Lighting Regulations in Kildeer, Illinois: Preserving Rural Character Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

In the charming village of Kildeer, Illinois, approximately 29 miles northwest of Chicago, lighting regulations play a vital role in preserving the community's natural beauty and rural character. These lighting standards weren't developed arbitrarily—they stem directly from the village's founding principles and commitment to maintaining its unique environment.

Incorporated in 1958 as a direct response to proposed large-scale development, Kildeer was established by residents who valued their natural surroundings and sought to preserve the area's open spaces and rural atmosphere. Today, these carefully crafted lighting regulations continue to protect the village's character while ensuring safety and functionality for residents and businesses.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Property Lighting Limits:

• Light spillage limit: Maximum 0.5 foot-candles beyond property lines (except at entrances)
• Parking lot illumination: Average of 1-3 foot-candles required
• Security lighting: Must be shielded and directed downward
• Glare prevention: Required for all lighting installations
• Sign lighting: Must be off between 11 PM and 7 AM near residential areas (unless business is operating)

Prohibited Lighting:

• Flashing lights on signs
• Revolving lights
• Exposed neon tubing
• Animated or chasing lights
• Flickering light sources

Understanding Kildeer's Lighting Philosophy

Rural Character Preservation

Kildeer's approach to lighting reflects its commitment to maintaining the village's rural character and natural beauty. With spacious one-acre residential lots and careful zoning, Kildeer has intentionally created a community that values open spaces and natural landscapes.

Balance of Safety and Aesthetics

The lighting regulations strike a careful balance between providing adequate illumination for safety and preventing light pollution that would detract from the village's character. This balance acknowledges both practical needs and aesthetic considerations.

Community Values

The regulations reflect Kildeer's values: respect for neighboring properties, preservation of dark skies, and maintenance of a peaceful rural atmosphere. These standards help ensure that lighting enhances rather than detracts from the quality of life in the village.

Parking and Property Lighting Standards

Uniform Design Requirements

Lighting used along streets, rights-of-way, and individual lots must maintain a uniform design. This consistency creates visual harmony throughout the community while ensuring adequate illumination.

Illumination Levels

For parking lots used at night:

• Minimum-maximum range: Average of 1-3 foot-candles must be maintained
• Distribution requirement: Even light distribution demonstrated through uniformity ratios
• Purpose: To ensure safe levels of illumination without excessive brightness

Light Containment and Spillage Control

Property lighting must be carefully controlled to prevent negative impacts on neighboring properties:

• Maximum spillage: Light beyond property lines limited to 0.5 foot-candles
• Exception: Entrances to commercial or office properties
• Glare prevention: Lighting must be designed to prevent glare visible from residential properties and street rights-of-way

Security Lighting Requirements

Directional Controls

Security lighting on commercial or office buildings must be:

• Fully shielded to cover lamps completely
• Downward-directed to focus light where needed
• Glare-preventing to avoid impacting neighboring properties

Nuisance Prevention

The regulations specifically address light as a potential nuisance:

• Flickering or intense light sources must be controlled or shielded
• Operations producing glare at night must not cause illumination exceeding 0.5 foot-candles in residential districts

Sign Illumination Regulations

Operational Hours

For businesses near residential areas:

• Nighttime restrictions: Illuminated signs within 100 feet of residential districts must be turned off between 11 PM and 7 AM
• Exception: Signs may remain lit during actual business operating hours

Illumination Methods

Sign lighting must use specific methods:

• Through translucent surfaces
• Recessed into sign structure
• External lighting must be directed and concentrated on the sign
• Prohibited: Exposed neon tubing

Light Control Features

To minimize impact:

• Signs must be shaded to avoid casting bright light on residential property or public streets/parks
• External illumination sources (floodlights, gooseneck reflectors, etc.) must be contained in protective casings
• Illumination must maintain constant intensity and color

Prohibited Sign Lighting

The regulations explicitly prohibit:

• Flashing lights or intermittent lights
• Revolving lights
• Animated signs
• Signs with moving lights
• Lighting creating illusion of movement

Exception: Time and temperature displays with intermittent lighting are permitted if they comply with other regulations.

Special Business Lighting Requirements

ATMs and Banking Facilities

Banks, savings institutions, and freestanding ATMs must provide "adequate lighting" for pedestrian and vehicular circulation safety.

Vending Machines

• Require minimum of 0.5 foot-candles of illumination at ground level
• Proposed lighting plan must be submitted for approval

Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

• Must not use flashing lights, searchlights, or spotlights
• Must provide adequate security lighting
• Parking areas, entrances, and other key areas must be monitored by video surveillance

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning and Documentation

For new developments and lighting installations:

• Photometric plans are required for certain developments
• Plans must show location and heights of all light standards
• Foot-candle intensities must be documented on the site and 10 feet beyond property lines
• Specifications must include wattage, illumination method, and color of standards/luminaries

Practical Compliance Tips

For existing property owners:

• Use shielded fixtures for all outdoor lighting
• Direct lights downward rather than outward or upward
• Consider timer controls for nighttime illumination
• Maintain consistent design elements in all exterior lighting

Benefits of Compliance

Following Kildeer's lighting regulations:

• Preserves the village's distinctive rural character
• Reduces conflicts with neighbors
• Creates a more aesthetically pleasing environment
• Supports Kildeer's community-wide commitment to maintaining its natural setting

Supporting Kildeer's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands communities like Kildeer that value preserving their unique character while meeting modern needs.

Our experience working with communities that prioritize historic preservation and rural character gives us insight into the balance Kildeer seeks to maintain between adequate illumination and preserving its natural environment.

We appreciate Kildeer's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that maintain its rural charm while ensuring safety and functionality. As lighting experts, we're committed to supporting communities through education about local regulations and sustainable lighting practices that respect community character.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners seeking to enhance their properties while honoring Kildeer's vision of preserving its distinctive rural atmosphere.

Conclusion

Kildeer's lighting regulations reflect the village's founding principles and ongoing commitment to preserving its rural character and natural beauty. By carefully controlling light levels, preventing spillage and glare, and establishing clear standards for different lighting applications, these regulations help maintain the quality of life that makes Kildeer special.

Property owners who understand and follow these standards contribute to the village's distinctive atmosphere while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. The balance struck by these regulations demonstrates how thoughtful planning can preserve community character while meeting practical needs.

For residents and businesses in Kildeer, these lighting regulations aren't just rules to follow—they're an important part of what keeps the village the desirable, natural community that residents value.