Lighting Regulations in Manhattan, Illinois: Balancing Growth with Community Character

Introduction

Manhattan, Illinois, a village located about 50 miles southwest of Chicago, has evolved significantly since its incorporation in 1886. Originally established by Irish immigrants who arrived during railroad construction, Manhattan has transformed from a small agricultural community to a growing suburban village with over 6,000 residents.

As the village has grown, lighting regulations have become an important part of maintaining Manhattan's character while ensuring safety and functionality. The village's approach to lighting reflects its ongoing balance between development needs and preservation of its historical roots and community values.

Quick Reference Guide

• Residential Areas:
• Minimum 1.0, Maximum 2.0 average ground level foot-candles
• Maximum light pole height: 15 feet
• Property line maximum: 0.5 foot-candles
• Commercial Areas:
• Minimum 1.0, Maximum 3.0 average ground level foot-candles
• Maximum light pole height: 30 feet
• Property line maximum: 0.5 foot-candles
• Industrial Areas:
• Minimum 2.5, Maximum 5.0 average ground level foot-candles
• Maximum light pole height: 30 feet
• Property line maximum: 0.5 foot-candles
• Electronic Signs:
• Maximum 5,000 nits during daylight
• Maximum 500 nits between dusk and dawn
• Ambient light monitor required

Zoning District Lighting Requirements

Light Levels by Zone

Manhattan's lighting regulations are tailored to different zoning districts, balancing the need for adequate illumination with the desire to prevent light pollution.

For each zoning district, the village has established specific lighting parameters:

• Residential Zoning Districts:
• Minimum: 1.0 average ground level foot-candles
• Maximum: 2.0 average ground level foot-candles
• Commercial Zoning Districts:
• Minimum: 1.0 average ground level foot-candles
• Maximum: 3.0 average ground level foot-candles
• Industrial Zoning Districts:
• Minimum: 2.5 average ground level foot-candles
• Maximum: 5.0 average ground level foot-candles

Light Trespass Prevention

To maintain good neighborly relations and prevent unwanted light intrusion:

• Average foot-candles at property line shall not exceed 0.5 foot-candles as measured at the property line
• All lighting shall be constructed, positioned and maintained to prevent light from reflecting directly or indirectly onto adjacent properties

Height Restrictions

The village has established maximum height limits for lighting fixtures:

• In residential zoning districts: Maximum height of 15 feet
• In all other zoning districts: Maximum height of 30 feet

Parking Area Lighting Requirements

When Lighting Is Required

Manhattan requires lighting in parking areas based on the number of spaces and type of use:

• Residential Properties:
• Lights required in parking areas with 5 or more spaces
• Must be illuminated between dusk and dawn
• Non-residential Properties:
• Lights required in all parking areas with 5 or more spaces
• Must be illuminated between dusk and dawn when premises are "open for operation"
• "Open for operation" means when a retail business is open for sales or when a facility has employees working (other than security personnel)

Parking and Security Lighting Specifications

For proper illumination of parking areas:

• Foot-candles shall average from 1.0 to 3.0
• Light must be evenly distributed throughout parking lot and drive aisles
• Luminaries must be designed to avoid glare
• Light must be confined to the property
• Excess spillage shall not exceed 0.5 foot-candle at any property line

Sign Lighting Regulations

General Sign Illumination

Manhattan's regulations for sign lighting focus on preventing distraction and maintaining aesthetic standards:

• Illumination must be diffused or indirect
• Must be arranged so no direct rays reflect into public ways or adjacent properties
• Exposed light bulbs, flashing, blinking, traveling, and similar illumination are prohibited
• Electronic devices may be left blank and unlighted when not in use

Electronic Sign Standards

For electronic message display signs, specific illumination levels are required:

• Maximum illumination levels:
• 5,000 nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours
• 500 nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk and dawn
• Must have ambient light monitor to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient light conditions
• Electronic changeable copy signs limited to single monochrome color (white, red, or amber)
• No RGB technology or multicolored displays permitted

Display Requirements

To prevent distraction and maintain safety:

• Displays shall not flash, undulate, pulse, or portray explosions, fireworks, or flashing lights
• Displays shall not appear to move toward/away from viewer, expand, contract, bounce, rotate, spin, or twist
• Each message must display for minimum of 4 seconds
• Transitions limited to 2 seconds maximum
• Brightness and color must remain constant within and between messages

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Establishments Serving Alcohol

Businesses selling alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption have specific lighting requirements:

• Rooms must be continually lighted during business hours
• Natural or artificial white light required
• All parts of the interior must be clearly visible
• No arrangement of lights shall prevent a full view of the entire interior

Searchlights

The village limits the use of searchlights:

• Searchlights for grand openings shall not exceed 72 hours in duration
• Searchlights other than for grand openings are prohibited

Railroad Crossings

Railroad companies must properly illuminate crossings:

• Adequate lighting required where streets/highways cross railroad tracks
• Lights must be placed at least 15 feet above grade center of streets at crossings
• Lights must be kept burning every night from dusk until dawn

Supporting Manhattan's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the unique character of communities like Manhattan. We recognize the village's commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its community character, which is reflected in its thoughtful lighting regulations.

Our experience working with communities that value their historical roots while addressing modern needs allows us to appreciate Manhattan's approach to lighting standards. These regulations help maintain the village's character while ensuring adequate illumination for safety and functionality.

As Manhattan continues to grow from its agricultural beginnings to a thriving suburban community, proper lighting plays an important role in preserving community character while accommodating development. Bock Lighting shares Manhattan's commitment to responsible lighting practices that respect community values and local regulations.

Planning and Documentation Requirements

When submitting plans for new development in Manhattan, lighting details are an important component:

• Site plans may require information on "location and intensity of outdoor lighting system"
• A point-by-point photometric plan may be required by the village
• For subdivisions, plans, details, specifications, and cost estimates of proposed street lighting systems may be needed
• Street lighting improvements shall be installed to serve all properties within subdivisions

Conclusion

Manhattan's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to maintaining its character while ensuring safety and functionality. From specific foot-candle requirements to height restrictions and sign illumination standards, these regulations help create a cohesive community appearance.

Property owners and businesses should familiarize themselves with these requirements before installing or modifying lighting systems. By adhering to these standards, residents and businesses contribute to Manhattan's continued growth while preserving the character that makes the village special.

Understanding and following these lighting regulations helps maintain Manhattan's balance between its agricultural heritage and its evolution into a growing suburban community in northeastern Illinois.