Lighting Regulations in Lindenhurst, Illinois: A Guide to Illuminating Your Property While Preserving Community Character

Introduction

Lindenhurst, Illinois, a relatively young village incorporated in 1956, was founded with a vision that balanced residential living with the preservation of natural surroundings. Located in Lake County near the scenic Chain O'Lakes, Lindenhurst has maintained its commitment to environmental stewardship while accommodating growth.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this balanced approach - ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality while minimizing light pollution that would detract from the community's natural beauty. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer in Lindenhurst, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and for supporting the village's environmental values.

Quick Reference Guide

• Exterior Lighting Cutoff Requirements: Total cutoff of light must be at an angle of less than 90 degrees
• Maximum Illumination Levels by District:
• Residential Districts (E, SE, S, R-1): 0.8 foot-candles
• Residential Districts (R-2, R-3, R-4): 1.0 foot-candles
• Business Districts (NB, CB, CBR-2, O, I): 2.0 foot-candles
• Business Park (BK) and PBC: 3.0 foot-candles
• Other Districts: 4.0 foot-candles
• Maximum Luminaire Heights: 15-20 feet depending on district
• Buffer Yard Illumination: Maximum 2 foot-candles at the interior buffer yard line
• LED Sign Brightness: 5,000 nits (day) and 500 nits (night)
• LED Sign Restrictions: No LED signs within 100 feet of residential uses

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Address Identification

For residential buildings, street numbers must be made of light-reflecting material with figures between 3-6 inches in height that are distinctive and easily read.

Home Occupation Lighting

If you operate a business from your home, lighting must not create glare detectable outside the dwelling unit in excess of what's normally associated with household use.

Property Line Considerations

Light fixtures must be shielded so that no light can be viewed from abutting residential zoning districts, protecting neighbors from unwanted light intrusion.

Commercial & Business Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Requirements

Businesses serving liquor must maintain adequate interior lighting:

• All rooms must be continuously lighted during business hours by natural or artificial white light
• The interior must be clearly visible from the street, road, or sidewalk
• No arrangement of lights may prevent a clear view of the entire interior

Restaurant Lighting Standards

Restaurants must adhere to specific lighting requirements:

• All rooms must be properly and adequately lighted so all parts may be inspected
• Toilet rooms must be well-lighted and ventilated
• Kitchen lighting must be equivalent to one 100-watt bulb for each 100 square feet of floor area

Laundry Facility Illumination

Laundry facilities must provide:

• Sufficient natural light through windows or skylights
• Minimum illumination of 5 footcandles in all parts of the room not directly obstructed by machinery

Sign Illumination Regulations

Permitted Sign Lighting Methods

Lindenhurst allows several methods of sign illumination depending on sign type:

Freestanding Signs

• Shielded spotlights
• Internally illuminated message signs
• Internally illuminated signs

Wall, Fascia, Awning/Canopy, Marquee and Graphic Signs

• Shielded spotlights
• Internally illuminated message signs
• Backlighted signs
• Internally illuminated signs

LED Sign Regulations

LED signs have specific requirements to minimize light pollution:

• Maximum brightness: 5,000 nits during day, 500 nits at night
• Background color: Must be black
• Message duration: Static for minimum of 8 seconds
• Operating hours: Must be turned off when business is closed (except fuel prices)
• Location restrictions: Not permitted within 100 feet of residential uses
• Movement: Flashing, scrolling, or rotating is prohibited
• Dimming capability: Must automatically adjust to ambient light

Spotlight Requirements

When using spotlights to illuminate signs:

• Must be fully shielded so they are not visible from streets or adjoining property
• Light source cannot be seen from adjoining roads

Parking Area Lighting Standards

Illumination Requirements

All off-street parking areas and access ways must be adequately illuminated with cutoff lighting:

• Total cutoff must be at an angle of less than 90 degrees
• Light source must be completely shielded from the direct view of an observer 5 feet above ground
• No light can be viewed from residential districts

Maximum Illumination by District

Specific illumination levels apply to different zoning districts:

• Residential Districts (E, SE, S, R-1): 0.8 foot-candles maximum
• Residential Districts (R-2, R-3, R-4): 1.0 foot-candles maximum
• Business Districts (NB, CB, CBR-2, O, I): 2.0 foot-candles maximum
• Business Park (BK) and PBC: 3.0 foot-candles maximum
• Other Districts: 4.0 foot-candles maximum

Maximum Height Requirements

The maximum permitted luminaire height varies by district:

• Residential Districts (E, SE, S, R-1): 15 feet
• All Other Districts: 20 feet

Special Use Lighting Considerations

Model Homes

Model homes and preconstruction sales offices have specific lighting requirements:

• Signs may not be illuminated after 9:00 p.m.
• All exterior lighting must be downlighting to prevent light cast onto adjoining properties
• All off-street parking areas must be illuminated
• All exterior lighting must be extinguished at closing time

Rental Offices

For rental offices:

• All exterior lighting must meet requirements for the zoning district
• All off-street parking areas must be illuminated
• Exterior lighting must be extinguished at the rental office's closing time

Supporting Lindenhurst's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and respect Lindenhurst's commitment to balancing growth with preserving its natural environment. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we appreciate communities that maintain their distinctive character while embracing necessary modernization.

We share Lindenhurst's values of minimizing light pollution while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality. Our expertise in regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows us to serve as a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations in communities like Lindenhurst.

Bock Lighting is committed to supporting sustainable and responsible lighting practices that align with community values. We understand the importance of preserving the natural beauty of areas like the Chain O'Lakes region while providing lighting solutions that meet local requirements.

Our team can help explain how different lighting technologies and designs can satisfy both aesthetic preferences and regulatory compliance, supporting Lindenhurst's vision of thoughtful development that respects the environment.

Lighting Plan Requirements

For many projects, Lindenhurst requires a lighting plan as part of the site plan review process. Your lighting plan must include:

• A catalog page, cut sheet, or photograph of the luminaire including mounting method
• A photometric data test report showing lighting distribution at all angles
• A plot plan indicating luminaire location, mounting height, overall illumination levels, and illumination at property boundaries
• A graphic depiction of luminaire lamp concealment and light cutoff angles

Conclusion

Lindenhurst's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to preserving natural beauty while providing adequate illumination for safety and functionality. By understanding and following these regulations, property owners contribute to maintaining the village's distinctive character and environmental values.

Whether you're installing exterior lighting for a home, business, or development, these standards ensure that lighting enhances the community without creating unwanted light pollution or impacting neighboring properties.

For specific questions about your lighting project, it's always best to consult with the Village's planning department to ensure compliance with all current regulations.