Lighting Regulations in Mettawa, Illinois: Preserving Rural Tranquility Through Thoughtful Illumination

Introduction

Nestled in Lake County, the village of Mettawa stands as a testament to intentional rural preservation in an increasingly urbanized world. Founded in 1960 by residents determined to protect natural landscapes from encroaching development, Mettawa has maintained its commitment to open spaces and environmental stewardship for over six decades.

The village's lighting regulations reflect this dedication to preserving rural character while ensuring safety and functionality. These carefully crafted rules aim to minimize light pollution, protect the serene nighttime environment, and maintain the peaceful retreat that residents value.

Quick Reference Guide: Essential Lighting Requirements

Before diving into the details, here are the most critical lighting requirements to know in Mettawa:

• Maximum footcandle limits at property lines:
• 1.0 footcandle in commercial districts
• 0.5 footcandle in residential districts
• Height restrictions:
• 20 feet maximum for cut-off luminaires
• 12 feet maximum for non-cut-off luminaires
• 15 feet maximum for places of public assembly
• Light direction: All fixtures must direct light downward and away from neighboring properties
• Illumination limits for public assembly: Maximum 25 foot-candles with 0.1 foot-candle at site perimeter
• Design principle: Lighting must enhance landscapes and buildings while avoiding excessive brightness

Understanding Cut-Off Standards and Fixture Requirements

Cut-Off vs. No Cut-Off Luminaires

Mettawa distinguishes between different types of outdoor lighting fixtures based on how they control light spread:

• Cut-Off Luminaires:
• Must have a cut-off angle of 75 degrees or less
• Maximum height of 20 feet
• Must completely shield light source from an observer 3.5 feet above ground at any point along adjoining property lines
• No Cut-Off Luminaires:
• Defined as unshielded fixtures or those with cut-off angles greater than 75 degrees
• Limited to a maximum height of 12 feet
• Subject to stricter placement regulations due to increased potential for light spread

Light Direction and Visibility Requirements

Proper light direction is essential for compliance:

• Fixtures must reflect light downward to minimize light pollution
• Face or globe of fixtures must be recessed to prevent visibility from property lines
• For places of public assembly, fixtures must not be visible to a 6-foot-tall person standing at the site perimeter
• All parking facility lighting must direct light away from residential properties

Light Intensity and Trespass Regulations

Maximum Illumination Levels

Mettawa carefully regulates how bright lights can be:

• Places of public assembly are limited to 25 foot-candles maximum
• Light levels at perimeter of public assembly sites cannot exceed 0.1 foot-candle
• Commercial properties cannot exceed 1.0 footcandle at property lines
• Residential properties are limited to 0.5 footcandle at property lines

Special Considerations

• Additional security lighting exceeding normal limits requires special use approval
• Public assembly lighting must automatically eliminate illumination 30 minutes after activities conclude
• No glare is permitted to extend onto adjacent properties
• Excessive brightness must be avoided in all installations

Prohibited Lighting Types

The village expressly prohibits certain lighting types to maintain its rural character:

• Flickering or flashing lights are not permitted
• Searchlights, spotlights, laser lights or similar high-intensity light sources are prohibited
• Neon or LED lighting used to outline architectural features, doors, windows, or building facades is not allowed
• Light sources that produce glare or heat detectable beyond property lines are prohibited

Exceptions to Standard Lighting Requirements

Not all lighting falls under these regulations:

• Public roadway illumination is exempt from these standards
• Emergency lighting required by public safety agencies is not restricted
• Holiday and seasonal lighting is generally exempt from these requirements
• Temporary uses may receive special lighting approvals as part of their permit

Street Lighting in Subdivisions

Mettawa has specific requirements for subdivision street lighting:

• Standard street lights must be installed in all new subdivisions
• Developers may request ornamental/decorative alternatives with Village Engineer approval
• All electrical wiring for street lighting must be underground
• Maintenance of ornamental street lighting becomes the responsibility of a homeowners' association
• The village assumes responsibility for standard lighting energy costs in public rights-of-way

Solar Power Requirement

In an interesting nod to sustainability:

• Subdivision signs in planned unit developments may use internal illumination only if powered by solar energy
• This aligns with Mettawa's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development

What Property Owners Should Know

When Updates Are Required

Understanding when you need to upgrade existing lighting is important:

• When 25% or more of exterior lighting fixtures are replaced, all exterior lighting on the site must be brought into conformance
• This is calculated by dividing new fixtures by total fixtures, by mounting type
• For example, replacing 25% of wall-mounted fixtures requires all wall-mounted lighting to be updated

Design Considerations

Mettawa emphasizes aesthetically appropriate lighting:

• Lighting should enhance the landscape or building design
• Fixtures must be compatible in design and size with buildings and surrounding areas
• Thoughtful design that balances functionality with minimal environmental impact is encouraged

Supporting Mettawa's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting understands and appreciates Mettawa's commitment to preserving its rural character while ensuring appropriate illumination for safety and functionality. As a Northeast Ohio manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, we share Mettawa's values of environmental stewardship and thoughtful development.

Our experience with communities that prioritize natural settings has given us insight into the delicate balance between modern lighting needs and rural preservation. We understand that in Mettawa, lighting isn't just about illumination—it's about maintaining the village's unique character and protecting its natural beauty.

Bock Lighting serves as an educational resource for property owners navigating lighting regulations, offering expertise in solutions that respect community standards while meeting practical needs. Our approach aligns with Mettawa's cautious development philosophy, emphasizing quality fixtures that minimize light pollution and environmental impact.

As a regional partner, we appreciate Mettawa's dedication to sustainable practices and can support residents in finding lighting solutions that complement the village's equestrian-friendly environment and commitment to natural preservation.

Conclusion

Mettawa's lighting regulations exemplify the village's broader commitment to preserving its rural character while accommodating practical needs. By carefully controlling light levels, fixture design, and placement, these regulations help maintain the peaceful nighttime environment that makes Mettawa special.

For property owners, understanding these requirements ensures both compliance and contribution to the village's vision of a serene, natural setting. Though technical in nature, these regulations serve a meaningful purpose: protecting the unique character and environmental quality that drew residents to Mettawa in the first place.

By balancing necessary illumination with thoughtful restrictions, Mettawa continues its decades-long tradition of intentional preservation, ensuring that even as development occurs, the village remains true to its founding vision of a natural retreat from urban life.