Lighting Regulations in Mahomet, Illinois: Balancing History, Safety, and Community Character

Mahomet, Illinois, with its rich historical roots dating back to the early 19th century, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its commitment to preserving community character while ensuring safety and functionality. Originally settled in the early 1800s and officially founded in 1832, Mahomet's approach to lighting regulations reflects both its historical heritage and its vision for thoughtful development.

Quick Reference Guide to Mahomet's Lighting Requirements

• Outdoor Commercial/Industrial/Multi-Family Lighting:
• Must be fully shielded with light projected below horizontal plane
• Must minimize uplight, spill-light and glare
• No light source visible 2+ feet above ground at property line
• Maximum 0.50 foot candles illumination beyond property line (measured 5 feet above ground)
• Residential Swimming Pools:
• Illumination limited to underwater lighting only
• Sign Lighting:
• No direct illumination emission allowed
• Must be hooded/shielded to reflect light away from neighboring properties
• No light allowed to shine directly onto adjacent property or streets
• Street Lighting:
• Required at intersections of major collector/arterial streets
• Must comply with IDOT Standard Specifications
• Must be shielded in residential areas to reduce home glare

Understanding Mahomet's Lighting Philosophy

Historical Context and Lighting Vision

Mahomet's development was shaped by significant infrastructure milestones, including the first state road from Urbana to Bloomington in 1835 and the establishment of the county bridge across the Sangamon River around 1850. Today, this village of rich architectural heritage takes a balanced approach to development that respects its historical character.

Purpose Behind the Regulations

The village code explicitly states that regulations have been prepared "to protect and to promote adequate light." This straightforward purpose underscores Mahomet's commitment to ensuring both appropriate illumination for safety and preventing excessive lighting that might detract from community character.

Mahomet's lighting regulations aim to create a balance between:

• Providing adequate illumination for safety and convenience
• Preventing light pollution and trespass
• Preserving the village's unique historical character
• Maintaining the quality of life for residents

Outdoor Lighting Requirements for Properties

Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Family Properties

The most comprehensive lighting regulations in Mahomet apply to commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties. These standards ensure appropriate lighting without creating nuisances:

• Fixture Design Requirements:
• All outdoor lighting must be "fully shielded"
• Light rays must be "projected below the horizontal plain passing through the lowest point on the fixture"
• Fixtures must be designed to "minimize uplight, spill-light and glare"
• Light Trespass Limitations:
• No light source should be visible at points 2+ feet above ground level at property lines
• Maximum illumination beyond property: 0.50 foot candles (measured 5 feet above ground level)

Residential Property Lighting

Residential properties have fewer specific regulations, with the exception of:

• Swimming Pool Lighting: Illumination of pools is expressly "limited to underwater lighting"
• General Requirement: Lighting should not create nuisance conditions for neighbors

Understanding Light Trespass

Mahomet's code defines "light trespass" as "light falling where it is not wanted or needed (also referred to as spill light or obtrusive light)." This definition helps property owners understand what conditions they need to avoid when installing outdoor lighting.

Sign Illumination Standards

Prohibited Sign Lighting

Mahomet's code is clear about several prohibited sign lighting practices:

• Signs may not emit direct illumination
• Illuminated signs cannot permit light to shine directly onto adjacent property or streets
• Blinking or flashing lights (except time/temperature signs) are prohibited
• Exterior/interior illumination and flashing lights are not permitted on temporary signs

Required Shielding

When signs are illuminated, the lighting must be "hooded or shielded as to reflect the light away from abutting or neighboring property, including public right-of-way."

Special Event Lighting

Beacon Lights: These may only be used:

• In connection with approved community events
• With a special event permit
• During the hours of the community event only
• At the Village Administrator's discretion

Street and Right-of-Way Lighting

Installation Requirements

Street lighting in Mahomet follows specific guidelines:

• Required Locations: Street lights must be installed at each intersection of major collector and/or arterial streets
• Responsibility: In new developments, street lighting must be installed by the developer
• Ownership: After installation, street lights are owned, operated and maintained by the village

Technical Standards

• Street lighting must comply with IDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction (latest edition)
• All facilities must conform to requirements in the Village of Mahomet Infrastructure Design Manual
• Residential subdivision lighting requires shielding to reduce glare into adjoining homes

Addressing Problem Lighting

The village has authority to address problematic lighting adjacent to public areas:

• Private property lighting near public rights-of-way should minimize glare and light trespass
• The village may request owners to remove, discontinue, or alter lighting causing excessive glare or light trespass

Lighting Requirements for Buildings

Residential Interior Lighting Requirements

Mahomet's code sets minimum lighting requirements for dwellings:

• Habitable Rooms: Must have at least one floor/wall electric outlet and a ceiling light fixture (or two electric outlets)
• Utility Areas: Every water closet, bathroom, hall and utility/service room requires at least one electric light fixture
• Stairways: Must be safely lighted according to Building Code standards
• Maintenance: All outlets and fixtures must connect to approved power sources and be maintained safely

Public Establishments

For businesses serving alcohol, the code requires:

• Licensed premises must maintain continuous illumination
• All portions of the premises must be clearly visible at all times

What Property Owners Should Know

Permit Requirements and Exemptions

The following lighting work does not require permits:

• UL-listed cord-and-plug connected temporary decorative lighting
• Replacement of existing lamps
• Connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles

Addressing Lighting Issues

If you believe neighboring lighting is creating excessive light trespass onto your property:

• Familiarize yourself with the village's light trespass definitions
• For issues with lighting affecting public right-of-way, contact village officials
• For private property disputes, first try discussing concerns with your neighbor
• Reference specific code requirements in any formal complaints

Supporting Mahomet's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and values Mahomet's commitment to balancing modern lighting needs with historical preservation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share an appreciation for communities that thoughtfully preserve their character while implementing appropriate lighting standards.

Our expertise in architectural lighting includes working with communities like Mahomet that value their historical heritage. We understand the importance of:

• Respecting the unique architectural character of historic communities
• Implementing lighting solutions that enhance safety without compromising aesthetics
• Navigating local regulations to ensure compliance while meeting property owners' needs

Bock Lighting is committed to serving as an educational resource for communities and property owners seeking to understand and implement lighting best practices that align with local regulations and community values.

Conclusion

Mahomet's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its charming character while ensuring appropriate illumination for safety and functionality. By focusing on minimizing light trespass, requiring proper shielding, and implementing specific standards for different property types, Mahomet has created a framework that supports its community vision.

Property owners who understand and follow these regulations not only ensure compliance but also contribute to preserving the unique character and quality of life that makes Mahomet special. As the village continues to grow, these thoughtful lighting standards will help maintain the balance between modern development and historical preservation that defines this vibrant Illinois community.