Lighting Regulations in Lakemoor, Illinois: Preserving Natural Beauty While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled amid picturesque landscapes and serene environments, Lakemoor, Illinois offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat from urban bustle. Incorporated in 1952, this charming village prides itself on its natural beauty, with attractions like Moraine Hills State Park and Lily Lake providing ample outdoor recreation opportunities.

Lakemoor's commitment to preserving its natural character and tranquil atmosphere is reflected in its approach to lighting regulations. These guidelines help maintain the village's scenic appeal while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements in Lakemoor

• Maximum light spillage onto neighboring properties:

• Single-family residential districts: 0.1 foot candles (1.0 lux)
• Multiple family residential districts: 0.2 foot candles (2.0 lux)
• Commercial districts: 2.0 foot candles (21.5 lux)
• Office, institutional, industrial, AMO: 5.0 foot candles (53.8 lux)
• Parks and schools: 5.0 foot candles (53.8 lux)

• Parking lot lighting restrictions:

• Light poles cannot exceed 30 feet in height
• Must use LED lamps and luminaires
• Fixtures must be fully shielded with optically controlled sharp cut-offs
• All lighting must be directed to prevent glare on adjacent properties

• General illumination limit:

• No operation shall produce direct or indirect illumination greater than 0.5 foot-candles in any Residential District

Parking and Loading Area Lighting Requirements

Shielding and Glare Prevention

All lighting used to illuminate off-street parking and off-street loading areas must be optically controlled to provide glareless illumination. This careful design ensures illumination doesn't create a nuisance for adjacent properties.

Spillage Limitations

Lakemoor strictly regulates light spillage between properties, with specific maximum measurements based on zoning districts. These limitations help preserve the village's natural darkness while allowing for necessary illumination.

LED Fixtures and Height Restrictions

Off-street light poles in Lakemoor cannot exceed 30 feet in height. These installations must include LED lamp and luminaire lighting systems with fully shielded fixtures featuring flat bottom optically controlled sharp cut-offs.

Business-Specific Lighting Requirements

Liquor Establishments

Businesses selling liquor for on-premises consumption must follow specific lighting guidelines:

• Interior spaces must be continuously lighted during business hours • Natural light or artificial white light must illuminate all parts of the interior clearly • Light arrangements must not create obstruction when viewed from the street, road, or sidewalk

Cannabis Facilities

Both recreational/medical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation/craft grower centers have specialized lighting requirements:

• Security lighting is mandatory throughout the premises • Video surveillance must be integrated with lighting systems • The Village may impose additional exterior lighting requirements during site plan review

Sign Illumination Standards

Permitted Illumination Types

Lakemoor regulates how signs can be illuminated:

• Many sign types (including awning, billboard, ground, blade, and canopy signs) may be internally or externally illuminated • External illumination must be directed specifically onto the sign face • Canopy signs for gas stations may have an illuminated band limited to 20% of the overall height of the canopy façade

Illumination Restrictions

• Bare bulb or flame illumination is generally prohibited (except on changing signs or theatre marquees) • Gooseneck reflectors or projecting arms with lights are permitted on freestanding and wall signs • Sign illumination must maintain constant intensity and color • Light must be shaded, shielded or directed to prevent glare • No light may create traffic hazards for vehicle operators

Electronic Message Signs

• Limited to one per property or development • Messages must remain static for a minimum of ten seconds • Scrolling, fading, flashing, animation, video, and sound are prohibited

Architectural and Exterior Lighting

Design Integration

Exterior lighting should be considered part of the architectural concept of buildings. Fixtures, standards, and exposed accessories must harmoniously complement the building design, preserving Lakemoor's aesthetic character.

Telecommunication Facilities

For telecommunication installations: • Lighting should be installed for security and safety purposes only • All lighting must be shielded so glare doesn't extend substantially beyond facility boundaries • FCC/FAA required lighting is exempt from certain restrictions

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Considerations for Compliance

Understanding Lakemoor's lighting regulations helps property owners make informed decisions that align with the village's vision:

• Work with lighting professionals familiar with Lakemoor's specific requirements • Consider the maximum spillage allowances when installing new lighting • Remember that existing utility poles and light standards should be used when practicable • Be aware that additional utility poles are strongly discouraged in the village

Permit Requirements and Fees

Lakemoor has established fee structures for various lighting installations:

• Signs:

• Nonilluminated: $0.85 per square foot
• Illuminated: $1.05 per square foot

• Exterior underground electric/site wiring: $70 plus $5 per fixture

Supporting Lakemoor's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the delicate balance communities like Lakemoor strive to achieve with their lighting regulations. We recognize that Lakemoor's regulations reflect its commitment to preserving natural beauty while ensuring safety and functionality.

As lighting experts with deep regional experience, we appreciate Lakemoor's efforts to minimize light pollution and maintain its serene character. Our team regularly helps communities throughout the Midwest navigate lighting requirements that protect their unique environmental attributes while meeting modern needs.

Bock Lighting shares Lakemoor's values regarding environmental stewardship and maintaining community character. We view our role as partners in education about responsible lighting practices that support the village's vision for sustainable development while respecting its natural surroundings.

Conclusion

Lakemoor's lighting regulations reflect the village's dedication to maintaining its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. By carefully controlling light spillage, requiring appropriate shielding, and integrating lighting with architectural design, these guidelines help preserve the character that makes Lakemoor special.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations contribute to Lakemoor's vision of a community that balances modern needs with environmental stewardship. Together, these efforts ensure that Lakemoor remains a place where residents and visitors can enjoy both the convenience of adequate illumination and the beauty of a night sky unmarred by excessive light pollution.