Lighting Regulations in Markham, Illinois: A Practical Guide for Property Owners

Introduction

Markham, Illinois, a community of approximately 12,000 residents in Cook County, has developed lighting regulations that reflect its practical, community-focused character. Incorporated in 1925 and named after railroad executive Charles H. Markham, the city has historically prioritized functional infrastructure and public services over grand architectural statements.

The city's approach to lighting regulation mirrors this pragmatic mindset, balancing safety and functionality with consideration for neighboring properties. Understanding these requirements is essential for property owners, businesses, and residents seeking to improve their lighting while remaining compliant with local ordinances.

Quick Reference Guide

• Public Parking Areas: Must be illuminated with lights arranged to direct light away from residential areas
• Signs Projecting Over Sidewalks: Must be elevated at least 8 feet above the sidewalk or street
• Residential Lighting Requirements:
• Habitable rooms need 2 outlets or 1 outlet and 1 ceiling fixture
• Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and hallways require at least 1 light fixture
• Light Trespass: No lighting may produce glare visible from property lines, public streets, or neighboring properties
• Commercial Requirements: Varying requirements for different business types, particularly liquor and cannabis establishments

Residential Lighting Requirements

Interior Lighting Standards

Markham's code establishes basic lighting requirements for residential properties to ensure safety and habitability:

• Every habitable room must contain either:
• Two separate floor or wall-type electric outlets, OR
• One outlet and one ceiling-type electric light fixture
• The following areas require at least one ceiling or wall-type light fixture:
• Water closet compartments
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Furnace rooms
• Public halls

Multi-Unit Dwelling Requirements

The code makes important distinctions between lighting requirements for smaller and larger multi-unit buildings:

• Buildings with 5+ dwelling units: Public passageways and stairways must be adequately lighted at all times
• Buildings with 4 or fewer units: Public halls and stairways may use conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system, rather than continuous lighting

Avoiding Light Nuisance

Tenants must be mindful that the code prohibits creating glare that "interferes with the reasonable use and enjoyment of other rental residential units on a rental residential property or of nearby properties."

Commercial Lighting Regulations

General Commercial Standards

Commercial properties in Markham must consider their lighting's impact on surrounding areas:

• No lighting shall produce glare visible on public streets, highways, or neighboring properties
• Any lighting must be positioned to reflect light away from residential districts

Cannabis Business Restrictions

Cannabis businesses face specific lighting prohibitions:

• Prohibited lighting: No portion of the exterior may utilize:
• Flashing lights
• Search lights
• Spot lights
• Any similar lighting systems

Liquor Establishment Requirements

Establishments licensed to sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on premises (excluding restaurants, hotels, and clubs) must meet these lighting standards:

• Interior lighting must allow full view of entire premises from the street, road, or sidewalk
• All rooms where liquor is consumed must be continuously lighted during business hours by natural or artificial white light
• Lighting must ensure all parts of the interior are clearly visible

Additionally, these establishments must have surveillance cameras capable of recording:

• In color during periods of sufficient light
• Automatically in black and white when insufficient light is present

Parking & Public Areas

Illumination Requirements

Public safety and visibility are priorities in Markham's approach to parking areas:

• § 156.313: "All public off-street parking spaces shall be illuminated"
• Lights used for parking illumination must be arranged to direct light away from adjoining residential districts

Mobile Home Parks

Mobile home park developers must submit detailed plans and specifications that include comprehensive lighting system designs, sealed by a registered engineer or architect licensed in Illinois.

Sign & Billboard Lighting

Height & Placement

Any signs projecting from buildings over sidewalks or streets must be:

• Elevated at least 8 feet above the sidewalk or street

Light Direction & Interference

The code includes specific provisions to prevent lighting from creating hazards:

• § 156.337: "In no case shall any artificial light or reflecting device connected or used with a sign or billboard be located or displayed where such light or device competes for attention with, or may be mistaken for, a traffic signal"

Special District Restrictions

Properties in the L-1 District adjacent to interstate expressways face additional restrictions:

• No signs may contain, include, or be illuminated by any flashing, intermittent, or moving lights

Industrial Property Lighting

Industrial operations must be mindful of light trespass:

• No operation shall produce heat or glare perceptible from any property line
• Lighting must be positioned to avoid producing glare on public streets, highways, or neighboring properties

Supporting Markham's Lighting Vision

At Bock Lighting, we understand and appreciate Markham's practical approach to lighting regulation. As a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Markham's commitment to functional infrastructure that serves community needs while respecting neighboring properties.

Our experience working with communities throughout the Midwest has given us insight into the balance municipalities like Markham seek to achieve: providing adequate illumination for safety and function while preventing light pollution and nuisance.

We believe in supporting communities with education about lighting regulations and solutions that align with local requirements. Our understanding of regional needs and architectural styles positions us as a valuable resource for Markham property owners navigating lighting requirements.

What Property Owners Should Know

Practical Considerations

When planning lighting projects in Markham, consider these practical guidelines:

• Position lights carefully: Direct light away from neighboring properties, especially residential areas
• Choose appropriate fixtures: Select fixtures that distribute light efficiently without causing glare
• Consider the context: Different requirements apply to different property types and districts
• Get authorization when needed: Setting utility poles for lighting requires City Council approval

Special Use Situations

For certain businesses, particularly cannabis establishments, be aware that the city may require:

• Security cameras
• Enhanced lighting
• Additional safety improvements

These requirements are determined based on the specific characteristics of your floor plan and site location.

Conclusion

Markham's lighting regulations reflect the city's practical, community-focused character. From basic residential requirements to specific provisions for commercial establishments, these regulations aim to ensure safety and visibility while preventing light nuisance.

By understanding these requirements, property owners can develop lighting plans that enhance their properties while respecting neighbors and complying with local ordinances. When in doubt, consulting with city officials or lighting professionals familiar with local regulations is always the best approach.

Remember that well-designed lighting not only meets code requirements but also enhances safety, aesthetics, and functionality—contributing positively to Markham's community character and quality of life.