Lighting Regulations in Marion, Illinois: Balancing Safety, History, and Modern Needs

Introduction

Founded in 1839 and named after Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion, the city of Marion, Illinois has evolved from its early days of steam mills and public squares while maintaining a deep connection to its historical roots. The city's approach to lighting regulations reflects this balance between preserving its historical character and meeting modern safety needs.

Marion's resilience, particularly highlighted by its recovery from the devastating 1982 tornado, demonstrates the community's commitment to thoughtful rebuilding and improvement. This same approach is evident in the city's lighting ordinances, which aim to provide adequate illumination for safety while respecting the aesthetic and historical character of the community.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Lighting Requirements in Marion:

• Habitable Rooms: Minimum illumination of 6 foot-candles at 30 inches above floor (3 foot-candles minimum in bathrooms)
• Public Hallways and Stairways: Minimum 10 foot-candles at floor level in multiple dwellings
• Swimming Pools: Overhead lights must be shielded to direct light only on the pool
• Commercial Signs: May be illuminated as long as they don't create glare on neighboring properties
• Residential Signs: Illumination prohibited for signs in residential zones
• Street Trees: Must be trimmed to avoid interfering with street lighting
• Liquor Establishments: Must be continuously illuminated during business hours
• Prohibited: Flashing or rotating beacons visible from streets or highways

Residential Lighting Requirements

Home Illumination Standards

Marion's code provides specific requirements for indoor lighting in residential properties. These standards ensure living spaces are safely and adequately illuminated.

For habitable rooms, lighting must produce at least an average illumination of 6 foot-candles over the area of the room at a height of 30 inches above the floor. Bathrooms have a slightly lower requirement of 3 foot-candles minimum.

Common Area Lighting

In multi-family dwellings, public halls and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times by either natural or electric light. These areas require at least 10 foot-candles of light at the tread or floor level.

For buildings with one or two dwelling units, owners can either:

• Meet the same requirements as multi-family dwellings, or
• Install conveniently located light switches that control an adequate lighting system

Home-Based Businesses

If you operate a business from your home, be aware that your signage options are limited. Home occupation signs must be:

• Non-illuminated
• Flat mounted
• Limited to one sign per business

Commercial and Public Space Lighting

Liquor Establishment Requirements

Businesses selling liquor for on-premises consumption have specific lighting mandates. These establishments must be continuously lighted during business hours by either natural or artificial light, ensuring all parts of the interior are clearly visible.

Exit and Emergency Lighting

Safety is paramount in commercial spaces. The code requires:

• Posted exit lights and emergency lights
• All hallways and stairways must have adequate general lighting
• Emergency lighting must comply with Section 5-9 of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

Sign Illumination Rules

Marion's regulations provide clear guidelines for business signage:

• Signs in non-residential zones may use internal or external lighting
• No glare is permitted on adjoining properties or roadways
• Lighting must not affect drivers' vision or shine into neighboring residential structures
• Illumination is completely prohibited for signs in residential districts

Outdoor and Public Infrastructure Lighting

Street Lighting Requirements

Marion has established a clear process for street lighting installation:

For New Subdivisions:

• Developers must propose suggested locations for streetlights
• The city determines if streetlights are warranted
• If approved, developers pay installation costs
• The city pays monthly operation costs

For Existing Developments:

• Requesters pay for installation costs
• The city pays for the pole and light
• The city covers monthly operation costs

Pool Lighting Regulations

If you have a swimming pool with night lighting, be aware that:

• Overhead flood or other artificial lights must be shielded
• Light must be directed only on the pool
• This helps reduce light pollution and disruption to neighbors

Nuisance and Safety Provisions

Light Pollution and Glare

Marion explicitly prohibits lighting conditions that create nuisances for neighboring properties:

• "Excessive glare" is prohibited as it unreasonably interferes with neighbors' enjoyment of their property
• Flashing or rotating beacons visible from streets or highways are unlawful

Crime Prevention Through Lighting

Property owners may be required to increase lighting as part of crime mitigation efforts. This is often paired with other security measures like:

• Fencing installation
• Security cameras
• Other physical improvements that help deter criminal activity

What Property Owners Should Know

Maintenance Requirements

The code clearly states that "signs, fences and lighting shall be kept in good repair." This applies to both residential and commercial properties and is part of Marion's commitment to maintaining community standards.

Tree Maintenance for Proper Lighting

Property owners must ensure trees are trimmed so they don't interfere with street lighting. Specifically, trees must be maintained:

• To not cause hazards in public places
• To not interfere with proper lighting of public highways
• With a minimum clearance of 8 feet for any portion overhanging a public way

Special Case: Intermodal Shipping Containers

For those considering using shipping containers on their property, note that these structures generally cannot be modified to include interior lighting unless specifically permitted under section 10-14-3A5.

Supporting Marion's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Marion's approach to balancing modern lighting needs with its historical character. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Marion's appreciation for preserving community character while embracing practical safety and functionality improvements.

We understand how Marion's resilience and history have shaped its approach to development and infrastructure. The city's experience rebuilding after the 1982 tornado demonstrates its commitment to thoughtful improvement while honoring its heritage.

Our experience with communities like Marion has taught us the importance of lighting solutions that respect local regulations while meeting the practical needs of residents and businesses. We're committed to supporting communities with resources that help navigate lighting requirements and solutions that enhance rather than detract from local character.

Conclusion

Marion's lighting regulations reflect the city's practical approach to urban planning that honors its historical character while addressing modern needs. From specific illumination levels for different spaces to guidelines for street lighting installation, these regulations help create a community that is both safe and aesthetically pleasing.

Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or developer, understanding these lighting requirements is essential for compliance and contributing to the community's vision. By following these guidelines, you help maintain Marion's character while ensuring adequate lighting for safety and functionality.

Remember that lighting is not just about visibility—it contributes significantly to the atmosphere, safety, and overall experience of a community. Marion's thoughtful approach to lighting regulations helps preserve its unique character while meeting the needs of a growing city.