Lighting Regulations in McHenry County, Illinois: A Guide to Exterior Lighting Requirements & Best Practices

Introduction: McHenry County's Lighting Legacy

McHenry County, established in 1836 and named after Major William McHenry, has evolved from its early settlement days along the Fox River Valley into a thriving community with a rich architectural heritage. The county's charming historic downtowns, scenic waterways, and balance of agriculture, manufacturing, and recreational spaces create a unique community character worth preserving.

As the county has developed, lighting regulations have become an important tool for maintaining community aesthetics while ensuring safety and functionality. McHenry County's approach to exterior lighting reflects its commitment to preserving its historic character while accommodating modern needs and technological advancements.

Quick Reference Guide: Key Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the essential lighting regulations in McHenry County that property owners should know:

• Commercial/Industrial Lighting: Must use fully shielded fixtures positioned to prevent direct view of bulbs from residential windows
• Residential Lighting: Must be positioned to prevent direct bulb visibility from neighboring residences (exception: period-style fixtures)
• Temporary Lighting: Allowed without shielding for temporary uses or decorative purposes (like holiday lighting)
• Light Trespass: No exterior lighting can produce glare onto surrounding properties
• Digital Signs: Limited to 0.3 footcandles above ambient light levels with required ambient light monitors
• Non-Digital Signs: Maximum illumination of 60 footcandles when measured 10 inches from sign face

Understanding Lighting Terminology

Key Definitions

McHenry County uses specific terminology in its lighting regulations:

• Footcandle: A unit of illumination equivalent to the illumination at all points that are one foot distant from uniform source of one candlepower
• Fully Shielded Lighting: Fixtures where light rays are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point where light is emitted
• Unshielded Lighting: Fixtures allowing light to be emitted above the horizontal plane running through the lowest point where light is emitted

Why These Definitions Matter

Understanding these terms is crucial for compliance. The distinction between fully shielded and unshielded lighting directly impacts which fixtures are permissible for different applications throughout the county.

General Exterior Lighting Standards

Commercial & Industrial Properties

For commercial and industrial properties, McHenry County requires:

• New permanent lighting installations must use fully shielded fixtures
• Fixtures must be positioned to prevent direct view of bulbs through residential windows
• Any activity producing glare or flickering light must be shielded or conducted to prevent detection beyond property lines
• Site illumination must be designed to minimize adverse impacts on adjacent properties

Residential Properties

Residential lighting requirements include:

• Positioning fixtures to prevent direct view of bulbs through neighboring residential windows
• Exception allowed for "period-style" fixtures that match historical aesthetics
• No production of offensive glare perceivable beyond property lines

Temporary & Decorative Lighting

The county provides flexibility for:

• Non-permanent lighting without shielding for temporary use permits
• Decorative lighting such as holiday displays
• These exceptions recognize the community's desire for seasonal celebrations while maintaining reasonable standards

Special Use Lighting Requirements

Adult Entertainment Establishments

Adult use establishments have specific lighting requirements:

• Minimum illumination of 20 footcandles measured at floor level
• Lighting and video surveillance required for off-street parking areas
• Signage must indicate that property is under video surveillance

Drive-In Theaters

Drive-in theaters must meet these standards:

• Adequate lighting for all parking areas and access ways
• Lighting must be shielded to prevent glare or reflection onto neighboring properties or public streets

Alternative Energy Installations

For renewable energy installations:

• Solar panels must have surfaces that minimize glare
• Wind Energy Systems (WES) should not be artificially lit except as required by FAA or for maintenance
• Spotlights are prohibited for WES illumination

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting Requirements

All illuminated signs must comply with:

• Full shielding of illumination sources
• Direction of light to prevent glare upon roadways and surrounding properties
• Prohibition of flashing, blinking, or changing light intensity (except time/temperature and digital signs)

Internal vs. External Illumination

Different standards apply based on illumination method:

• Internally illuminated signs: Sign faces must function as filters to prevent direct exposure of bulbs
• Externally illuminated signs: Light must concentrate on the printed area of the sign face
• Projecting signs: May use gooseneck-type lighting if concentrated on sign face only

Digital Sign Requirements

Digital signs have specific technical requirements:

• Maximum illumination of 0.3 footcandles above ambient light levels
• Required ambient light monitors to automatically adjust brightness
• Specific measurement formula: distance = √(sign area) × 100
• Automatic reversion to black screen during malfunction

What Property Owners Should Know

Planning Your Lighting Project

When planning exterior lighting:

• Include lighting details in your site plan during the review process
• Consider how your lighting might impact neighboring properties
• Remember that landscape requirements are partly intended to minimize headlight glare and artificial light intrusion

Best Practices for Compliance

To ensure compliance and be a good neighbor:

• Use motion or heat sensors when possible to keep lights off when not required
• Direct lights downward to minimize horizontal and skyward illumination
• Avoid high-intensity lighting like sodium vapor, quartz, or halogen spotlights
• Choose fixtures that complement McHenry County's architectural character

Supporting McHenry County's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, shares McHenry County's commitment to preserving historic character while embracing practical lighting solutions. Our understanding of regional architectural styles and appreciation for the balance of safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation aligns with McHenry County's approach to development.

As a resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, Bock Lighting offers expertise that respects community character and local regulations. Our experience with projects that maintain historical integrity while meeting modern lighting standards makes us a valuable community partner.

We're committed to sustainable and responsible lighting practices that support McHenry County's vision for its charming historic downtowns and developing areas. Our local presence enables a better understanding of community needs and standards, helping property owners achieve compliance while enhancing the character that makes McHenry County special.

Conclusion

McHenry County's lighting regulations reflect its commitment to balancing growth with preservation of its historical character and natural beauty. By following these guidelines, property owners contribute to maintaining the county's unique charm while ensuring safety and functionality through proper illumination.

Understanding and implementing these lighting regulations helps create a harmonious community environment that respects both private property rights and the collective community experience. As McHenry County continues to evolve, thoughtful lighting practices will play an important role in preserving its distinctive character for future generations.