Lighting Regulations in Lee County, Illinois: Balancing Historic Character with Modern Needs

Introduction

Lee County, Illinois, established in 1839 and named after Richard Henry Lee, is a community that values its historical roots and architectural integrity. The county seat of Dixon, with its 19th-century origins and notable landmarks like the Old Lee County Courthouse, exemplifies the area's commitment to preserving its unique character.

This dedication to maintaining historical ambiance while ensuring safety and functionality is reflected in Lee County's approach to lighting regulations. These guidelines aim to minimize light pollution and glare while providing adequate illumination for safety and security—balancing modern needs with respect for the county's aesthetic and historical values.

Quick Reference Guide

Key Lighting Requirements in Lee County:

• Maximum illumination at property lines: 0.50 foot-candle above ambient conditions
• Minimum illumination for vehicular areas: 0.4 foot-candle
• Residential under-eave maximum: 4,720 lumens per residence
• Recreational facilities: Events must conclude lighting by 11:00 PM
• Commercial/industrial lighting: Must be turned off after business hours unless needed for safety
• Prohibited: Flashing/flickering lights, unshielded wall pack lighting, bottom-up accent lighting

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Purpose and Applicability

Lee County's exterior lighting regulations serve several important functions: promoting traffic safety, maintaining security, increasing energy efficiency, and preventing nuisances from excessive or poorly directed lighting.

These requirements apply to all private and commercial exterior lighting within the jurisdiction. Public right-of-way lighting and lighting on public property are exempt from these regulations.

Site Plan Requirements

When applying for permits involving outdoor lighting:

• Applicants must submit evidence of compliance as part of the site plan
• Plans must show the location, orientation, and configuration of all exterior lighting
• Additional information may be required by the Zoning Administrator, including illumination level profiles

Intensity and Measurement Standards

Maximum Illumination:

• Property line maximum: 0.50 foot-candle above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night
• Vehicular areas minimum: 0.4 foot-candle in areas used for parking, loading, or circulation after sunset

Fixture Orientation and Placement

• Exterior lighting fixtures must not be visible from properties in residential zoning districts
• Light fixtures cannot be located within required buffer yards
• Prohibited lighting types:
• Flashing or flickering lights that may distract motorists
• Unshielded wall pack lighting
• Bottom-up lighting for advertising or building accent

Residential Lighting Requirements

Exempt Residential Fixtures

Not all residential lighting is subject to the full regulations. Exemptions include:

• Fixtures attached to residential buildings below the eave
• Fixtures of 1,800 lumens or less (equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb)
• Total under-eave illumination not exceeding 4,720 lumens per residence (equivalent to four 75-watt incandescent bulbs)

Non-Exempt Residential Lighting

The following residential lighting must comply with all regulations:

• Light fixtures greater than 1,800 lumens
• Outdoor fixtures above the eave
• Fixtures attached to buildings or poles separate from the residence

Directional Lighting Requirements

• Spot or flood lights must be fully shielded
• They must be directed no more than 45 degrees above straight down

Commercial and Industrial Lighting

Operating Hours Restrictions

• All outdoor lighting fixtures, including display lighting, must be turned off after close of business
• Exception: Lighting needed for safety or security, which must still conform to all regulations

Special Commercial Requirements

• Auto/truck filling station island canopy ceiling fixtures must be fully recessed
• Commercial Solar Energy Facilities must use shielded and downcast lighting to prevent light spillage onto adjacent parcels

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Agricultural Lighting

• Lighting required for actual agricultural pursuits is exempt from regulations
• Exception: Security lighting for agricultural properties must still conform to county standards

Recreational Facilities

Recreational lighting has specific requirements to balance functionality with minimizing impact:

• All fixtures for event lighting must be fully shielded or designed with sharp cutoff capability
• Events should be scheduled to complete all activity before or as near to 10:30 PM as practical
• No illumination of playing fields, courts, or tracks is permitted after 11:00 PM except to conclude scheduled events that began before 11:00 PM

Communications Towers

• Communications towers shall not be artificially lit except when required by the FAA
• If lighting is required, dual mode lighting shall be installed (intermittent red lighting for nighttime and high-intensity lighting for daytime)
• Security lighting is permitted at ground level but must not project onto surrounding residential property

Special Situations and Exemptions

Holiday Lighting

• Reasonable and typical holiday lighting is exempt from regulations from the day before Thanksgiving until January 15