Lighting Regulations in Leland Grove, Illinois: Preserving Community Character While Ensuring Safety

Introduction

Nestled on the southwest side of Springfield, Leland Grove is a charming Illinois community with a rich history dating back to post-World War II development. This small city of just 0.63 square miles emerged in response to local infrastructure challenges, particularly what local historians refer to as a "plague of potholes" that spurred development in the area.

Today, Leland Grove balances its historical roots with modern community needs, emphasizing environmental stewardship through programs like Trees Forever. This commitment to preserving natural beauty while ensuring functionality is reflected in the city's approach to lighting regulations.

As Leland Grove has evolved from its agricultural past to the close-knit community it is today, lighting regulations have played an important role in maintaining its unique suburban character while ensuring resident safety and convenience.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here's a summary of Leland Grove's essential lighting regulations:

• Interior Lighting: Required in bathrooms, laundry rooms, furnace rooms, halls, and stairways
• Public Spaces: Multiple dwellings with 4+ units need continuous lighting in hallways and stairs
• Street Numbers: Must be visible from 20 feet and from the street
• Street Lighting: Must conform to IES standard RP-8 or ANSI standard D12.1
• Utility Poles: Existing light standards should be used when possible; new installations discouraged
• Yard Installations: Lights and light standards are permitted as yard obstructions
• Easements: Underground street lighting cables require minimum 6-foot easements

Interior Lighting Requirements

Essential Room Lighting

Leland Grove's building code establishes clear requirements for interior lighting to ensure safety and functionality. Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room, furnace room, public hall, and stairway must contain at least one supplied ceiling or wall-type electric light fixture.

Multi-Unit Dwelling Requirements

The lighting requirements become more specific for multi-unit dwellings:

• Buildings with 4+ units: Public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with 1-3 units: Public halls and stairways may use conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system instead of full-time lighting

These requirements ensure that common areas remain safe and navigable for residents and visitors, regardless of the time of day.

Exterior & Property Identification

Address Visibility

For emergency services and visitors alike, clearly visible property identification is essential. Leland Grove requires that:

• Every residence or dwelling unit must have its numerical street number:
• Visible from a distance of 20 feet
• Visible from the street
• At least 3 inches in height
• In a color contrasting to the surface on which it's placed

Water Features and Docks

For properties with water features, additional safety measures are required:

• Dock posts must be marked by reflective devices to ensure visibility during low-light conditions

Yard Lighting

The city code specifically notes that "lights and light standards" are allowed obstructions in any yard, providing flexibility for homeowners to illuminate their properties as needed while complying with other applicable regulations.

Street Lighting Standards

Public Street Illumination

Leland Grove requires that streetlights shall be provided along public streets conforming to current IES standard RP-8 or ANSI standard D12.1. These industry standards ensure appropriate illumination levels for roadway safety.

Installation Guidelines

When it comes to the installation of lighting infrastructure, the city emphasizes efficiency and minimal disruption:

• Existing utility poles and light standards shall be used wherever practicable
• The installation of additional utility poles is strongly discouraged
• Light pole construction is permitted as a minor, non-obstructive activity under IDNR/OWR statewide permit number 6

Infrastructure Planning

For underground lighting infrastructure, the code specifies that easements for underground street lighting cables require a minimum width of 6 feet, compared to the standard 10-foot easement required for most other utilities.

What Property Owners Should Know

Balancing Lighting Needs

It's worth noting that parts of Leland Grove have "no sidewalks, curbs or street lights," which is mentioned in the context of enhancing public safety by reducing vehicular traffic. This reflects the city's balanced approach to infrastructure and lighting.

Compliance Considerations

When updating your property or installing new lighting, consider:

• Interior Requirements: Ensure all required rooms have appropriate light fixtures
• Common Areas: Multi-unit property owners must maintain adequate lighting in shared spaces
• Property Identification: Verify your street numbers meet visibility requirements
• Outdoor Installations: While lights are permitted in yards, consult local ordinances for any additional requirements

Planning for New Construction

For new construction or significant renovations, ensure that:

• Street lighting plans conform to the required standards
• Light pole placements utilize existing infrastructure when possible
• Proper easements are established for underground lighting cables

Supporting Leland Grove's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand the unique character of communities like Leland Grove. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate the importance of balancing modern lighting needs with historical character and community values.

Leland Grove's commitment to environmental stewardship through programs like Trees Forever aligns with our own dedication to sustainable lighting practices. We recognize that in a community that values its natural beauty and suburban charm, lighting solutions must be both functional and aesthetically complementary.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs positions us as a resource for Leland Grove residents seeking to comply with local regulations while enhancing their properties. We're committed to supporting communities as they navigate the balance between safety, functionality, and preservation of local character.

Conclusion

Leland Grove's lighting regulations reflect its community values: safety, functionality, and preservation of its unique suburban character. From interior lighting requirements to street illumination standards, these regulations ensure that the city maintains its charm while providing essential services to residents.

Property owners should familiarize themselves with these requirements when planning renovations or new construction, ensuring compliance while enhancing their properties. By understanding and following these guidelines, residents contribute to the continued development of Leland Grove as a safe, attractive, and well-planned community.