Lighting Regulations in Lacon, Illinois: Preserving Historic Character Through Modest Lighting Standards

Introduction

Nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, Lacon stands as the oldest town in Putnam, Marshall, Bureau, and Stark counties. First established in 1831, this historic community features a rich heritage that dates back to when American Indian tribes inhabited the region. Named after Laconia in Greece, Lacon's commitment to preserving its historical character is reflected in its approach to various regulations, including those governing lighting.

As a small, close-knit community of roughly 2,500 residents, Lacon maintains a set of lighting standards that balance modern needs with respect for the town's historic integrity. While these regulations are not extensive, they provide important guidelines for property owners and businesses to follow.

Quick Reference Guide

• Tree Maintenance: Property owners must prune trees that obstruct street lights
• Exit Lighting: Assembly halls (100+ capacity) require 4-inch EXIT signs with red globe lights
• Sign Illumination: Must be diffused/indirect and not reflect into residential areas or public ways
• Parking Areas: Lighting must be arranged to direct light away from residences and streets
• Towers: Generally cannot be illuminated except when required by FAA or other authorities
• Camps: Must be adequately lighted for safety of occupants and visitors

Street Lighting and Public Safety

Tree Maintenance Requirements

The proper functioning of street lights is considered essential for public safety in Lacon. The city's regulations specifically address how vegetation should be managed to ensure effective street lighting:

• Property owner responsibilities: Every owner of trees overhanging streets or rights-of-way must prune branches that obstruct light from street lamps
• City authority: Lacon reserves the right to prune trees or shrubs on private property when they interfere with proper light spread from street lights
• Traffic visibility: Pruning is also required when vegetation interferes with visibility of traffic control devices or signs

Street Light Planning

When it comes to infrastructure planning, Lacon maintains oversight of street light placement:

• Street light easements must be located as approved by the City Council
• Construction of light poles falls under IDNR/OWR State-wide Permit Number 6 as a minor, non-obstructive activity

This approach allows the city to ensure street lighting aligns with both safety needs and community character.

Commercial and Public Building Requirements

Assembly Hall Safety Lighting

For buildings serving as assembly halls, clear safety lighting is mandatory:

• EXIT signage requirements:
• Required for assembly halls accommodating 100+ persons
• Signs must display "EXIT" in letters at least 4 inches high
• Must be placed over every door/opening leading to means of egress
• A light with a red globe must be placed at or over each sign
• These lights must remain on during the entire period the hall is open and until the audience has departed

Camp Lighting Standards

For camps within Lacon's jurisdiction:

• Grounds must be "properly and adequately lighted at all times"
• Lighting must ensure the grounds are safe for occupants and visitors
• While specific illumination levels aren't defined, the focus is on maintaining safety

Sign and Advertising Illumination

Sign Lighting Restrictions

Lacon's regulations for illuminated signage focus on minimizing light pollution and distraction:

• Light direction: Illumination must be diffused or indirect
• Light containment: Must be arranged to prevent direct light rays from reflecting into:
• Adjacent residential districts
• Public rights-of-way
• Traffic safety concerns: Signs in direct line of vision of traffic control signals cannot have:
• Flashing illumination
• Intermittent illumination
• Red, green, or amber illumination that might be confused with traffic signals

These requirements help maintain the aesthetic character of the community while ensuring signage remains visible without becoming disruptive.

Parking and Recreational Areas

Parking Lot Lighting

For off-street parking areas, lighting must be thoughtfully directed:

• Lighting arrangements must reflect light away from:
• Adjoining residential buildings
• Residential zones
• Streets

Recreational Lighting Considerations

The city recognizes that certain recreational uses have special lighting needs:

• "Open air illumination for outdoor games" like baseball and football is addressed in special use provisions
• These uses require special consideration where glare and noise might unreasonably affect:
• Surrounding properties
• Highway traffic

Special Structures

Tower Lighting Restrictions

Lacon has specific regulations governing the illumination of towers:

• Towers shall not be illuminated by artificial means
• Towers shall not display strobe or flashing lights
• Exception: Illumination is permitted when required by:
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Other federal or state authorities

Supporting Lacon's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting's Commitment to Historical Communities

As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, Bock Lighting understands the unique challenges faced by historic communities like Lacon. We appreciate the delicate balance between preserving a town's authentic character while ensuring modern safety and functionality needs are met.

Bock Lighting shares Lacon's commitment to preserving historical character through thoughtful lighting approaches. Our experience with communities that prioritize their heritage has given us insight into how lighting can enhance rather than detract from architectural significance.

Resources for Historic Community Lighting

While maintaining compliance with Lacon's regulations, property owners can benefit from lighting solutions that respect the city's historical context. Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for communities navigating the intersection of lighting technology and historical preservation.

Our understanding of regional architectural styles enables us to provide guidance that aligns with communities seeking to maintain their distinctive character while meeting modern lighting needs. We're committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that honor Lacon's vision for its historic downtown and residential areas.

Conclusion

While Lacon's lighting regulations are not extensively detailed, they reflect the community's practical approach to balancing modern needs with historical preservation. Property owners should focus particularly on ensuring that lighting doesn't spill over to neighboring properties, exit lighting meets safety requirements, and signs are illuminated appropriately.

As Lacon continues to preserve its rich heritage dating back to 1831, these lighting guidelines help ensure that modern illumination supports rather than detracts from the community's historic character. For specific questions about compliance with Lacon's lighting regulations, property owners should consult with city officials directly.