Lighting Regulations in Kane County, Illinois: Balancing Safety, Function, and Community Character

Introduction

Kane County, Illinois, established in 1836 and named after Elias Kent Kane, has evolved from its agricultural roots into a diverse community with rich historical character. The county's development regulations, including those governing lighting, reflect its commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its unique architectural heritage and community identity.

From the 1892 Courthouse to the various historical districts throughout the county, Kane County values its heritage while adapting to modern needs. This careful balance is evident in the county's approach to lighting regulations, which aim to enhance public safety without compromising the aesthetic integrity of its neighborhoods.

Quick Reference Guide

Below are the most critical lighting requirements in Kane County:

• Road Lighting: Required at all road intersections in urban subdivisions
• Commercial/Industrial Road Lighting: Must be high-intensity type, placed on alternate sides
• Light Spillover: Limited to 0.5 lumens per square foot for telecommunications facilities and parking areas
• Trailer Parks: Minimum 100-watt light required per 200 linear feet of private streets
• Sign Illumination: Permitted for 6 sq. ft. property signs if they don't create traffic hazards or nuisances
• Business Area Lighting: Must be directed onto business areas, not toward roads or neighboring properties
• Solar Facilities: Lighting must be shielded and downcast to prevent spillover
• Wind Energy Systems: No artificial illumination unless required by FAA

Road and Street Lighting Requirements

Urban Subdivision Requirements

Kane County places significant emphasis on adequate lighting for its roadways, particularly in residential areas:

• Road lighting facilities must be provided at all road intersections in urban subdivisions
• Additional lighting required at closer intervals if subdivision density is three or more dwelling units per acre
• Entrance lighting may be required at the entrance of country subdivisions

Commercial and Industrial Standards

For non-residential areas, Kane County has established specific standards:

• Commercial and industrial road lighting must be of the high-intensity type
• Fixtures must be placed on alternative sides of the road
• All installation costs are the responsibility of the owner or developer

Installation Responsibility

The regulations clearly define who bears responsibility for lighting implementation:

• The owner or developer must arrange for and pay any installation costs required by the public service company
• Street lighting on public streets must conform to the requirements of Chapter 19 of the county code

Property and Business Lighting

Height Restrictions

Kane County limits the height of lighting fixtures in certain areas:

• Ornamental light standards shall not exceed 30 inches above the centerline grade when located within 20 feet of lot corners formed by street intersections

Business Area Lighting

The county provides specific guidance for business lighting placement:

• Light poles for business areas (like gasoline stations and parking lots) may be placed immediately outside the right-of-way line
• No portion of the pole, standard, bracket, or attached parts may extend over the right-of-way line
• Lights must be directed onto the business area and not toward roads or neighboring properties

Parking Area Requirements

For off-street parking facilities, Kane County has comprehensive lighting standards:

• Lighting must be designed to avoid direct illumination, glare, or excessive light onto surrounding public and private property
• Applicants must submit a detailed plan showing:
• Locations of lighting standards
• Height of poles
• Type of fixtures
• Type of lamps and wattage
• Photometric maps and computations
• Spillover lighting onto adjacent property cannot exceed 0.5 lumens per square foot

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Trailer Coach Parks

Kane County has detailed lighting requirements for trailer parks:

• All entrances, exits, and driveways must be lighted at night
• A minimum 100-watt electric light is required for each 200 linear feet of private streets
• Lights also required at each entrance and exit to the trailer coach park
• All electrical distribution wiring must be underground

Telecommunications Facilities

For telecommunications installations, the county emphasizes limited lighting:

• Lighting shall be installed only for security and safety purposes
• Except for FCC or FAA requirements, all lighting must be shielded to ensure spillover lighting does not exceed 0.5 lumen per square foot

Wind Energy Systems

Wind energy installations have specific lighting restrictions:

• Small Tower-Mounted Wind Energy Turbines (STM-WETs) and Small Structure-Mounted Wind Energy Turbines (SSM-WETs) shall not be artificially illuminated unless required by FAA
• WECS Projects must utilize minimal lighting that complies with applicable FAA regulations
• Aircraft Detection Lighting Systems (ADLS) or similar technology must be used when approved by the FAA to reduce light pollution and visual impacts

Commercial Solar Energy Facilities

Solar installations must minimize light impact:

• If lighting is provided, it must be shielded and downcast so that light does not spill onto adjacent parcels

Sign Illumination Standards

Residential and Business Signs

Kane County allows limited illumination of certain signs:

• Signs not exceeding 6 square feet pertaining to sale, lease, or identification of premises may be illuminated
• Illumination must not constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance to neighboring properties
• No sign shall be of such intensity or brilliance as to impair driver vision or interfere with vehicle operation
• Illuminated digital media signs are limited to non-residential zones (mercantile, commercial, industrial) or highway business zones

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Electric vehicle infrastructure must meet specific lighting standards:

• Charging station equipment must be installed with adequate site lighting in accordance with county ordinances
• Stations should be installed in well-lit areas
• Higher lighting levels are recommended for on-street charging stations

What Property Owners Should Know

Understanding Kane County's lighting regulations is crucial when planning property improvements:

Planning for Compliance

Before installing or modifying lighting on your property, consider these key factors:

• Location matters: Different standards apply to different areas and uses
• Light direction and shielding: Most regulations focus on preventing light from spilling onto neighboring properties
• Documentation requirements: Some installations require detailed lighting plans showing specific information about fixtures and light levels
• Special use considerations: Specific standards apply to telecommunications, wind energy, solar facilities, and EV charging stations

Prevention of Light Nuisance

Many regulations focus on preventing lighting from becoming a nuisance:

• Light industry must comply with performance standards governing glare
• Any use that is detrimental to neighboring property due to glare may be prohibited
• Proper shielding and directing of light can help prevent compliance issues

Supporting Kane County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Kane County's commitment to balancing modern needs with historical preservation. As a regional manufacturer, Bock understands the unique architectural character of communities like those in Kane County.

Our appreciation for the balance between safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation aligns perfectly with Kane County's approach to lighting regulations. We recognize the importance of lighting that enhances community character while meeting safety requirements.

As a resource for communities, Bock Lighting focuses on education about lighting regulations and solutions that respect local architectural styles. Our experience with projects in historically significant areas allows us to appreciate Kane County's careful approach to development that honors its past while looking toward the future.

Bock's commitment to sustainable lighting practices supports Kane County's vision for responsible growth and development that preserves community character for future generations.

Conclusion

Kane County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to maintaining the aesthetic integrity of its communities while ensuring public safety. By carefully regulating aspects such as light spillover, fixture height, and illumination levels, the county creates environments that honor its historical character while meeting modern needs.

For property owners, understanding these regulations is essential when planning improvements. By following these guidelines, residents and businesses can contribute to the county's vision of balanced development that respects both growth and preservation.

Whether for residential, commercial, or specialized applications, Kane County's lighting regulations provide a framework for illumination that enhances community spaces while minimizing negative impacts on neighbors and the environment.