Lighting Regulations in Lake Forest, Illinois: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Illumination

Introduction

Founded in 1857 and incorporated in 1861, Lake Forest, Illinois stands as a testament to thoughtful urban planning and architectural heritage. With its distinctive council-manager form of government and special charter from the Illinois State Legislature, Lake Forest has carefully cultivated its identity as a historic community.

The city's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to preservation while addressing practical needs. From the historic Market Square to the tree-lined residential streets, Lake Forest's approach to lighting embraces both functionality and aesthetics that complement its architectural legacy.

Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents who wish to maintain compliance while contributing to Lake Forest's distinctive character.

Quick Reference Guide

• Sign Illumination: Maximum 25 foot-candles when measured 4 feet from sign face
• Food Service Areas: 50 foot-candles required on food preparation surfaces
• Storage/Toilet Rooms: Minimum 20 foot-candles at 30 inches above floor
• Residential Requirements: Natural light via glass area equal to 8% of habitable room floor area
• Parking Areas: Maximum 3 foot-candles at property line, directed away from residences
• Street Lights: Required at all intersections, cul-de-sacs, and at intervals not exceeding 400 feet
• Special Prohibitions: Festoon lighting not permitted; no unshielded lights for building/outdoor illumination

Sign Lighting Requirements

Illumination Standards

Lake Forest places significant emphasis on appropriate sign lighting, reflecting the city's commitment to maintaining its visual character while ensuring safety and functionality.

• Illuminated signs must comply with the City Electrical Code
• Maximum light intensity of 25 foot-candles when measured 4 feet from sign face
• All lighting intensity subject to review after installation

Prohibited Lighting Types

The following sign lighting practices are explicitly prohibited:

• Blinking, flashing, fluttering, or rotating lights
• Any illumination with changing intensity, brightness, or color
• Colored lights that could be confused with traffic signals
• Unshielded lights on poles, wires, or other supports

External Illumination Guidelines

When using external illumination for signs, the following requirements apply:

• Light sources must be shielded and directed to prevent direct visibility from surrounding properties
• Lighting fixtures cannot protrude more than 9 inches from sign face (except ground lighting)
• Political and temporary signs are exempt from color regulations but must still follow illumination rules

Commercial and Public Space Lighting

Food Service Establishments

Health and safety regulations mandate specific lighting standards for food service areas:

• 50 foot-candles of illumination required on all working surfaces where food is prepared, processed, or stored
• 20 foot-candles required in storage and toilet rooms at 30 inches above floor
• All rooms must be "adequately lighted" per general requirements

Restaurant Considerations

Restaurants must be especially mindful of lighting impacts:

• Site access, egress, delivery areas, and trash enclosures must be located to minimize light impact on nearby single-family homes
• Lighting plans require approval before occupancy permits are issued

Parking Area Illumination

Off-street parking areas have specific lighting requirements:

• Lighting must be directed away from residential properties and public streets
• Maximum illumination of 3 foot-candles measured at the property line
• Lighting designs subject to City Engineer approval
• Plans must include complete lighting details for approval

Residential Lighting Requirements

Natural Light Standards

Lake Forest's code emphasizes the importance of natural light in living spaces:

• All habitable rooms must provide for natural light
• Glass area must equal at least 8% of the floor area of the room
• Natural ventilation openings to the outside must equal at least 4% of floor area

Interior Lighting Requirements

For interior spaces, the code specifies:

• Stairways, hallways, and other multi-entry areas must have lighting outlets switched from all exits and entries
• Emergency lights and exit signs must have lockout devices installed on their circuit breakers
• All light fixtures must have at least one bulb installed for final inspection

Pool Lighting

For residential and commercial pools:

• All pool lighting must comply with the National Electric Code
• All electrical fixtures must be UL approved
• Underwater lights and niches must meet safety standards

Street and Public Safety Lighting

Street Light Requirements

The city maintains specific standards for street lighting:

• "City standard street lights" required at all intersections and cul-de-sacs
• Street lights required at intervals not exceeding 400 feet
• Streets and Sanitation Department maintains responsibility for all street lights, traffic signals, and related infrastructure

Temporary Safety Lighting

For construction and maintenance activities:

• Trenches must be "lighted with torches or flares" during hours of 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. when unattended
• Proper barricades and lights must be maintained at all obstructions or openings
• If proper lighting is not maintained, the Director of Community Development may place such lighting and charge the responsible party

Specialized Lighting Regulations

Ice Vending Machines

Ice vending machines have specific lighting restrictions:

• Machines must be illuminated and located to avoid creating traffic hazards
• No blinking, unshaded, or colored lights permitted for illumination or advertising

Prohibited Lighting Types

Certain lighting types are explicitly prohibited throughout Lake Forest:

• Festoon lighting and festoon supports are not permitted
• Unshielded lights to illuminate buildings, outdoor sales, or storage areas are prohibited unless approved by the Building Review Board

Architectural Considerations

Lake Forest's historical character influences lighting decisions:

• Properties in Historic Districts must exhibit consistency of lighting with surrounding structures
• Exterior light fixtures are considered part of the architectural character subject to review
• Approval of lighting by appropriate Board or Commission required prior to occupancy permit issuance

Supporting Lake Forest's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, shares Lake Forest's commitment to preserving architectural heritage while embracing modern lighting technology. Our understanding of the balance between historical authenticity and contemporary functionality aligns with Lake Forest's careful preservation of its distinctive character.

As a regional manufacturer familiar with Midwestern architectural traditions, we appreciate Lake Forest's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations that protect its historic charm while ensuring safety and usability. Our expertise in lighting solutions that complement historical settings makes us a valuable resource for property owners navigating local regulations.

Bock Lighting values the same commitment to quality and historical integrity that has defined Lake Forest since its founding. We stand ready to serve as an educational resource on lighting regulations and best practices, helping maintain the community's unique visual identity for generations to come.

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning for Compliance

When undertaking any property improvements involving lighting in Lake Forest:

• Obtain approval of lighting plans before beginning installation
• Understand that lighting approval is required before occupancy permits will be issued
• Consider both technical requirements and aesthetic compatibility with surroundings

Practical Considerations

Property owners should keep these practical points in mind:

• Interior light requirements emphasize natural lighting supplemented by appropriate artificial lighting
• Exterior lighting must balance visibility and safety with minimal impact on neighbors
• Sign lighting requires particular attention to avoid prohibited types while meeting illumination standards
• Restaurant owners must pay special attention to lighting that might impact nearby residential properties

Getting Assistance

Resources available to navigate lighting requirements include:

• City Engineer's office for parking area lighting approval
• Building Review Board for certain exterior lighting situations
• Streets and Sanitation Department for street lighting concerns
• Appropriate Board or Commission for pre-occupancy lighting approval

Conclusion

Lake Forest's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving its historic character while ensuring safety, functionality, and aesthetic quality. From specific illumination requirements for commercial spaces to careful controls on exterior lighting, these regulations help maintain the distinctive environment that makes Lake Forest special.

Property owners who understand and embrace these requirements contribute to the city's ongoing legacy of architectural excellence and thoughtful development. By balancing modern lighting needs with respect for Lake Forest's historic character, the community continues to shine as one of Illinois's most distinctive and charming municipalities.