination level: At least 6 foot-candles average illumination (measured 30 inches above floor)
• Bathroom illumination: Minimum of 3 foot-candles
• Natural light: Window/skylight area must equal at least 8% of room floor area

Fixture Requirements

Specific rooms require dedicated lighting fixtures:

• Required ceiling or wall fixtures in:
• Bathrooms
• Water closet compartments
• Kitchens
• Laundry rooms
• Furnace rooms
• Public halls

Public Areas in Multi-Unit Buildings

Lighting for common areas in multi-dwelling structures has specific requirements:

• Public halls and stairways: Must be adequately lit at all times
• Minimum illumination: 10 foot-candles at floor or tread level

Construction and Safety Lighting

Temporary Lighting for Construction

During construction or when materials are placed on streets, proper warning lighting is required:

• Building materials on streets must have illuminated warning lights at night
• Barriers and warning signs must include proper lighting
• Warning lights must function from sunset to sunrise

Technical Requirements for Safety Lighting

Warning lights for construction and hazards must meet specific standards:

• Light emission: Sufficient intensity and frequency to be visible at a reasonable distance
• Supplemental materials: Reflectors or reflecting materials may supplement, but not replace, light sources

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

Understanding Johnston City's lighting regulations is essential when:

• Developing new subdivisions
• Renovating commercial properties
• Installing outdoor lighting
• Planning signage with illumination

Historical Context Considerations

Johnston City's regulations reflect its roots as a coal mining community with early 20th-century architecture. While specific historic districts aren't mentioned in the code, the community values preserving its architectural heritage and small-town charm.

Permit Requirements

When planning lighting installations, consult with city officials about:

• Whether permits are required
• Submission requirements for lighting plans
• Inspections that may be necessary

Supporting Johnston City's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the unique balance Johnston City seeks to maintain between modern lighting needs and historical character preservation.

As a company with deep regional roots, Bock appreciates communities like Johnston City that value their architectural heritage while ensuring safety and functionality. Our experience with projects throughout the Midwest has given us insight into how lighting can enhance community character rather than detract from it.

We believe in serving as an educational resource for communities navigating lighting regulations. Bock's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Johnston City's vision of maintaining its unique small-town atmosphere while providing modern conveniences.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles—including those influenced by early 20th-century industrial development like Johnston City's—enables us to support community lighting goals that respect historical context.

Conclusion

Johnston City's lighting regulations create a framework that ensures adequate illumination while respecting the community's character and residential needs. The requirements balance safety, functionality, and consideration for neighboring properties.

Property owners should consult the full municipal code and connect with city officials when planning lighting installations. By understanding and following these regulations, residents and businesses contribute to Johnston City's efforts to maintain its distinctive character while providing modern illumination standards.

These lighting requirements reflect Johnston City's commitment to preserving its small-town charm while ensuring that streets, businesses, homes, and public spaces are appropriately illuminated for safety and functionality.