Lighting Regulations in LaSalle, Illinois: A Guide for Property Owners and Businesses

Introduction

Founded in 1837 and named after the French explorer Robert de LaSalle, the city of LaSalle has evolved from its early origins into a vibrant community spanning approximately 13.57 square miles. Located at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 39, LaSalle's downtown area serves as the community's hub with principal shopping streets like First Street, Marquette Street, and Gooding Street.

As LaSalle balances growth with preservation of its historical character, lighting regulations play a subtle but important role in maintaining the city's unique charm while ensuring safety and functionality. The city's proximity to the Illinois River and the Illinois and Michigan Canal has shaped not only its development but also its approach to urban planning, including lighting considerations.

Quick Reference Guide to LaSalle's Lighting Requirements

• Residential Dwellings: Must have minimum of 2 wall outlets or 1 ceiling fixture and 1 wall outlet per habitable room
• Commercial Signage: No flashing, intermittent, or moving illumination allowed in C-1 Commercial District
• Construction/Excavation: Red warning lights required from sunset to dawn for street obstructions
• Workplaces: Adequate lighting required to prevent injury to eyesight
• Building Permit Fee: $50 for outdoor lighting installations (poles, mounted signs, festoons, low-level lights)
• Special Use Requirements: Cannabis businesses must install security lighting as specified in permits

Residential Lighting Requirements

Minimum Lighting Standards for Dwellings

LaSalle's building code establishes basic lighting requirements for residential properties. Every habitable room in a dwelling must have installed electric lighting facilities consisting of at least 2 separate wall-type convenience outlets or 1 ceiling-type fixture and 1 wall-type outlet.

Maintaining Habitable Living Conditions

The city code specifically identifies inadequate lighting as a factor that can make a dwelling "unfit for human habitation or dangerous or detrimental to life, safety or health." Property owners must ensure lighting systems are properly maintained to avoid violations.

These requirements reflect LaSalle's commitment to ensuring basic safety and quality of life standards while preserving the character of its residential neighborhoods.

Commercial and Workplace Lighting

Workplace Illumination Standards

LaSalle's code contains specific provisions for workplace lighting, particularly in factory settings:

• Employers must provide adequate artificial light when sunlight is insufficient
• No employee may work in a location "so far removed from a window or other light giving aperture and so far from artificial light as to be injurious to eyesight"
• The Health Officer has authority to order improvements to lighting systems to protect worker health and safety

Commercial Signage Lighting Restrictions

In the C-1 Commercial District, the code specifies that directional signs, name signs, and signs advertising products sold on the premises must not contain flashing, intermittent, or moving illumination.

Special Uses and Cannabis Businesses

The code requires cannabis business establishments to "install building enhancements, such as security cameras, lighting or other improvements" to ensure safety of employees, customers, and the surrounding area. Specific lighting requirements are determined during the conditional use permit process.

Construction and Public Safety Lighting

Warning Lights for Public Safety

LaSalle's code emphasizes public safety through adequate warning lighting:

• Red warning lights required from sunset until dawn for any obstruction or excavation in public streets or alleys
• This includes building moving operations, excavations, and piled materials
• Lights must be positioned to "give ample warning" of the hazard

Permit Requirements for Outdoor Lighting

Installing outdoor lighting requires proper permits:

• Building permit fee for outdoor lighting: $50
• This applies to poles, mounted signs, festoons, and low-level lights
• Light poles are classified as "minor, non-obstructive activities" under certain permitting conditions

Special Use Permit Lighting Considerations

When issuing special use permits, the city may impose conditions related to lighting to minimize adverse effects on neighboring properties. These requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific use and location.

The flexible approach allows the city to address unique lighting needs while maintaining community standards and minimizing light pollution or nuisance to adjacent properties.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Tips for Homeowners

For residential property owners, ensuring compliance with LaSalle's lighting requirements is straightforward:

• Verify that each habitable room has the minimum required electrical outlets or fixtures
• Maintain all lighting systems in good working order
• Remember that inadequate lighting can render a dwelling "unfit for habitation" under city code

Business Owner Considerations

Business owners should be aware of workplace lighting requirements and sign illumination restrictions:

• Provide adequate workplace lighting to protect employee eyesight
• Avoid flashing or intermittent sign illumination in C-1 Commercial District
• Consult with the city when planning specialty lighting installations

Construction and Excavation Lighting

Anyone conducting construction or excavation work on public streets or alleys must:

• Install red warning lights at sunset
• Maintain lights until dawn
• Position lights to adequately warn the public of potential hazards

Supporting LaSalle's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the balance that communities like LaSalle strive to achieve between modern lighting needs and historical preservation. With LaSalle's rich history along the Illinois River and I&M Canal, maintaining appropriate lighting that respects the city's character is essential.

As a company experienced in working with communities that value their architectural heritage, Bock appreciates LaSalle's approach to lighting regulations that protect both public safety and community aesthetics. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs aligns well with LaSalle's goals.

For communities like LaSalle that are navigating the balance between development and preservation, having resources for understanding lighting regulations and options is valuable. Bock's commitment to education about responsible lighting practices mirrors LaSalle's thoughtful approach to community development.

Conclusion

LaSalle's lighting regulations reflect the city's practical approach to ensuring safety and functionality while respecting its historical character. While not overly prescriptive, the regulations establish basic standards for residential, commercial, and public safety lighting.

Property owners and businesses should familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure compliance, particularly when undertaking new construction or modifications. The city's approach allows for flexibility while maintaining standards that protect public safety and community aesthetics.

As LaSalle continues to grow and develop, these lighting regulations help maintain the balance between modern needs and the preservation of the city's unique historical character and charm.