Lighting Regulations in McHenry, Illinois: A Property Owner's Guide to Compliance and Safety

Introduction

McHenry, Illinois, known as "The Heart of the Fox River," has a rich heritage dating back to its founding in 1836. This charming city with its picturesque downtown along the Fox River has worked to balance community development with preserving its historical character and natural beauty. The city's lighting regulations reflect this commitment to maintaining its aesthetic integrity while ensuring safety and functionality.

McHenry's regulations serve to reduce light pollution, minimize glare, and create a consistent appearance throughout the community, all while respecting the city's natural environment, including the wooded kames and moraines that make up its unique landscape. Understanding these regulations is essential for property owners and businesses to remain compliant while contributing to McHenry's community vision.

Quick Reference Guide to McHenry Lighting Requirements

General Property Lighting Requirements:

• All luminaries must be full cutoff fixtures
• Lighting on the same premises must be of the same color
• Outdoor lighting must be turned off or reduced to security levels by 11:00 PM (except 24-hour businesses)
• Light trespass to residential areas cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles at property lines
• Maximum mounting height in nonresidential districts: 30 feet
• Maximum mounting height in residential districts: 24 feet

Parking Lot Lighting:

• Minimum illumination: 1.5 foot-candles
• Maximum illumination: 10 foot-candles
• All standards and luminaries must be of the same design and color

Understanding Lighting Measurements and Terms

Foot-Candles and Light Intensity

McHenry's regulations frequently reference "foot-candles" as the standard measurement for light intensity. For those unfamiliar with lighting terminology, a foot-candle is a unit of measurement representing the illumination of one lumen per square foot.

Full Cutoff and Light Trespass

The city defines a "full cutoff" fixture as one that "cuts off all upward transmission of light and emits no luminous flux above the horizontal plane." This requirement helps reduce light pollution and glare, which is defined as "sensation produced by lighting that causes an annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual performance."

Other Key Terms

• Luminaire: "The complete lighting unit, including the lamp, the fixture, and other parts"
• Outdoor Lighting: "Any artificial open-air lighting device, fixture, lamp or other similar device, permanently installed or portable"
• Temporary Lighting: "Lighting installed with temporary wiring and operated for not more than ninety (90) days in any calendar year"

Commercial and Business Lighting Requirements

General Business Properties

All commercial properties in McHenry must adhere to specific lighting standards designed to provide adequate illumination while preventing light pollution:

• All outdoor lighting must be shielded and aimed to direct illumination only to designated areas
• No operation shall produce direct or indirect illumination greater than 0.5 foot-candles in any Residential District
• Security lighting around property perimeters may include motion sensors

Special Business Types

Gas Stations and Auto Dealerships

• Gas/Service Stations: Maximum 40 foot-candles permitted under canopies
• Automobile Dealerships: Maximum 35 foot-candles permitted with appropriate shielding to minimize off-site glare

Adult Businesses

• Minimum of 10 foot-candles of illumination required in public portions
• Minimum of 1 foot-candle required in aisles
• When not in use, private viewing areas must maintain a minimum of 10 foot-candles

Establishments Serving Liquor

• Must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Requires lighting that allows clear view of the entire interior from the street
• All exterior lights must be extinguished at closing time

Building Lighting Standards

Exterior Building Illumination

McHenry's regulations for building lighting help create a consistent appearance throughout the community:

• Lighting fixtures on buildings must be full cutoff and aimed only at the building surface
• Ground-mounted fixtures highlighting a building must shine upward toward the building surface
• Fixtures must not be directed toward adjacent streets or roads

Maintenance Requirements

All lighting fixtures must be maintained in good condition as long as the areas they illuminate are in use. This includes replacing burnt-out bulbs and ensuring fixtures remain properly aimed and shielded.

Signage Lighting Requirements

Allowed Signage Lighting

• Gooseneck reflectors or arms projecting from sign-mounted lights are permitted for freestanding and wall signs
• All sign illumination must be constant in intensity and color
• Lighting must be shaded/shielded to prevent glare on surrounding properties or streets

Prohibited Sign Lighting

• Flashing signs and electronic messages that blink, flash, or give the appearance of movement
• Illumination by bare bulbs or flames (except on theater marquees)
• Visible neon tubing or LED technology (except for interior window signs)
• Search lights, beacon lights, video screen signs, and strobe lights

Neon Sign Restrictions

When permitted for interior window use:

• Only one neon sign permitted per window pane
• Cannot cover more than 50% of any window pane
• May not be used to outline windows, doors, or architectural features

Exempt and Prohibited Lighting

Exempt from Regulations

• Emergency lighting and traffic control lighting
• Single-family residential lighting (except where glare/light trespass is apparent)
• Temporary lighting for festivals and holidays (maximum 90 days)
• Public right-of-way streetlights

Prohibited Lighting

• Search lights, laser lighting, or lights that pulse, flash, or rotate for advertising
• Lighting that produces glare or is deemed a public nuisance
• Lighting intended to serve multiple purposes simultaneously

Planning Requirements and Documentation

Lighting Plans

For new developments (excluding single-family homes), the following is required:

• A photometric grid showing the location of all light standards and luminaries
• Illumination levels in foot-candles must be indicated within the site and at property lines
• Cut sheets of all proposed light standards and luminaries

Landscape Plans

Lighting elements must be included in landscape plans, showing:

• Location and dimensions of ornamental lighting
• Relationship to other site elements (buildings, parking, sidewalks, etc.)

Supporting McHenry's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, with roots dating back to 1918 in Northeast Ohio, understands the importance of maintaining community character while meeting modern lighting needs. As McHenry works to preserve its historical downtown and natural beauty along the Fox River, proper lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing safety while respecting the city's aesthetic values.

Our expertise in regional architectural styles allows us to appreciate McHenry's balance between development and preservation. We recognize how appropriate lighting can complement historic areas while providing necessary illumination for safety and functionality.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for community members navigating lighting regulations. Our commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with McHenry's vision for reducing light pollution and preserving its natural environment.

Conclusion

McHenry's lighting regulations reflect the city's commitment to balancing safety, functionality, and aesthetic preservation. By understanding and following these guidelines, property owners and businesses can contribute to the community's vision while ensuring compliance.

The regulations focus on preventing light pollution, minimizing glare, and creating a cohesive appearance throughout the city. With specific requirements for different property types and uses, McHenry has created a framework that respects its historical character while meeting modern lighting needs.

For additional information about McHenry's lighting regulations or to discuss specific requirements for your property, contact the city's Zoning Administrator or planning department.